About This Book
This classic children's novel follows 11-year-old Santa and 12-year-old Peter, who, after a sheltered upbringing, suddenly find themselves orphaned. To avoid separate orphanages, they seek out their estranged Uncle Gus, only to discover he is a clown and trapeze artist in a traveling circus. Reluctantly, Gus allows them to stay for the season, where the siblings are immersed in the demanding yet exhilarating world of circus life. They learn new skills, make friends, and come to appreciate their family's humble origins, shedding their aunt's snobbish pretensions. The book offers an authentic glimpse into the workings of a circus, exploring themes of belonging, resilience, and finding one's true identity. It is suitable for children aged 4-11, with younger readers enjoying it as a read-aloud and older children reading independently.
Upon their aunt's death, Peter and Santa go the live with their uncle Gus, a circus clown, and learn about the inner workings of a circus.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How do Peter and Santa change from the beginning of the book to the end?
2
What does 'family' mean to Peter and Santa in the circus compared to their life with their aunt?
3
What challenges did Peter and Santa face when they first joined the circus, and how did they overcome them?
4
If you could learn any circus skill, what would it be and why?
5
How does the book show that hard work can be rewarding?
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