Circus Shoes

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.

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 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!