Kirkus Review 10/15/1992

Inspired by the exploits of the daredevil Blondin, an exotic, suspenseful story about the affection and loyalty between teacher and protegee: Mirette learns tightrope-walking from Monsieur Bellini, a famous wirewalker who has lost his nerve and is staying in her mother's Parisian boardinghouse because he can no longer perform. For Mirette's sake, Bellini plans a comeback--a walk across a square from one high rooftop to another--but he freezes on the wire until Mirette dashes up to the opposite roof and walks out to meet him. Intense colors, strong contrasts of light and shadow, and artistes and dandies straight out of Toulouse-Lautrec convey the atmosphere of Paris in la belle epoque--a real departure in style and subject matter from McCully's mouse-family adventures. (Picture book. 5-9)

Personal Review:

Watching a guest at her mother's boardinghouse walking a tightrope suspended above a courtyard inspires Mirette to learn how to achieve such a feat. What she doesn't know is that the man is the Great Bellini, who is taking a break from performing when fear overtakes him after a fall. Yet Mirette is determined and committed to following in his steps. McCully's bright and colorful watercolors carry the reader over the rooftops of nineteenth-century Paris and into the heart of a determined and brave little girl. ( )

This book is set in late 19th century France and details the adventure of a young girl who learns to walk the high wire and rescues her mentor in the process. The vibrancy of the watercolor illustrations and their fuzzed lines infuses the book with the excitement and rush of Mirette’s boarding house childhood, bringing it to life. Although the narration is third person, the point of view is entirely Mirette’s. The reader experiences the world as young Mirette does. The book shows how people can positively influence and help one another. It examines the themes of courage and of overcoming fears. The colorful illustrations and exotic plot make this book a good choice for reading aloud to younger elementary school students. ( )

The Great Bellini, once a master on the high wire, takes a room at the Boardinghouse run by Mirette's mother in Paris. He seems sad. He keeps to himself, and when he does go out on the high wire, he refuses to teach Mirette his talent. She is so fascinated by the art and so determined to learn, though, that she begins to teach herself. Once Bellini observes her talent, he coaches her more, but gravely warns her of becoming too proud. Finally, he admits to her that he no longer does great shows because he has developed a fear that did not always afflict him. Mirette encourages him to face his fear, but he is reluctant. However, Mirette means so much to him that he realizes that he must face his fear in order to set a good example for her and help her to succeed. He arranges a sort of 'comeback' show which the whole city watches. Mid-wire, though, he freezes with fear, and Mirette is the only one who can help him. She walks out and faces him so that he has the strength to carry on. In the end, they begin doing high wire shows together.

This story, set in 19th century Paris, tells the story of Mirette, a young girl who lives in a boarding house that houses acrobats, jugglers and other entertainers. One day a mysterious man arrives who keeps to himself. When Mirette finds him walking on a wire across the courtyard, she is entranced by his skills and she pleads with him to teach her. Day in and day out she practices and soon becomes quite confident in her wire walking skills. One day a talent agent arrives and tells the boardinghouse visitors that the mysterious man is the great Bellini, the man who once walked a tight wire across Niagra Falls. When Mirette asks Bellini why he no longer does his daring feats, Bellini admits that he is afraid. Finally, he gathers his courage to perform another feat, but he freezes as he steps onto the wire. Fortunately, Mirette is there. She crosses the wire and meets the great Bellini half-way. She has truly become his protege. ( )

This book starts out about a little girl that lives in a boarding house in England. There were travelers that came to stay there. One day a man showed up that was an old high wire walker and asked to stay. He walked on the clothes line one day and showed the little girl how because she wanted to learn. This man got recognized one day and the little girl heard about all the wonderful things he did. She asked him why he did not do those things anymore and it was because he was scared of the wire. Then the little girl helped him conquer his fear and the two of them got an act together on the high wire.

This book is a good book but there are some difficult words that might be hard for children starting out reading. This book has some intresting information about it. This book also teaches a lesson to try again and do not give up even if you fall.

This book would be good for children that can handle different words. This would not be a book I would read aloud to a classroom.