Carnival Gypsy is Published

Dorothy Gilman Butters Has Second Juvenile Book on Sale

Dorothy Gilman Butters, daughter of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Gilman of Highland Park, has a second juvenile book on the market. “Carnival Gypsy” follows close on the heels of “Enchanted Caravan” whose first edition was completely sold out.

The new book is the story of Francia Abbot Maccomb and her daughter, Capri, who inherited a carnival at the death of Francia’s brother.

The troubles they encountered at the hands of the manager, a shady character who hoped by discouraging the pair to get control of the traveling band, their efforts to clean up gambling tents and replace them with legitimate entertainment is only part of the story.

The characterization of circus performers, mechanics and roustabouts is well done and the romantic interlude that appeals to the teen age reader is gracefully and tactfully accomplished. Mrs. Butters seems to have a real knowledge of carnival jargon, troupers and practices and even explains some of the tricks of the trade. If you’ve always wanted to know how a woman is sawed in half, you can find the answer in “Carnival Gypsy.”

The author won her first literary prize in a short story contest sponsored by The Sunday Times when she was only 11 years old. Later, she decided to become an illustrator, went to the Academy of Fine Arts for sixe years and won a Cresson Traveling Scholarship to Europe in 1943.