"Mirette on the High Wire" by Emily Arnold McCully

APA Citation:

Mcull, E. (1992). Mirette on a high wire. N.Y., N.Y.:
        Putman.

Summary: 
(Caldecott Medal)

     The story takes place in France and Mirette lives with her mother who runs a boarding house.  She loves to sit on the stairs of her home and listen to all the guests tell of their adventures.  One evening a mysterious stranger arrives at her home.  His name is Monsieur Bellini.  He is very quiet and sad.  He keeps to himself and eats in his room.  Mirette sees Billini high wire walking and is amazed.  She wanted to try it herself!  Mirette convinces him to teach her how to walk the high wire.  Later, the other guests in the boarding house discover that Monsieur Bellini is the "great Bellini."  He is known for crossing Niagra Falls on a thousand-foot wire in ten minutes.  Mirrette talks to Bellini to verify if he is indeed the famous high wire walker.  He says he is but admits that he is afraid of performing. 
He decides to conquer his fear by performing once again.  Mirette hears commotion in the streets and sees Bellini performing on the wire. Fear sets in and he freezes on the wire. Mirette comes to the rescue and accompanies him on the wire.  They both finish the performance.

Illustrations:

The illustrations are very nice. They are water color pictures that captivate the essence of France.  The clothing and the architecture of the homes show that the story takes place in the not so distant past.