The Circus Comes to the Village

By Yutaka Kobayashi

Part of the Yamo's Village series

A circus visit brings joy and change to a war-torn village, leaving hope amidst destruction.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 38 ratings

41 pages

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In Paghman village, Yamo and Mirado find solace in the visiting circus as war looms over their lives. Yamo misses his brother, while Mirado's father is away fighting. The circus offers a brief escape, with Mirado's flute enchanting the crowd. But when the circus departs, Mirado leaves too, and winter brings devastation to the village. As spring arrives, hope emerges with the villagers' return. Will Yamo and Mirado reunite in a world reshaped by conflict?

From the publisher

When fall arrives, the circus comes to Paghman village, one of the few pleasures for the villagers. Yamo and his friend Mirado are very excited. Yamo misses his brother, who has gone off to war. Mirado’s father is also away at war. At the circus, the boys browse the vendors, ride the swings and enjoy the shows. Mirado plays his father’s flute with the circus band and his music moves the people’s hearts. When the circus moves on the next day, Mirado leaves with it. As the villagers prepare for the severe winter ahead, Yamo thinks about his friend Mirado and wonders how he is doing. Finally, snow falls. The villagers are happy, since the snow leads to the next year’s harvest. Kobayashi’s illustrations portray the beautiful village life that fall. Then, on the final page we are stunned to learn: “This winter, my village was destroyed by the war, and people escaped to other villages.” But the reader is ultimately left with hope, as the springtime announces the villagers’ return.

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