🎪The Travelling Circus🎪

"What initially appears to be a straightforward tale delivers a sinister twist that is certain to capture kiddy imaginations, as will the sumptuous artwork with its eye-catching detail, richly atmospheric colour palette, and excellent use of light and shade. Kids will be happily enraptured, but be warned: their mummies and daddies might feel icy fingers tickling their spines!"

: Science fiction author, winner of the 2010 Philip K. Dick Award

"The detailed, spectacular and vibrantly colored illustrations make this original and gifted story come to life with a special magic. Mark Watson's children's books are a must read for all children."

Jackie Ferrell: Readers' Favorite

"This is what the little ones want - stunning illustrations and a magical, exciting story. Mark Watson’s ‘The Travelling Circus’ is his best yet, and really raises the bar for children’s authors.

A little boy receives an unexpected present, which turns out to be much more than just a toy. What starts out as pure joy, ends up with a valuable lesson that things are not always what they seem.

One of the most visually exciting books I’ve seen in a long time."

Rick Smith: Best selling author and publisher

The little boy’s biggest and best present,

was an awesome, fold-out circus tent.

He put it up and played in it all day,

flatly refusing to tidy it away.

In the middle of the night, when all were sleeping sweetly,

music came into his dreams, although he slept so deeply.

He tossed and turned and mumbled, then in his sleep he spoke,

“The Circus is in town!” And with that he awoke…

He rubbed his eyes and shook his head,

fairylights were on his bed!

On the top, down the side and along the floor they went,

like softly glowing fallen stars, leading to the tent…

Again he rubbed his eyes, again he shook his head,

then he found the Circus folk, were standing by his bed!

The poor, surprised little boy, could only sit and stare,

as a human cannonball shot through the air!

The boy couldn’t believe his eyes, it seemed that all were there,

lions, tigers, acrobats and, of course, a dancing bear!

He smelled cotton candy sandwiches with ice cream inside,

burgers, fries, hotdogs and toffee apples on the side.

The ringmaster came closer and bending down,

whispered…

“It’s time to move on, it’s time to leave town.

Oh what wonderful sights you’ll see

If you come with us in our magic marquee…

Each night we perform in different places,

for Highnesses, Lords, Dukes and ‘Your Graces’”.

The ringmaster smiled and held out his hand,

“And three times a year by Royal Command.”

“Come into the tent, a new day is dawning,

The Travelling Circus is gone by morning.”

The smells, the lights, the atmosphere.

The boy got up, he felt no fear.

Hand in hand to the tent they walked,

followed by the circus folk.

He felt a little dizzy, the room started to spin.

The Ringmaster smiled, then gently ushered him in.

The sun came up like always, but in the morning light,

the room looked very different that it had looked last night.

The floor was bare of even a toy.

The tent had gone

and so had the boy.