The Greatest Star on Earth

Three-Ring Rascals #2

by Kate Klise, M. Sarah Klise (Illustrator)

The rascals from the world s friendliest family circus are back in the second installment of this smafunderful * fully illustrated series.

Everyone knows Sir Sidney s Circus is the best in the world. But who s the "star" of the show? "The Circus Times "is having a contest to find out. Just thinking about it gives Sir Sidney a worrywart, and it s quickly clear why. Soon after he goes off to rest, the performers start thinking too much about winning the trophy and not enough about putting on a good show.

Meanwhile, it looks as if ringmaster-in-training Barnabas Brambles might need some help managing the crew, so Bert and Gert, the sly brother-and-sister mice who travel with the show, set out to write a book to teach him how it s done.

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Does Bert and Gert s plan work? And who" is" the star of the circus? All will be revealed in "The Greatest Star on Earth."

*Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Childrens, Humor, Animals, Fantasy, Chapter Books, Graphic Novels, Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.

Reviews

[Elissa Schaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I may have liked this one more than its predecessor!

Once again, we travel with Sir Sydney's Circus, the best circus in the world. This time, The Circus Times is having a contest to see which star of Sir Sydney's Circus is the greatest star on earth. Whoever wins will get a trophy! All this talk about greatest stars has given Sir Sydney a worrywort and his doctor has prescribed rest and no stress, so Sir Sydney is off to his peanut farm and he leaves Barnabus Brambles in charge...again! To top things off, all the circus performers want that trophy to themselves!

I've said before how much I enjoy the Klise sisters' books, and this was no different. It was a wonderful story about how to treat friends, how to work as a team, and most importantly, how to practice kindness. But the best part is that we were not accosted by these messages but rather the messages were seamlessly woven into the story. Overall, a fun and light read, and I love stepping into the world Kate and Sarah create.

Recommended, grades 2+.

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be humble for you are made of earth
Be noble for you are made of stars
-Serbian proverb
This book had a lot to live up to with this saying at the beginning. I liked this one, but not as much as the first one. The story was really engaging and the characters still loveable and loyal. There was just something missing. I will continue to read this series, I am really enjoying it.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a copy of The Greatest Star on Earth, by Kate Klise, author from the publisher of the book as a free copy with no request for a review. My review is my experiences with the book and totally mine.

I shared The Greatest Star on Earth with an after school group of fifth graders. It is a chapter book about a circus and the offer of one trophy and the owner of the circus gets a worrywart on his nose because he thinks all his preformers are The Greatest Star on Earth and worthy of the prize. They work it out and the friends share the prize.

The illustrations are black and white line drawings and add to the quality of the book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the first book in this series, read this one. If you didn't read the first book in this series, read this one, then, go find the first one and read that one, too! Haha. This story is as cute, funny and amazing as the first one. If you don't like cute, funny and amazing stories, then don't read this book because you will be disappointed.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second entry in the series and it does tend ti lunch you in the head repeatedly until you get the point of its message.
This is a product though of writing for a younger audience and ensuring they get what it is trying to say. It does get a little tiresome, but there is still a lot of charm and entertainment to be had here even if sometimes you are thinking yep I get it now can we move on.

[Mamie Davage · Rating 5 out of 5]

lol

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet ,I would recommend for night time read aloud. A little heavy handed with life lesson e that why it is not getting a five stars. I have not read the first book in this series.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book in the Three-Ring Rascals series, Sir Sidney of Sir Sidney’s Circus has come down with a worrywart, which has sent him to his private farm to recuperate. While he recovers, Barnabas Brambles is once again left in charge of the circus and its performances for the week. Though Mr. Brambles learned a lot during his first experience managing the circus, he still finds it difficult to fight the greedy side of his personality that wants to use the circus for personal gain. Other members of the circus find themselves fighting similar urges - and showing off to the point of injury - when they learn that Polly Pumpkinseed of The Circus Times will be attending one of the circus’s performances in order to search for and reward the Greatest Star on Earth.

Like the first book, The Show Must Go On, The Greatest Star on Earth is a sweet, straightforward story with a gentle sense of humor and a wholesome, feel-good message. Everything about the story - from its bumbling, misguided villain, to its talking mice - is completely family-friendly and would appeal to preschoolers and elementary schoolers alike. Some of the plot is predictable, and the ending is a bit saccharine, but I doubt most readers in the target age group would complain, as that predictability and sense of stability are often what draw kids to series books.

Readers who have begun to appreciate wordplay and figurative language will have a lot of fun with this book as well. As they did in the first book, the mice continue to make up their own words by combining real words. For example, they put giant, enormous, and mistake all together to create ginormistake. These clever mice also manage to fool Barnabas Brambles by writing a fake self-help book in order to guide his oversight of the circus in the right direction. Though the story itself is not about reading and writing, it still values literacy and provides teachable moments for kids to expand their vocabularies as well as their love of language.

The Greatest Star on Earth is another solid addition to another solid series by the Klises. It’s not that different from the first book, and I can imagine that the gimmicks of this series might get old for adults pretty quickly, but kids will enjoy the familiarity and repetition and eagerly look forward to the next installment. To keep the fun going while they wait for the next book, direct your early elementary readers to the official Three Ring Rascals website, where they can take The Official Rascal Test, apply to join the circus , and learn to party like a rascal.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Sidney has the best circus in the world. It puts everyone in a good mood - no matter how bad your day has begun! On top of that, Sir Sidney is the nicest man alive. He greets everyone who comes to his circus personally and children are always allowed in for free. He also makes time for his performers. Though he has seen Stan and Dan, the Flying Banana Brothers perform their tricks every day for years, he still stands and cheers when he watches them. He always applauds Leo the lion's song and he still gasps with delight when he sees Elsa the elephant dance. It is true: Sir Sidney's Circus Animals, Acrobats, Amazing Feats Every show is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and put a smile on your face. It does. It always does - well except for that time when Sir Sidney hired Barnabas Brambles to help. According to Bert and Gert, the circus mice, "Let's just say it was a disaster." "It was. That's a fact." You can read about that here.

Sir Sidney says, "But here's another fact. Everyone deserves a second chance. We can help Mr. Brambles become a better man. Traveling with a circus is a wonderful way to learn." After he post the weekly schedule of performances, Sir Sidney gets a letter from Polly Pumpkinseed - publisher of The Circus Times. She is trying to drum up business for her magazine and has decided now that Sir Sidney has the best circus in the world there must be a contest to find out who the best performer is. He or she will be named Greatest Star on Earth and win a trophy. Polly Pumpkinseed plans to attend one of the shows in disguise to select the winner. Sir Sidney is distraught. All of his performers are excellent - but only one trophy means only one can be selected. Soon Sir Sidney collapses and Dr. Dora Drap discovers he has a "worry wart" growing on his nose and spreading across his face fast. He must go the hospital immediately. So it looks like Barnabas Brambles is going to get that second chance.

You'll have to read The Greatest Star on Earth to find out what happens when Sir Sidney can't be cured, Barnabas slips back into his old ways and there is only one trophy for one performer to win.

As always the Klise sisters' books are full of humor and designed to enjoy. You can read about them and explore their writing and art here. Sarah's Top 7 Drawing and Writing Tips made me think of Lily and Katie's pieces in our magazine. Enjoy!

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Can't Spell "Circus" Without "us"

This is the second book in the "Three-Ring Rascals" series, which follows the antics of Sir Sidney's Circus, the best circus in the world.

In the first volume Sir Sidney hired Barnabas Brambles to work as the manager of the circus. Barnabas turned out to be greedy and nasty, and has been referred to in every succeeding book as having once been the meanest man in the world. Nevertheless Sir Sidney didn't give up on Barnabas and worked to help Barnabas improve himself. Many have commented on the themes of kindness, generosity, second chances, and forgiveness that shine through in book one.

This second volume involves a competition among the circus performers to see who is the "star" of the circus, and ends up as a tale of cooperation, teamwork and family solidarity. Barnabas does some backsliding in Sir Sidney's absence, and so the performers, especially Bert and Gert, the circus mice, have to remind him about a few golden rules. The performers ruin their acts by trying to hog the spotlight, so teamwork and cooperation also figure heavily. The performers are presented as normal and decent characters who occasionally mess up, are forgiven, and try to do better. The books aren't terribly heavy-handed about any of this;

So, these aren't just "message" books, although they aren't shy about making points about kindness, patience, and cooperation. They are gentle, forgiving and upbeat. They are also funny, silly, charming, colorful and energetic books with wacky characters and situations, that just happen to include a positive sub-text, so don't worry that these will be all preachy finger wagging. While the positive lessons are there, they are seamlessly blended in with wisecracks, jokes, silly banter, wisecracking mice and a lot of sight gags. There are a lot of jokes slipped in to the abundant illustrations, and some of the asides from the mice in the margins have a bit of snap to them.

This is a great book as a read-to or a read with, or as a first book for an early reader. Laughs and some sly wit keep it interesting for Mom or Dad. And the whole enterprise is colorful and upbeat. A nice find.

Please note that I downloaded this book for free from my local elibrary. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

[Storywraps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book number two in the series and it's always fun to pick up a book when you are familiar with the characters and you know a bit about the flavour set before you between the covers. The book is packed full of fun, creative wordplay, wit and the illustrations bring the text to life. The message is positive and upbeat and should be discussed and taken to heart by everyone reading the book. Sir Sidney's Circus is the best there is but the Circus Times is having a contest to see who will be the star of the show. This causes rivalry amongst the performers and a big worrywart to appear on Sir Sidney's, nose of all places. His doctor orders him to his Peanut Farm for total rest and relaxation. He once again puts the novice ring-master, Barnabas Brambles in charge while he takes a well-deserved time out to recuperate and shrink that wart. You might be surprised at the outcome and who finally receives the trophy. Through co-operation and care for each other the performers find out the true meaning of being the greatest star on earth.

The Greatest Star on Earth is a warm story overflowing with humour, heart, gentle character education, and some clever arithmetic and vocabulary. Your child will love it I am sure and be asking when the next book in the series will be available.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really love this duo; I've read all their books, but this 2nd book in the Three-Ring Rascals series was a let down.

Sir Sidney, the leader of the circus and the nicest person ever is struck with a worrywart over a contest a local newspaperwoman has devised to discover the greatest star on Earth. She has decided she will award a trophy to the member of Sir Sidney's circus that most impresses her when she views a performance in the near future.

With Sir Sidney out of commission Barnabas Brambles is in charge again and the members of the circus are all injuring themselves as they try to outdo one another in pursuit of the trophy.

I just felt like the whole premise for this book was pretty lame. A worrywart? A trouble-causing trophy that Sir Sidney could've put a stop to the moment he learned about it? Reverse psychology in the form of a best practices/manners/life philosophy/etiquette book that Barnabas actually buys into? No. No. No.

I'm hoping the next book in the series is a bit stronger.

Grades 3-5, especially as a read aloud.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

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, The Circus Goes to Sea, 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.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with good lessons throughout. I think many of my students would like this book because of the pictures throughout the story. Many teachers would like it as a read aloud because of the lessons; be kind to others, don't be greedy, work together, etc.

This is the second story (I have not read the first) in the series. Sir Sidney's circus is planning their week when they get word of a competition for the Greatest Star on Earth. All of the performers want to win the trophy! Sir Sidney doesn't like the idea and starts to worry, causing him to develop a worrywart on his nose. He has to go rest on his peanut farm while the show goes on. No one knows which show Polly Pumpkinseed will attend so they all try to out do themselves and end up hurt! Who will be named the Greatest Star on Earth and will Sir Sidney get better?

I received an ARC for free through First Reads on goodread.com in return for an honest review.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to my children during story time over the last week and I personally was so-so on how I felt about the story but they LOVED it, and since it's geared towards children anyway I feel their opinion on it is worth more than mine. At the end I asked them what they thought and they said it was really silly and funny and they LOVED the illustrations (I will admit, it did make the book really unique on how the illustrations were set up and arranged). It was nice that there was also a good moral to the story, which I asked my children if they knew what it was and they replied, "Think about others and not just yourself. If you are a team than work as a team, don't try to steal the spotlight". I think the book could of been worded in ways that would've made it a lot shorter. Overall though, it was a cute book and children like it.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the "Three-Ring Rascals" series and our lighthearted circus is having a crisis...or two. The circus owner has a bad worrywart and leaves things in the hands of his assistant who needs some serious guidance from the circus mice while he attempts to recover. In the meantime a secret critic will be picking the greatest star on earth. Who will it be? Soon the acts become competitive instead of cooperative and mayhem results. This isn't such a great circus anymore. When a mutual disaster threatens them all, however, they band together and show their real strength--working as a team. This is a simple, merry chapter book with plenty of black and white illustrations. There's humor here, and some lessons for the reader to ascertain. While not as cleverly interwoven as some of Klise's previous books, this is still a gentle tale that will appeal to new chapter book readers.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polly Pumpkinseed, looking for news for her newspaper, The Circus Times, develops a contest for the Greatest Star on Earth. Only one performer from Sir Sydney’s Circus can win. This troubles Sir Sydney so much that he gets worrywarts. Dr. Drap orders a week of rest. So Sir Sydney once again leaves Barnabas Brammels in charge. “Everyone deserves a second chance. We can help Mr. Brambles become a better man.”

So with Sir Sydney in retreat, the circus travels to four cities. Bert and Gert are keeping a close eye on Barnabas, keeping him on the right track. But every performer is thinking more about winning the trophy than putting on a good show. So, every night another performer gets hurt. As their bad news reaches Sir Sydney, his worrywart gets bigger. The troupe decides they must go to Sir Sydney.

This one was pretty predictable and a little heavy handed.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greatest Star on Earth – Three Ring Rascals #2 - by Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise - Enjoyed reading this sequel, I was curious to see if this book would be a stand alone or series book… It certainly can be read on its own but readers would also benefit from reading both hilarious books! There’s the simple message throughout the book which is that teamwork is sometimes better than going on your own to do something. I enjoyed reading this book but honestly, my favorite books by Kate and M. Sarah Klise are the Regarding and 43 Old Cemetary Road series. Just loved that when a doctor visited Sir Sidney that she gave him the prescription, “You should worry less and laugh more.” Quite funny but a prescription I’d be happy to receive…

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Three-Ring Rascals series. I did not read book one – but it didn’t matter. This was a fun story about working together to solve problems, doing what you know is right, and taking actions to correct your mistakes.

The local paper is having a contest to see who the “star” of the show is. Each performer wants to win – almost at any cost. When they realize that they really need to work together to create a great circus show, they all learn a lesson they won’t forget.

This will appeal to many readers in grades 2-4. It is a quick read for the advanced readers and a good practice story for those who are more reluctant.

Thanks to Edelweiss for the review copy.

[Reving · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this post is from that fantastic song by Miss Peggy Lee, Is That All There Is. The Greatest Star on Earth has nothing to do with Peggy Lee. Nor is it a downer, like the song. But it is as wonderful as the song, in its own way! I was so so so so so excited to see this on netgalley. It is the second in the Klise Sisters' newest series, Three Ring Rascals. All of the characters from the first book are back and now wondering who will be named the best of the best in their traveling circus. Great, great, great illustrations, great, great, great story! I love this series! Anything by these sisters is easy to love and recommend.

[Meghan Nels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Klise's newest series, The Three Rings Rascals, is sure be just as popular as her 43 Cemetary Road series. Readers will chuckle at the humor and smile at the sweet pictures in her second installment, The Greatest Star on Earth, in this new circus-centered series. Her newest series is designed in much the same way as the previous. Letters are used to enhance to the story and can also be used to highlight letter writing activities in the classroom. Perhaps my favorite part of the text was the hilarious banter between the mouse siblings. Their entertaining drawings and bubble text dialogue added yet another layer of hilarity and humor to this already wonderful read.

[Reader50 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the the opportunity to read this book which I received in your giveaway. I did not read the first book but enjoyed reading this second in the series. A valuable lesson about team work is exemplified by the the competition among the circus" performers as they vie for the trophy to be awarded for the best performer. The lesson is taught in an entertaining style without heavy-handed "lecturing" which i think young children will enjoy.

[Nanci Booher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2nd installment in the series. I enjoyed this as much as the first one. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I think this series will be a great addition to our library and I'm hopeful that I will be able to use it for some of my reluctant readers.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the Three-Ring Rascals series didn't disappoint! It's as good as the first!

This is such a GREAT series for kids because it is FUNNY, has awesome illustrations, and teaches you that it is GOOD to be kind!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!!!

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the members of Sir Sidney's Circus learn that the Polly Pumpkinseed will be giving a trophy to the Greatest Star, they stop working together in order to win. After many mishaps, they learn that friendship is much more important than a trophy. Grades 1-3.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, Sir Sidney. I feel you and your worrywart, dawg!

[Elisha Karr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!! Love the messages of teamwork and kindness. Great read for Elementary students.

[Michelle Price]

A great imaginative story. You see the circus through the eyes of the animals. My kids loved it. We read it together.

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!