I tackle serious topics on a regular basis” (Frazee, 2019). When asked what her books are about, she responded with, ” babies, birthday cake, boxer shorts, boys, roller coasters, Santa Claus. She has illustrated over 20 Children books, 8 of which she authored & illustrated herself. This California native and mother of three, Marla Frazee has been illustrating award winning books since she was in the 3rd grade! Her first book, The Friendship Circle, won an award at a state fair competition and since then she has won numerous prestigious awards including 2 Caldecott Medal Honors, the Boston Globe- Horn Book Award, and the Golden Kite Award. The feelings of love and loss conveyed at the end of the story are almost palatable, further sharing the message that a chance meeting can change your life forever! Author & Illustrator Overview After a busy day of work together, the train returns and the clown is reunited with his family. Recognizing the fear and sadness the clown is feeling he attempts to cheer him up and share his life on the farm with him. The farmer ends up welcoming the unexpected visitor into his home where he feeds and cares for the baby clown. It begins with a solitary farmer tending to his field when a circus train passes by and a baby clown is thrown from the train. The level of depth and emotion conveyed through the expressive illustrations are incredible as this story tells the tale of friendship, kindness, love, and loss all without words. This picture book is seemingly simple upon first glance, but is actually quite complex. Boston Globe- Horn Book Honor & Golden Kite Award

The farmer and the clown