The Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming

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Title: The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum
Author: Candace Fleming
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: Biography
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: Biography of P.T. Barnum, showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Readers can visit Barnum's American Museum; meet Tom Thumb, the miniature man (only 39 in. tall) and his tinier bride (32 in.); experience the thrill Barnum must have felt when, at age 60, he joined the circus; and discover Barnum's legacy. (King County Library System)

Opinions: Okay, so I admit that I am not a huge fan of non-fiction. Mostly I enjoy fiction. However, I came across this book when looking at the current Newbery canidates and thought I would give it a try. I'm so glad that I did! P.T. Barnum led a fascinating life full of curiosity and fun. He was not above stretching the truth and pulling pranks. He learned at a young age that everyone enjoyed a good prank and didn't mind being on the receiving end of the prank. I loved this book for it's quick pace and interesting facts. I didn't want to put it down. I loved reading about Tom Thumb, the Feejee Mermaid and Jumbo. Barnum was surrounded by the most fascinating people and Candace Fleming allows us as a reader to enter this world for a brief moment with photos and beautiful writing.