FICTION

The Greatest Star on Earth

by Kate KLISE
illus. by M. Sarah Klise. 144p. (Three-Ring Rascals Series: Bk. 2). Algonquin. May 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9781616202453.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–5—The stars of Sir Sidney's Circus are back. This time, they are competing for a trophy to be given by Polly Pumpkinseed to "The Greatest Star on Earth." Of course, each performer thinks he or she should win and their squabbling over who is best starts to get to Sir Sidney. In fact, he develops a worrywart and is sent off to his peanut farm to rest. Barnabas Brambles returns to run the show and circus mice Gert and Bert have their paws full trying to keep him on track. The animals' asides are amusing and advanced vocabulary is usually defined within the story. There are images and speech bubbles on each page and illustrated issues of Polly Pumpkinseed's Circus Times newspaper are interspersed throughout the tale. A fun pick for fans of silly stories and for reluctant readers too.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA
The performers in Sir Sidney's Circus are thrown off their game when a newspaper proposes a contest to determine the best performer. Pun- and gag-filled narration, gentle messaging about teamwork and kindness, and frequent expressive spot art enrich the quirky, accessible story. Characters' struggles to live up to Sir Sidney's expectations are understatedly complex and will resonate with readers.
Reviewed by Kelly Roth , Apr 01, 2014

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