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Julius
Julius, an enterprising gorilla, leaves the jungle for a circus job. ‘The I Can Read group will be glad to be introduced to his surprising talents and his fun with the circus people.’ —H.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1959
3 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Syd Hoff
211 books69 followersWhether you’re seven or seventy, the chances are you’ve probably come in contact with one of his many books (150 plus), or cartoons that have appeared in over 200 magazines in the course of his lifetime, including Laugh it Off which was syndicated for 20 years. His comic strip Tuffy, about a little girl who did funny things, was declared essential for national morale during WWII by William Randolph Hearst.
Syd has worked in diverse genres. He had the distinct honor of working with Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen as a contributor of short fiction writing. He was awarded national advertising commissions for large companies such as Chevrolet, Maxwell House Coffee and others. He had his own TV show (Tales of Hoff on CBS), traveled the world as entertainment on cruise ships and entertained children and teachers in schools and libraries across the country.
Syd has worked in diverse genres. He had the distinct honor of working with Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen as a contributor of short fiction writing. He was awarded national advertising commissions for large companies such as Chevrolet, Maxwell House Coffee and others. He had his own TV show (Tales of Hoff on CBS), traveled the world as entertainment on cruise ships and entertained children and teachers in schools and libraries across the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 27, 2017
Another classic from Syd Hoff about a 'civilized' gorilla named Julius.
August 1, 2013
This is a story book from 1959 that doesn't hold up in today's world. The story is just wrong in its treatment of animals and it is poorly written. They are hunting in Africa with a group of Africans who all have a bundle on their head. They are carrying guns - both the adult and the child, and the animals feel badly when they are not chosen to be taken. Really?
January 16, 2013
"My nose is not an airport." Classic line!
November 13, 2017
First sentence: Davy went to Africa. His father was going to catch an animal for the circus.
Premise/plot: Mr. Smith is looking to bring back an animal for the circus. His son, Davy, is there to help. In fact, it is Davy who finds Julius, a gorilla, who is super-excited about belonging to the circus. But is circus life really for Julius?
My thoughts: This book is dated. I'd even say incredibly super-dated. It is exactly what you'd expect a book written in the 1950s to be like in terms of depicting Africans, wild animals, and those who hunt them. In this case, the hunt is about finding a new circus animal. (It could just as easily been about finding a new zoo animal.)
The animals depicted look cartoon-ish whether than realistic. This isn't a bad thing in my opinion. Since Hoff has the rejected animals muttering, "Some animals have all the luck." Realism isn't to be found in Julius.
What you get is an over-the-top silly story. A gorilla who is civilized, who probably has better table manners than most children. This gorilla isn't taken from Africa against his will. He volunteers and is excited. "The men carried Julius through the woods. Sometimes Julius gave the men a rest." On one page, he's in the cage. In the next, he's carrying the men in a cage.
Still, silly or not, realistic or not, Davy spends half the book carrying a gun. This book also features a clown or two.
Premise/plot: Mr. Smith is looking to bring back an animal for the circus. His son, Davy, is there to help. In fact, it is Davy who finds Julius, a gorilla, who is super-excited about belonging to the circus. But is circus life really for Julius?
My thoughts: This book is dated. I'd even say incredibly super-dated. It is exactly what you'd expect a book written in the 1950s to be like in terms of depicting Africans, wild animals, and those who hunt them. In this case, the hunt is about finding a new circus animal. (It could just as easily been about finding a new zoo animal.)
The animals depicted look cartoon-ish whether than realistic. This isn't a bad thing in my opinion. Since Hoff has the rejected animals muttering, "Some animals have all the luck." Realism isn't to be found in Julius.
What you get is an over-the-top silly story. A gorilla who is civilized, who probably has better table manners than most children. This gorilla isn't taken from Africa against his will. He volunteers and is excited. "The men carried Julius through the woods. Sometimes Julius gave the men a rest." On one page, he's in the cage. In the next, he's carrying the men in a cage.
Still, silly or not, realistic or not, Davy spends half the book carrying a gun. This book also features a clown or two.
August 3, 2020
A Syd Hoff classic from my childhood that I shared with my children and now my grandchildren. A wonderful little adventure for the cute gorilla Julius that makes learning to read for children fun. My youngest grandson especially loves the great illustrations.
January 5, 2012
I understand that this is a classic, but I don't think it really holds up. Plus the plot does not make a whole lot of linear sense.
August 20, 2012
Anything by Syd Hoff is GREAT! My kids read all his books in the "I Can Read" series when they were somewhere between "phonics" readers and "young" readers.
March 5, 2015
While children are learning to read, they don't need to learn outdated stereotypes. Please pass on this one!
October 28, 2021
Odd story. It has some cute parts, but also some not-cute parts. It uncomfortably comes off like animal-captivity apologia. The animals want to be caught by the hunters and are disappointed when they're not chosen to be added to the circus. The boy's father politely asks Julius, the gorilla, if he'd like to come with them and join the circus. Julius says he would. Then they put Julius in a cage and carry him through the jungle. I was going to give this a pass at first, because it seemed to only be done to facilitate the "the men carried Julius, then Julius carried the men" joke, where the men are the ones in the cage. But then that has its own problems, because... umm... I mean, they're people in a cage? I don't feel I need to really explain the issue here. Anyway, it ends up not being done just for the joke, because when they get home to the circus, Julius says he's "happy to be part of the team" from inside a cage. If you're going to have the animals take on human characteristics, it just feels really, really, really awkward to keep them inside a cage. Later in the story, a circus-goer says "I hope the gorilla doesn't try to get out of its cage!" and Julius actually says, "Why would I? I like it in here." Umm... Okay. I don't know. I'm sure this worked when it was written; it was a different time then. But these days, we're all no longer under the delusion that captivity in a strange environment is "best" for any animals. Umm, especially not human-like ones who talk and have exceptional table manners. I mean... AWKWARD.
March 15, 2019
This is a complex tale for a Hoff book. The adventure of hunting and getting critters to a zoo and then the escape and the ending. All wonderfully handled by Hoff. His simple style is marvelous.
I notice a few reviews with dated notions of something being wrong with zoos. As zoo vanish, I notice many younger people are afraid of all animals. Including having a pet.That is unfortunate. Young folks need to visit a zoo to understand and appreciate the other animals of earth. That's the importance of this book to children. If they are live to lead secluded home bound lives, they need to know what else is outside and that we all can connect to our fore mothers and fathers and should not be afraid to do that. If they aren't going to Africa. The zoo is the next best thing. This book helps that.
Bottom line: i recommend this book: 8 out of 10 points.
I notice a few reviews with dated notions of something being wrong with zoos. As zoo vanish, I notice many younger people are afraid of all animals. Including having a pet.That is unfortunate. Young folks need to visit a zoo to understand and appreciate the other animals of earth. That's the importance of this book to children. If they are live to lead secluded home bound lives, they need to know what else is outside and that we all can connect to our fore mothers and fathers and should not be afraid to do that. If they aren't going to Africa. The zoo is the next best thing. This book helps that.
Bottom line: i recommend this book: 8 out of 10 points.
January 31, 2015
This book is clearly the product of another time. Racist stereotypes (including one particularly horrifying image of POC characters smiling as they ride inside a cage on the gorilla's back), hunting with guns to acquire animals for the zoo, animals that are happy to be in cages... Which is a shame, because there are some humorous elements to the story and Julius is a great character. It's a book you could read with your child and then use it to have a conversation about the racism in it and talk about why those things aren't okay, but it is in no way appropriate for reading in a storytime setting, and I wouldn't feel comfortable putting it in my book display.
September 5, 2015
Mr Hoff has written wonderful books that have stood up to the test of time. I remember reading them as soon as I learnt to read, then read them to my children then now am sharing them once again with my granddaughter! He writes so simple but yet fun. And the illustrations are done in a way that isn't overwhelming but still pleasant for the eyes.
In this book a family is in search of a gorilla on a safari. But Julius finds them. He's not like what they imagined or thought but instead a pleasant and cultured animal.
In this book a family is in search of a gorilla on a safari. But Julius finds them. He's not like what they imagined or thought but instead a pleasant and cultured animal.
October 23, 2022
People need to stop with the work left nonsense.Stop finding problems where there aren't any. We don't need to "have conversations" and there really is NOT anything "racist" in there. Knock it off.
It's a children's book and a really cute story (I saw a friend's review so I read it to my 6 year old nephew who got a kick out of it).
It's a children's book and a really cute story (I saw a friend's review so I read it to my 6 year old nephew who got a kick out of it).
October 21, 2022
Apparently adults have issues with this book that just won't even occur to children. Lighten up! It's a cute, very silly story about a TALKING gorilla. Since a TALKING gorilla is not real can we please keep your Lefty nonsense politics out of the IMAGINARY, FICTIONAL story, too, PLEASE?! 🤦🏻♀️ SMH.
July 4, 2007
i like the illustrations for this book, and it was one that i remember reading as a kid.
January 27, 2012
Charming. Some of the illustrations of the natives may be considered in bad taste by modern standards.
September 14, 2012
DJ got this from the school library. read it pretty quick. Think he loves that he can read on his own now, an doesnt have to listen to others do it for him.
July 26, 2013
Cute book (although I still can't figure out why Davy has a gun)
April 6, 2017
This one has a bookplate that I got to stick in the book and put MY NAME on! not my sister's, not our family's name but MINE! That was important to me apparently : }
April 3, 2017
Um..gorillas don't brachiate. Clearly a product of its time, especially collecting animals for the circus and the fact that the animals were happy about it.
December 21, 2023
My Grandpa Julius was enterprising. An immigrant from the Pale of Settlement in Lithuania, he wound up working in steel.
By contrast, the Julius in this book is a gorillia and, like my grandpa, he's way enterprising. That great big spunker leaves the jungle to pursue a career in the circus.
THE DIALOG IS FABULOUS
For instance, Mr. Smith is in the jungle, aiming to recruit a gorilla for his circus. His son Davy happens to meet Julius the gorilla. Their meeting, made extra entertaining due to the illustrations, goes like this:
"Who's in there?"
said Davy.
"I am,"
said a voice.
"You're a strange-looking person,"
said Davy,
"I am not a person."
said the voice.
"I'm a gorilla.
My name is Julius."
THIS STORY IS SOOOOOO DELIGHTFUL
How could beginning readers resist the appeal? I sure couldn't. (Although I haven't been a new reader since age three, sometimes I don't quite see the appeal of a book. But this story is just adorb, and so easy to love.
FIVE STARS to writer and illustrator and, in all likelhood, a strange-thinking person, Syd Hoff.
By contrast, the Julius in this book is a gorillia and, like my grandpa, he's way enterprising. That great big spunker leaves the jungle to pursue a career in the circus.
THE DIALOG IS FABULOUS
For instance, Mr. Smith is in the jungle, aiming to recruit a gorilla for his circus. His son Davy happens to meet Julius the gorilla. Their meeting, made extra entertaining due to the illustrations, goes like this:
"Who's in there?"
said Davy.
"I am,"
said a voice.
"You're a strange-looking person,"
said Davy,
"I am not a person."
said the voice.
"I'm a gorilla.
My name is Julius."
THIS STORY IS SOOOOOO DELIGHTFUL
How could beginning readers resist the appeal? I sure couldn't. (Although I haven't been a new reader since age three, sometimes I don't quite see the appeal of a book. But this story is just adorb, and so easy to love.
FIVE STARS to writer and illustrator and, in all likelhood, a strange-thinking person, Syd Hoff.
July 6, 2022
This cute story is a perfect easy-to-read book for students to grow more confident in their reading! The story is about a boy named Davy who goes with his father to Africa, in search of a gorilla. Julius the gorilla ends up finding Davy first, and the rest of the story is one polite encounter between Davy and his gorilla; that is, besides when the circusgoers can't see Julius for the kind gorilla that he is and scare him away in a panic. All is well at the end, as Julius returns once more to the comfort of his circus.
If I were to use this in a classroom, I would simply read it as a transition story between recess/instruction time. Some students might feel sad that Julius is in a cage and others might have opinions that he shouldn't have been taken from the jungle; because of anticipated feelings towards this otherwise cute book, I would allow time for partner conversation before we moved on to instruction.
If I were to use this in a classroom, I would simply read it as a transition story between recess/instruction time. Some students might feel sad that Julius is in a cage and others might have opinions that he shouldn't have been taken from the jungle; because of anticipated feelings towards this otherwise cute book, I would allow time for partner conversation before we moved on to instruction.
January 22, 2025
times have changed a bit since 1959, and this book is good evidence of that – but it's a good glimpse into yesterdayland with a wholly unbelievable – and quirky – story that i imagine mid-century children must have adored.
it was clearly written more in the spirit of fun than anything else. though it's not without problems, 'Julius' is a pretty solid time-capsule of a book with a giant affable gorilla to make us smile at least a little.
whilst it's not a bad idea to have a conversation with your kids about this one, i also think that the smallest readers – for whom the book was intended – are probably less likely to notice, let alone internalise, the problematic aspects.
my advice:
enjoy the cute parts, and discuss the uglier ones when they're old enough to understand.
and don't punish them for enjoying the story. teach them how to learn from the lessons they're given, & they'll likely turn out OK. 😊
it was clearly written more in the spirit of fun than anything else. though it's not without problems, 'Julius' is a pretty solid time-capsule of a book with a giant affable gorilla to make us smile at least a little.
whilst it's not a bad idea to have a conversation with your kids about this one, i also think that the smallest readers – for whom the book was intended – are probably less likely to notice, let alone internalise, the problematic aspects.
my advice:
enjoy the cute parts, and discuss the uglier ones when they're old enough to understand.
and don't punish them for enjoying the story. teach them how to learn from the lessons they're given, & they'll likely turn out OK. 😊
May 25, 2022
I picked this book up to read to my kids, thinking it would be a cute tale about Africa... how wrong I was! It is archaic in its portrayal of animals in circuses. I felt like Hoff was attempting to justify circuses and keeping animals in cages, ""Nobody could get out of there," said someone. "Why should I get out?" said Julius. "I like it here."".
The other animals are jealous that they are not going to the circus, and at one point Julius 'accidently' leaves the circus, and asks to go back.
Circuses are known for their entertainment aspect - forcing animals to perform tasks for the enjoyment of people, with disregard for their wellbeing or health. I would never recommend this book to anyone.
Davy also carries a gun almost the entire book.
The other animals are jealous that they are not going to the circus, and at one point Julius 'accidently' leaves the circus, and asks to go back.
Circuses are known for their entertainment aspect - forcing animals to perform tasks for the enjoyment of people, with disregard for their wellbeing or health. I would never recommend this book to anyone.
Davy also carries a gun almost the entire book.
August 29, 2020
Davey and his father travel to Africa in search of animals for the circus. They find a gorilla named Julius and discover that the gorilla has some amazing skills: he can play football and use a fork and a spoon. And he can talk!
What will happen when Davey and his father take him to the circus?
Young readers will enjoy sharing the gorilla’s adventures and there are plenty of laughter-inducing antics to keep them involved in the story. But it’s the friendship between Davey and Julius that makes this story special. Older readers may be able to read the story independently.
This is a Weekly Reader “I Can Read” book.
Recommended.
What will happen when Davey and his father take him to the circus?
Young readers will enjoy sharing the gorilla’s adventures and there are plenty of laughter-inducing antics to keep them involved in the story. But it’s the friendship between Davey and Julius that makes this story special. Older readers may be able to read the story independently.
This is a Weekly Reader “I Can Read” book.
Recommended.
July 5, 2023
Davy's father is in the jungle looking for an animal to bring back to the circus, while there they spot Julius and bring him back. But when a King Kong-type incident causes alarm among the patrons, Julius decides to find Davy, his only friend and there's a gorilla on the loose in the city. Not the best, but some funny moments, especially with the scene that was taken from King Kong. My rating - 3/5
July 14, 2018
Got this book because I believe this guy illustrated Dr Seuss's "I Wish That I Had Duckfeet". But I cannot say this is a god book - sure, it's absurd fun, with the animals WANTING to go to the circus, but somehow I don't feel comfortable with this idea, it isn't crazy enough.
Pics are great, though!
Pics are great, though!
December 30, 2023
I was thinking of this book today and looked it up online. I'm glad to see it listed here. Julius has been one of my favorite books since I was four years old because it's the first one I read by myself.
October 5, 2017
I love Syd Hoff's illustrations and you can't really go wrong with his stories either. This one's fun!
Reading Level: K - 3rd grades
Reading Level: K - 3rd grades
November 7, 2017
11/6/17 Naomi read to Julia & me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews