![]() ![]() McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World. ![]() 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. Mirette meets Bellini, a high-wire walker, and decides it is something she wants to do. Her watercolor illustrations depicting Paris in the late 1800’s sets a perfect tone for the story. But Mirette doesnt know that the stranger was once the Great Bellini-master wire-walker. Emily Arnold McCully is certainly deserving of this award for Mirette on the High Wire. When the widows daughter, Mirette, discovers him crossing the courtyard on air, she begs him to teach her how he does it. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. One day, a mysterious stranger arrives at a boardinghouse of the widow Gateau-a sad-faced stranger, who keeps to himself. 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. ![]() Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the ``Great Bellini'' of high wire fame. 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. In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. ![]()
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