Sawdust and Spangles: The Amazing Life of W.C. Coup

The first book by beloved children’s musician Ralph Covert and esteemed playwright G. Riley Mills

Many years ago there lived a little boy with big dreams who ran away with the circus. William Cameron Coup fell in love with the big top and later became one of the most famous circus leaders of all time. But Coup also had another dream: to create a different kind of circus . . .underwater! And so he built the great New York Aquarium—the likes of which had never been seen before!

Grammy-nominated children’s musician Ralph Covert and award-winning playwright G. Riley Mills have crafted a remarkable slice of Americana, illustrated by celebrated artist Giselle Potter. Complete with tightrope-walking elephants, bearded ladies, and side-splitting clowns, Sawdust and Spangles tells the real story of a man who made all his dreams come true and whose life was as extraordinary as the spectacle he created.

Praise for Ralph Covert

“One of the freshest, funniest, most original new kids’ artists out there” —Family Fun

“Covert fearlessly dives into the issues of our day, like imaginary friends and building blocks.”—Time Out New York“Welcome to a realm where the nursery rhymes and rhythms appeal to both kids and adults.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch“Clever and often poignant world”—Los Angeles Times

Praise for Giselle Potter’s works

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award winner

Children’s Literature Choice List

Bank Street College Best Books

Publishers Weekly Best Books

CCBC Choices

“Gorgeous, folk-arty watercolors . . .” —Newsweek

“Potter’s soft, bright paintings feature stylized figures reminiscent of folk art that reinforce the nostalgic feel of the text.” —Kirkus /