I read this book when I was 12 years old. I loved this book so much and I remembered the clown ever since. The scene I remembered the most was when little Georgie was sailing his paper boat down the street. The boat goes down the sewer and the clown is down there with the boat. I had nightmares over that ever since. Even after the movie came out. The relationships of all the kids are terrific. I really felt I was watching them while I was reading. If you only seen the movie I recommend you read the book also!!