A visit to Baraboo’s Circus World Museum in Wisconsin inspired Peter Ss to present this compendium of information about the 50 states in the form of a circus train. Each state is featured as a circus wagon incorporating factual information—such as the state nickname and motto, notable characteristics, and famous historical figures—into its design. The circus wagons roll out in the order in which each territory entered statehood. An additional intriguing tidbit of information for each state is also provided. For Wisconsin, Ss highlighted the Great Circus Parade in downtown Milwaukee—an event that was no doubt still running strong at the time the book was created. (Ages 5–10)

The train of states is rolling by --rush to the window and watch it go!The very first car? The very first state: Delaware, of course, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia ...fifty in all.The caboose? Washington, D.C.!

Look closely! What do you see?State birds, state flowers, state trees ...forty-three presidents! Can you find them all?Can you spot the flags, heroes, animals, and landmarksadorning the train of states?

Clickety clack, clickety clack.Rush out the door, rush to the track.Where is the train going? Come along!Over the prairie, over the mountains, down a green valley, and into a billowing tent.It's time for a party --it's time to celebrate the fifty states!