The Circus Comes to Town

"The Circus Comes to Town" by Lebbeus Mitchell is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of adventure, belonging, and the innocence of childhood through the experiences of young Jerry Elbow, who longs to see a circus and connect with others. The story is set in a small town and revolves around Jerry's interactions with the Mullarkey children as they anticipate the circus's arrival. The opening of the novel introduces Jerry, a boy living with the Mullarkey family, who feels somewhat out of place despite being cared for by Mother 'Larkey. The narrative begins with Jerry's encounter with a lady who gifts him an apple, which he cherishes until it's snatched away by one of the Mullarkey kids after they witness a tantalizing circus poster featuring an elephant. This instantly captivates Jerry, who dreams of the circus and feels a strong connection to the elephant in the poster. As the chapter unfolds, the characters grapple with their desires and the reality of their financial struggles, setting the stage for Jerry’s yearning for both adventure and acceptance within the community.