Stella: Circus Star

Reach for this book when your child is eager to start a new hobby but tends to get discouraged when they aren't an expert on day one. It is a perfect choice for the elementary-schooler who has big dreams and needs to bridge the gap between imagination and the hard work of skill-building. The story follows Stella, a determined young girl who dreams of becoming a circus star. When she finally gets the horse riding lessons she's been begging for, she discovers that managing a large animal is much more difficult than she imagined. Through her relationship with her supportive grandmother and her experiences at the stable, Stella learns that true talent is grown through patience and practice. It is a gentle, realistic look at the frustration of being a beginner and the resilience required to keep going.