Petronius is the funniest clown in the world, but he's tired of being told what to do by the ringmaster. The animals are tired of being bossed around too. So, Petronius and his friends--Theodore the donkey, Ferdinand the horse, Gustav the lion, Luise the giraffe, and Otto the dog--leave the circus. With a little patience and creativity, the friends realize just what it would take to make them happy. They may not have a big top, but Petronius can tell his wonderful stories, the dog can run free without his collar, and the horse can nap through the waltz if he's getting sleepy. And soon the band of friends perform the show they've always dreamed of doing.

This picture book classic from 1961 has been newly illustrated by award winner Torben Kuhlmann for a whole new generation to enjoy.

STARRED REVIEW "Now with stunning new illustrations, this classic picture book centers on a circus clown who's tired of being "the funniest." He learns a word that everyone should be brave enough to wield: "no." ...Everyone realizes that letting living beings speak and live their truths makes for the best spaces possible." - Foreword Reviews