The Mostly True Story of a Runaway Circus Elephant!
By Bill Shomo
Illustrated by Tim Knickerbocker
Topsy Was a Real Live Elephant
In 1922, Topsy was the star attraction of the world’s second largest circus, the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. One night after a sold-out performance, a dog’s bark spooked her, and she ran away, trouncing through the streets and neighborhoods of Wilmington. Topsy was a hungry elephant and ate many gardens—but no one was hurt. After a few days on the loose, a plucky Wilmington police officer lured her with peanuts and reunited her with her circus family.
Full of whimsical illustrations that bring the busy circus to life, Topsy’s Big Escape reminds us that sometimes a snack and a friendly face is all we need to feel safe.
The Word About Topsy...
“An entertaining read for every generation!”
—Deb Gore Ohrn, former editor of Crayola Kids Magazine
“The best stories are true, and Bill Shomo has found one of the best in the restless exploits of this adventurous elephant.”
—Jeffrey Burke, former Kirkus reviewer
“A long forgotten elephant has risen back to life, more entertaining than even his first romp through Wilmington’s storied streets.”
—Rob Levin, president and editor at Bookhouse Group, Inc.
“Kids of all ages will be delighted to meet Topsy and learn about her unchaperoned adventures in Wilmington, North Carolina.”
—Jamie Schrum, librarian at New Hanover County Public Library
Circus Cast & Crew...
Credit: Elizabeth Sites
Bill Shomo is from a small town in Southwest Virginia. He is a writer, former TV producer, sailboat charter captain and kite shop owner. He currently lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with his wife Jan and volunteers as a walking tour guide for third graders through the city's historic district.
Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.
And of course...
Records indicate that Topsy the Elephant performed with the circus (which eventually became Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Baily Circus) for many years, and had a long and healthy life. She is brought to life in these pages by both author and illustrator, and given the respect she deserves. Every year the city of Wilmington celebrates the legend of Topsy’s Great Escape, and the Eureka Dye Company where Topsy visited during her "escape" now houses a popular Wilmington Restaurant....... The door handles are elephants