A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by magic but also struggling with feelings of envy or the belief that getting what they want will solve everything. In this whimsical story, the enchanting Circus of Wishes arrives in town, offering to grant everyone's deepest desires. But when the wishes start to go wonderfully, terribly wrong, a quiet girl named Moonbeans must rely on her own inner strength and simple belief to save her friends. This gentle adventure is perfect for early chapter book readers, exploring themes of self-confidence, contentment, and the difference between what we want and what we need. It's a lovely choice for fostering conversations about inner worth and the dangers of greed.
The book deals with themes of greed, envy, and unhappiness. This is handled metaphorically through the consequences of the magical wishes. The approach is secular, and the conflict is a clear good vs. evil scenario with a hopeful, reassuring resolution that champions inner contentment over material desires.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an imaginative, sensitive child aged 7 to 9 who is transitioning into chapter books. It's especially well-suited for a quieter child who may feel overlooked, as it celebrates the power of inner strength and empathy over loudness and flashiness.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The lessons are woven into the story in a gentle, non-preachy way. A parent might prepare to discuss the difference between a wish and a goal, or to talk about a time they wanted something badly and were disappointed when they got it. A parent has noticed their child is experiencing intense feelings of envy or is frequently saying things like, "I wish I had what they have," or "If I only had that one thing, I would be happy." The child is focused on external solutions for internal feelings.
Age Experience
A younger reader (age 7) will focus on the magical elements: the exciting circus, the fun wishes, and the adventure of Moonbeans saving the day. An older reader (age 9-10) will be more attuned to the allegory about consumerism, the emotional weight of envy, and the more nuanced message about self-acceptance and contentment.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many fantasy books that focus on grand, epic magic, this story uniquely contrasts transactional, showy magic (the circus) with an innate, gentle, heart-centered magic (Moonbeans). It serves as a gentle critique of instant gratification culture, framed within a timeless, fairytale-like structure that feels both classic and relevant.
Read plot summary
The story follows a young girl named Moonbeans, who lives with her Gran and possesses a quiet, natural magic. Her world is turned upside down when the mysterious and dazzling Circus of Wishes, run by the charismatic Mirabilia, comes to town. The circus grants wishes that initially delight the townspeople, but these wishes soon reveal a sinister side, trapping people in the negative consequences of their own greed and desire. Moonbeans, relying on her empathy and inner strength rather than flashy tricks, must confront Mirabilia to break the circus's enchanting but dangerous spell and restore balance to her community.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mirabilia's wishes seemed amazing at first, but they all made people unhappy. Why do you think getting exactly what you wish for might not be a good thing?
2
Moonbeans doesn't have flashy circus magic. What is her type of magic, and why was it more powerful in the end?
3
If the Circus of Wishes came to our town, what would you wish for? After reading the book, would you change your wish?
4
One character wishes for all the attention. Why did this wish end up making them feel lonely?
5
How does Moonbeans show bravery even when she feels small or scared?
