Katie was excited. She had been looking forward to the circus all week, and tonight her daddy was taking her — and Ellie — to see the show. Katie held Ellie tightly as they found seats right at the front of the circus tent. The air smelled of popcorn and excitement, the lights glowed softly, and cheerful music played. Katie felt that lovely fluttery feeling in her chest — the feeling that something magical was about to happen.
Just then, the lights dimmed and a hush rippled through the tent. A cheerful clown bounced into the ring and greeted the audience with a wave. Then he began tossing coloured balls high into the air, one after another. Katie’s eyes widened. She was completely spellbound. How could anyone keep so many balls flying at once?
Ellie sat on her lap, watching just as closely, as if she didn’t want to miss a single moment.
Katie enjoyed all the acts, but the clown was her favourite. He made everyone laugh with his funny jokes and silly tricks, and his juggling was amazing.
When the last act had finished and the applause had died down, Katie received the best surprise of the evening. Because she had been such an attentive member of the audience, the ringmaster invited her backstage.
Katie was thrilled.
“Really?” she asked.
The ringmaster smiled. “Really. And you may bring your elephant too.”
Carefully carrying Ellie, Katie followed the ringmaster behind the curtain. Her daddy came with her. Backstage was just as exciting as the circus ring itself. Performers chatted together, colourful costumes hung on rails, and props were stacked neatly in corners.
The ringmaster stopped outside a changing room and then Katie saw him.
The clown was sitting on a wooden box, resting for a moment after the performance.
He looked up and smiled.
“Well, hello there,” he said. “And what brings you here?”
“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your juggling,” she said. “And I wanted to say thank you.”
“Well,” said the clown, smiling, “that’s a lovely thing to hear. You’ve made my day.”
Then, looking at Ellie, he asked, “And who’s this?”
Katie hugged Ellie proudly.
“This is Ellie,” she said. “She’s my elephant.”
The clown gave a little bow.
“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Ellie.”
Katie giggled.
The clown studied Ellie for a moment. “What a splendid elephant! I have an idea! Do you know what? I think she might like an elephant friend.”
An elephant friend?
Katie looked puzzled.
The clown reached into a large bag and pulled out a long balloon.
“Watch carefully,” he said.
With a few twists here and a few twists there, the first balloon began to change shape. Soon it had four legs and a body. Then the clown blew up a second balloon. After a few more clever twists, a long trunk and two floppy ears appeared.
Katie watched in amazement.
“It’s an elephant!” she cried.
The clown smiled and held it out to her.
“Is it really for me?” Katie asked.
“It certainly is. A balloon elephant for you and Ellie.”
Katie took the balloon elephant and held it beside Ellie.
“They look like sisters!” she laughed.
“Yes, I think they do,” said the clown.
Before they left, the clown showed Katie slowly how balloon animals were made. It wasn’t quite as easy as he had made it look, but Katie soon learned how a few careful twists could turn a balloon into something special.
As they walked home, Katie carried Ellie in one arm and the balloon elephant in the other.
“Did you have a good time?” Daddy asked.
Katie smiled.
“It was the best circus ever.”
And Ellie and her new balloon friend, each tucked safely in Katie’s arms, seemed to agree.