The Cannellonis are among the most unique of families. From the clowns and the strong man to the elephants and the snake woman, Cleopatra, they are as close as close can be. When the opportunity presents itself, the entire Circus Cannelloni decides to pack up and take a vacation in England. Though it is quite the undertaking, Madame Rosita is determined to make the trip happen as she has set her sights on including her grandchildren in the fun. Theirs is a somewhat dismal existence in their boarding school, and Rosita feels it is past time to break them free for a bit.

Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain, by Tuula Pere, is the sweet story of a circus family who takes time out of their daily lives to travel for pleasure together while spreading their own kind of cheer. Virtually everywhere this group lands, they brighten someone’s day. Throughout their journey, they make a positive impact on everyone they encounter.

Pere has masterfully created a cast of characters that will pique readers’ interest. The idea of a circus family is foreign to many readers, but it has the perfect amount of appeal to capture readers from the first pages. Younger readers will find themselves lost in the parallel storylines involving the Cannellonis’s grandchildren, the birth of the new elephant calf, and Kasimir’s race of a lifetime.

Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain is written for upper elementary readers, and they will find this to be a unique and engaging journey. In addition, Pere’s work is short enough to not feel overwhelming which makes it a great choice for those looking to break into chapter books in the realistic fiction genre. Pere’s precious cast of characters is memorable and, in their own special way, relatable. This captivating story would be a great addition for teachers looking for fiction components to include in a unit on Great Britain.

Pages: 146 | ISBN : 9523570765