Long Road to the Circus - by Betsy Bird

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles dreams of life outside the small town of Burr Oak, Michigan, but when she stumbles on the opportunity to learn ostrich-riding with the infamous Madame Marantette her obligations to her family on the farm threaten to derail her dreams of a bigger life. Includes photographs and information on Madame Marantette.

Book Synopsis

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES

The story of a girl who rides an ostrich straight to her dreams from the award-winning writer and librarian Betsy Bird, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist David Small.

"[A] charming, wacky novel." --The New York Times

Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles is tired of summers filled with chores on her family farm in Burr Oak, Michigan, and desperate to see the world. When her wayward uncle moves back home to the farm, only to skip his chores every morning for mysterious reasons, Suzy decides to find out what he's up to once and for all. And that's when she meets legendary former circus queen Madame Marantette and her ostriches. Before long, Suzy finds herself caught-up in the fast-paced, hilarious world of ostrich riding, a rollicking adventure that just might be her ticket out of Burr Oak.

"Beautifully told by one of our best librarians." --Jon Scieszka, First National Ambassador of Young People's Literature

Review Quotes

"With its timeless messages about big dreams and the beloved people who make them possible, Long Road to the Circus takes you there. It is -- sorry not sorry -- a brass ring to grab with both hands."--The New York Times

"Do not read this book unless you are planning to run away and join the circus. Beautifully told by one of our best librarians. And just as beautifully, and inevitably, illustrated by David Small." --Jon Scieszka, The First National Ambassador of Young People's Literature

"Who wouldn't jump at the chance to ride an ostrich?! This is a grand, classic tale of finding one's own weird way through the world. Suzy--and her feathered friend, Gaucho--will become lifelong companions of the reader lucky enough to spend time with them." --Eliot Schrefer, New York Times bestselling author

"What a cheer-worthy, galloping, heartfelt adventure! Suzy and Madame are my new inspirations. It is indeed a long road to the circus, but worth every step." --Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Newbery Honor-Winning author of The Book of Boy and the bestselling Dairy Queen series

"An appealing main character and a quirky plot make this historical novel a page-turner. By the time kids reach the celebratory yet bittersweet ending, they'll appreciate that it takes
hard work and determination to achieve goals." -Parents Magazine

"This unconventional tale is a hoot and an encouraging call to live an adventurous life on one's own terms." --Booklist

"Readers will find Suzy an engaging protagonist, feeling simultaneously thoroughly contemporary and classic in a story whose narrative arc is well-crafted . . . A wonderful character piece." -Kirkus

"[A] spirited historical adventure . . . Caldecott Medalist Small's expressive, humorous b&w illustrations infuse the narrative with further personality." -Publishers Weekly

"Suzy's wry, folksy first-person narration should elicit plenty of giggles, and Small's striking pen-and-ink illustrations perfectly echo the text's energy and sense of whimsy. Bird's lighthearted, earnest romp is based on real people and events and encourages readers to seize opportunity tightly, even if it comes in a strange, long-necked package . . . [A] funny, heart-warming story of chasing one's dreams." --Shelf Awareness

About the Author

Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library, and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. Betsy reviews for Kirkus, served on the 2007 Newbery Award committee, and her children's literature blog, A Fuse #8 Production, is hosted by School Library Journal. Her books include Funny Girl, an anthology of humorous stories, and the picture books Giant Dance Party and The Great Santa Stakeout. Betsy was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and now resides in Evanston, Illinois with her husband and offspring. Visit her at her blog, a Fuse #8 Production on slj.com, or follow her on twitter @FuseEight.

David Small won the Caldecott Medal in 2001 for So You Want to Be President and received two Caldecott honor awards. He is the author/illustrator of Imogene's Antlers, Ruby Mae Has Something to Say, and Stitches, a graphic novel memoir, which was a National Book Award finalist. He lives with his wife in Michigan in the very house in which Long Walk to the Circus is set. Visit him online at davidsmallbooks.com.