Not My Circus

by Janet Sumner Johnson, Patrick Corrigan (illustrator)

Olivia was supposed to buy eggs at the store. Instead, she bought a circus! Between food fights and a lack of potty training, her mom is not thrilled. When Mr. Victor refuses to take the animals back, it’s off to the zoo for Olivia's new friends . . . unless she can find a way to prove that she is in control of her circus. Janet Sumner Johnson (Braver Than Brave, A Bad Case of the Almosts, and Help Wanted, Must Love Books) takes a simple idiom and turns it into a hilarious story of one girl’s love of animals, weaving in themes of responsibility, determination, and creative thinking.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Fiction, Childrens

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Janet Sumner Johnson lives in Utah with her husband and three kids. She bakes a mean cinnamon twist and eats way more cookies than are good for her, which explains her running habit. Though her full-time occupation as evil tyrant/benevolent dictator (aka mom) takes most of her time, she sneaks in writing at night when her inner funny bone is fully unleashed.

Reviews

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia was sent to the store to buy eggs and bought a circus instead. Mom is obviously upset and tells her to take it back, but Mr. Victor says "not my circus, not my ...." and I am so here for this. I loved it so much. I made the mistake to try and read this during a staff meeting at work and had to put it aside because I kept giggling. I cannot count the number of times I have said that phrase or some version of it. And this was just so much fun. The art was cute. It had just a little bit of gross and a lot of silliness. So good.

5 stars

[abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC copy of this picture book!

When Olivia's mother sends her to the store for eggs, she comes back with the entire circus! She tries to return them to Mr. Victor, but he just tells her that it's not his circus. So, to keep her animals, Olivia teaches them perfect manners.

I was so surprised by how much I loved this picture book! I loved the illustrations, and I found the story to be really engaging, even for littles who don't understand what an idiom is. This is a must have book, and I think it would make a perfect read aloud with elementary aged kids. There is a list in the back of the book of popular idioms for kids to work on deciphering.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Janet Sumner Johnson does it again. Fun story, and engaging plot that ups the stakes and the surprises as the reader turns the pages. Teachers will love it for the solid messages and use of idioms; kids will love all the laugh out loud fun.

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

What's good:
The illustrations are vibrant, active, and funny. Kids and adults will be laughing at all of the sight gags on each page.

NOT MY CIRCUS is a wacky fantasy about a girl who buys a circus (actually just a cavalcade of animals ranging from an elephant to monkeys) at a farmers' market and winds up with a ton of Mom-aggravating problems before she teaches the animals some manners and embarks on a new neighborhood service.

I was afraid that the animals would simply wind up performing in another circus--this one owned by the young main character--but this is not actually what happens.

What's not so good:
It's another children's book celebrating the now-embarrassing image of the exotic animal circus--something that by now even many people with little background in the humane cause recognize as fraught with animal welfare issues.
Raising serious issues probably wouldn't fit with the goofy, cartoony vibe of this book--but that's also what makes the circus aspect such an ill fit.
I wouldn't have been surprised if this book had been written 30 or 40 years ago, when animal welfare topics were less well-known, but in 2024, when even the best-known American circus has dropped exotic animal acts...it seems like a throwback to an earlier mindset.

[Joey Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Captsone / Capstone Editions and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Olivia sees circus animals for sale at a market and buys them, but then they cause trouble and her mom says they have to go, the neighbours say they have to go and so does the mayor. Each time Olivia emails Mr. Victor he says they’re not his. So to save them from the zoo she has to come up with an plan.

This was whimsical and fun, it’s a nice simple funny read, I loved the concept of her finding these animals that are wild and chaotic and that she trains them to have manners and become very helpful, then everyone wants to have them help out. It was so funny and unusual.

The illustrations were really pretty and good I really enjoyed looking at them seeing all the animals and what they were up to on each page, they were really great to see, beautifully done. I think children are going to really love reading this one as it’s funny, it’s nice to look at, it’s very different to other books, they will really enjoy it and parents will enjoy reading it with them.

[Tricia Hackney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My Circus is the CUTEST book ever!!! And I absolutely can NOT wait to read it out loud to my sweet little Grandmuffin. The full color illustrations are gorgeous, and this book is full of laugh out loud moments - I mean, it isn’t every day that your child brings home a circus! In my house, I would likely dress them up, give them names and new #s to share on social media lol. Olivia brings home a circus and surprisingly enough, her mom isn’t on board. Neither are her neighbors. Nor is the mayor. But this crafty young lady figures out a way to make everything way better than it was before she brought home a circus. Shame on the OG circus owner for thinking that he was pulling a fast one. I truly loved this sweet little book, and it is going to be added to my baby shower gift book list. Tremendous thank you to NetGalley and Janet Sumner Johnson for a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa Winnem · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story, Not my Circus, is about a defiant child doing what she was not told. Olivia is sent to the market and returns with a circus of animals.

The imagination and fun in this book is amusing. What child wouldn't want to imagine keeping a circus of animals!?

The book provides children with a lesson on idioms which is clever. Although, I'm not sure if 'Not my circus, not my monkeys' is an appropriate lesson for the ages of the books intended audience.

Whilst there is a theme of perseverance and problem-solving throughout, I question whether Olivia is independent and innovative or ignorant and conniving?

It's written with some fun and the illustrations support that greatly, it is an enjoyable read. Disappointingly, I think the educational aspect is skewed.

Thankyou to Netgalley and publishers for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is an adorable picture book that uses the idioms phrase - Not my circus, to create a hilarious adventure about a young girl and her journey of buying a circus and turning from a disaster to a success. I chose to read this book because I often to use the phrase not my circus, not my monkeys and I enjoyed seeing how the story played out. I also loved the clever ending and when I showed the book to my 4 year old she asked for it to be read over and over again. I've put this book on her wish list for her birthday. This is a fun and playful story sure to get lots of laughs from kids and smiles from grown-ups, but it also teaches about responsibility and being innovative.

[Ashley Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming story about Olivia's unexpected circus purchase brilliantly weaves themes of responsibility, determination, and creative thinking into a hilarious adventure. The whimsical tale captures young readers' imaginations while delivering an essential life lesson.

Janet Sumner Johnson's storytelling is engaging and memorable, making it a perfect addition to any collection. The colorful illustrations and Olivia's endearing journey are bound to leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend "Not My Circus" for its valuable life lessons and enjoyable storytelling. It's a must-read for kids who love animals and imaginative adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for the Digital ARC.

#NotMyCircus #NetGalley

[Ms. Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My Circus is a hilarious book about a girl, Olivia, who buys a zoo. Young readers will have a blast with this book. They will enjoy pointing out the animals that they know, maybe they'll spot their favorite animal too. Olivia teaches her animals about manners and how to be responsible for the messes they create. Olivia herself learns about taking responsibility for her animals.

This book teaches students about idioms and gives a few examples of idioms found in the book. Kids can interact with this book by counting how many mice friends they can find throughout it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone for early access to this funny e-book!

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, creative, and humorous story. It was over-the-top silliness, but I enjoy picture books like this one, and I’m sure kids will thoroughly enjoy it, too. I loved the idioms that were taught, and then more information was at the back of the book. This story also highlighted how to take responsibility and use clever thinking. It was a sassy book but very delightful. The illustrations were gorgeous. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hilarious children's book that will have young readers rolling with laughter and parents rolling their eyes. The art is playful, colorful and fun. The structure of the book with animal interactions and behavioral interventions interspersed with emails to Mr. Victor made this book very readable. My biggest critique is that the literal showering eruption of poop from the sewer was a bit too gross for me and would likely turn a peaceful bedtime read into a raucous barrel of monkeys. This book is definitely work a read, though I am not sure my 2-year old would make it past the poop volcano- hah! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced opportunity to read this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing home a whole unruly circus instead of groceries creates an entirely different set of circumstances! With determination and adaptive critical thinking changes are made in expectations and outcomes (and learning about idioms).
The illustrations by Patrick Corrigan are fun, detailed, brilliant, and absolutely delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Star Bright Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@CBCBook

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This vibrant children’s book tells the story of Olivia, who goes to the shops to buy eggs for her mother, and returns home with a circus instead.

The illustrations are just beautiful and capture the characters of the animals so well. Olivia’s mother is exceedingly patient, and the story highlights the importance of being a good neighbour, taking initiative and being responsible. It cleverly introduces the concept of idioms for a young audience, particularly ‘Not my circus, not my monkeys!’

Thank you Capstone and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun and clever book! Packed with entertaining animal antics and visuals which extend the humorous text, NOT MY CIRCUS shines for its funny punny exchanges, amusing speech and thought bubbles, along with a very savvy solution and delightful conclusion by the MC. With an immediate hook of animal favorites for youngsters, this story has just the right dose of humor for readers of all ages, delivered through its engaging use of idioms and wordplay. All while also sharing the underlying messages of taking responsibility for your actions, figuring out solutions, and keeping a flexible mindset. Make sure to check out this well-crafted picture book!

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Capstone Editions and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This children's book uses one of my favorite idioms as a gentle introduction for young children to the concept of idioms. This may sail right over many little heads, but the illustrations are wonderful and the story is told well, with lots of humor. However, I am a bit torn on the story itself, as the premise is of a young girl being asked to do something and instead doing something completely different, that in practical terms would be a huge mess. Overall, a good book to read together, but IMO it would help to talk it through to catch up with the defiance aspect..

[Lori Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Capstone Editions, NetGalley, and Janet Summer Johnson for the chance to read this delightful children’s book. I adored the story of a little girl who decides to buy a circus rather than the ordinary groceries her mother sent her to get. Who wouldn’t want to have their own circus? Well, that’s where the fun really begins— because the whole neighborhood has very different ideas about having a circus living next door. I look forward to sharing this book with my little niece and nephew when I surprise them with it. They love books and animals so this will be a hit. I highly recommend this for kids of all ages everyone will enjoy the story and the lovely illustrations.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun picture book tells the story of Olivia, who buys a circus from Mr Victor. Olivia’s mom is not happy about this and wants Olivia to return the circus but Mr. Victor wont take it back! I like that the use of idiom is clear and a great example, it would be perfect for starting a lesson on this and other figures of speech. It is a fun and silly book, but also has a decent storyline. The main character has lots of problems to solve which is also a great characteristic (perseverance) for young readers. I think this book would be best for readers in the age 6-9 range. Thanks to netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review it.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was scrolling Netgalley I saw this title and just had to read it because my mom always says this saying and I thought it was an original book idea. Turns out it wasn’t only original but also an adorable idea, like Jack and the beanstalk but make it a circus.

As an animal lover I totally understood the desire to buy a circus. I also loved the underlying message of determination and team work.

On top of loving the story I also adored the illustrations, they are adorable. Definitely want a physical copy for my little bookworm!

[Jiji · Rating 5 out of 5]

When creativity meets wit, even an idiom could be taken so far!

This book catch me off guard, i didn't think that it would be totally about the circus thing, but i found it cute and creative!

Can you imagine how a girl trained a circus? How the animals behaved and brings joy to the neighbourhood? It's a fun and fluffy story. Im totally invested in reading it just now. Looking forward to the author's other books! Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy, i wish i could encounter other creative stories likr this again.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My Circus is a fun, hilarious book by Janet Sumner Johnson. Not My Circus tells the story of Olivia, a young girl, who buys circus animals from Mr. Victor. Olivia's Mom doesn't like that Olivia has bought circus animals and wants Olivia to return them, but Mr. Victor won't take them back. I laughed a lot while reading it it. I think many people will enjoy the book and believe it would be perfect to read at anytime. The pictures are also lovely! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Olivia buys a circus, and we all know that some sort of chaos must ensue; in the most delightful way possible.

With charmingly drawn illustrations, and a fast-paced story, this book is a joy from beginning to end.

It brings a whole new meaning to "not my circus, not my monkeys", which trust me, is a super clever part of this book.

A sure to be staple for any child and teacher's bookshelf.

[Kathleen Marcath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My Circus: A Heartwarming Tale of Teamwork and Determination

Not My Circus is an adorable picture book with determination and collaboration, an epic story of problem-solving and teamwork of all the former circus animals. The author, Janet Sumner Johnson, is delightful and full of fun surprises. Illustrator Patrick Corrigan added the icing to this layer cake, and it’s beautifully delicious.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia buys a circus from Mr Victor. Olivia’s mum is not happy about this and wants Olivia to give the circus back but Mr Victor refuses! I enjoyed the emails back and forth between Olivia and Mr Victor.
The illustrations are very cute. Lots of fun throughout! The book introduces readers to idioms in a clever way although it may go over some young readers heads. Olivia learns to be responsible and look after the circus.

Very sweet read that all young readers will enjoy.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phrase "not my circus, not my monkeys" having entered into my awareness more recently, this pretty accurately represents that same phrase.

Incredibly silly, this is a story of a young girl who goes to the store for eggs and comes back with a circus (expensive eggs, indeed). Her parent reluctantly allows her to keep the circus, but our intrepid shopper keeps running into challenges. Not a single one is insurmountable, however.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Such a great lesson on acting on impulse then having to stick with your actions and make the plan work. Also an introduction to idioms that's easy to understand for children. Thank you to Janet Sumner Johnson and Capstone Editions for allowing me this arc version in exchange for my review.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute!
When a girl goes to the market, she buys a circus. Mom does not like the mess, but the owner won't take them back ("Not my circus, not my monkeys!"). So Olivia teaches them manners. But then the neighbors complain and the mayor complains, and Olivia has to keep coming up with new solutions to take care of her big responsibility. Hilarious with a strong character.

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new kind of spin on Jack and the Beanstalk. Instead of beans, Olivia buys a circus! When everyone starts to complain, and Mr. Victor won’t take the circus back, Olivia trains the animals and then everyone loves them. A really cute and fun illustrated story. p.s. make sure to count all the mice!

[Kathryn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute! As a sped teacher I related because it is my circus. I love that it has the figurative language aspect that can be included easily into classrooms. I want to purchase this one for my classroom and to share with other teachers on campus!

[lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Not My Circus! What a fun, well-written and enchanting kids book. I loved that the illustrations fit the book in a well-rounded way and felt that the entire story was easy to understand but still complex enough to hold attention.