Adam and His Tuba, Ziga X Gombac

Author: Ziga X Gombac 
Illustrator: Maja Kastelic 
Translator: Oliva Hellewell 
Format: Hardcover, 40 pages 
Publisher: NorthSouth Books (2023) 
ISBN: 9780735844971 

Everyone in the circus loves to perform, except for Adam, the very youngest member of the Von Trapeze family. Wherever Adam Von Trapeze’s family circus performs they inspire audiences with their breathtaking feats. Grandma Antonia breathes fire, Uncle Artem builds dizzying human pyramids and Papa Alexei and Mama Anastasia dance blindfolded on the tightrope.   

Only Adam, the youngest of the family, doesn’t show an interest in circus tricks and loud applause. The family is concerned. Where did they go wrong? But one day they are enchanted by the sound of a tuba. And from that day forward, the famous Von Trapeze family circus features a new performer — the one they never expected to be part of the family tradition. And he was a star.  

Two of the most famous Slovenian children's book artists take us into the world of the circus in their first joint work. Ziga X Gombac tells the story of Adam in clear, subtle words. With a reduced palette of warm sepia colors, Maja Kastelic lights up the circus world on and off the stage. Together they plead for trust in one's own path and encourage us to take our place in the world.