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This addition to the Badger Biographies series for young readers features the story of the young Ringling brothers of circus fame. The book tells the inspiring story of the seven sons of German and French immigrants who were guided by their dreams to escape poverty through hard work and ambition. These entrepreneurial brothers moved with their parents to Baraboo, Wisconsin where their fantastic circus adventure began. With no prior circus experience, the brothers tackled one of the riskiest businesses of the time. Each brother contributed his unique talents to make their enterprise successful. The Ringling brothers were admired for their technological innovations, strategy, and devotion to education. They were also esteemed for their genuine appreciation of their audience.
About the author
Jerry Apps is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the author of more than 15 books, many of them on rural history and country life. His nonfiction books include
Ringlingville USA,
Barns of Wisconsin,
Horse-Drawn Days,
Old Farm,
Every Farm Tells a Story,
Country Wisdom,
When Chores Were Done,
Humor from the Country,
Country Ways and Country Days,
One-Room County Schools,
Cheese, and
Breweries of Wisconsin. His children's picture books include
Stormy and
Eat Rutabagas. Jerry has won numerous awards for his writing from the Wisconsin Library Association, The Council for Wisconsin Writers, Robert E. Gard Foundation, Upper Midwest Booksellers Association, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, and the Wisconsin Historical Society, among others.
