Not My Circus

Not My Circus by Janet Sumner Johnson is a humorous children's book that begins with a simple shopping trip gone awry. Olivia, instead of purchasing eggs at the store, comes home with an entire circus! Chaos ensues as the animals, who are far from well-behaved, wreak havoc in her home, leading to food fights and the lack of basic manners like potty training. Her mom is understandably upset, and when the circus owner, Mr. Victor, refuses to take the animals back, Olivia is faced with a dilemma. She must find a way to prove she can manage this circus or risk sending her new animal friends to the zoo.

The story takes the idiom "not my circus, not my monkeys" and turns it into a playful, yet meaningful adventure. Through Olivia's journey, themes of responsibility, determination, and creative problem-solving are explored, making it both entertaining and educational for young readers. Olivia's love for animals and her ingenuity shine through as she works to show that she can handle the chaos she's created. The book balances humor with valuable lessons on taking charge and thinking outside the box.