Suitabook

Trick Rider

Julie Hunt

Reading: You could read together and pause at the shift from circus performance to Little Else’s search for Harry Blast. Ask what she hopes to achieve, then revisit that expectation as the story unfolds.
Themes: Standing up to unfair treatment: Little Else performs successfully at Ma Calico’s circus but is not paid. The other performers want her to stand up to Ma. The conflict centres on Little Else’s unpaid work and the other performers’ encouragement to challenge Ma.
Comic adventure structure: The plot moves from Little Else’s circus performances and the payment dispute to her decision to seek out bushranger Harry Blast. The story is presented as a funny adventure, using a shift from circus spectacle to a bold quest to propel the action.
Worth knowing: The plot includes unfair treatment of Little Else by Ma, along with tired circus horses and a search for a bushranger. These elements may prompt a check-in if unfairness or animal fatigue is a concern for your child.