MIDDLE GRADE:  Come one, come all to this larger-than-life biography of P. T. Barnum, showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Visit Barnum's American Museum, established in only four weeks! Meet Madame Josephine Clofulia, the Swiss Bearded Lady. Get to know Tom Thumb, a miniature man (only twenty-five inches tall), and his tiny bride (thirty-two inches). Watch as the circus parade goes by, elephants tail to trunk, costumed performers waving, lions yawning. Then, under the big top, as Barnum steps into the spotlight, cast your eyes on the center ring and prepare to be amazed.

Drawing on old circus posters, photographs, etchings, ticket stubs, playbills(see Bonus CD for this material!), award-winning author Candace Fleming presents history as it's never been experienced before — a stupendous, tremendous, showstopping event!