Wordless Picture Book - The Farmer and The Clown by Marla Frazee

This is a delightful, wordless picture book coloured in very muted tones which takes the reader back to a time of black and white silent movies.  From the outset the clown adds the colour to the story. 

As he digs in his field one day an old farmer witnesses a strange incident - a child falling from a train.  When he arrives at the scene he sees that the child is in fact a young clown. 

From his body language the reader may surmise that the farmer is a reluctant guardian, at first he certainly does seem a little worried!

The farmer cares for the clown and they learn to cherish each others company but then the train comes back.. 

Will the farmer be left alone again?


Using this book in the classroom.  

The fact this book is wordless means it can be used from Y1 to Y6 quite easily. 

• We could analyse the text asking questions such as:
  • What is this mans job? 
  • Is he old or young? 
  • Where does he live? 
  • Who does he live with
  • What does he think is happening at this point?
  • What would he say to himself?
  • How would he feel when he saw this happen?
  • Predict what will happen next.

Discuss the use of colour.  Why is the man sitting next to the bed in the darkness?  Has he been asleep?  How does he feel about the clown in these pictures? (above) 

Below we can see that the farmer is happy that the clown is reunited with his family.  The final picture is my favourite