Circus Mirandus

Children’s fantasy fiction appeals to young readers' desires for adventure and discovery while addressing universal themes of love, loss, and hope. Beasley’s Circus Mirandus caters to her younger audience’s yearning for wondrous adventures through the experience of the child-aged characters at Circus Mirandus, a circus filled with magical animals, delicious candy, unbelievable performances—such as flying women and incredibly strong men—and immersive sensory journeys.

Many children’s fantasy novels feature magical worlds embedded within the real world and youthful protagonists. In Circus Mirandus, the protagonist, Micah Tuttle, and his grandfather, Ephraim Tuttle, are both 10 years old when they stumble across the circus within the world of their existing towns. Entry to the circus is achievable, even at their young ages: They can pay to enter using items on their person, including pieces of string or fish, rather than money. Circus Mirandus mysteriously inserts itself among the existing environment and infrastructure of a place and is invisible to adults because of the Lightbender’s magic. Instead of creating a world separate from reality, Beasley inserts her magic within an existing, recognizable world, making the infiltration of magic and wonder into readers’ lives more plausible.

Alongside these elements, the plots of children’s fantasy novels typically include a coming-of-age element, whereby characters must face and overcome universally relatable difficulties. In the case of Circus Mirandus, Micah must accept the tragic illness and death of his grandpa, Ephraim. Although magic is real in the story world, it cannot reverse sickness or death. Micah celebrates his and Ephraim’s joyful life together and must accept the immense pain and sadness that his passing brings. Micah’s friendship with Jenny is another aspect of the novel’s coming-of-age storyline as the two learn to respect and support each other despite their differences.