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Extraordinary Jane
For anyone with a beloved pet, this delightful and heartwarming story set at the circus shows that quiet qualities like friendship, kindness, and loyalty are important and worthy.
Jane is an ordinary dog in an extraordinary circus. She isn't strong, graceful, or brave like her family. When she tries to be those things, Jane just doesn't feel like herself, but she also doesn't feel special. Is she really meant for this kind of life? Her Ringmaster thinks so, but not for the reasons Jane believes.
Ordinary can be extraordinary!
Jane is an ordinary dog in an extraordinary circus. She isn't strong, graceful, or brave like her family. When she tries to be those things, Jane just doesn't feel like herself, but she also doesn't feel special. Is she really meant for this kind of life? Her Ringmaster thinks so, but not for the reasons Jane believes.
Ordinary can be extraordinary!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2014
6 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
March 25, 2026
To be honest, circuses have never really been my thing. I’ve been aware of the mistreatment of animals in the past, so attending a circus was not going to be my go-to-place for entertainment.
But having said that, I’ve also come to understand that many modern circuses focus far less on animals—often excluding them entirely—and instead celebrate the performers.
So, my decision to read this book came purely because of my Goodreads friend, Darla, and her wonderful review, which truly drew me in. (Her review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....)
And, I’m so glad it did.
Because while this story is set in a circus, bursting with movement and color, the message is something more.
At first glance, the book cover invites readers to believe this story belongs to the elephant—after all, that’s where the eye naturally lands. Look a little longer, though, and the world opens up: a monkey joyfully playing a trumpet, and acrobatic dogs mid-performance. Then there is one small detail that quietly steals our hearts—a Bichon Frise-esque dog sitting calmly, smiling out at the reader.
That dog is Jane.
Throughout the book, the illustrations are expressive, and wonderfully intentional. Each page feels alive with personality. Which allows young readers to discover Jane much like they discover themselves: slowly, thoughtfully, and with growing affection.
Jane is part of a family of extraordinary circus performers, but her quiet joy reminds us that extraordinary doesn’t always mean standing out. Sometimes it means simply being who you are. The illustrations perfectly reinforce this message, showing children that worth and happiness are not tied to performance, but to presence.
A visually engaging and emotionally affirming picture book, this story offers young readers a powerful lesson wrapped in warmth, color, and charm.
Age Level: 3–6 years+
Grade Level: Preschool–Kindergarten+
But having said that, I’ve also come to understand that many modern circuses focus far less on animals—often excluding them entirely—and instead celebrate the performers.
So, my decision to read this book came purely because of my Goodreads friend, Darla, and her wonderful review, which truly drew me in. (Her review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....)
And, I’m so glad it did.
Because while this story is set in a circus, bursting with movement and color, the message is something more.
At first glance, the book cover invites readers to believe this story belongs to the elephant—after all, that’s where the eye naturally lands. Look a little longer, though, and the world opens up: a monkey joyfully playing a trumpet, and acrobatic dogs mid-performance. Then there is one small detail that quietly steals our hearts—a Bichon Frise-esque dog sitting calmly, smiling out at the reader.
That dog is Jane.
Throughout the book, the illustrations are expressive, and wonderfully intentional. Each page feels alive with personality. Which allows young readers to discover Jane much like they discover themselves: slowly, thoughtfully, and with growing affection.
Jane is part of a family of extraordinary circus performers, but her quiet joy reminds us that extraordinary doesn’t always mean standing out. Sometimes it means simply being who you are. The illustrations perfectly reinforce this message, showing children that worth and happiness are not tied to performance, but to presence.
A visually engaging and emotionally affirming picture book, this story offers young readers a powerful lesson wrapped in warmth, color, and charm.
Age Level: 3–6 years+
Grade Level: Preschool–Kindergarten+
July 25, 2014
In a world where we constantly praise children for being best, fastest, smartest and prettiest - it's high time we remind our children that you're unique and extraordinary just being you. Whimsical and charming illustrations make this a MUST HAVE title and wonderful story to share.
July 12, 2015
You, just as you are, are enough. A lovely message in the form of a sweet dog who lives at a circus. Gorgeous illustrations!
March 28, 2026
Extra Ordinary
In a tiny children's boardbook, Hannah Harrison gives us a story about a circus dog who learns that not every one has to be extraordinary. She is loved for being herself. I found the book at the local library, but I first heard of it from my friend Karen's review
This only takes a few minutes to read, but I can imagine small children carrying it around indefinitely. It has a message that is well-worth sharing. I think many of us prefer 'human circuses' today, like Cirque du Soleil, which focus on athleticism, instead of 'working' animals. Good treatment of animals is, of course, a subject that may come up when sharing this with small children. And, I think this book emphasizes the worth of all, even the smallest among us.
In a tiny children's boardbook, Hannah Harrison gives us a story about a circus dog who learns that not every one has to be extraordinary. She is loved for being herself. I found the book at the local library, but I first heard of it from my friend Karen's review
This only takes a few minutes to read, but I can imagine small children carrying it around indefinitely. It has a message that is well-worth sharing. I think many of us prefer 'human circuses' today, like Cirque du Soleil, which focus on athleticism, instead of 'working' animals. Good treatment of animals is, of course, a subject that may come up when sharing this with small children. And, I think this book emphasizes the worth of all, even the smallest among us.
September 11, 2019
This is an excellent story about a cute dog who lives in a circus, but does not seem to have any special talents. She is however, the beloved pet of the ring master. She realizes that being ordinary makes her extraordinary in a world where everyone is unique.
I love reading this book to kindergartners. It is just the right length for a library read aloud. After these kiddos have been read to all day long, they really do not want to sit and study another book. This story is so cute and inspirational that I always had a class full of joyful 5-year-olds at the end.
The pictures are beautiful, as well. I would recommend all of Hannah E. Harrison's books for any children's library.
I love reading this book to kindergartners. It is just the right length for a library read aloud. After these kiddos have been read to all day long, they really do not want to sit and study another book. This story is so cute and inspirational that I always had a class full of joyful 5-year-olds at the end.
The pictures are beautiful, as well. I would recommend all of Hannah E. Harrison's books for any children's library.
December 17, 2017
Both humorous and heartwarming. But do children even know what a circus is, irl, anymore? I've never taken my kids to one; don't think I've even ever had a chance. I do want more by author/ illustrator, esp. the art.
June 10, 2015
Really delightful. I loved the circus theme and the illustration style. It's also kind of nice to have Jane not be super exceptional--she's just a really sweet, thoughtful dog. And that's okay! And celebrated!
August 26, 2015
Fabulous! Looks just like my dog so of course this is an amazing book!
August 1, 2017
It's enough just to be yourself. Even if you're only a little white dog.
February 15, 2022
I think it is a very sweet book, showing that you don't have to be like your parents or you brothers or sisters in what they do. But just being yourself is extraordinary in it's self.
August 27, 2025
Jane lived in a world surrounded by extraordinary animals, but Jane was just ordinary. No matter how hard Jane tried to find her special gift to fit in, there was no finding it.
Read
November 11, 2014Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E Harrison
Harrison, H. (2014). Extraordinary Jane. The Penguin Group.
Audience: not specified, this is a book that has potential for a wide variety of ages! The message can be interpreted on multiple cognitive levels, and adjusted accordingly.
Jane didn’t always feel extraordinary. For most of her life, she actually felt extra ordinary—a plain Jane. She never felt like she could measure up to her parents’ talents, or her brothers’ bravery, or her sisters’ grace. Jane struggles to find her place in a world that puts a lot of emphasis on bright and shining talents. However, she meets someone in her life that reminds her just what it means to be special. You don’t have to be graceful, mighty, daring or fearless to be special. Jane is perfect just the way she is!
Class Activity (suitable for ages 3-8): This book has wonderful potential to lay the foundation for children on “being yourself.” In class, define and engage in discussion on what it means to be extraordinary. Majority of the words will be extravagant characteristics that are not always versatile. As a teacher, ask the students how they can be extraordinary and develop a new list with actions that students can do to make them stand out, ie: helping with chores, studying for school, playing nicely with friends. Create a large cut out star, one that is large enough to display all of these qualities and post them up on the wall as a reminder of things students do everyday that makes them extraordinary!
Harrison, H. (2014). Extraordinary Jane. The Penguin Group.
Audience: not specified, this is a book that has potential for a wide variety of ages! The message can be interpreted on multiple cognitive levels, and adjusted accordingly.
Jane didn’t always feel extraordinary. For most of her life, she actually felt extra ordinary—a plain Jane. She never felt like she could measure up to her parents’ talents, or her brothers’ bravery, or her sisters’ grace. Jane struggles to find her place in a world that puts a lot of emphasis on bright and shining talents. However, she meets someone in her life that reminds her just what it means to be special. You don’t have to be graceful, mighty, daring or fearless to be special. Jane is perfect just the way she is!
Class Activity (suitable for ages 3-8): This book has wonderful potential to lay the foundation for children on “being yourself.” In class, define and engage in discussion on what it means to be extraordinary. Majority of the words will be extravagant characteristics that are not always versatile. As a teacher, ask the students how they can be extraordinary and develop a new list with actions that students can do to make them stand out, ie: helping with chores, studying for school, playing nicely with friends. Create a large cut out star, one that is large enough to display all of these qualities and post them up on the wall as a reminder of things students do everyday that makes them extraordinary!
August 19, 2017
Extraordinary Jane is a picture book for kids between 7-12. This book is about small dog, born into a circus family, that doesn’t seem to have any special talents. She tries out many jobs, but always ends up messing something up. In the end, she gets her own show: Jane, a very good dog. This book is very clearly about how it’s okay to be normal and to not be especially pretty, or clever, or talented at anything in particular. Both the thematic choice and the element of wondrous, silly illustrations leads me to think that this book would be great for kids aged 7-12, because that is the time when may children are comparing themselves to their peers and working closely with kids of other abilities all day at school. They are also young enough, however, to appreciate the humor in the pictures. Children of this age often compare themselves to others and begin to feel inferior. This book has an important message for these children, because not everyone can be great at everything, or really anything. However, this is also an age at which people are able to be reasoned with and influenced with logic and rationality. This book uses logical ideas to influence kids that it is okay not to be different or super special. I think that many students would also enjoy the fun illustrations of tight-roping dogs and twirling elephants.
December 25, 2019
This sweet book has terrific illustrations and a great story about how everyone is . . . Enough. For Jane, being a good dog is enough. For all of us, in fact, exactly who and how we are is enough, and we are worthy of love.
February 16, 2018
Jane was just Jane and that was enough.
In a world full of extraordinary how does an ordinary dog stand out? Jane’s story will resonate with many. This simple children’s book is not so simple. In fact I can see this book used in many different grade levels. It’s so deep yet kid friendly. My third graders loved it and we had a serious conversation about love and acceptance. They saw themselves as little Jane. They even made the connection about love and acceptance. What a powerful book!
By the way, this was a thrift store find and I’m so happy I bought it! What a great book to add to my classroom library.
In a world full of extraordinary how does an ordinary dog stand out? Jane’s story will resonate with many. This simple children’s book is not so simple. In fact I can see this book used in many different grade levels. It’s so deep yet kid friendly. My third graders loved it and we had a serious conversation about love and acceptance. They saw themselves as little Jane. They even made the connection about love and acceptance. What a powerful book!
By the way, this was a thrift store find and I’m so happy I bought it! What a great book to add to my classroom library.
January 5, 2018
A lovely story of a little dog in a circus who doesn't have a role to play in the show. Little Jane makes attempts to find her talent, but falls flat, literally. But when the ringmaster realizes she's good at just being a good little dog, all seems just right. The illustrations are very detailed and realistic and there are plenty of delightful vocabulary words for young readers/listeners.
December 30, 2018
I just love that (if you’re like me) you don’t realize who Jane was from the cover. Perfectly leads into the story of Jane being ordinary compared to the extraordinary feats and talents of her family members.
But all in all being herself is what makes her special.
Simple text paired with elaborate, detailed illustrations on a mostly stark white background.
But all in all being herself is what makes her special.
Simple text paired with elaborate, detailed illustrations on a mostly stark white background.
December 19, 2019
A very sweet story about accepting oneself. The illustrations are quite endearing.
December 25, 2018
A quiet little book about a circus dog with no particularly circus-y talents. Definitely recommended! Fun and cozy-feeling illustrations and a lovely message: you are good, you are worthy, no matter how flashy or unflashy your particular personality/skill set/body/etc.
February 11, 2019
Okay. Hannah Harrison is one of my favorite author/illustrators working today. Seriously. Look at the cute little blush tummies. Look at them!!!
And this book. Come. On. It’s amazing and perfect and the message packs a punch. My kid gets it without any explanation.
And this book. Come. On. It’s amazing and perfect and the message packs a punch. My kid gets it without any explanation.
August 2, 2014
Absolutely beautiful!
January 31, 2017
My daughter loved the illustrations in the book and the story was a good source to discuss kindness but I cannot enjoy the books that promote the idea of animals being used in circuses.
August 18, 2017
Great book about finding the good in people (or dog in this case!) Again, Harrison's ilustrations are beautiful and charming, and littles will be drawn into them.
March 31, 2018
A simple and sweet story that has been told many times in children's books.
July 25, 2018
Beautiful illustrations and a great message. Being you is extraordinary!
September 23, 2018
Awesome illustrations !!!
January 15, 2019
These illustrations were just adorable and fun.
January 22, 2019
My son says, “I love it! The puppy is cute.”
February 24, 2019
Jan 19 19- Self read
Feb 20 19 x2 mom read
Feb 23 19 self read
Feb 20 19 x2 mom read
Feb 23 19 self read
March 1, 2019
A bit long for very young children, but beautiful art and a good message
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews