Zany Circus: Paradox - Softcover

Nott, Nanci

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0648130142 ISBN 13: 9780648130147

Publisher: Turner Books, 2018

Synopsis

Join the Zany Circus kids as they navigate a strange new world of magic, circus, and science-in-fiction.

Imagine you live in a circus, and never go to school. You're free to play pranks, read books, and hang upside down to your hearts content.

That's what life is like for Zandee, Tobelia, and Kadin Zany.

Until tragedy strikes, and a teacher arrives to shower the circus in actual school work, nostril scarves, speckled mice, and spiders.

What spooky secret is Gabby hiding? Where did Nikola Tesla come from, and where have all the moths gone? What happens if you break the number one rule of time travel?

'Zany Circus: Paradox' is the first book in the Zany Circus series. It is an immersive adventure, with an ending you won't see coming. It contains extension activities which can be incorporated into lesson plans at school, or used for family-fun-times at home.

'Zany Circus: Paradox' is best served with dessert, and enjoyed as a read-aloud experience the whole family will love.

About this title

About the Author

Nanci Nott is passionate about learning through happiness. She believes in the abolishment of boredom, and the presense of play in education. She unschools her children, teaches non-traditionally at Defy Reality Music Tuition, and drinks way too much coffee. Nanci Nott loves writing for children almost as much as she enjoys reading with them. Her own three children are particularly fun to read and write with. All of Nanci's children were integral in the creation of the Zany Circus middle grade series, especially her oldest daughter, Xanthe Turner, who illustrates the books.

Review

The book contains many educational facts throughout - snuck into the storyline in the most charming way. Making appearances thanks to time travel are Nikola Tesla (electricity genius) and Diogenes (ancient Greek philosopher), and I was impressed with the scope of other concepts covered - written in a fun and imaginative way. At the rear of the book are plenty of extension activities, and a list where the book ties in with the Australian Curriculum (ranging from year three to year seven). The quiz at the end was inspired. What a wonderful sense of humour the author has - which she has woven through the whole book.

This is a perfect read for children fortunate enough to be home-schooled, as the three main characters in the story - Zandee, Tobelia and Kadin - live in a circus and never have to go to school. They learn their lessons in a less structured and more exciting environment, and the information they learn along the way is transferred to the reader. However, I believe the book will appeal to all children with an independent spirit, and a curious nature - regardless of where they attend school.

- Marie McLean Writes

Edition details

• Publisher: Turner Books
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0648130142
• ISBN 13: 9780648130147
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 166
• Illustrator: Turner Xanthe