Mirette on the High Wire

Mirette's mama takes in boarders from all over the world. Mirette is fascinated by their stories, but no one fascinates her so much as Monsieur Bellini, a man who can walk a tightrope in the yard as easily as walking on the ground. Although he discourages her, Mirette is determined to walk like Monsieur Bellini. It takes her ten tries to balance on one foot, but she continues to practice until at last she can walk back and forth without falling.

Delighted, she shows Monsieur Bellini and quickly becomes his eager pupil. But Bellini has a secret he has hidden from Mirette. He was once a renowned tightrope walker who crossed Niagara falls on a single wire. Now he is afraid to walk the high wire again.

But eager Mirette may give him the courage to try.

This gorgeous picture book won the 1993 Caldecott medal. Illustrated in vivid watercolors, it brings to life the atmosphere of a dreamy twentieth-century France. The simply-told story emphasizes perseverance, showing how determination of the young can sometimes bring fresh courage to the old.

McCully also wrote two sequels that are a little bit harder to find.

Review by Lauren Shearer Lauren Shearer writes words for fun and profit. She also makes films, but everyone knows you can't make a profit doing that. Her other hobby is consistently volunteering way too much of her time. You can read more of her reviews here.

Review by Lauren Shearer
Lauren Shearer writes words for fun and profit. She also makes films, but everyone knows you can't make a profit doing that. Her other hobby is consistently volunteering way too much of her time. You can read more of her reviews here.