When the crowd leaves, Giovanni notices that the statues of the Mother and Child look stern and sad. Asking the reason, he learns that it is Christmas Day and that people are bringing their gifts to the Christ Child. He is awakened by a great crowd of people coming into the cathedral. He finds himself back in his hometown and creeps into the cathedral to sleep. He laughs at them and continues on his way.Įventually Giovanni becomes old and no longer can juggle to amaze and entertain crowds. Once he meets two Franciscan brothers who share his food and tell him that his juggling sings to the glory of God. Although his clothes became finer, he always performs with his white clown makeup. The last ball was a golden ball that he called the sun in the heavens.Īs a young man, Giovanni goes out on his own, juggling for the entertainment of the crowds. He ended with juggling brightly colored balls so that he appeared to be juggling a rainbow. He becomes the opening act, juggling a variety of objects. One day a group of traveling players comes to town, and Giovanni decides to leave with them. He juggled fruits and vegetables in front of the fruit and vegetable seller’s stall in return for a bowl of hot soup. Giovanni was an orphan who begged for food and slept in doorways. Summary: Tomie dePaola retells an old tale of Giovanni, the juggler. Intended Audience: Ages 4-8 (I have used this book with a group of adults, all of whom were retired.) Publisher: Voyager Books (Harcourt Brace & Co)

Tomie depaola the clown of god