Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain


Children - Adventure
146 Pages
Reviewed on 09/18/2024
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Author Biography

Tuula Pere (b. 1958) holds a Ph.D. in Law and is an award-winning children’s author from Helsinki, Finland. Her doctoral dissertation, published in 2015, examines the limits of freedom of speech in the Finnish mass media amidst the social and cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s. Prior to her doctoral research, Tuula Pere had a career spanning over two decades as a lawyer and held various expert and executive positions in large industrial companies.

Since 2010, Tuula Pere has published over sixty children's books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. She has also authored poetry and aphorisms for children, as well as short stories and non-fiction for adults. Tuula Pere is an avid music and sports enthusiast and a keen baker. She is married and the mother of three.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite

Circus Cannelloni is run by director Ernesto Cannelloni and his wife Madame Rosita. The circus owners and performers live as one big family. After a successful season of entertaining, and with extra money left in the cash box, the circus is going to England on a holiday, and almost everyone has a plan. Madame Rosita plans to do some shopping and to rescue her grandchildren from their dreadful boarding school; clown Maximillian and Snake Woman Cleopatra are looking forward to an engagement party in Cambridge; horseman Kasimir dreams of visiting Ascot, but he secretly intends to do more than visit; clowns Victor and Hugo plan to see the Wimbledon tennis tournament, and they are packing their rackets! Amidst all the plans, Mr. Cannelloni is starting to worry about the expenses. Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain by Tuula Pere is a story about this Italian circus leaving their mark on England.

Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain by Tuula Pere had me daydreaming about events and places that I have never seen. With all the mention of crossing the English Channel and Madam Cannelloni shopping for new hats, as well as the painting-like illustrations, the story seemed to be from a different time, and I liked that. I liked the refreshing storyline, which was a blend of characters, adventure, and drama. The characters were a chaotic but likable bunch trying to make the most of their short trip to England. I found the illustrations in this book intriguing and artistic. I am impressed by both the storytelling and artistry. This book is remarkably unique and interesting, and I recommend it.

Pikasho Deka

Tuula Pere continues the story of our beloved circus crew in Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain. After getting over their financial issues, the members of Cannelloni's circus are happily performing their acts. But when Madame Rosita, wife of Ernesto Cannelloni, receives a letter from her son Antonio's family in London and sees her grandchildren Silvia and Erno's photograph in their school uniforms, she decides they need to have some fun. Soon, the Cannelloni circus is on its way to England, where they are hosted by tennis star Sebastian in his big country house. The clowns, Victor and Hugo, play an entertaining tennis match in Wimbledon, and horseman Kasimir takes part in the Ascot Race, where the Queen offers her veterinarian's services for Elvira, the elephant, who is giving birth. Meanwhile, Mr. Cannelloni gives a speech at Cambridge University.

A fun-filled adventure tale for kids, Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain is a joy to read. The characters are funny, charming, and full of idiosyncrasies. I especially enjoyed Max and Cleopatra's storyline in this book. Madame Rosita is a scene-stealer every time she is on the page, and Mr. Cannelloni's speech at the university was inspiring. As a whole, this picture book gives the feeling of a good vibe. Author Tuula Pere also provides more page time to some of the secondary characters in this book, such as Victor, Hugo, Max, and Kasimir. Elvira, the elephant, also has a significant role to play. Young readers will love to follow these colorful characters, brought to life on the pages by Pere's captivating illustrations. For children who love adventure stories and circuses, this is a must-read!

Bruce Arrington

Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain by Tuula Pere is an elementary and middle school read for children who love adventure stories. The Cannelloni Circus has ended its tour for the season, and things are looking up. There is enough money for a vacation, but what with a host of people to support, how far will it go? The grandchildren of the circus owners attend a boarding school in England, and the Cannelloni couple are concerned that the children are miserable. So, what to do? This book is part of a series of adventures, though each story stands well on its own, filled with fun, humor, color, wit, and imagination. It takes a lot of work to make a circus successful, and now all the members are ready to take a break, perhaps even ‘break’ out of their normal routines, and show what they can achieve!

I loved this story. The characters come alive and feel like real people. They are great examples of caring and compassionate individuals who truly care about each other while being able to perform when the spotlight shines on them. The artwork helps create the needed atmosphere to engage the young reader in the story. Don’t be fooled by the title, however. There is no war or violence whatsoever here. The circus comes to town, and even though they are taking a holiday, they step up when needed, and help to bring laughter and joy to those around them. And the grandkids? Well, you’ll just have to read the book to see what adventures they get into! Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain by Tuula Pere is a fun and highly recommended read.

Emily-Jane Hills Orford

Madam Rosita is extremely upset by the recent letter from her son’s wife. They live far away in England. It’s not the letter that upsets Madam Rosita, but rather the photograph of her grandchildren: they look so sad. In Tuula Pere’s Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain, Madam Rosita of the Circus Cannelloni is determined to bring their Italian circus to England to meet her grandchildren and make them happy again. It’s a big move for a circus, but the crew manages it well enough, along with some unusual events along the way, including a famous horse race and a tennis tournament, as well as upsetting a rather tight-lipped, very English headmistress. It’s all an adventure, but the effort is worth it.

Tuula Pere’s early chapter book, Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain, is a fun read, full of laughter and adventure. The language is simple and the plot moves forward at a steady pace. The author develops the characters well and uses descriptive narrative effectively to set the stage for each part of the story. The message is clearly about the importance of family and working together, as the circus in itself is a powerful metaphor for what it means to be a family. Determination is also the key, as Madam Rosita never gives up on her mission, no matter how difficult or impossible it might seem. In the grand scheme of things, Madam Rosita’s son’s reflective words sum up the adventure: “Such is life. No one stays on the rope forever.”

Foram Vyas

Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain by Tuula Pere is a delightful and lighthearted read that truly brings the quirky Cannelloni family to life. Along with their playful grandchildren, the Cannellonis set off on a chaotic yet fun-filled journey across Britain. They visit various iconic British institutions like a famous horse race, a prestigious tennis tournament, and even a strict boarding school. Each stop on their journey brings with it a new, hilarious situation. Whether it’s Mr. Cannelloni attempting to lecture at a prestigious university or Madame Cannelloni managing to charm even the toughest opponents, this family’s misadventures are nothing short of comical. By the time their adventure wraps up, they return home with countless stories, a newborn elephant, and an engagement!

The storyline is perfect for young readers with big imaginations. Every humorous antic the Cannellonis find themselves in adds a layer of fun and excitement to the narrative. The characters are unpredictable in the most entertaining ways, keeping readers engaged as they navigate one amusing situation after another. The unique British settings provide a colorful and delightful backdrop for their escapades, making it all the more enjoyable to follow along. The plot is lighthearted, and while it may not have high-stakes drama, it certainly doesn’t lack humor or excitement. Its whimsical nature and gentle pacing make it an easy and fun read for children. The illustrations beautifully complement the text, adding another layer of charm to the story. The simple yet captivating drawings bring the lively characters and their adventures to life in a way that will draw in younger readers, making the whole read even more engaging. Overall, Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain is a wonderful escape into a world of playful imagination. Its humor, lightheartedness, and heartwarming moments make it entertaining for youngsters.