Olivia Saves the Circus
By Ian Falconer
The Story
A big-imagination girl tells her class about her circus trip, where every performer called in sick — so she became the whole show herself, from unicyclist to lion tamer to trapeze star.
Why It's Special
For the kid who turns every show-and-tell into a starring role, Olivia's version of events is bigger, bolder, and entirely her own.
- Big idea: Imagination is a kind of superpower — the story you tell about yourself can be more thrilling than what actually happened.
- Vibes: Theatrical, deadpan-funny, dry wit wrapped in a child's grand storytelling.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories about big imaginations
- like to exaggerate and perform their own adventures
- respond well to deadpan humor and dramatic flair
- are working on confidence in telling their own stories
Ask Your Little Reader
- Imagination: If you had to save the circus like Olivia, which act would you want to do first?
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Olivia decided she could do all the performers' jobs herself?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever told a story about your summer that made it sound extra exciting?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Olivia felt being the star of the whole circus?
- Imagination: What would you call yourself if you got to invent your own circus act, like Olivia the Tattooed Lady?
