For a child processing the loss of a loved one and adjusting to a new home. This story explores finding belonging and honoring one's unique spirit in unexpected places.
Parents might reach for this book when helping a child navigate the grief of losing a primary caregiver and the subsequent upheaval of moving to a new, unfamiliar home. The story follows a young acrobat who, after his grandmother's death, goes to live in a quiet monastery. He is told to leave his "carnival ways" behind, leading to a struggle between fitting in and honoring his true identity. This book gently explores themes of grief, belonging, and self-worth. For children ages 7 to 9, it provides a quiet, hopeful narrative about how our unique gifts can create connection in unexpected places, offering comfort and a model for honoring the memory of loved ones through our passions.
The book deals directly with the death of a primary caregiver (grandmother). The grief is portrayed as a central, motivating element for the protagonist. The setting is religious (a monastery), but the story's core message is more spiritual than dogmatic, focusing on faith, inner gifts, and miracles in a broader sense. The resolution is hopeful and magical, suggesting that honoring one's true self can lead to acceptance and healing.
Ideal Reader
An 8-year-old child who has recently lost a grandparent or other close loved one, especially if that loss is combined with a major life change like moving. The child might be feeling lost, quiet, and like they have to hide parts of themselves to fit into a new reality.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, as the initial loss is handled gently. However, parents should be prepared for the direct mention of the grandmother's death on the first few pages. Previewing this can help a parent gauge their child's initial reaction and be ready to offer comfort. The religious setting might also warrant a brief, contextualizing chat depending on the family's background. A parent notices their child has become withdrawn after a loss, seeming to have lost interest in their favorite hobbies or passions. The child might say something like, "I can't do that anymore," or "What's the point?" connecting their joy to the person who is gone.
Age Experience
A 7-year-old will likely focus on the sadness of losing a grandma, the "unfairness" of the monks' rules, and the magic of the final acrobatic performance. A 9-year-old is more likely to grasp the deeper themes of identity, the tension between conformity and individuality, and the idea of using one's talents as a way to process grief and honor memory.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many grief books that focus on talking about feelings, this story externalizes the healing process through physical action and talent. The blend of realistic grief with a touch of magical realism (the "miracle") offers a unique and beautiful metaphor for how our inner spirit can create profound connection and acceptance. The monastery setting provides a quiet, contemplative backdrop that is unusual in children's literature on this topic.
Read plot summary
A young boy named Pascal, a talented acrobat, loses his grandmother who raised him. He is sent to live in a monastery, a stark and quiet contrast to his former life. The monks, while kind, ask him to give up his "carnival ways." Pascal struggles with his grief and the pressure to conform, feeling he has lost everything that defined him. In a moment of deep emotion, he performs his acrobatic routine before a statue of an angel. This act is perceived as a miraculous gift and ultimately helps him find acceptance and belonging within his new community, blending his old self with his new life.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Pascal was told to give up his 'carnival ways.' Why do you think the monks said that? Was it a fair thing to ask of him when he was already so sad?
2
At the end, Pascal performs his acrobatics for the statue of the angel. Do you think he was doing it for the monks, for himself, or for his grandmother? What makes you think so?
3
The book says Pascal's final performance was a miracle. What do you think a miracle is? Can we create our own miracles by sharing our special talents?
4
Pascal's new home at the monastery was very different from his old life. What are some of the things he had to get used to? Have you ever had to get used to a new place or new rules?
