Customer Reviews

CIRCUS SHOES

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this sweet story of two children who go to live with their uncle in the circus community is a look into a way of life many never see. as a child it fascinated me and as an adult i still have it on my list of "to reread books". if you can find it you will not be disappointed!

Do you remember when the Meg Ryan character walked into Tom Hanks' FOX BOOKS store and the customer asked about the "Shoes" books, and a monologue about the wonders of Noel Streatfeild's "Shoes" books ensued, touching on Dancing Shoes, Ballet Shoes, and Skating Shoes, which is absolutely wonderful? That scene made me break down crying, because I had never heard anyone other than myself talk about these terrific books, and the fact that it is tragic that they are mostly out of print and hard to find. This book is a wonderful story of working hard for a goal, and accomplishing it, or at least getting on the road to achieving a reasonable, yet magical, goal. If you want a great book for your favorite elementary school girl, buy this one - then buy the other "Shoes" books (and get a copy of Tennis Shoes for your favorite boy too!)

This was my very favorite book as a child. Its ability to transport you to a wonderful world and still be able to relate to its characters was a true joy. I loved all the "Shoe" books but this was my very favorite and I read it several times until the librarian at school made me return it. Subsequently I tried in vain to emulate the back flips and tumbles the characters in the book so effortlessly master. This book speaks to the heart of the child. I have passed it on to my daughter and she has found the magic in the "Shoes" as well. Find it, read it, pass it on.

Despite the fact that I love the Shoes books, I found this one completely one-dimensional and dull. The author is at her best, I think, when she is creating characters who excel at theater or ballet. Though she did an adequate job describing the Big Top, that the two protagonists run away from home to join their uncle at, all the characters were paper thin, including the protagonists. The only thing we learn about the girl is that she has long blonde hair, and the boy does not even rate a physical description. We learn that they're sheltered, but they don't really change from beginning to end. I much prefer Dancing Shoes, Tennis Shoes or Theater Shoes.