When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in, that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. Buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoke the early nineteenth century. (Inspired by the 1836 wreck of the wreck of the Royal Tar.) Maine author, Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community and hidden-pictures are spread throughout for eagle-eyed readers of all ages. Hardcover picture book- 40 pages Autographed copy
