Pretty decent little chapter book, featuring three children of colour who have a time-travelling portal hidden as a ludi board. On this adventure, at least, they zap themselves into Victorian times (and Victorian clothing, but completely without any realistic Victorian racism) and emerge as bearers of tickets to the circus. Well, two of them are, and the third has vanished. Our hero and heroine cousins can go to the big top, discover some amazing acts (based on real people) and kvetch about animals being used. But it's there that they get caught up in espionage…

The historical lesson is worn very, very lightly, the animal campaigning is just as nicely tempered, leaving the quickly-read drama the greater part of these pages. And when the book has ceased just reporting on the fantastical acts the actual scenario proves itself to be a strong one. Great full-colour art add to the pleasures, and it won't be long before even a reluctant reader has ticked this off – and it shouldn't be too long either before a request for more of the same is put in. An encouraging success, and a healthy four stars.

Perfectly pitched for the emerald readers, this is an immersive and totally enjoyable tale.

Mystery, adventure and timeslip - featuring real stories from history too. It's got everything. Another great, reliable story from Big Cat,