Note, this review ran in Mountain Times (Boone, N.C.) on Nov. 14:

“Circus Mirandus” and “The Bootlace Magician” by Cassie Beasley (Puffin Books/Dial Books)

The most wonderful books of our youth involve more than a bit of magic and an invitation for a select few believers to enter into a breathtaking adventure. Masters of the form — the likes of Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien — made room in 2015 for Cassie Beasley and the publication of “Circus Mirandus.”

Republished in paperback in 2016, Beasley’s debut novel about a young boy, a dying grandfather and magical circus is making a current resurgence on the strength of the Oct. 1 publication of the story’s sequel, “The Bootlace Magician.”

In “Circus Mirandus” Beasley offers us, at the end of Chapter 19, one of the finest lines to be found in any novel for any age: “And finally, at long last, Micah stepped into his grandfather’s story.”

In “The Bootlace Magician” Beasley picks up the thread with the backstory, and introduces Micah as a magician in training, living and working at Circus Mirandus. You don’t have to read Beasley’s first to understand the second, but to experience the full magic you’ll want to read both in order of publication.

3.5 stars

This book surprised me big time. I wasn't expecting much from it, to be honest. I dived into it just wanted to pass my time. But it took only few pages for me to fell in love with Micah and Grandpa and the story itself.

This is a decent fantasy suitable for kids but even I, at age 27, was touched and enjoyed this gem. This is definitely one of those hidden gems of a book and in a genre I don't usually read. And by the way, while reading this, my little cousin, age 4 but acts like she's 7, kept on bothering me. I ended up reading to her some of the parts. I had to translate it to her too because of course she knows little English. We're Filipinas. :) She ended up liking the story and Micah. She's so into it, she kept asking lots of questions. I ended up bribing her with some ice cream so she wouldn't bother me. (yeah, yeah, I'm not exactly nice. lol.)

Anyway, the only reason I couldn't give this more than 3.5 stars is because I think the story still has a lot of potential. But overall, this book is a nice read.

This novel sucked me in and held me the entire book. I loved the magical and circus elements since children dream of running away and joining the circus. I also love that it didn't shy away from hard realities that a lot of children face like the death of a loved one and an uncaring guardian. I totally forgot I was reading a children's book. The best part was that my 10yo son heard my description of the book, picked it up, and finished it before I did! We are anxiously awaiting the sequel arriving at our local public library. I can't wait to see where the story goes!

I re-read this for a blog tour this year and it was every bit as wonderful as the first time I read it. Here is the review I posted:When Grandpa Ephraim Tuttle was a young boy, he skipped school and, hearing the sounds of pipes and drums, he followed the music and found himself at a magical circus. There, he saw many astounding things, but nothing compared to the wonderful round the world adventures the Man Who Bends Light sends him on.

But Ephraim was worried about his father, away fighting in a war, and just wants to see him again. The Lightbender grants his wish and Ephraim is able to spend some time with his father once again. As wonderful as seeing his dad is, Ephraim realizes that it is just an illusion and isn't real.

When the Lightbender talks to him after the show, Ephraim performs his own bit of magic - tying a knot he can make with his bootlace that even the great magician can't undo. Realizing that this young boy understands the power and the limit of magic, he grants him a miracle, a miracle Ephraim has never used until now.

Fifth grader Micah Tuttle has listened to his Grandpa Ephraim's stories about his boyhood adventures at the centuries old Circus Mirandus all his life, but he never thought for one moment any of it was real. At least not until Grandpa Ephraim becomes very ill. Now on his deathbed, Grandpa Ephraim writes a letter to the Man Who Bends Light to call in that miracle he was promised - a letter sent via Ms. Chintzy, the grumbling parrot circus messenger. Thinking the miracle may have something to do with Grandpa Ephraim's health, Micah decides he must figure out how to find Circus Mirandus and bring the Lightbender to his grandpa's bedside.

Of course, bringing the Lightbender home may be made more difficult because of the presence of magic-hating, Micah-disliking Great Aunt Gerturdis who has come to take care of Grandpa Ephraim, and who has virtually cut off Micah's contact with his grandpa.

Luckily, Micah has made a friend at school named Jenny Mendoza, a science-minded girl who has to be convinced that magic exists, but who is nevertheless totally impressed by Micah's own knot-tying skills that results in a very successful school project for the two of them.

Not sure how they would find the circus, one day Micah heard the call of the pipes and drums, he knows it is the same sound his Grandpa Ephraim had heard, because "the music that calls a person to magic is always the same." Sure enough, Circus Mirandus has arrived.

But when the Lightbender refuses to honor his promise to Grandpa Ephraim, it is up to Micah to try to change his mind. And along the way, Micah will uncover some family secrets that are tied to the circus, including the reason for Aunt Gertrudis's bitterness and her dislike of magic.

I don't like circuses at all and never read circus books, so how did I end up falling in love with Circus Mirandus. Perhaps that's part of the magic of the novel. I picked it up and didn't put it down till I had finished it and that almost never happens. And the name - who could resist a title that translates into a circus to be amazed at.

I loved the whole premise of the story that sometimes the power of magic and illusion can eclipse the power of science and reality, but only if you believe in it. And it's what makes Circus Mirandus so special, so magical. To begin with, only those children who believe in magic can see it, and it caters to them. It's purpose is "fighting to keep enchantment alive in the world" for the children. And Cassie Beasley has succeeded in doing just that with this utterly enchanting novel. And the story is only matched by her lovely, lyrical writing.

The characters are all well-fleshed out, their different personalities revealing where each has placed their faith: Micah and Grandpa Ephraim have plaed their faith in magic, Jenny with her faith in verifiable facts and science, and Aunt Gertrudis with her faith in harsh reality. Aunt Gertrudis will definitely conjured up memories of Miss Trunchbull from Roald Dahl's Matilda, acting as an outlet for all the reader's frustrations as Micah tries to help his grandpa, making it all that much easier to dislike her.

Circus Mirandus is an extraordinary coming of age debut novel about courage, faith, hope, family and friendship, but also about grief and loss. It is a story not be to missed.

And, remember, when you hear drums and pipes, you know that the circus has come to town - just follow the music to find it.

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an ARC received from the publisher

A bittersweet story of family, love between grandfather and grandson, magic, belief, friendship and the frustrating relationships we encounter through life, often with our own relatives. If you've recently lost someone, I'd heartily advise putting this book aside for a while. This story pulls on the heartstrings and doesn't let go. Not to say it is a completely sad tale, it's not. There are plenty of joyous and laugh out loud moments. I mean, there is this fantastic, wonderful circus at the heart of the story and all the creative characters within. A story worth reading together with your kids.

I don't even know where to start with this review. I finished a book this morning and had plans to jump into another when, on a whim, I started this one instead. I spent the entire reading it among other things because I just had to know where Micah's story went and follow the magic.

Circus Mirandus opens on a boy named Micah dealing with a sick grandpa and a crabby great-aunt. Grandpa Ephraim is basically his best friend, his father figure and the man he looks up to most in the world and for reasons we don't discover until later, his great-aunt Gertrudis wants to keep them separated. She sees her brother as nothing but a man with fanciful thoughts and doesn't approve of Micah believing in his stories.

But the circus comes to town and magic ensues as magic usually does for those who keep their imaginations intact. I didn't realize there was a second book to Micah's story but I'm so ready to continue the adventure with him. This is one of those books I would read to or with my nephew and niece if they lived closer because it was fantastic. The 'villains' were the right amount of villainous and there were so many little lessons that could start discussions between an adult and the child in their lives if the time was taken to read it together.

It dealt with death, the loss of hope, betrayal and so many other topics. I didn't need more backstory in the first book because we found out how Micah came to be, we found out how much truth Ephraim put in his stories and we found out why Gertrudis was so cranky. I mean she has every right to be, to an extent because She-Who-Doesn't-Deserve-Her-Name did her dirty when she was just a little girl.

Yay, this is my kind of story. Okay, so it's probably not the best piece of writing I've ever read. But I love this type of story with a neat kid at the center of it with a best friend who is not at all like him and who has great imagination and the magic of being a kid. I wanted so much for Circus Mirandus and all it stands for to be real. :) I definitely identified with Jenny and I love that she eventually opened her mind because of her love for Micah--a true friend indeed. I definitely did not like Micah's aunt, but I felt sorry for her, especially at the end when she had the chance to take a different course. It made me hurt for her and people like her who are so unbending, they cut themselves off from the good things life has to offer.

This is a very quick read and I'm so excited that I just got my notice from the library that the second book is in, waiting for me, so I can find out the next chapter in Micah's life!

If you like fantasy with humor, whimsy and a little bit of real-life drama ("evil" great aunt) then you should definitely check this one out.

Special thanks to #CassieBeasley, #NetGalley, and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A young boy who is blessed to being raised by a loving grandfather, whom led a wonderful life filled with magic becomes I'll, the boy is set off on a wonderous adventure.

Thank you net galley for the advance copy of this novel. I requested this for my tween and found it a delightful story with magic and friendship. The author keeps the plot engaging to propel younger readers on in the story. I am hoping there are future adventures with these characters. Well done!

Now I see why everyone is using this as a comp title! Circus Mirandus was such a delight to read, taking me into the magical world of circus while staying true to a young middle grade voice.i really enjoyed it.

Great read for children who love magic and circuses. I loved stepping into Micah and Ephraim's world. and thought this book was sweet, had endearing moments, and was an overall good read.

I recommend this book and highly recommend it for children.

A fabulous tale! This is basically a children's version of The Night Circus. I'm so glad I picked this book up!
Micah has lived in his grandfather's care since the death of his parents. He has spent his life listening to wonderful tales of the magical Circus Mirandus his grandfather visited as a child. But when Grandfather becomes sick and confined to bed, Micah leans that the stories are not just stories - the Circus is real. As a boy Grandfather was promised a miracle by the Lightbender. Anything within the Lightbender's power. Grandfather chose to save it, and decades later the time has come to call the Lightbender to make good on his promise.
Micah sets off on a fantastic adventure of his own to find the Lightbender and save his grandfather. Among the wonderful descriptions of the Circus, the animals and the amazing acts are lessons on friendship, family ties, the power of a promise, and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Told in alternating time lines from Grandfather's first visit to the Circus, to Micah and his new friend Jenny finding the Circus, the plot is well-constructed, and well-paced.
I love Micah's character, his determination and ingenuity. Micah and Jenny are two sides of one coin - Jenny is determined to stand by her friend, and break all the rules if she has to, in order to help Micah fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. Even if magic isn't real, and Grandfather's stories were about a real circus, just embellished to comfort Micah in a turbulent childhood. Jenny has much to learn about faith and belief when she begins to see and experience things she can't possibly explain away, even with all the science in the world.
Micah spends all of his time and effort trying to find the Lightbender and convince him to save Grandfather. He knows this has to be the miracle Grandfather is seeking. Grandfather will not share his wish, and the Lighbender isn't forthcoming with information either. The beauty of this story is in the truth of Grandfather's miracle.
If you loved the Night Circus, and have kids - this book is for you. If you love fantasy and adventure, this is for you. It's a kids' story, but it is far from juvenile. I loved every minute of it. If you need a little hope that there is magic to be found in the world - read it.

I am intrigued by all things circus related and this did not let me down. A delightful story, filled with magic, reality, sorrow and hope. While written for a younger audience, readers of all ages will find this story engaging and entertaining. This appears to be the beginning of a series and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

I read Circus Mirandus with my son, and he loved it. He shared it with his class, and the teacher purchased a classroom library copy. Great magical story for middle readers!

've had this on my life for awhile and it was worth the wait! Such a fun, touching story. 

Favorite quote - “Just because a magic is small doesn’t mean it is unimportant,” the Lightbender said. “Even the smallest magics can grow.”

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley is a joy to read and will delight your children as well.

Young Micah believes in magic. His Grandpa Ephraim has told him all about his memories of time spent at the magical Circus Mirandus. Grandpa is now dying and his bitter sister Gertrudus has come to be with Micah and Ephriam for the end. Micah of course wants to spend as much time as possible with his Grandpa, but Aunt Gertrudus does not approve: of either of them and just wants it over so she can take Micah back to Arizona where she can bring him up rght

But Grandpa has told Micah about the most powerful magician at the circus—the Man Who Bends Light - who promised Ephriam a miracle. .Micah and his friend Jenny Mendoza sneak away to find the Circus and the Lightbender he thinks will save Ephraim..

The book is about believing so one can see what is magical, true friendship, and love between Micah and his Grandpa. The circus is full of magical animals and a wonderful bunch of miraculous.circus people. How can this story end well? Ah, you must read the story for yourself - if you believe. You won't be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book through #NetGallery [NetGalley URL] and #CircusMirandus. This is an honest review posted voluntarily..

Micah is so sad when his Grandpa Ephraim becomes ill and, well, it seems that grandpa won't make it too much longer. For years. grandpa has told Micah fantastic stories about the magical Circus Mirandus. Grandpa said that the famed magician the Lightbender owed him a favor for something he had helped with years ago. Micah isn't sure if the Lightbender will answer, but he tries to contact him because anything is better than living with the grumpy Aunt Gertrudis who has moved in to take care of them. A fun story about just how much you'll go throuigh to save the ones you love.

Micah has had a happy life, growing up with his grandfather Ephraim's stories of the magical Circus Mirandus. It is not until his grandfather becomes ill that Micah learns that all those stories were true. A promised miracle from the Circus's most magical performer is now Ephraim and Micah's only hope.

Ephraim's past visit to the Circus and what happened to him after is slowly played out alongside his grandson's current story, and it's more complicated than it seems at first. This is a magical story, at times bittersweet, that reminds you to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Even something as simple as a knot in an old bootlace. I look forward to finding out what happens to Micah ne

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley is the first of a series (book 2 was just released earlier this month, October).
Do you believe in magic? Micah, thanks to the stories the grandfather whose raised him has told him, definitely does. When Micah’s grandfather descends into poor health his unsympathetic great aunt arrives to care for the both of them while showing how much she does not want to be there.
Grandpa Ephraim has one last shot at a miracle, when he was a boy Circus Mirandus called to him and he was promised a miracle from the Lightbender. He’s ready to call upon the Lightbender for his miracle and Micah is going to help him, and get the adventure of the lifetime in the meanwhile.
***
This is a beautiful middle grade book told in alternating chapters for a bit from both Micah and Grandpa Ephraim, when he was younger and his interactions with the circus. It’s a story about family and friendship, love and loyalty, belief and magic. Micah may think he knows what his grandpa is asking for but he’s going to learn a lot more important things before the story is done.
****
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I was able to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a cute story that I would love to share with my 9 year old. I’m not usually into magic, but the story had just enough to keep me going. I feel in love with Micah and Grandpa and can’t wait to see where Micah’s adventures take him next! Thank you to Penguin Publishing and Netgally for the opportunity to read and review this book!