Book excerpt: The Fourth Edition has full-color photos and drawings throughout. Known as the "Bible of Clowning" by professional clowns, this fun-filled book goes beyond merely explaining how to perform the physical skills, it teaches the reader how to use these skills creatively to become funny and entertaining. Drawing from the combined experience and talents of eight professional entertainers and respected authors, this book provides step-by-step instructions on everything from juggling to makeup, and being funny, to setting up and operating a home-based entertainment business.Includes information on comedy magic, stiltwalking and unicycling, balloon sculpting, funny juggling, fun with puppets, silly music, balancing buffoonery, mine and physical comedy, makeup and wardrobe, developing a lovable character, controlling an audience, creative use of props, how to create funny routines and gags, how to be a good comedian, and how to make a successful living as a children's entertainer."More than balloon tying and makeup tips, this tutorial teaches the practical and business aspects of the clowning profession...The eight authors, all experts in the field, explain the how-to's of juggling, puppetry, slapstick, magic, joke telling and stiltwalking. Even for those not aspiring to clown stardom or planning to set up their own entertainment business, this volume can be useful as a source for planning a party or special school event."-Booklist, American Library Association"The strengths of the book lie in the detailed, comprehensive coverage of the topic, the inclusion of many ideas and examples, and the emphasis on in-depth understanding of the process involved in creation of character and comic routine."-School Library Journal"It's an excellent book, for both beginner and advanced clown. I have recommended it to my local clown groups and my beginning class at Purdue."-Janet Tucker, President, World Clown Association"An excellent reference...outstanding book and I would rate it as a five red clown nose book."-Lee Mullally, Education Director, World Clown Association"Creative Clowning-the name says it! And the book shows the creativeness of its authors, and the ability to insert that same creativeness in its readers. Sit back, enjoy, learn, and truly become a creative clown."-Aye Jaye, world famous clown and magician"I would recommend the 223 page book to any clown, beginner or professional. It is the most complete book on clowning to date...it is factual, informative and will become the reference book on clowning for the foreseeable future...the best on the market." -Jim Russell, Clowning Around magazine"An excellent book...If you're not funnier after reading this book, you're hopeless."-The Book Reader "Magicians have the Tarbell Course of Magic and now, at last, clowns have a source in the same caliber. It doesn't matter if you have been a clown for an hour or for years, you can learn and benefit from this book. I cannot say enough about this book but "Thanks" and my future audiences would definitely say "Thanks" for your contribution to the future development of laughter!"-Charles G. Martin, professional clown and magician"Provides oodles of information on everything from funny juggling and performing miracles to handling troublemakers and putting on clown makeup...It could definitely be used as a textbook in clown school, but it could just as well be read by anyone who is interested in comedy in general...the writing in this book is clear and simple and hence, very entertaining...For those who are considering a career in clowndom, this book is a must For those who just want to have a good time reading about this most happy of careers, this book is also a must."-Nashua Telegraph