Books > The Acrobats of Agra

The Acrobats of Agra

Robin Scott-Elliot, illustrated by Holly Ovenden

Published

26 October 2020

ISBN

978-1911427148

Format

Paperback

Dimensions

B-format

Pages

352

From the author of The Tzar’s Curious Runaways, the unforgettable tale of a circus, three brave orphans and a tiger caught in the Indian rebellion of 1857.

“Prove to me you are the Acrobats of Agra & you will live”

India, 1857. Beatrice Spelling is walking a tightrope. Caught in the chaos of the Indian Rebellion, one false step and it’s the end for her, Pingali and Jacques the acrobat. If they’re to save Tonton, the circus tiger, and find Bea’s missing brother they must risk everything. Guided by Pingali, they escape the besieged city of Agra and begin a dangerous journey across war-torn India that will test their friendship – and circus skills – to the limit.

Listen to Robin talk about his inspiration for The Acrobats of Agra.

Picked by The Observer as one of the best Children’s Books of 2020

Long ago” and “far away” were comprehensively nailed by Robin Scott-Elliot in The Acrobats of Agra (Everything With Words). Circus performers are a reliably unruly device in children’s fiction, and here apprentice acrobat Bea, her teacher, his tiger and their new friend Ping performed myriad leaps of faith to outfox a siege as the empire began to slip.

– Observer, Best Children’s Books of 2020

A magical tale based on the true story of a lost French circus during the Indian rebellion. A breath-taking adventure. 

– School Zone, Librarian’s book choice 5/5 stars

You might expect it from a story about circus performers, but the Arcrobats of Agra really does convey the tension, terror and thrill of the high wire, from its first line to the last.

– Roaring Reads

Set against the backdrop of the 1857 Indian Rebellion, three children begin a dangerous journey across the war-torn country in a magic-realist adventure of tigers, circus skills and Hindu gods.

– Bookseller previews October 2020

We love the way Scott-Elliot spirits magical fiction from historical fact. This marvellous wee book is nothing short of triumph!’

– Sunday Post

All in all, this is up there with a trip to the circus for thrills and breath-taking excitements.

– Lovereading4Kids

From the author of The Tzar’s Curious Runaways. This is another breath-taking adventure

– Reading Zone

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Robin Scott-Elliot

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Robin Scott-Elliot

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