Circus
by Lois Ehlert
Trumpet Club / HarperCollins 1992
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- performance
- imagination
- animals
- rhythm and rhyme
- colors and shapes
- confidence
About this book
Bold cut-paper collages bring the excitement of the big top to life as acrobats, clowns, and animals parade across the pages. Short, rhythmic lines and simple vocabulary make it a lively read‑aloud and a confidence-building choice for emerging readers. Perfect for preschool through early elementary, it builds vocabulary and invites kids to notice color, shape, and movement. Young readers love the playful art and the thrill of a circus show.
Setting: under the big-top circus tent
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circus right for my child?
Yes — Circus is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.9, which is typical for Kindergarten. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include performance, imagination, animals.
How long does it take to read Circus?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Circus takes around 4m to finish. The book has 180 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Circus have an AR quiz?
Yes — Circus has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Circus?
Circus has an AR reading level of 0.9, which places it at a Kindergarten reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.