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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
If you believe in magic, then magic will reveal itself to you.
This book is almost like the MG version of The Night Circus but with some differences of course.
Micah loves his grandfather but he is dying and they need a miracle, fortunately the Lightbender promised him one miracle when he was a child.
The story that unfolds within this book is one of wonder, magic, and miracles. I am looking forward to reading this again with my kids when they are older.
This book is almost like the MG version of The Night Circus but with some differences of course.
Micah loves his grandfather but he is dying and they need a miracle, fortunately the Lightbender promised him one miracle when he was a child.
The story that unfolds within this book is one of wonder, magic, and miracles. I am looking forward to reading this again with my kids when they are older.
I'm a sucker for a story about a circus, especially one with magic, and I was NOT disappointed with this book. The writing in this book was beautifully crafted, as were the characters. There was such vivid imagery woven throughout the book that it provides great practice in visualization for kids. But, the story itself and the themes in the book were absolutely fantastic. The last line of the book is perfect. As much as the book doesn't need one because the ending tied up all loose ends, I hope there is a sequel!
Micah has grown up with his grandfather Ephraim's stories about the magical Circus Mirandus, but it is only when he lays dying that he reveals they were not stories at all -- the Circus Mirandus is real, and so are the events that took place. Now it is up to Micah to find the amazing circus and and redeem the miracle that the Lightbender owes his grandfather. With the help of his new friend Jenny, and against the wishes of his nast Great-Aunt Gertrudis, Micah sets out to do just that. This fabulous fantasy weaves the stories of the past and the present together into a tale filled with hope. Highly recommended for grades 4-8.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
This is a really nice fantasy book about the possibility of magic in our world and the importance of believing in it. I especially liked how Beasley blends together the magic of the circus with the reality of life - the changes that Micah is facing now that his grandfather's life is coming to an end and Jenny's difficulty in accepting that magic could possibly be real. I felt that some of the characters were a little too one-dimensional (Aunt Gertrudis and Victoria, in particular), but this is a book I look forward to sharing widely with young readers.
This book was never racy or flashy. It didn't flare in places and sputter out in others. It was more like the perfect campfire that's been burning for an hour or so. A little on the low side, a brilliant orange color, and the perfect time to roast marshmallows. This was a perfect marshmallow book.
And because of this quality, I can see it being a "Librarian" favorite before it will truly be absorbed by the kids for whom it was written. It was a great story, a different story, and one that just needs to play out at its own pace. Some kids are not going to be on-board with that, and I can only hope that I will manage to get it into the right hands.
This book is indeed a version of Burton's Big Fish. A grandpa tells his grandchild, Micah, stories of a magical circus and the wonders he found their as a child. Only, nobody believes grandpa but Micah. He trusts his grandpa--and guardian/father figure--to tell the truth. What's putting a whole damper on this story is that grandpa is dying. What's making his dying even worse is that Great Aunt Gertrudice is taking care of him. Talk about your horrible aunts; I think she takes the win. Holy crap, I hated her. She shouldn't be allowed near kids. Or any people. So when Micah finally makes a friend in class, when all else seems darker-than-black-hole hopeless, he takes a chance on the magic his grandpa told him about... and we have our adventure. Because this magic involves miracles, and Micah sure needs one.
The characters in the circus were wonderful. I particularly liked Chincy the parrot, and Rosebud with her potions. The Lightbender, our main fellow, has an interesting personality that really makes you think he's hiding a heck of a lot. We've only scratched the surface with him. And Micah's friend Jenny, and her firm belief in reason and reality, is a great contrast to the magic. Of course, she wears down eventually. The little detail of the knot tying, and how it comes full-circle, was a sweet touch. And despite the finding of magic, the story felt very rooted in the here-and-now.
It represents the imperfect family. Plenty of middle grade fiction kind of glances over this option of life. Sure, there are books with dead parents -- Micah's are too -- but to have such a dismal home-life without hope of going away to Hogwarts, that's not touched on too much. Micah's aunt makes his life pretty miserable, and she's all he has. Once grandpa is gone, she's moving him away from his school, he new friends, and he'll basically get the "living under the stairs" treatment. And this goes beyond Aunt Gerty. The backstory with Micah's grandmother cements it ever further. His grandfather is the sweetest guy; so putting Victoria's story into the mix really kind of hurt. She darkens the scenery just like Gerty does. I could see it coming, but really hoped it wouldn't. Even though it's magic, there's a small underlying message of illusions. You can see what you want, but that doesn't make it true. And illusions may make things better for a little while, but reality is always underneath. Kind of deep for a kids book.
Which brings me back to it being an adult favorite before it can be a kids favorite. I will push it during book talks and hope the wonderful cover will attract interested readers. I heard about this book over word-of-mouth on GoodReads, so perhaps that will transition to the kids.
Great book.
And because of this quality, I can see it being a "Librarian" favorite before it will truly be absorbed by the kids for whom it was written. It was a great story, a different story, and one that just needs to play out at its own pace. Some kids are not going to be on-board with that, and I can only hope that I will manage to get it into the right hands.
This book is indeed a version of Burton's Big Fish. A grandpa tells his grandchild, Micah, stories of a magical circus and the wonders he found their as a child. Only, nobody believes grandpa but Micah. He trusts his grandpa--and guardian/father figure--to tell the truth. What's putting a whole damper on this story is that grandpa is dying. What's making his dying even worse is that Great Aunt Gertrudice is taking care of him. Talk about your horrible aunts; I think she takes the win. Holy crap, I hated her. She shouldn't be allowed near kids. Or any people. So when Micah finally makes a friend in class, when all else seems darker-than-black-hole hopeless, he takes a chance on the magic his grandpa told him about... and we have our adventure. Because this magic involves miracles, and Micah sure needs one.
The characters in the circus were wonderful. I particularly liked Chincy the parrot, and Rosebud with her potions. The Lightbender, our main fellow, has an interesting personality that really makes you think he's hiding a heck of a lot. We've only scratched the surface with him. And Micah's friend Jenny, and her firm belief in reason and reality, is a great contrast to the magic. Of course, she wears down eventually. The little detail of the knot tying, and how it comes full-circle, was a sweet touch. And despite the finding of magic, the story felt very rooted in the here-and-now.
It represents the imperfect family. Plenty of middle grade fiction kind of glances over this option of life. Sure, there are books with dead parents -- Micah's are too -- but to have such a dismal home-life without hope of going away to Hogwarts, that's not touched on too much. Micah's aunt makes his life pretty miserable, and she's all he has. Once grandpa is gone, she's moving him away from his school, he new friends, and he'll basically get the "living under the stairs" treatment. And this goes beyond Aunt Gerty. The backstory with Micah's grandmother cements it ever further. His grandfather is the sweetest guy; so putting Victoria's story into the mix really kind of hurt. She darkens the scenery just like Gerty does. I could see it coming, but really hoped it wouldn't. Even though it's magic, there's a small underlying message of illusions. You can see what you want, but that doesn't make it true. And illusions may make things better for a little while, but reality is always underneath. Kind of deep for a kids book.
Which brings me back to it being an adult favorite before it can be a kids favorite. I will push it during book talks and hope the wonderful cover will attract interested readers. I heard about this book over word-of-mouth on GoodReads, so perhaps that will transition to the kids.
Great book.
This book was wonderful… magical! Nothing capture my attention more than a mysterious magical circus honestly lol.
Circus of Mirandus tells a lovely story of love, friendship, following your hopes & dreams & of course ✨ magic ✨. Micah’s grandfather (Ephraim) has the most amazing stories of his childhood visits to an amazing magical circus & a light bender who owes him a miracle. When Ephraim falls ill he believes it’s time to cash in on that miracle & sends Micah to find the travelling circus to try & help his cause.
I rated this book 5 stars, not because as a 29 year old I find this to be a mind blowing amazing book, but because it is a book written for 9+ year olds & I strongly believe it would DEFINITELY be a 5 star read for myself at that age. This is the perfect entry for a child to enter the world of fantasy reading.
In saying that I did find this book still held my attention & transported me to the circus. The writing style & descriptions really took hold of my imagination & allowed me to feel like I was there alongside all of Micah’s adventures. I highly recommend this book to all families in particular, but also to those adults who want a light quick read that still holds the magic of fantasy land, without diving too deep.
Circus of Mirandus tells a lovely story of love, friendship, following your hopes & dreams & of course ✨ magic ✨. Micah’s grandfather (Ephraim) has the most amazing stories of his childhood visits to an amazing magical circus & a light bender who owes him a miracle. When Ephraim falls ill he believes it’s time to cash in on that miracle & sends Micah to find the travelling circus to try & help his cause.
I rated this book 5 stars, not because as a 29 year old I find this to be a mind blowing amazing book, but because it is a book written for 9+ year olds & I strongly believe it would DEFINITELY be a 5 star read for myself at that age. This is the perfect entry for a child to enter the world of fantasy reading.
In saying that I did find this book still held my attention & transported me to the circus. The writing style & descriptions really took hold of my imagination & allowed me to feel like I was there alongside all of Micah’s adventures. I highly recommend this book to all families in particular, but also to those adults who want a light quick read that still holds the magic of fantasy land, without diving too deep.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
4/5 - Really liked it.
I've been craving a beautiful, magical story and "Circus Mirandus" delivered! This book is packed full of enchanting moments that bring the reader straight into the magical world of the elusive circus which operates on magic and belief in the miraculous. The characters are vibrant and fascinating; deep and well-written. I found myself completely invested in young Micah Tuttle's quest to save his dying grandfather and in the journey of magic and friendship that he encounters along the way. The story does not shy away from topics such as grief and loss, and speaks beautifully to the importance of friendship, love, and magic.
4/5 - Really liked it.
I've been craving a beautiful, magical story and "Circus Mirandus" delivered! This book is packed full of enchanting moments that bring the reader straight into the magical world of the elusive circus which operates on magic and belief in the miraculous. The characters are vibrant and fascinating; deep and well-written. I found myself completely invested in young Micah Tuttle's quest to save his dying grandfather and in the journey of magic and friendship that he encounters along the way. The story does not shy away from topics such as grief and loss, and speaks beautifully to the importance of friendship, love, and magic.
This is amazing. Never ever stop believing in magic.
Read for librarian book group
I would give this to a middle reader who is interested in stories of loss and/or magical realism elements. But I wouldn't recommend it too enthusiastically because I found this story to be a slog. Also, the great aunt character was such a cardboard evil character the author might as well have given her a Hitler mustache and had her marching around in boots. The story of the bird lady was absolutely horrifying and then just left to sit there being horrible with no real conclusion which makes me think she will have something to do in a possible sequel. Which is also annoying.
I would give this to a middle reader who is interested in stories of loss and/or magical realism elements. But I wouldn't recommend it too enthusiastically because I found this story to be a slog. Also, the great aunt character was such a cardboard evil character the author might as well have given her a Hitler mustache and had her marching around in boots. The story of the bird lady was absolutely horrifying and then just left to sit there being horrible with no real conclusion which makes me think she will have something to do in a possible sequel. Which is also annoying.