Tent Show by Susan Saunders

Product Details

Annotation

One memorable summer afternoon in a small town, a girl who is disgusted that her older sister is marrying and settling down listens to a story told by a contemporary of her grandmother's, and from that moment on views life a little differently.

School Library Journal

Saunders combines the present with the past in a humorous account of the problems of two very real little girls. Ellie is furious with her older sister for dropping out of college to marry a hog farmer. She tells her tales of woe to her grandmother's actress friend, Sara, who is visiting from New York, and what follows is Sara's story of her youth. She tells how she tried to make her sister's boyfriend's beloved gray horse look like an Indian chief's by decorating him with war paint made of laundry bluing, and of sneaking out of her house to attend a tent show. She became a replacement for a sick child actor--until she was recognized by her dog and taken home in disgrace. Sara's story helps Ellie realize that she can not control her sister's life, but that she can determine what happens in her own. The character of Sara is particularly well developed, both as a child and an adult, and it will be easy for readers to see the child in the adult. Numerous black-and-white illustrations deftly capture and enhance the events and characters. The format is attractive, with well-spaced print that is large enough to encourage children just beginning chapter books. The frequent illustrations and short chapters will also help reluctant readers sustain their interest in this fun-filled book. --Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC