Many children see merry-go-rounds as being too sedate, not enough excitement but during this holidays I went to Luna Park with a six year old who lives an idyllic island life away from all that cities have to offer. He was enjoying going to any park, any shopping centre, but he was keen to go 'on a ride'. He loved sitting on the horse that went up and down talking to his sister on the neighbouring horse, so much so that he wanted to do it again. He went on the ferris wheel, but didn't seem to want to go on anything more boisterous or exhilarating which was probably good because he wasn't tall enough. He was happy just to watch everyone screaming.
When I started teaching books about carousel's and roundabouts were easier to find. Many of the ones that are in libraries now offer more than just a ride...they are rides off into a magical world. Yes more magic in the lead up to Book Week and Reading is Magic.
Far from the city, but not quite in the countryside, lies a fairground. When night falls, and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens. Wild animals emerge from the trees, a brave raccoon pulls a lever, and the rollercoasters and rides explode back into bright, neon life. Now it’s time for the woodland creatures to have some fun…
Please Bring Balloons by Lindsay Ward
Ever wondered what it would be like to ride a carousel right off its platform? As Emma discovers, all it takes is a handful of balloons and a very kind polar bear to show you the way.
Kaya goes off to play and takes a new path through the jungle, where she discovers a run-down carousel. As she sets to work clearing the vines, her mind quietens and soon she can hear the beat of her own heart song. The carousel begins to move and she is able to share her magical experience with lots of people.
Gator by Randy Cecil
Gator loves everything about being a carousel animal the flashing lights, the calliope music, and most of all, the laughter. But day by day, week by week, fewer and fewer people come to the amusement park, until one day, no one comes at all. And so begins an extraordinary odyssey, as Gator leaves behind the only life he s ever known and sets off through some deep, dark woods to a place with real alligators.
Two sisters remember their dead mother's love and what she told them about the carousel horses - that they sleep all winter and wake in the spring. But, one cold day, they see the horses moving, alive and ready to take them on a magical ride.
Carousel by Brian Wildsmith
Every year the fair comes to the village where Rosie and Tom live. They wish it would stay forever, but after a few days it always moves on to the next town. The children watch as the carousel is taken down and carried away. One winter Rosie gets sick. To cheer her up, her brother gives her a little toy carousel, just like the one at the fair. As it turns and plays its magic tune the magic begins!
Merrylegs by Pam Smy
Harry lives on a carousel on the Mall. He is unhappy because no children want to ride him and goes on a dream journey to find out why. On the way he meets different horses and finally finds Will, who helps him change how he feels.
The Carousel by Ursula Dubosarsky and Walter Di Qual
The story of a young girl, and her relationship with the horse she rides on the carousel. When circling, the girl can hear the beating heart of the horse, and knows that he is sad. He is confined to the rhythm of the carousel, going up and down, around and around, and longs to be free.There are some carousel books without magic
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