The Butterfly Circus

Sisters Tansy and Belle work for the Butterfly Circus on the island of Gala. People come from the surrounding islands to visit the circus and watch the girls fly like butterflies through the sky with their trapeze act. One night Tansy decides that she can pull off the impossible with a triple loop, unfortunately for her, she misses the bar and falls breaking her arm.Once her arm is fixed Tansy is too afraid to go back to being a trapeze artist again and so she pretends that her arms still hurts and does odd jobs around the circus instead. That is until one night her sister disappears and being her legal guardian the owners have no choice but to send Tansy to the local orphanage.Tansy is certain her sister didn’t leave of her own accord and so sets off on her own to find her sister, but she is never actually alone when her shadow splits from her and calls herself Rosa. The two must find their inner bravery if they are ever to see Belle again.The Butterfly Circus is one of the most beautiful children’s books I have ever read and it includes maps – I love a book with a map in it! The two sisters have been through a lot in their life. They are found wandering in the woods by the owner of the Butterfly Circus and taken in. Their parents are presumed dead and whilst they enjoy performing they have a little caravan to share as their home and no real comforts.After her fall Tansy loses all confidence in herself and the owner of the circus doesn’t do anything to help her but keeps her on as the help. When Belle suddenly disappears she leaves behind her precious Glowbell and this is how Tansy knows that she has been taken against her will and not just upped and left. She has an idea who has taken her and sets out to find Belle.Tansy is shocked and delighted when her shadow comes to life. She no longer has to do this journey alone. She goes from being this little scared girl into a confident young girl who knows that she is the only one who can save Belle.This book is pure magic from beginning to end. The girls – including Rosa the shadow are delightful and the plot was just perfect. I didn’t want the story to end and I was keeping everything crossed that Tansy and Rose would find Belle and that she had come to no harm. You will have to grab a copy to find out for yourself if everything runs smoothly for the girls.Book Reviewed on Whispering Stories Blog*I received a free copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed

I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Whether you are into the circus or not, this is a fantastic adventure with well-rounded characters who you come to really care for. There are some joyous moments but dangerous ones too - this story does not shirk away from 'big' issues but they do not weigh down the feel of the book as the main focus is of Tansy's journey to try and find Belle. I LOVE how brave Tansy becomes - or realise she already is! And the magical elements are a delight to read. I DO also happen to be circus-obsessed and so this was extra treat for me. My children (10 and 12) both massively rate it too!

I was looking for a gift for my sister and came across this book at a friend’s house. I then simply had to get my own copy!It is a beautiful book. A lot of the themes will resonate with many of us - facing your fear of failure, guilt and separation; love between sisters, loss, courage. This sounds dark and somber, but the story is told so beautifully, with such a loveable main character, that it is only afterwards you realise how much depth this book has got. For children, yes, - but highly recommended for adults too! I read it twice and will read it again.

it's been a while since I have read a book, and even more so felt compelled to write a review of one! I got bought this book as a gift last christmas and only just got round to reading it. Firstly the cover is gorgeous and I love the shiny material! It felt magic as soon as I unwrapped it!!! Absolutely fantastic story, the world building and atmosphere Francesca creates is stunning - she writes beautifully and lightly. I enjoyed every second of her description and it never felt unnecessary or prolonged. Gala ( the island this book is set on ) felt so special , I can't quite explain it. From the beginning it captured my attention, the heart racing opening (no spoilers!!) sucked me in and the whole journey was both enchanting and scary at times. I highly recommend her Fenn Halflin books too, equally as immersive, theyre abit more sinister but in a brilliant way. Great gift , i will be paying someone the same pleasure!

Beautiful and magical adventure story set on a mysterious circus island. Perfect for all ages.