Mirette on the High Wire

October 19, 1992
In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. Many traveling performers stay at Madame Gateaux's boarding house, but Mme.'s daughter Mirette is particularly taken with one guest--the quiet gentleman who can walk along the clothesline without falling off. Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the ``Great Bellini'' of high wire fame. After much practice the girl joins Bellini on the wire as he conquers his fear and demonstrates to all of Paris that he is still the best. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. Bellini's anxiety may be a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and, surprisingly, the scenes featuring Mirette and Bellini on the high wire lack drama and intensity. McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World. Ages 4-8.

Emily Arnold McCully narrates her own Caldecott Medal-winning book with emotion well suited to her gently dramatic story. Mirette, the daughter of a boarding house owner, has met many traveling circus performers. But when she sees a new guest, the famous high-wire artist Bellini, walking across a wire strung in the backyard, she is desperate to try it herself. McCully lowers her voice and unevenly affects a slight accent to give Bellini a worldly air, distinguishing him from the other guests. Her accents are not as accomplished as a professional narrator's, but McCully's reading is no less endearing for that. Listeners will feel wonder and excitement as Mirette steps onto the wire in the satisfying conclusion. S.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine