Author Kate Klise is known for her quirky graphic mysteries she created with her sister and illustrator, M. Sarah Klise . This, her first solo effort, is a story of self-acceptance. Everyone knows sixth-grader Charles Harrisong is so not normal! At least, this is what Charles thinks. He lives with his large family in Normal, Illinois and attends Normal Junior High where he is embarrassed by everything. Charles is headed towards a major meltdown. Then, he and his family pack up one night and mysteriously move away. This could be their new beginning as a “normal” family. But, then again …

This audiobook collection includes:

Three-Ring Rascals, Book 1: The Show Must Go On!

When Sir Sidney, a kindly old circus owner, becomes too tired to travel with his show, he places a Help Wanted ad in the newspaper. Enter Barnabas Brambles: “I have a degree in lion taming from the University of Piccadilly Circus.” But does Leo the lion need taming? Will Elsa the elephant still get her gourmet peanuts? And what will Brambles say when he discovers Bert and Gert—two mice who travel with the circus on popcorn cleanup patrol?

Brambles has big plans: More cities! More shows! No more free popcorn. Soon he’s made a big mess of Sir Sidney’s Circus, but Leo, Elsa, Bert, Gert, and the rest of the performers agree: The Show Must Go On!

Three-Ring Rascals, Book 2: The Greatest Star on Earth

The rascals from the world’s friendliest family circus are back in the second installment of this “smafunderful”* series.

Everyone knows Sir Sidney’s Circus is the best in the world. But who’s the star of the show? The Circus Times is having a contest to find out. Just thinking about it gives Sir Sidney a worrywart, and it’s quickly clear why. Soon after he goes off to rest, the performers start thinking too much about winning the trophy and not enough about putting on a good show. 

Meanwhile, it looks as if ringmaster-in-training Barnabas Brambles might need some help managing the crew, so Bert and Gert, the sly brother-and-sister mice who travel with the show, set out to write a book to teach him how it’s done.

Does Bert and Gert’s plan work? And who is the star of the circus? All will be revealed in The Greatest Star on Earth.

*Kirkus Reviews

Three-Ring Rascals, Book 3: The Circus Goes to Sea
For many years, Sir Sidney’s Circus has traveled by train. But one day a letter arrives from Miss Flora Endora Eliza LaBuena LaPasta inviting the circus to travel aboard the SS Spaghetti. Who can resist? The Spaghetti is a floating palace of elegance and entertainment. There’s only one problem: Miss LaPasta doesn’t want Barnabas Brambles to come aboard, because she’s heard he’s the meanest man alive. Lucky for Barnabas Brambles, his boss is Sir Sidney, the nicest man alive. Sir Sidney insists the entire circus, including Barnabas Brambles, accept the invitation. But Leo doesn’t like water. Elsa’s never been swimming. The Famous Flying Banana Brothers have no idea where they’ll put their trapeze. And what’s that large object up ahead in the water?

Three-Ring Rascals, Book 4: Pop Goes the Circus!
Two runaway rascals go on the road in the fourth installment of this highly praised, popular series.

Bert the circus mouse has gone missing! The members of Sir Sidney’s Circus figure he’s nearby, sulking after an argument with his sister, Gert. Little do they know that he’s been carried away by a rogue balloon. Meanwhile, in a faraway state, Flora LaPasta is tired of being ignored as her parents prepare for a new baby, so she mails herself to Sir Sidney’s Circus in protest.

A popped balloon and a mixed-up shipment soon bring Bert and Flora together. In the worst of times, a best friendship is born. But can the pair make it through a world of bad drivers, angry mobs, and greedy robbers? How long can a circus mouse and a runaway girl survive on their own?

Praise for the Three-Ring Rascals Series:
“Youngsters will find reading smooth sailing and look forward to future escapades.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The story zips along, the text and illustrations are full of playful surprises, and the author sustains a tone of rare and genuine sweetness . . . Rich and inventive.” —Chicago Tribune

“Absurd situations, winning characters and plenty of heartfelt moments and laughs combine to make this a surefire hit.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A fun pick for fans of silly stories and for reluctant readers, too.” —School Library Journal