The Circus Comes to Town

An elephant on a billboard captures Jerry Elbow's attention just when a squabble over an apple has left him feeling out of place. Jerry has lived with the Mullarkey family since Mr. Mullarkey found him beside a road, and the children's teasing sharpens his uncertainty about belonging. The bright circus picture also stirs a memory he cannot quite recover. Lebbeus Mitchell builds this children's story around Jerry's longing, the family's limited money, and the promise of seeing something extraordinary.

When Jerry and Chris offer to carry water for the elephants, their chance of getting into the circus depends on persuading the adults that they can help. Mr. Burrows responds kindly and arranges tickets for their work. Scenes of shared food, small unfairnesses, and unexpected generosity give the adventure its emotional weight. Readers who enjoy stories told close to a child's feelings will find both lively conversation and a careful sense of how much a little kindness can matter.