Mirette on the High Wire

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully From Publishers Weekly

In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. Many traveling performers stay at Madame Gateaux's boarding house, but Mme.'s daughter Mirette is particularly taken with one guest--the quiet gentleman who can walk along the clothesline without falling off. Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the "Great Bellini" of high wire fame. After much practice the girl joins Bellini on the wire as he conquers his fear and demonstrates to all of Paris that he is still the best. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. Bellini's anxiety may be a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and, surprisingly, the scenes featuring Mirette and Bellini on the high wire lack drama and intensity. McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I was surprisingly involved in this book. By the end when Mirette "saves" Bellini during his high wire attempt I had tears in my eyes. I'm not sure what drew me in, but I did get drawn in as did my girls. You couldn't help but be excited for Mirette when she performed for the first time and saved the day. For days to come we had "high wire practice" with 3 little Mirette wannabe's!