_Circus Mirandus_
by Cassie Beasley
Micah Tuttle's world is turned upside-down when his beloved grandfather Ephraim
becomes critically ill and is dying, particularly when Aunt Gertrudis arrives
and proves the antithesis to the hope and love of magic his grandpa has always
celebrated. Indeed, her life is so dedicated to reason and logic as to defy
understanding! Gertrudis hates any mention of the Circus Mirandus, which his
grandfather was allowed to explore for a full week back when he was ten years
old, and promises to squash all such nonsense out of Micah's mind once her
brother is dead and she takes the boy back to Iowa.
On the last day of Ephraim's week at the circus, the Man who Bends Light
promised the young boy a miracle, believing the child would ask to have his
father return safely from the war; but knowing that his father rejoiced to help
others even knowing the danger the war posed to himself, Ephraim asked instead
if he could save his miracle for later. With time running out, the now old man
sends for the Lightbender to come to him and fulfill his promise. Micah himself
finds the circus and visits it; and knowing that Grandpa is wanting his miracle
performed now, assumes that the desired miracle is to be healed. Only the
miracle asked for is quite different from the one Micah had anticipated. With
the help of his new friend Jennie, the smartest girl in his class at school,
Micah Tuttle breaks back into the circus grounds to insist that the Lightbender
fulfill his promise!
A delightful story aimed at children and teens but with plenty to think about
for all. I got this in the paperback edition from Safeway, but it is available
also in audio format from Audible, so it is available in accessible media. The
best kind of fantasy!
Bonnie L. Sherrell
Teacher at Large
"Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very
wise cannot see all ends." LOTR
"Don't go where I can't follow."
We gave the Goblin King control of our nation!
