Behind the big, colourful tent at the end of town, smelling of candyfloss and popcorn, a merry circus was set up! Everything sparkled and shimmered with lights like stars in the night sky. Lilka stomped with joy when her mother handed her the ticket. On this special night, she was to visit the circus for the first time together with her friends Tymek and Zosia. Before the entrance, they were greeted with smiles and balloons in the shape of animals hung from tall poles. Inside the tent smelled of almonds and lemonade. There were huge armchairs and a smiling clown in polka dot trousers sat on the stage waving to all the children. - Look! - whispered Lilka, pointing to the circus arena. - Can you see the big, colourful box in the middle? The friends looked with wide-open eyes. The crate was bigger than the biggest table in their house, decorated with red and gold stars. A parrot with a colourful tail sat on the lid, tilting its head and squeaking quietly. Suddenly, a lady in a long, shiny dress entered the arena. She had her long blonde hair braided and a small cat in a circus cap sat on her shoulder. The lady bowed and said: - Dear spectators! Something is about to happen that you have never seen before. But before that happens, I need help from someone in the audience.... Everyone held their breath. Lilka and her friends looked at each other, their hearts beating faster. Would one of them be chosen? What will be in that mysterious box? Suddenly a spotlight pointed exactly at their row....