Pop Goes the Circus!

Three-Ring Rascals #4

by Kate Klise

BERT IS MISSING! The members of Sir Sidney’s Circus look everywhere. They don’t know that Bert the circus mouse has been carried away by a huge balloon. Meanwhile, far away, Flora Endora Eliza LaBuena LaPasta is tired of being ignored. Her parents seem to have no time for her as they prepare for a new baby, so Flora comes up with a plan to mail herself to her friends at the circus. A popped balloon and a mixed-up shipment bring Bert and Flora together. In the worst of times, a best friendship is born. But how long can a tiny mouse and a runaway girl survive in a world of bad drivers, angry mobs, and greedy robbers? The pals must find their way home in Pop Goes the Circus! “Engaging black-and-white illustrations, with loads of word balloons, and charming humor make this another winning addition to the series.” —School Library Journal PRAISE FOR THREE-RING “With this series, youngsters will find reading smooth sailing and look forward to future escapades.” —Kirkus Reviews “A fun pick for fans of silly stories and for reluctant readers, too.” —School Library Journal Visit ThreeRingRascals.com to join Sir Sidney’s Circus.

Genres: Humor, Childrens, Animals, Adventure, Juvenile

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.

Reviews

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a short break after reading books 1-3 in the series, we are now back for the penultimate book in the series, book 4.
I have to say, I love the continuity in these books, that things that happen in one book are reflected in the next and not totally forgotten.
The stories are pretty ridiculous and over the top silly, but you do feel more invested in a series that is aware of its continuity.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bert really pops out in his bust-out-role in this high-flying circus adventure. This one is sure to tug at--if not steal your heartstrings. So, don't stay boxed up in your real world, open this book and set yourself up for an adventure away from home while in the comfort of your own home sweet home. Get comfy, get some tissues, put your reading glasses on, bust out this book and read on.

[Mamie Davage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book, but it needs more of Barnabas Brambles because in the other books he is the main character but in this one his stepdaughter is.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book, enjoyable story. I don't think it is the best book in the series, but it's still good.

[GS Dachslove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some illustrations. Conversation bubbles within illustrations. Lower reading level, but lots of text and longer page count. Maybe I found an old reading level scale?

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading this series to my preschool sons. It's silly but fun.

[Kathy (Bermudaonion) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bert the circus mouse is tired of performing his chores in support of the circus. Flora is feeling left out of the preparations her parents are making for the baby. When Bert is whisked away on the tail of a balloon and when Flora decides to mail herself to her friends at Sir Sidney's circus they find themselves in a world of trouble while the whole world is looking for them.

This fourth book in the series takes a break from the circus so to speak and seeks to develop the characters of Bert and Flora as they impersonate a famous vetriloquist duo in order to earn money and spin quite a story to distract a pair of robbers turned kidnappers.

This series isn't nearly as strong in terms of writing or characterization as other series penned by these authors, but it's plots still satisfy making it a suitable read for grades 3-5.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Not till we are lost ... do we begin to find ourselves." Henry David Thoreau

Gert has had it with Bert's lack of responsibility with chores. She tells him he's as bad as Barnabus Brambles when he first came to Sir Sydney's Circus. The next day, Bert is nowhere to be found. What no one knows, is that Bert has been carried off by a balloon accidently. He ends up in Mobile, Alabama. Meanwhile, Fiona mails herself to "Sir Sydney's Circus, somewhere in the USA" and she ends up in Mobile, as well.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dexter (7yo) read. "Gert was looking for Bert. She looked everywhere but could not find him, until she saw a tail under a bed. It was Bert under the bed! He went out at night when the Banana Brothers were blowing up balloons. Bert was learning how to whistle and then tried outside until he got it. When he was out of breath, he accidentally grabbed a balloon and flew off!"

[Reving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Great addition! Review to come!

[Chinook · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was cute. I'd totally read the previous books in the series. I'll have to look out for these once Kait's old enough.

[Julia Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books!

[Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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