I wasn’t sure I would like this one (Carnivals make me nervous), but Alex Milway has done it again. I highly recommend this to young readers and their families!

Things I love:

  • The characters are again lovely.
  • Anna is driven by the policy that “everyone is welcome.” This makes some people unhappy or uncomfortable, but she is resolute. She even opens a room to a kind old homeless sheep dog covered in fleas who cannot pay. She wrestles with some of the issues of not charging one guest, others being uncomfortable, etc. He explains the pickle that without a home he can’t find a job and without a job he can’t pay for a home. In the end he finds a job because of her kindness.
  • Anna must stand up to a scoundrel, and several times she takes a deep breath to keep her cool.
  • Anna shows creativity, patience, resilience, grace, and inclusivity.

I was initially hesitant because carnivals are often full of untasteful attractions and motives, but this carnival is more of a festival. The author specifically said it is to celebrate life, the end of summer, good food, and music. It is a colorful and over-the-top celebration with bright colors, a rock band, and parade with creative animal floats but tastefully handled and age-appropriate.

This would be a great addition to my family’s bookshelf!