• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: 3 to 12

A celebration of thinking outside the box—or cage!

The Great Bird Circus is headed to a big show, but they run into trouble when they reach the border. Paloma and the ringmaster are allowed to cross—but their birds need paperwork, and lots of it! The situation seems hopeless, unless … what if there’s more than one way to get across?

With Paloma’s quick and creative thinking, she’s able to outwit the bureaucracy and come up with a solution: they free the birds from their cages, and while Paloma and the ringmaster drive across the border in their truck, the birds fly overhead! When the circus is reunited on the other side, Paloma suggests the birds don’t need cages—they can fly free.

Minimal text, light humor, and loose illustrations work together to express big ideas simply in this uplifting story that prizes problem-solving and creative thinking.

Born in Paris and raised in Morocco, Barroux has a passion for travel and exploring other cultures. It's no surprise that he approaches each new book he is illustrating as if it's the beginning of an adventure. Barroux strives to create unusual artwork, and when creating picture-book art, he always tries to surprise the little kid that's inside of him. Despite all of the countries and faraway lands he's explored, Barroux still believes that life in books, where dogs can fly and trees are blue, is more extraordinary. He has illustrated and, in some instances, written numerous books for children for various publishers, including Blue Apple Books, Running Press, Simon & Schuster, Viking and Kids Can Press.

Barroux's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens

"A clever story about freedom, bureaucracy, and creative problem-solving ... [Barroux] has woven his story and the illustrations to create a lighthearted, humorous, and thought-provoking experience."

Canadian Review of Materials

"Kids will love it, and you will as well."

Sal's Fiction Addiction

"Minimal text, paired with Barroux’s signature ink and acrylic illustrations, create enjoyable humor while emphasizing the story’s themes of teamwork and creative problem-solving ... This playful take on finding solutions is a valuable addition to most collections."

School Library Journal

"Told in a simplistic yet touching manner, this story of overcoming barriers and recognizing that freedom is always preferable to peonage will entertain and resonate with younger readers."

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database