P. T. Barnum’s Menagerie

Gay says the zebra is “made of garters,” but Tom has his eye on fiercer beasts—until a buffalo snorts at his little companion.

Arranged for young readers by P. T. Barnum and Sarah J. Burke in 1888, this visit unfolds among the cages of Mr. Barnum’s menagerie, where every animal seems to invite a question—and sometimes a shiver. Tom, Trixie and Gay trail their genial guide from capering elephants to a whale, a mischievous monkey family and the lion’s den. Tom is eager for the exciting sights; Trixie knows when she would rather stay away, and even the bravest child may think twice when the hungry King Lion roars and his keeper enters the cage. What curious creature will surprise them next?

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