If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, Don't! (Magnolia Says Don't! #3)

PreS-Gr 2--You can do anything at the library. Seeing this message on a poster has given Magnolia an idea: she will bring a circus to the library! Will the child upset the librarian and the patrons with her circus? Will she entertain everyone or cause a commotion? As Magnolia performs acrobatics, she reminds her audience to hold their applause, because you can do anything at the library, except clap. Bright, fun illustrations convey the absurdity of her statements. Magnolia's circus includes a clown, pie throwing, concessions, and a human cannonball. Magnolia is mortified when her cannon is a dud and her audience gets antsy. Looking for a distraction, she grabs a book. Reading to the crowd does the trick. Her audience responds so positively to the story that Magnolia learns the power of a good read-aloud. She also discovers that a library is not a good place for a circus. VERDICT This enjoyable romp through the library with Magnolia will engage young readers and keep them looking forward to her next adventure.--Susan Small, Salve Regina University Library, Newport, RI