by Ian Falconer
First published 2001
Olivia has vivid memories of her circus visit. The regular performers called in sick that day, leaving the show without its stars. Someone had to step up. Olivia took charge of the entire performance. She pedaled across the ring on a unicycle, keeping her balance as the audience watched. She bounced high on the trampoline, soaring through the air. Five colorful balls flew in perfect arcs as she juggled without dropping one. The lions needed taming, so she faced them down with courage. Then came her grand finale, flying through the air like a trapeze artist. The circus lights glowed softly around her as she completed each daring feat. Did this remarkable performance really happen, or does Olivia's vivid imagination transform ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures? The gentle colors and dreamy atmosphere suggest that reality and fantasy blend together in a young girl's mind, where she becomes the hero of her own spectacular show.
Genres: fiction, fantasy, contemporary
Vibes: dreamy, emotional, gentle, whimsical
Tropes: extraordinary-ordinary, found-family, hero
44 pages · Hardcover · Atheneum Books for Young Readers