Mr. Stubbs's Brother: A Sequel to 'Toby Tyler

Toby Tyler knows circus life better than most boys his age. He has already lived the adventure, ridden elephants, and performed before crowds. So when his friends Reddy and Bob propose building their own amateur circus from scratch, Toby hesitates. The memories are sweet, yes, but also tinged with loss, especially when he thinks of Mr. Stubbs, the monkey who was once his companion. The boys scheme and plan, pooling their limited resources and boundless imagination to create something whimsical in miniature. What unfolds is a tender story about friendship, nostalgia, and the courage it takes to try again after something precious has been lost. Otis captures the inventive world of children who believe a few sticks and a borrowed costume can become magic. Though dated in its sensibilities, the novel endures for its honest portrayal of youthful hope and the bittersweet knowledge that growing up means leaving some things behind.