Full Disclosure: I have not (yet) read the first book in the Klises' Three-Ring Rascals series, and I read book #3 before reading this, book #2.

I actually preferred book #3, [b:The Circus Goes to Sea|20312463|The Circus Goes to Sea|Kate Klise|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394404928s/20312463.jpg|28147222], to The Greatest Star on Earth. I'm not exactly sure why I prefer book #3 -- neither book is very realistic or accurate to circus life. But the plot of The Circus Goes to Sea, in which the circus embarks on a cruise and performs on-board, is more entertaining than the plot of The Greatest Star on Earth, in which Sir Sidney develops a physical worrywart on his nose and the circus members compete against each other to win a trophy.

However, the illustrations are adorable, and, although the plots may be a bit eye-roll inducing for grown-ups, they're sure to make kids laugh.

Note: I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley. ( )

Read for a review journal and it was cute. Not my usual reading, but can see it appealing to an elementary crowd that appreciates talking animals and humor. ( )

This is book two in the Three Ring Rascals series and it is delightful. When Polly Pumpkinseed announces that she will be awarding a trophy to the greatest star in the circus, all the performers both large and small are excited. Sir Sidney, the circus owner begins to worry. How can only one performer in his great show be the best? His worry, causes a worrywart that sends him home to his peanut farm in Georgia. But the circus must go on with their tour. At each stop, one of the circus acts lets their desire to be the best overtake their better nature. The acting circus director is guided into good actions when he reads the book, mice Gert and Bert, have written for him. All of this is illustrated with the wonderful drawings that add so much to the story. Eventually, the lesson is learned, the greatest circus act is 'us'. Another excellent addition to the works of Kate and M. Sarah Klise. Elementary level. Could be used as a read aloud and tied into guidance and circus curriculum . A bit of math, word play and some geography! Reviewed from NetGalley. ( )