The Circus is Coming (by Noel Streatfeild)

Noel Streatfield's books were written for older children and teenagers. But they have sufficient interesting plot and good characterisation to make them very readable (and re-readable) for adults as well. I love curling up with one of her books when I need some time to myself. They don't take long to read, and they're undemanding. But they have strong themes and are sometimes very moving.

'The Circus is Coming' is a little different from her better known ballet books. The story is about two children who run away, hoping to find their uncle, rather than being sent to a children's home.

They are rather snooty children but it's due to ignorance rather than unpleasantness. They soon lose their snobbishness, and discover new values as well as some significant courage.

This book is a pleasant light read that would be appropriate for boys as well as girls. It was re-published as 'Circus Shoes' in the United States, and later that title was adopted in the UK too.

You can also read my longer review of The Circus is Coming, after re-reading nine years later.