Age range 9 to 12

Imaginative, self-confident, EXTRAORDINARY Mimi steps into the spotlight in this charming debut with an emotional heart.

If you were to imagine an extraordinary moment of destiny, I bet you wouldn’t imagine it in a kitchen on a particularly ordinary Wednesday. I bet you wouldn’t imagine a plate of cheese and crackers or a replacement best friend — but this was my moment. Because when my Dad left to be a trick high diver in Mr. Morelli’s Big Top Circus Extravaganza, he left his ordinary life to achieve his extraordinary destiny. Grandma didn’t realise she had just handed me the key to my extraordinary life.

Mimi is the expert in all things extraordinary, like snow days, blue raspberry candy, and especially her dad, who recently joined the circus. And she’s sure he’ll be back to recruit her once she proves how extraordinary she can be. With her new hamster as her assistant, Mimi starts rehearsals for a marvellous mime show. But her moody older brother and needy ex-best-friend—not to mention memories of the day her dad left home — keep interfering with her plans.

Still, Mimi throws herself into her act. Everything has to be perfect for her dad’s return — even if no one but her hamster believes in her. Even if Mimi is starting to doubt her own story, too.

Debut author Eliza Martin’s quirky characters are brought vividly to life by Anna Bron’s endearing art in this charming novel about savoring the extraordinary in even the most difficult moments.