Book Review: If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, DON'T! by Elise Parsley

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Delightfully silly fun

Cons: DON’T think there are any

The Bottom Line:

Circus, library

Make for a comic mix in

This fun picture book

Three Rings of Fun!

I stumbled upon the hilarious wacky adventures of Magnolia a couple of years back, but I haven’t followed these picture books closely.  That’s why I’m just now reading If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, DON’T!  It’s silly fun that kids of all ages will love.

Magnolia has noticed that sign at her local library proclaiming that “You can do anything at the library.”  She takes that as an invitation to put on a circus for the kids in the library.  Of course, they all need to be quiet – this is a library after all.  But really, what could possibly go wrong?

I’ll leave it to you to discover just where Magnolia’s antics get her, but this book is a lot of fun.  You do need to let the logic side of your brain go, like why the librarians didn’t kick her out early on, but just go with it because the results are worth it.  And it all leads up to the climax, which is the best part.

Elise Parsley is the author and illustrator for these books, and she does a fantastic job again here.  Not only is the story fun, but her illustrations are outstanding as well.  They really bring Magnolia’s antics to life.

The one quirk about this book is that it is told in second person.  Even though Magnolia is obviously the one causing the mayhem, she is warning what might go wrong if “you” tried to do something so we can learn from her experiences.  While books in second person are rare, it works here and seems to add to the charm.

So, if you are looking for something fun to read with your kids, I highly recommend you pick up If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, DON’T!  The entire family will enjoy the fun in this picture book.