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Olivia Saves the Circus    by Ian Falconer Amazon.com order for
Olivia Saves the Circus
by Ian Falconer
Order:  USA  Can
Atheneum, 2010 (2001)
Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book

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* *   Reviewed by Bob Walch

Can you imagine going to the circus and discovering that all the circus people are sick with ear infections? Well, that's what sort of happened to me. I say sort of, because I had to tell my classmates a story about what happened during my vacation and that's the story I came up with.

I said that because I am very smart and know how to walk a tight-rope, juggle, ride a unicycle, tame lions and handle elephants, I stepped in and took over. After I finished my slightly embellished story I said, 'And that's how I saved the circus. And now I am famous.'

Right after I finished my teacher looked at me and asked, 'Was that true?' I responded, 'Pretty true.' And then he said, 'All true?' I responded, 'Pretty all true.' He frowned and asked again, 'Are you sure, Olivia?' Of course, I then said, 'To the best of my recollection.'

Can you imagine that? I think my teacher thought I made the story up! Isn't that silly? Why would I make up a story like that?

Upon a twinkling star, I swear I didn't make it up. Maybe I added a few elements to the story to make it more exciting, but other than just a few alterations I would never fabricate such a story. And, everyone knows authors always add a few things to make their stories exciting so I thought I'd do the same thing. You wouldn't want to read or hear a boring story about going to the circus now, would you?

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! If you want to know more about this adventure, try reading this board book that has pictures of me doing all sorts of dangerous tricks and stuff. The book has thick pages so little kids about three years old can turn the pages as their mommies or daddies read to them. You'll also see me practicing my trampoline moves on my bed. I have to stay in shape because you never know when I'll have to go back and help out at the circus!

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