Lulu Bell and the Circus Pup by Belinda Murrell

Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House Australia Children's, 2014. ISBN: 9780857981998.
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Family Life, Circuses. The circus is coming to town with performing dogs, clowns, jugglers and prancing horses.
After Gymnastics where Lulu Bell and Rosie practice their cartwheels, Mum takes the family home the long way through Lagoon Park. They are excited to discover the red and white circus tent setting up nearby. As they watch the horses are being unloaded and watch a young girl walking a collection of dogs. As Lulu and her family walk past, they see the young girl Stella crying because Spangles the performing dog is missing. After finding Spangles, Stella rewards Lulu by teaching her some circus tricks. Lulu loves spending time with Stella and her Mum in the circus ring and in their little caravan. After Dad helps Goldie the camel giving birth to twin babies, the Bell family are given VIP tickets to the circus. There's a special surprise in store when Lulu joins in the performance.
This is another enjoyable addition to the Lulu Bell series by Belinda Murrell. She has created a fun, relatable family whose every day activities turn into adventures. Serena Geddes' black and white illustrations add character to the stories. This series is a great class read-aloud and I would recommend them for readers from 7-9 years.
Rhyllis Bignell