Hooray, it’s a new baby!
Wait, it’s TWO new babies! Because two brothers star in YOUR FIRST DAY OF CIRCUS SCHOOL!
One brother is brand new; the other already knows the ropes. One will show the other how it’s done. And then, vice-versa.
It’s blasting into a bookstore near you TODAY!
Kirkus Reviews said: “In this feel-good story, an older brother helps his younger sibling navigate the first day of circus school. Whether getting ready for school themselves or relating to the comfort of having a loved one as a guide, young readers will enjoy this upbeat twist on the genre.” And Imaginary Elevators wrote, “Kids will love this book.”
To celebrate the release of my 7th picture book, I’m giving away 30-minute Skypes galore, either for your classroom or for you, if you’re a writer.
To enter, simply tell me your favorite act in the circus. I’ll randomly select 7 classroom winners and 7 writing winners. Just let me know which one you are when you comment below!
Good luck!
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
124 comments
Comments feed for this article
June 4, 2019 at 8:07 am
Marlene Farrell
Trapeze — it’s like flying!
June 4, 2019 at 8:09 am
Lynne Marie
Dogs riding horseback 🙂 (or when we got to be Circus Celebrities and ride the Circus Train and then dance with the clowns under the Big Top at Madison Square Garden).
June 4, 2019 at 8:09 am
Katie Frawley
Favorite circus act? TRAPEZE, of course! Highwire too. Anything where it seems like somebody could DEFINITELY fall to his death, but then never does. Congrats on your book babies!!! (I am a writer, by the way…not a class.)
June 4, 2019 at 8:11 am
Michele Helsel
I’m a writer. This looks really cute. Can’t wait to read it! Love the trailer!
June 4, 2019 at 8:11 am
Yael Levy
I’m a writer, and liked the trapeze artists.
June 4, 2019 at 8:15 am
Jennifer Phillips
Congratulations on your new baby! Can’t wait to read. I’m a writer. As someone who has to ease down slowly to touch my toes, I’m a sucker for the contortionists.
June 4, 2019 at 8:16 am
Kathy Halsey
Woot! Let the circus fun begin! Can’t wait to get to my indie bookstore where I work to see if we have this. If not, I’ll request it. Yes.
June 4, 2019 at 8:18 am
nancyeckerson0459
I love the trailer on this book it’s adorable! And my favorite part of the circus Is the elephant at. They are so majestic and it makes you realize just how tiny we are 🙂
June 4, 2019 at 8:21 am
Myrna Foster
Congratulations, Tara! Your new book looks awesome. I’m a writer.
June 4, 2019 at 10:17 am
imagination4lf
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. So exciting, Tara! I am a writer and love all aspects of a good circus—but if I had to choose I would say the trapeze artists. Thank you for this giveaway. 😉
June 4, 2019 at 8:22 am
bamauthor
Oh, the trapeze acts, for sure!
June 4, 2019 at 8:22 am
Kim D
This looks too cute! My favorite part of the circus was always the trapeze. Because it looks so fun but my fear of heights would keep me away. (write)
June 4, 2019 at 8:24 am
Joan Longstaff
As someone who’s always wanted to fly … it’s got to be the trapeze! Congratulations on your new book, looking good. I’m a writer, by the way.
June 4, 2019 at 8:29 am
pathaap
Congratulations, Tara! The trailer looks wonderful! Can’t wait to read it!
June 4, 2019 at 8:32 am
Robin Newman
Happy Book B’day!
June 4, 2019 at 8:34 am
Andrea MacDonald
Tara, what a great prize! I’d dearly love to win a Skype with you as I’m pitching my MS as 7 ATE 9 meets CREEPY CARROTS. 😊 My favorite circus act is the trapeze as it’s graceful and requires so much coordination — not unlike a good piece of writing!
June 4, 2019 at 8:41 am
cantsing1
Hooray Tara. Always a spin on something!
June 4, 2019 at 8:41 am
Kathy Mazurowski
One of my childhood memories was going to the city to see the circus with my father. Trapeze was the most interesting to me. Can’t wait to read your new title!
June 4, 2019 at 8:44 am
Tracy Hora
My favorite is the trapeze! Will get to writing reviews today (have a NetGalley copy). ~writer
June 4, 2019 at 8:45 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Congrats on your Book Birthday Tara!
June 4, 2019 at 8:49 am
Jim Chaize
My favorite circus act is the flying trapeze. Can’t wait to read this. Congrats on your 7th book, Tara. I work at a school, so a classroom Skype would be wonderful.
June 4, 2019 at 8:51 am
Sheri Dillard
Trapeze, for sure! Happy Book Birthday, Tara! (I’d like to enter this as a writer. Thank you!! 🙂
June 4, 2019 at 8:52 am
Sylvia Grech
Congrats to you! Book looks adorable. When I was a kid, my favorite part of the circus was the elephants. I’m a writer.
June 4, 2019 at 8:58 am
Writer on the run
Congratulations! Favorite circus act: the clown car! And I’m a writer!
June 4, 2019 at 9:05 am
BrookeVS
Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it. Favorite circus act: Trapeze. I’m a writer 🙂
June 4, 2019 at 9:08 am
Krista Harrington
Your book looks precious. I can’t wait to read it!
I’m not sure which circus act is my favorite, although one interesting nugget: my 90 y/o grandmother told me how when she was a little girl she went to the circus and saw the “Elephant Man.”
June 4, 2019 at 9:09 am
Angie
Happy book birthday! Looks great! I’ve always loved the acrobats riding horses. I’m a writer. Congratulations!
June 4, 2019 at 9:15 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
Congratulations on your new book! I can’t wait to read it. My favorite part of the circus is the trapeze and the tumblers that do anacinh climbing and acrobatic tricks. My least favorite part is clown acts. Not that I think they’re scary— I just find them weird and boring. (I’m a writer.)
June 4, 2019 at 9:30 am
Ink Bottle Studio
My favorite circus act is anything involving the big cats!! Tigers! Lions!!
I am entering this as a writer….thank you!
June 4, 2019 at 9:34 am
Kristy Nuttall
I’m a writer and my favorite act in the circus is definitely the trapeze artists. I love the way they create poetry in motion as they flip, fly, and fling themselves into stardom through their brave acrobatics. I can’t wait to read your new book, it looks like a fabulous circus romp!
June 4, 2019 at 9:44 am
Linda M.
Hooray! I have to say that I love the Lions the BEST! Although I wish all of them were in the wild and not anywhere near trophy hunters.
June 4, 2019 at 9:45 am
Shelly
Well done Tara!💗
My favourite is the tightrope walker – and I’d love to be in the draw for a chat with me💗
June 4, 2019 at 9:52 am
Karin Larson
Congrats on your book, Tara! I am looking forward to reading it. My favorite part of the circus was always the trapeze. I am a writer. Thanks for all you do for writers everywhere!
June 4, 2019 at 10:01 am
loelmu
Trapeze!
I’m a writer 🙂
June 4, 2019 at 10:10 am
melissamiles1
I’m a writer, who bears a few scars from childhood from attempting to recreate my favorite circus acts at home! Trapeze is definitely a fave, but tightrope earned me one of my best scars. LOL.
June 4, 2019 at 10:17 am
Philip Catchpole
Unicycle! I’m hoping for writing Skype not classroom Skype. Thank you for doing this!
June 4, 2019 at 10:19 am
Lindsay Robinson
My favourite circus act is the high wire…it’s thrilling and terrifying! I’m a writer and would love to skype chat. Can’t wait to check out your latest book!
June 4, 2019 at 10:24 am
andreesantini
Congrats! My fav circus act is the elephants.
June 4, 2019 at 10:26 am
curryelizabeth
Congratulations Tara!! I love elephants. I can’t wait to check out your latest book!
June 4, 2019 at 10:27 am
danielledufayet
Yay! Congrats! I have fond memories of going to the circus-everything was so magical and bigger than life. I actually loved the clowns! They were always so goofy and unpredictable.
June 4, 2019 at 10:39 am
Anitha Kuppuswamy
Congrats! My fav circus act is the elephants.
June 4, 2019 at 11:04 am
colleenrkosinski
I’m a writer-My favorite event was the trapeze.
June 4, 2019 at 11:17 am
Sara Fajardo
Congrats on the release of your latest book. I’m a writer. My favorite event is actually crowd-watching, find the reactions people have to be mesmerizing, especially the littlest spectators, and of course the cotton candy 🙂
June 4, 2019 at 11:18 am
rosecappelli
Sounds like such a fun read! My favorite act was always the elephants. I am a writer.
June 4, 2019 at 11:20 am
Deb Sullivan
Congratulations on your newest book – can’t wait to read it. And thank you for your never ending support for writers out there…your posts, energy and words of encouragement truly make a difference!
June 4, 2019 at 11:38 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Happy Book Birthday, Tara, Just placed a library hold on it.
My favorite circus act has always been the liberty-horse performances.
June 4, 2019 at 11:45 am
marsha e wright
Come one, Come All to Tara’s newest book release! Hooray! My favorite circus act is the Ring Leader! I imagine wearing a top hat and tails, and waving my “magic wand” over the crowd, exciting and thrilling their senses.
Your continued words of support, humor, and wisdom guide my writing journey on the roller coaster of children’s publishing. I’m SO GRATEFUL for you, Tara, especially on challenging revision weeks or heartfelt rejection days. Blessings…
June 4, 2019 at 11:51 am
Kassy Keppol
trapeeeeezzzzzz
June 4, 2019 at 11:56 am
Maria Marshall
Happy Book Birthday. Love your book. Though I’m a writer, I’d transfer the 30-min to a 2nd grade class taught by Sandra Bohem.
June 4, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Debbie Lodato
I’d have to do my favorite circus performance are the aerial acrobatics. Second favorite are the elephants.
Love your new book.
Debbie Lodato
June 4, 2019 at 12:21 pm
jennagrodzicki
My favorite circus act is the trapeze. There was a point in my life when I wanted to be a trapeze artist! LOL
June 4, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Leah Kolidas
I’m a writer. Thanks for this fun opportunity and congrats on the release of your book! My favorite circus act is the trapeze. It takes my breath away!
June 4, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
In my town, we have aerial arts circus performances … my favorite act is the acrobats who do amazing, beautiful feats with ropes and silk scarves. It looks like ballet while suspended in air. It’s gorgeous and remarkable.
June 4, 2019 at 12:47 pm
awritersdream41
Lion Tamer. I’m a writer.
Happy Book Birthday
June 4, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Jay
Happy Book Birthday. I’m a writer. Acrobats on horses. And I also love the ring master!
June 4, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Lori Alexander
Lucky number seven! Congrats, Tara!
June 4, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Susan Twiggs
My favorite circus act is the bareback riders on horses.
June 4, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Josie Liming Gawlowski
I love the person who balances progressively larger items on their chin! 12 foot ladder, no problem! I’m a picture book writer. Thanks Tara!
June 4, 2019 at 1:49 pm
shannonstocker
I once saw this funky act where motorcycles spun around each other inside this round cage. I’m not sure if it was my favorite, but I had to watch between my fingers…so we’ll call it a win. 😉
June 4, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Love the trailer and all your play on words. So like our Tara. The art draws you into the story. Another winner for our star Tara Lazar!
June 4, 2019 at 2:04 pm
shirazwiren
I love the trapeze act in the circus! And I’m a writer!
June 4, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Amber Webb
Happy Book Birthday! I love the elephants! I am an educator.
June 4, 2019 at 2:22 pm
NaKeisha Chambers
Trapeze!!!
June 4, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Tara Hannon
Trapeze is my fav! What a great giveaway. Can’t wait to check out your new book, Tara! Congrats! (Writer) ❤️
June 4, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Emily Patriquin
I’m a writer just starting out and I always loved the elephants!🐘
June 4, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Candace Spizzirri
The trapeze artists! Scary but exciting. Congratulations, Tara! What a great review! Can’t wait to read Your First Day of Circus School!
P.S. I’m a PB writer. 👍😃
June 4, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Congratulations, Tara! I can’t wait to read YOUR FIRST DAY OF CIRCUS SCHOOL! Being a writer who loves humor, I gotta vote for the circus clowns. Just how do they all fit in that tiny car with those big feet?
June 4, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Lauri Meyers
Love your trailer!! Dang, you can write a hook. Congratulations! I enjoy the tigers, because they are so snarky and begrudgingly complete their amazing tasks.
June 4, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Tania Russ Hebert
The trapeze and anything with animals doing silly things. Love the idea of Circus School, never thought of that. Congratulations!! I am a writer.
June 4, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Lenora Biemans
Congratulations on your release (and charming trailer)!
I love watching circus dogs! [writer]
June 4, 2019 at 3:35 pm
kathydoherty1
Wow! What a delightful book! Congratulations!!
June 4, 2019 at 3:50 pm
Nadia Salomon
That’s so awesome Tara!! Congratulations!
June 4, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Cassandra Federman
Trapeze because they are elegant daredevils! Congrats on the book! (I’m a writer)
June 4, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Carole Calladine
Congrats on your seventh book! And eight soon to follow. My favorite circus act is the ladies on horseback. (I’m a writer!)
June 4, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Ann
Trapeze! Hands down!!
School librarian!
June 4, 2019 at 4:36 pm
kristenrashid
Looks so fun! I’m a writer, and my favorite circus act is the trapeze.
June 4, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Cathy Breisacher
Congratulations on your new book, Tara! And thank you for offering this contest. I’m a writer. My favorite circus act is the trapeze act.
June 4, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Sandy Perlic
Congratulations, Tara! I can’t wait to pick this one up. Trapeze would have to be this writer’s favorite circus act.
June 4, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Kelly Shelton
Either prize would be super great with me.
June 4, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Sheri Radovich
Congratulations on your book births and the fun new story ideas you have coming out. I love the g.i.f. of the Zebra. My favorite act at the circus is always the trapeze acts or tight rope, it is the scariest, too.
June 4, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Beth Gallagher
HUGE circus tent-sized congratulations on your new book! Cannot wait to read it and give to my schools. I’d love to win one as a writer. My favorite circus act is definitely the trapeze artists!
June 4, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
I’ve been waiting on this book since you featured the illustrator here months ago! so excited to finally get to order one. I’d love to win as a writer.
June 4, 2019 at 6:21 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Congrats Tara! As you know, I’m a writer and I really love hula hoop girls. They rock!
June 4, 2019 at 6:33 pm
supermario6
Favorite act was trapeze. Writing!
June 4, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Beth Raff
I’m a teacher-librarian! I love the trapeze artists at the circus. I’m reading 7 ate 9 to my first graders this week : ) Congratulations on the new book.
June 4, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Book Dragon
Trapeze is my favourite circus act. I’d love to win a classroom Skype.
June 4, 2019 at 7:20 pm
Cynthia Harmony
Acrobats! Twisting, bending and gasping! I’m a writer but would love a class skype for our school. Either way would be amazing. Congrats Tara!!!
June 4, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Mary Vander Meer
Happy Book Birthday! My favorite acts were the Lions and Tigers.
June 4, 2019 at 9:00 pm
Michelle Carlin
The trapeze of course!
I’m a writer.
June 4, 2019 at 9:19 pm
Mary Worley
Congrats! Can’t wait to read this one. I like the trapeze act—as long as there’s a net.
June 4, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Emma Wood
Congratulations!! The book looks gorgeous! I love acrobats the best – the human body is so amazing. I am a writer. 🙂
June 4, 2019 at 9:21 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
Gotta give it up for the jugglers!! (Oh and I’m a writer… who juggles… but usually just kids’ schedules, not balls or torches!)
June 4, 2019 at 9:45 pm
tiffanydickinson
What a cute book trailer. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this book. Congratulations and happy book birthday! Definitely the trapeze artists are my favorite. So scary and exciting!
June 4, 2019 at 10:13 pm
ptnozell
This writer loves the thrill of the trapeze – watching, not doing! Congratulations on the book birthday!
June 4, 2019 at 10:32 pm
Gabi Snyder
Congratulations, Tara! This sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for offering such a generous giveaway! You do so much for writers like me!
June 4, 2019 at 11:16 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Acrobats for sure, writer here😁
But my favorite part is really the food. My dad just cleaned out their attic and found all our old books and I forgot one of my favorites was the bunny family goes to the circus, oh, childhood flashbacks ❤️
Happy book birthday, my friend, and to many many more
June 4, 2019 at 11:35 pm
Jennifer A Rusin
I can’t wait to read this!!! My favorite act is the trapeze!
June 5, 2019 at 12:11 am
Jennifer B Wright
Writer, I always loved the flying trapeze!! Thanks, Tara. This looks sooooooo adorable and amazing. Congrats on your book birthday and thanks for continually giving back to the PB industry.
June 5, 2019 at 6:25 am
sarahheturadny
Flying trapeze! And congratulations!!!!!!🎈🎉🍾🎊
June 5, 2019 at 6:29 am
Sarah Kilfoil
Happy Book Birthday, Tara. My favorite circus act is the trapeze artists. Please enter my name in the writers pool.
Thanks,
Sarah Kilfoil
June 5, 2019 at 9:18 am
nicole salter braun
Happy book birthday!!!! My favorite circus act would have to be the trapeze artists. They make it look so effortless and there is no mistreatment of animals. (I always worry about that) Can’t wait to read your new book! Oh, and I’m a writer….pick me, pick me…. 🙂
June 5, 2019 at 9:32 am
Kristen Indahl
Congrats, Tara! The aerial straps, like Pink does at her concerts. I’m a writer!
June 5, 2019 at 10:03 am
Lucretia
I’m amazed by the trapeze artists. Their graceful, gravity-defying acrobatics captivate me!
Congratulations on your seventh PB, Tara!! I’m a PB writer.
June 5, 2019 at 11:28 am
Nancy Riley
Tara, congratulations! I love the trailer. Good luck! I love all horse acts, but especially the circus riders/vaulters. I am a writer. Thanks!
June 5, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Susan Johnston
Trapeze! (I’m a writer, BTW)
June 5, 2019 at 12:35 pm
fspoesy
Classic clowns! (Writer) And congrats on your 7th book!
June 5, 2019 at 3:28 pm
Joanne Roberts
Thanks for entering me in the writers’ giveaway. I love the plate spinners/jugglers!!!!! Don’t you?
June 5, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Heidi Yates
I love the trapeze! (I’m a writer.)
June 6, 2019 at 9:49 am
Dea Brayden
No question. Trapeze! Can’t wait to read this book! Congrats to you, Tara. (I’m a writer.)
June 6, 2019 at 10:48 am
Anne Iverson
What a fun read-to-be! Can’t wait to order my copy. Thanks, Tara, for the incredible things you do for the Kid Lit Community! As for circus favorites,I enjoyed the trapeze acts the most. I’m a writer.
June 6, 2019 at 12:11 pm
gingermeurer
I’m a writer, and my favorite circus act is the flying trapeze. I tried it once and couldn’t do more than simply swing, thought I was going to die of fright. My kid showed me up by gliding upside down with the greatest of ease.
June 6, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Le Anne Brown
I’ve been waiting for your book!!! Yea!!! I’m a writer and have always been a big circus fan. In fact, I WAS IN THE CIRCUS!! My favorite 2 acts are the ones I worked so hard to master — Spanish Web (I performed by myself at the top of the tent) and Five On A Bike (imagine four of us women carefully stacked on one man who was pedaling one bicycle in a circle). I also had the honor of helping the tall man get into his really long legged pants before he entered the tent.
June 7, 2019 at 10:09 am
Darcee A. Freier
Congratulations, Tara! 7 books! Wow! My favorite act at the circus is the trapeze artists. So see them flying and have them make it look so effortless is simply amazing. I’m a writer.
June 8, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Cheryl MacAller
Definite tie between the trapeze and the effortless balancing atop a pyramid of adorable dogs! (writer)
June 8, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Heather Kelso
Congrats on your 7th book!
My favorite circus act is the clowns. Watching them chase each other around, trying to fit into tiny cars, making balloon animals, or teasing each other, always makes me smile.
I am a writer.
June 10, 2019 at 10:00 am
Amanda Sincavage
Congrats Tara! Circus School looks like another winner. I saw an amazing juggling act at our local library this year and it was an awesome performance so that’s why I’m going with juggling (definitely not because I’m trying to juggle writing and momming and everything else thrown at me)!
June 10, 2019 at 7:32 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Congrats on your book! Definitely the trapeze, watching them takes my breath away and makes me feel like I’m flying with them. (writer)
June 11, 2019 at 11:25 am
carriewilliford
Very specifically I like seeing the trapeze artists fall into that big bouncy net. It looked really fun as a kid but now as a grown adult with various aches and pains I imagine it would be a nightmare for me to navigate. I’m a writer.
June 11, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Mia G.
Congratulations!
A writer! The trapeze!
June 19, 2019 at 1:37 pm
Dee Knabb
Looks fantastic to this writer. Congrats, Tara. Love the acrobatics.
July 16, 2019 at 5:34 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Aaack just clearing out my email inbox today and see I missed this. Or did I? If you’re still accepting entries, my favourite thing is the flying trapeze. wheee!
April 28, 2021 at 8:23 am
Erin Siska
Woohoo! My favorite act is the trapeze artists! Especially Cirque du Soleil’s. If I win I would love a writing consult. Thank you Tara and happy book birthday!
January 1, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Ali Earle Parker
I love the dogs working with the clowns. I also like the dogs riding horseback or jumping through hoops. Anything dogs are invoked in.
I’m a writer.
January 4, 2022 at 8:28 pm
Jennifer Sniadecki
I love the flying trapeze! So beautiful and terrifying to watch! My favorite part is that I can watch, but not get hurt myself.