Mirette on the High Wire

Title: “Mirette on the High Wire”

Author: Emily Arnold McCully                    

Genre:  Picture Book/Fantasy                                                                    

Publisher: Putnam Books             

Copyright Date: 1992

Pages in Book: 30 pages

Reading Level: PreK- 3 grade

Summary: Mirette lives with her mother Madame Gateau who owns the boarding house in Paris that housed actors, dancers, jugglers and mimes. One day a retired high wire walker, named Bellini comes to stay at their house, looking for a vacation/rest. One day, Mirette see’s Bellini walking across the high wire, and gets up the courage to talk to him. He tries to discourage her from learning. “Once your feet walk across the wire, your feet will never be happy on the floor again.” One day, unable to resist, she tries to walk across the wire, and because Bellini is gone that particular day. After much persistence, Mirette is able to walk across, and she can’t wait to show Bellini. He is very impressed with her hard work, for most people give up after a while. They work together and he teaches her fun tricks such as, running, lying down and doing somersaults across the high wire. One day, and agent sees Bellini and tells the guests of his accomplishments. She runs back and learns that he’s actually quite scared. Disappointed, Mirette leaves him. One night, she walks outside and sees a big crowd. The agent staying at her mother’s boarding house is announcing the return of the great Bellini. He begins to walk out onto the wire and freezes. Mirette runs as fast as she can up to him, and takes the first step onto the wire. Bellini smiles and they walk together to the end of the rope.

Reaction: I thought this was such a cute book! I really liked the writing, and was impressed with the pictures. I was thoroughly impressed with how entertaining it was, and I actually shared it with my roommates! It was just that good!

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to children of all ages. It’s one of adventure, thrill, trying times, and joy.

Potential Problems/Conflicts: One thing that I quickly noticed was that I would be a little hesitant about letting younger children reading this for the fear of them taking this story literally and wanting to walk across the high wire.