"With its timeless messages about big dreams and the beloved people who make them possible, Long Road to the Circus takes you there. It is sorry not sorry a brass ring to grab with both hands." The New York Times
Do not read this book unless you are planning to run away and join the circus. Beautifully told by one of our best librarians. And just as beautifully, and inevitably, illustrated by David Small. Jon Scieszka, The First National Ambassador of Young People s Literature
Who wouldn t jump at the chance to ride an ostrich?! This is a grand, classic tale of finding one s own weird way through the world. Suzy and her feathered friend, Gaucho will become lifelong companions of the reader lucky enough to spend time with them. Eliot Schrefer, New York Times bestselling author
What a cheer-worthy, galloping, heartfelt adventure! Suzy and Madame are my new inspirations. It is indeed a long road to the circus, but worth every step. Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Newbery Honor-Winning author of The Book of Boy and the bestselling Dairy Queen series
An appealing main character and a quirky plot make this historical novel a page-turner. By the time kids reach the celebratory yet bittersweet ending, they ll appreciate that it takes hard work and determination to achieve goals. Parents Magazine
This unconventional tale is a hoot and an encouraging call to live an adventurous life on one s own terms. Booklist
Readers will find Suzy an engaging protagonist, feeling simultaneously thoroughly contemporary and classic in a story whose narrative arc is well-crafted . . . A wonderful character piece. Kirkus
[A] spirited historical adventure . . . Caldecott Medalist Small s expressive, humorous b&w illustrations infuse the narrative with further personality. Publishers Weekly
"Suzy's wry, folksy first-person narration should elicit plenty of giggles, and Small's striking pen-and-ink illustrations perfectly echo the text's energy and sense of whimsy. Bird's lighthearted, earnest romp is based on real people and events and encourages readers to seize opportunity tightly, even if it comes in a strange, long-necked package . . . [A] funny, heart-warming story of chasing one's dreams." Shelf Awareness
Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library, and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. Betsy reviews for Kirkus, served on the 2007 Newbery Award committee, and her children's literature blog, A Fuse #8 Production, is hosted by School Library Journal. Her books include Funny Girl, an anthology of humorous stories, and the picture books Giant Dance Party and The Great Santa Stakeout. Betsy was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and now resides in Evanston, Illinois with her husband and offspring. Visit her at her blog, a Fuse #8 Production on slj.com, or follow her on twitter @FuseEight.
David Small won the Caldecott Medal in 2001 for So You Want to Be President and received two Caldecott honor awards. He is the author/illustrator of Imogene's Antlers, Ruby Mae Has Something to Say, and Stitches, a graphic novel memoir, which was a National Book Award finalist. He lives with his wife in Michigan in the very house in which Long Walk to the Circus is set. Visit him online at davidsmallbooks.com.