Nell and the Circus of Dreams

by Nell Gifford, Briony May Smith (Illustrator)

When a little girl called Nell makes friends with a tiny chick on her farm, it is the start of a journey that leads her into a dreamy circus realm. Was it something real or did it spring from her imagination? Nell will never be sure . . . but she leaves the tent uplifted by the wonderland that she found inside. Beautifully written by Nell Gifford, founder of Giffords Circus, and with stunning illustrations from Briony May Smith, this story brings the heart-stopping magic of the circus to the pages of a book. With a linen feel cover and foil, this sumptuous hardback makes a perfect gift choice.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2019

Reviews

[Nick Swarbrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little lost-and-found story about a little girl left to her own devices, her chicken and the “bright dusty people” of the circus. Simply told with glowing, straightforward illustrations, this is sure to be a wow with the fans of Gifford’s Circus, and with a sweet (if slightly loose-ends) ending.

[NBPB Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nell lived on a farm with her mother. One summer, her mother was sick, and little Nell was sad. The farm was quiet. Nell sat in the garden and noticed a cute little chick. Suddenly, there was a glow on her face. She picked the chick and named it Rosebud. She spent all day with it and even let it sleep on her bed. The next morning she woke up looking for Rosebud, but it was missing. When Nell looked for it, she saw the circus people making their tent. She helped them. But she remembered her mother and cried. What happened to Nell? Did she find Rosebud?

We picked this book for its cover. The book talks about a painful summer of a little girl and how her search for her newfound friend makes her forget her pains and cherish that day forever. The brilliant illustrations make the story more appealing to young and old audiences.
Nell and the Circus of Dreams by Nell Gifford is an emotional journey of a little girl narrated with bright illustrations.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently created a teaching cross-curricular plan with a heavy focus on English for a module at University-based on this book. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at this book in lots of depth and detail. The illustrations by Briony May-Smith are absolutely stunning with rich detail and colours. It would be good to share with KS1 and even KS2 as there are lots of themes this book explores, for example, loneliness, loss, friendship, and diversity. I would highly recommend this book!

[A Severs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic writing packed with feeling...

"That summer Nell's mother was so ill that she did not get out of bed."

"Rosebud knew all of Nell's dreams and all of her fears. She carried them in her soft, warm feathers and she kept Nell's dreams safe."

I could go on quoting parts of this text.

[Austria Kovalenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where was this book in my childhood days?!
This book is beautiful, all around.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully-lit illustrations by Briony May Smith

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovingly written, Gifford's enchanting tale of friendship and acceptance reads like a lyrical lullaby of magic, wonder and imagination.

[Flavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful read and has gorgeous illustrations. Makes you want to run away to the circus!

[Alice Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely touching story. I have been to Giffords circus and saw Nell perform before she sadly passed away. The children loved the magic of this book.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with a dream-like, almost nostalgic quality, this is a book to take you away on a journey of quiet joy and wonder. The text and illustrations are equally enchanting and set the scenes in a way that pulls you in, making the story come alive, firing the imagination and creativity. The story is written simply, but with care and attention to Nell’s feelings throughout. There is real magic in these words. The illustrations are simply stunning; vibrant and sumptuous with depth and texture. The facial expressions and choice of colour bring to life the words on the page, making each one a work of art. A story of friendship, caring, running away with the circus and bringing home your own brand of happiness.