![]() McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World. Bellini's anxiety may be a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and, surprisingly, the scenes featuring Mirette and Bellini on the high wire lack drama and intensity. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. After much practice the girl joins Bellini on the wire as he conquers his fear and demonstrates to all of Paris that he is still the best. ![]() Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the ``Great Bellini'' of high wire fame. When Mirette discovers that fear has kept him from performing for years, she knows she must repay him for the kindness he has shown her - and show him that sometimes a student can be the greatest teacher of all.- 'Young readers will want to pull on their own high-button boots and join Mirette as she dances between the rooftops'. Many traveling performers stay at Madame Gateaux's boarding house, but Mme.'s daughter Mirette is particularly taken with one guest-the quiet gentleman who can walk along the clothesline without falling off. Emily Arnold McCully is an American illustrator and children’s fiction author best known for Mirette on the High Wire a US picture book illustration she wrote in 1993. ![]() In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. ![]()
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