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If I Ran The Circus
Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss
Random House, 1956. Picture book.

A young boy imagines the fantastic animals and incredible acts he will have for his greatest of all circuses.

Elefantastic: A Story of Magic In 5 Acts
Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Brett Helquist
Chronicle Books, 2022. Picture book.

An unlikely-and entirely unforgettable-tale of a most unusual friendship between Flora, an elephant calf stolen from her African home, and David, the circus impresario and magician, who adopts, trains, and ultimately liberates her in a tale freely inspired by actual events.

Written by Lori R. Snyder
HarperCollins Publishers, 2021. Fiction.

A novel about an orphan girl who discovers a magical circus.

Maddy Adriana knows that magic is real. All her life, her heart has pulled her towards things too perfect to be ordinary. One day, that tug leads her to a magical street circus, hidden in plain sight among the canals and boardwalks of Venice Beach. For the first time in Maddy's life, she finally feels like she belongs. But the circus is in grave danger. Maddy will need to confront the frightening side of magic, as well as her own deepest fears.

Written by Gennifer Choldenko
Wendy Lamb Books, 2020. Fiction.

In 1939, after cruel treatment at her orphanage renders her mute, Lucy runs away and joins the circus, working with the elephants and unaware that the orphanage matrons are hunting for her.

Written by Marcia Amidon Lusted
Capstone Press, 2018. Informational.

Ever watch the circus and wonder, "how do they do that?" Find the answers in this book! Readers will learn about some of the most high-flying circus acts, from silks and ropes to trapeze, and the science that makes them possible. Short, simple activities help demonstrate the science for readers.




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