Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man in Miniature

Gr 5–9—This is a fascinating biography of Charles Stratton, who stopped growing approximately six months after his birth in 1838. At the age of four, he met the famous showman, P.T. Barnum, who quickly convinced the small child's parents to move the boy to New York to join Barnum's American Museum. Dubbed Tom Thumb by Barnum, Charles quickly became a hit. Intelligent and a natural showman Tom Thumb readily responded to Barnum's tutelage, transforming into an engaging and extremely popular entertainer in New York and abroad. Just over two feet tall, he became an international sensation, traveling to Europe multiple times. After his marriage to Lavinia Warren, the couple and their troupe traveled the world engaging audiences. This presentation captures the challenges Tom faced and also celebrates the life of a 19th-century superstar. Barry Press's excellent narration provides each character in Sullivan's book (Clarion, 2011) with a uniquely recognizable and appropriate voice, and he varies his tone so that listeners can clearly distinguish when primary sources are being quoted. His perfect pacing will keep listeners fully engaged. Have the print version available so students can peruse the photos and period illustrations and period photos. A winning presentation.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT