Written by Jill Esbaum, Illustrated by David Gordon
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (2008)
When the circus comes to Willow Grove, Benny and Sam are in for more excitement than they can shake a stick at: elephants and acrobats, candied apples and a calliope, even a snake enchantress. They can’t think of anything better than helping the circus men set up for the grand event- until the Big Top boss gives them two tickets for the show! But then Sam’s ticket disappears, and it’s up to Benny to save the best day ever.
“Esbaum and Gordon whisk readers to turn-of-the-century days when a circus could take a small town by storm.” – Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review)
“…takes readers to Back Then, when midway and sideshow were the real deal.” – Kirkus
“An inviting slice of Americana.” – School Library Journal
*2009 CCBC Choices List