Harper and the Circus of Dreams

Gr 1–3—Ever since the Scarlet Umbrella delivered Harper to her Aunt Sassy with a note from her parents, she has lived in the City of Clouds with her cat Midnight wondering where her parents might be and when they will come to fetch her. A musical prodigy who can play every instrument, Harper longs for the discovery of her one true instrument and the origin of the haunting tune that fills her dreams. One evening, a sweeping storm delivers Skylar, a young storm-stirrer who is part of the Floating Circus that travels the globe. Harper and her friends visit the sky-high treasure and meet traveling performers as well as Skylar's great-grandmother, the lightening-leader. After an unforgettable evening, Harper begins to connect the dots among her parents, the mysterious song she cannot forget, and her recent travels. That night when the Floating Circus vanishes, Harper feels lost, but is encouraged by her friends that "as long as there is a cloud in the sky, there is hope." Another entry by British author and television personality Burnell, this early chapter book is for readers who fancy a bit of sentimentality in their fantasy selections. Anderson's spreads reflect perfectly the wonder and whimsy of Harper's world.