Susie visits her first circus and spots a glittering tent nobody goes into. When she hears music and tiny giggles from inside, she takes a breath and steps closer.
Susie pulled on her favourite hat and held her mum's hand tight. Today was the day she was finally going to a real circus. As soon as she stepped into the bright courtyard, her eyes flew everywhere at once. There were balloons bobbing in the air, clowns wobbling past on unicycles, and dogs in tiny hats trotting in neat little lines.
The whole place seemed to shimmer and laugh. Susie smiled so hard her cheeks hurt. She had never seen anything like it.
Then she spotted it: a big red tent tucked away at the edge of the square. Gold glitter flashed along the sides, and silver stars twinkled on the canvas. A wooden sign hung at the entrance. For the brave only!
Susie stared. No children were going in. No grown-ups were either. Two bright parrots perched on a rope beside the flap, and a small dog with a bow tie sat very still, as if he was waiting for something. Susie took one careful step nearer.
From inside the tent came the softest music she had ever heard. Then came a tiny giggle. Susie leaned forward, just a little, and the red curtain began to quiver, as if something inside had noticed her...