cover image Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Olé

Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Olé

Judy Schachner. Dial, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-8037-3782-2

The rowdy Siamese cat (or “kitty boy”) with a Chihuahua alter ego finds his latest calling as a circus performer. While practicing the trapeze in his bedroom closet, Skippyjon’s imagination whisks him away to the Big Top. There, he’s joined by his fellow “puppitos” and a group of circus animals that resemble his toys. Playing the starring role as a pumped-up “perro con músculos,” the pint-size star with the creative vocabulary has his moment of glory on the tightrope before blasting back to reality. Schachner’s busy pen, ink, and acrylic spreads match the tireless energy of her spitfire hero, as well as the likely enthusiasm of Skippyjon’s steadfast fans. An enclosed CD features the author reading the story. Ages 3–up. (Oct.)