Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue Playing Circus

In Short

This gentle, episodic narrative follows two young siblings, Bunny and Sue, as they spend a lively summer on their grandparents' farm. Inspired by the magic of the big top, they organize their own neighborhood circus, enlisting the help of a quiet, enigmatic boy named Ben Hall. Part of a prolific series for young readers, the story captures the earnest, imaginative play of childhood. It has endured as a classic of the era because of its warmth, its focus on the simple joys of rural exploration, and its portrayal of a safe, nurturing family life.

The Story

The story opens on a quiet country farm, where Bunny Brown and his sister Sue are engaged in the typical pursuits of childhood. After a minor incident where Bunny finds himself hanging upside down in a peach tree, the children turn their attention to a more constructive project: planning a circus. The household is soon joined by Ben Hall, a mysterious and somewhat guarded boy who appears at the farmhouse seeking work. Though he is clearly a talented and hardworking helper, he guards a secret about his past, which fuels the curiosity of the children and their grandparents alike.

As the summer progresses, the project grows in scale. The children, aided by Bunker Blue and the now-essential Ben, transform the farm's barns and meadows into a performance space. They experiment with "wild animals"—including a calf they stripe with green paint to resemble a zebra—and construct elaborate costumes. A sense of gentle suspense builds as the children prepare for their big show, navigating the challenges of a heavy storm that threatens their tents and the temporary loss of their beloved dog, Splash.

The climax arrives when the neighborhood gathers for the performance. The children delight the audience with their acts: Bunny performs as a scarecrow, and Sue appears as a living Jack-o'-lantern. The production is a resounding success, earning the admiration of their families and friends. However, the joy of the event is soon followed by the revelation of Ben’s secret. A man named Mr. Hooper arrives at the farm, and it is discovered that Ben is a runaway from a traveling circus. He had fled due to the abuse of a cruel head clown. With the assurance that he will no longer be mistreated, and having found a safe haven at the farm, Ben decides to return to his former profession, albeit with a new, healthier outlook. The book concludes with the children and their families reflecting on a summer well-spent, as Ben prepares to depart, leaving behind memories of a circus that brought the entire community together.

How It Unfolds

The circus takes root Bunny and Sue begin their preparations by experimenting with animal acts and gathering materials around the farm. They enlist help from their friends and the mysterious new farmhand, Ben Hall, who proves remarkably skilled at circus logistics.

The search for Splash The narrative pauses when the children’s dog, Splash, goes missing, leading to a suspenseful search across the neighboring fields. The children learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the kindness of their neighbors during this brief, anxious diversion.

Preparing the main event As the date of the show approaches, the work becomes more professional, with the construction of reserved seating and the staging of "wild animal" exhibits. The children and their peers refine their costumes and practice their routines, building anticipation for the final performance.

The grand performance The circus itself provides the narrative’s high point, showcasing the children’s creativity in their scarecrow and pumpkin acts. The audience’s enthusiastic reception validates the hard work of all the participants, marking the peak of their summer fun.

The secret revealed The arrival of Mr. Hooper brings the mystery of Ben Hall to a resolution, shifting the tone toward a thoughtful reflection on his past. The story ends with a peaceful reconciliation and the promise of a future for Ben that is free from the shadows of his former life.

The People

Bunny Brown and his sister Sue are the heart of the story. They are characterized by their boundless curiosity and their habit of taking their "make-believe" play very seriously. Bunny often acts as the leader, while Sue provides the emotional perspective and cautious support. They want to create the perfect circus, and their persistence in the face of small failures—like the difficulty of painting a calf or the challenge of catching an old rooster—drives the action forward.

Ben Hall is the pivotal figure who introduces a touch of complexity to the farm. He is a boy of few words, characterized by his industriousness and his fear of his former life. He serves as a mentor to the children, helping them realize their circus dream, while he himself hides a history of abuse at the hands of a circus performer. His transformation from a frightened runaway to a confident youth is the book’s most significant character arc.

Grandpa Brown and the other adults provide the stable, moral center of the story. They are consistently kind, patient, and observant, acting as the necessary guardians who permit the children’s play while ensuring their safety. They are the ones who ultimately facilitate the peaceful resolution regarding Ben, modeling the virtues of empathy and understanding that the children eventually mirror.

In Its Own Voice

"There he is! There's Bunny upside down!" cried Sue, pointing to the tree in which Bunny was hanging by his feet. (The children discover Bunny in a precarious position at the beginning of the book.)

"It's a secret you know." (Sue reminds Bunny to keep their circus plans quiet while they are out on an errand.)

"I'm not going to have my half of Splash all squashed up, Bunny Brown!" (Sue expresses her concern for their pet dog during the planning of a make-believe cage.)

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the transformative power of imaginative play. It suggests that children, through their creative projects, can bridge the gap between their small, private world and the broader community. The circus serves as a symbol of unity, bringing together the children, the farmhands, and the local families. Beneath the plot lies a gentle argument for the importance of a secure, nurturing environment in fostering growth and bravery. The mystery of Ben Hall raises questions about the hidden burdens children may carry, ultimately suggesting that safety and kindness are the foundational requirements for any young person to thrive.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical children’s literature or the feeling of a slower, simpler pastoral life will find much to love here. The book carries the distinct atmosphere of 1916, featuring a landscape of quiet country roads, manual labor, and the uncomplicated joy of playing outdoors. For those interested in the history of the genre, it provides a window into the values and tone of early 20th-century juvenile fiction.

It is helpful to approach the book with an awareness of its era. The prose is straightforward and occasionally repetitive, reflecting a style designed for a younger audience of that period. Some readers might find the depiction of the "strange boy" or the occasional references to "Gypsies" to be period-specific, reflecting attitudes that were common at the time but are not nuanced by modern standards. However, the warmth of the central relationship between the siblings and the sincere, gentle treatment of Ben’s trauma provide a lasting emotional core. It is a comforting, rhythmic read that remains a gentle reminder of the power of a child's ambition, leaving the reader with a sense of the fundamental goodness found in the Brown family’s world.