The Little Juggler

Award-winning American children's author and artist Barbara Cooney retells the medieval French legend of The Juggler of Notre Dame in this lovely little picture book, first published in 1961. Trained to juggle and entertain by his father, Barnaby was left an orphan at the age of ten, and used his only skill in order to survive. But when winter comes and audiences at markets and fairs disappear, the little juggler is not sure what to do. Fortunately a monk sees him performing one wintry day, and brings him back to the abbey, where he is given food and shelter. Keenly conscious that he is giving nothing to God, when all those around him are, Barnaby decides to perform for the Virgin Mary and Christ Child in their chapel, leading to a show more wondrous miracle one Christmas Eve night...

I grew up reading and loving Tomie dePaola's wonderful picture book, The Clown of God, which adapts this story and gives it an Italian setting, and never knew about its French origins until I discovered Barbara Cooney's The Little Juggler. How glad I am to have done so, both because The Clown of God is one of my favorites, and I appreciate having a retelling of the original story it is based upon, and because this is simply a beautiful book, in its own right. The story is beautiful—poignant and engrossing—and the artwork simply gorgeous! I appreciated the background given about the story in the brief author's note, the fact that it was first written down in the 13th century, in an Old French manuscript now held by the Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal in Paris—there is an image of the manuscript on the back cover of the book—and that it has been retold many times since. I think I will have to reread The Clown of God now, and perhaps also track down Violet Moore Higgins' 1917 The Little Juggler and Other French Tales Retold. As for this one, it is highly recommended to anyone seeking wonderful medieval tales of faith and miracles, as well as to fellow fans of the artist. show less

Beautiful artwork tells the story of the little orphan juggler whose gift to the statue of the Virgin Mary is everything he has-- his skills. The monks take him in and appreciate his love for the Lord.

This book could be used to demonstrate the different ways to celebrate Christmas in different places in the world. A great Christmas story based on a french legend.
age 6th grade

A poor juggler gives all he has, his talent, to God. First, he does this in secret, then the monks and abbot notice him and he is ultimately shown their hospitality.

Illustrations similar to Cooney's Caldecott Winner Chanticleer and the Fox. ?áA lovely story for Christmas based on an old French Legend.

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