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The Quirks #2
The Quirks in Circus Quirkus
Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls, Children of All Ages... Just as the Quirk family was settling into Normal... Ta da! The circus comes to town! At school, Molly, Penelope, and Finn are all learning circus skills in gym class. At home, they are putting similar skills to good use; it takes fancy footwork and stellar detective work to keep their nosy neighbor from snooping around and uncovering the Quirk family secrets. Each day in their new town makes one thing very clear: Life in Normal is a high-flying adventure!
240 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2014
6 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Erin Soderberg Downing
54 books268 followersI read and write lots of funny, adventurous, & heartwarming books for kids, tweens, and teens (and even a few romantic comedies for adults, too!) that are ultimately about finding your place, finding your people, and finding your voice. I always love book recommendations, so please send them my way. As a reader, I'm partial to contemporary romantic comedy, thrillers that keep the pages turning and have well-built characters, funny/original voices, quirky characters, and always kids' books with humor and heart.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 27, 2015
So cute! The second installment about the Quirks finally brings the confrontation with nosy neighbor Mrs. DeVille, hints at more possible romance between Bree and Mr. Intihar, and introduces the family's mad circus skillz. Such a fun series, and I love the illustrations!
February 4, 2017
**Interview with my 5 & 6 year olds**
Me: What did you think of this book?
T: It was t-riffic
M: Awesome
Me: Who was your favourite character? Why?
T: My favourite character was Finn because he could go invisible.
M: Molly 'cause she can see the invisible guy.
Me: And what about her name?
M: Yeah, and 'cause she has the same name as me.
Me: What was your favourite bit?
T: My favourite bit was when they caught the new monster.
M: When they played with Niblet their pet monster.
Me: What quirk would you like to have?
T: I would like to go back in time so I can have desert over and over and over again.
M: I wish i could be a tiny fairy who could fly.
Me: What circus trick would you like to learn?
T: I would like to learn trapeze.
M: The 'peze same as Tom.
Me: What did you think of this book?
T: It was t-riffic
M: Awesome
Me: Who was your favourite character? Why?
T: My favourite character was Finn because he could go invisible.
M: Molly 'cause she can see the invisible guy.
Me: And what about her name?
M: Yeah, and 'cause she has the same name as me.
Me: What was your favourite bit?
T: My favourite bit was when they caught the new monster.
M: When they played with Niblet their pet monster.
Me: What quirk would you like to have?
T: I would like to go back in time so I can have desert over and over and over again.
M: I wish i could be a tiny fairy who could fly.
Me: What circus trick would you like to learn?
T: I would like to learn trapeze.
M: The 'peze same as Tom.
April 19, 2017
I really like this book 📚. I give it five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟Because of the comedy, the magic and the rewinding time⏱. Erin Soderberg (author) inspires me to write books 📚 like her. I recommend this book for everyone aged 5-11.
December 19, 2016
The Quirks, a family with secret magical powers, have settled in well in their new town of Normal. Still, each member of the family knows that just one person learning their secret could be enough to send them packing, looking for yet another new home. When their next door neighbor, Mrs. Deville, begins spying on the kids as they play in the backyard, twins Molly and Penelope look for ways to distract her, while younger brother Finn begins setting booby traps around the house. In the meantime, Penelope surprises herself by excelling in the school’s special circus training program, Mrs. Quirk takes a trip, Gran reveals her true nature, and Grandpa Quill battles the hiccups.
This sequel to The Quirks: Welcome to Normal is every bit as clever as the first book, and lots of fun to read. While the conflict with Mrs. Deville is the central plot, the reader is also treated to further background information about each character’s individual quirk, and to a deeper exploration of the relationships between members of the family. Each of the characters’ personalities is as well-developed as their powers, and Penelope, in particular, gets a chance to show off the positive sides of her powerful imagination, which helps her to become a trapeze star. Though it’s not likely that any real school would allow kids to practice circus stunts in gym class, even this unusual aspect of the story works well, especially when the Quirks’ suspicions of Mrs. Deville and their newfound circus skills come together to resolve at least one of their problems.
This book is just the right blend of realism and fantasy. The characters’ conflicts with their peers and with one another are situations to which all kids can relate, but the added complication of magical powers gives the story a fun little twist that keeps the reader guessing. Readers will laugh out loud at Finn’s invisible antics, root for Penelope, especially when she becomes convinced she has turned an annoying classmate into a squirrel, and sympathize closely with Molly, who has no powers of her own but seems to know how to help the others harness theirs. They will also enjoy learning more about Gran’s and Grandpa Quill’s quirks, which are seemingly random, but among the most interesting of any in the family.
This series is good, clean fun that can be enjoyed easily by everyone in the family, from preschoolers to parents. This book will work well as a bedtime readaloud, a book club selection, or an independent reading project for your third or fourth grader.
This sequel to The Quirks: Welcome to Normal is every bit as clever as the first book, and lots of fun to read. While the conflict with Mrs. Deville is the central plot, the reader is also treated to further background information about each character’s individual quirk, and to a deeper exploration of the relationships between members of the family. Each of the characters’ personalities is as well-developed as their powers, and Penelope, in particular, gets a chance to show off the positive sides of her powerful imagination, which helps her to become a trapeze star. Though it’s not likely that any real school would allow kids to practice circus stunts in gym class, even this unusual aspect of the story works well, especially when the Quirks’ suspicions of Mrs. Deville and their newfound circus skills come together to resolve at least one of their problems.
This book is just the right blend of realism and fantasy. The characters’ conflicts with their peers and with one another are situations to which all kids can relate, but the added complication of magical powers gives the story a fun little twist that keeps the reader guessing. Readers will laugh out loud at Finn’s invisible antics, root for Penelope, especially when she becomes convinced she has turned an annoying classmate into a squirrel, and sympathize closely with Molly, who has no powers of her own but seems to know how to help the others harness theirs. They will also enjoy learning more about Gran’s and Grandpa Quill’s quirks, which are seemingly random, but among the most interesting of any in the family.
This series is good, clean fun that can be enjoyed easily by everyone in the family, from preschoolers to parents. This book will work well as a bedtime readaloud, a book club selection, or an independent reading project for your third or fourth grader.
January 17, 2014
The Quirks in Circus Quirkus by Erin Soderberg is a children's chapter book schedule for release on February 4 2014. The Quirk family is not exactly typical. Mom can look people in the eye and convince them of just about anything, Finn is invisible unless he is chewing gum, grandma Quirk is the size of a bird, grandpa Quirk can play with time, and Penelope's imagination sometimes gets away with her in a big way. Then there is Molly, Penelope's twin sister. She is the odd man out in the family. Her only quirk is that no one else's abilities effect her. The family is just getting settled into a new house, in a new town, when a nosy neighbor just might make them move away again. To make things even more stressful, the circus has come to town, and the kids are learning acts with the possibility of performing in front of the entire town. Can the Quirk family keep their differences a secret, or will they be forced to move again?
I somehow missed that The Quirks in Circus Quirkus is the sequel of The Quirks: Welcome to Normal. While I did not read the first book, I felt that I had a good idea of who everyone was and what was going on in short order. Newcomers to the series (like myself) will not be lost or miss out on enjoying Circus Quirkus. I really enjoyed the characters and family dynamics of the Quirks. While they might not be the most normal family because of their powers, the way they relate to each other and the fears of Molly ring true to me. I think young readers will relate to the characters, while laughing at some of their antics and worrying about the conflicts that involve their neighbor and school. I think the school bully, and desire to fit in, as well as the sibling give and take will particularly draw in most readers. The twists and resolution made me happy, and left me eager to go back and read how this adventure started.
I would recommend The Quirks in Circus Quirkus to middle grade readers that like books that involve magic, siblings, and school dynamics. The story is fun and made me smile as I read. Readers that have read and enjoyed The Quirks: Welcome to Normal will likely enjoy this book even more than I did.
I somehow missed that The Quirks in Circus Quirkus is the sequel of The Quirks: Welcome to Normal. While I did not read the first book, I felt that I had a good idea of who everyone was and what was going on in short order. Newcomers to the series (like myself) will not be lost or miss out on enjoying Circus Quirkus. I really enjoyed the characters and family dynamics of the Quirks. While they might not be the most normal family because of their powers, the way they relate to each other and the fears of Molly ring true to me. I think young readers will relate to the characters, while laughing at some of their antics and worrying about the conflicts that involve their neighbor and school. I think the school bully, and desire to fit in, as well as the sibling give and take will particularly draw in most readers. The twists and resolution made me happy, and left me eager to go back and read how this adventure started.
I would recommend The Quirks in Circus Quirkus to middle grade readers that like books that involve magic, siblings, and school dynamics. The story is fun and made me smile as I read. Readers that have read and enjoyed The Quirks: Welcome to Normal will likely enjoy this book even more than I did.
July 13, 2019
This is the second published book about The Quirk family who possess magical powers. Granny is a fairy, Grandpa can mess with time; Bree Quirk can make people believe what they want to, and Finn (aged 5), is invisible unless he’s chewing gum. Penelope has an imagination that is out of control, while her twin, Molly, seems to be the only Quirk not to have a special power; although her immunity to the magic of the others makes her unique in that sense. There is also a pet monster in the house called Niblet! The Circus of the Dazzling Stars comes to Normal – the family’s hometown, so the Quirk children are learning circus skills when at school. At home however, there is the usual mischievous mayhem going on and ongoing attempts to hide their secret powers from the nosy neighbour, Mrs DeVille. Will she catch them out?
Comment and Guide
The first half of the book has a narrative that is a little stilted by detailing and asides. When it settles down however, it is quite fun and begins to flow. The b/w illustrations are enhancing and have a look of 2D Disney about them. Even though the circus theme is rather 20th century the circus references are enjoyable. This is very much a modern fable however, with trick playing and trouble dodging a main thread. The writing juxtaposes in a way with a script from many-a-popular multi-channel cartoon; language is geared for the US audience. The book would work really well as a read aloud book in a shared storytelling situation.
Comment and Guide
The first half of the book has a narrative that is a little stilted by detailing and asides. When it settles down however, it is quite fun and begins to flow. The b/w illustrations are enhancing and have a look of 2D Disney about them. Even though the circus theme is rather 20th century the circus references are enjoyable. This is very much a modern fable however, with trick playing and trouble dodging a main thread. The writing juxtaposes in a way with a script from many-a-popular multi-channel cartoon; language is geared for the US audience. The book would work really well as a read aloud book in a shared storytelling situation.
September 23, 2014
The Quirks are not your normal family. Mrs. Quirk can influence your thinking by looking you in the eye. Grandpa can skip time. Grandma is a tiny little fairy. Young Finn is invisible unless he has gum in his mouth. Penelope can make things just by thinking of them. Only Molly is normal though she is immune to everyone else's quirks. The Quirks have only been in Normal a short time and hope to not move again any time soon (they always have to move when their quirks cause too much commotion). However, their neighbor Mrs. DeVille is snooping around and the Quirks are afraid she is going to cause trouble for them. They are also enjoying the fact that they are getting circus lessons at school and may get to perform in front of the entire town. The Quirks are fun and quirky and they don't want anyone to find out how unique they are. I thought this was a fun book with a lot of character. The Quirks are entertaining and unusual. I didn't realize this was the second book in the series, but I don't think it detracted from the story. I think kids will enjoy this unique series.
February 16, 2015
The first book was a real hit with my students. We connected with the author and were able to skype with her during our book club meeting. She was a gem! She even sent a follow up letter with some bookmarks for the next book. My students loved it.
I don't think you would need to read the first book before embarking on this one. The author is careful to explain characters and ideas carried over from the first book.
Finn is really a delight in this book. He learns about the idea of pranking people and he and grandpa have a few really good belly laughs after they pull off some good pranks. We also get to know the little fairy grandmother in this story a little better. There is a great lesson on not judging people.
I don't think you would need to read the first book before embarking on this one. The author is careful to explain characters and ideas carried over from the first book.
Finn is really a delight in this book. He learns about the idea of pranking people and he and grandpa have a few really good belly laughs after they pull off some good pranks. We also get to know the little fairy grandmother in this story a little better. There is a great lesson on not judging people.
February 23, 2016
This is the second book in a series (we haven't read the first one yet), but it was easy to figure out what was going on with this magical family.
Every member of the family has their own unique quirk (Finn can turn invisible, Grandpa can rewind time, etc). Even Molly, who isn't magical, has the quirk of being immune to the rest of her family's magical skills.
They think they've finally found a home in the town of Normal, but a snooping neighbor may change all that by revealing them for who they really are.
Asher (7yo) and Dex (5yo) both enjoyed this story, often asking for more chapters at lunch. It was cute and the story line easy to follow.
Every member of the family has their own unique quirk (Finn can turn invisible, Grandpa can rewind time, etc). Even Molly, who isn't magical, has the quirk of being immune to the rest of her family's magical skills.
They think they've finally found a home in the town of Normal, but a snooping neighbor may change all that by revealing them for who they really are.
Asher (7yo) and Dex (5yo) both enjoyed this story, often asking for more chapters at lunch. It was cute and the story line easy to follow.
April 15, 2017
Kids would enjoy the characters and their "special" talents and the adventures the family has. However, when I read that the father in the story just walked out on his family one morning, I was a bit disturbed. Every story for kids doesn't have to involve an ideal family but adults should be aware that this fact about the father was mentioned. I think some children might be disturbed to hear that a parent could just walk out on them one morning without a word to them.
April 21, 2014
Book two takes all the magic of book one then throws in the magic of the circus! Tightropes, trapezes, juggling. There's also an occasional booby trap. Ok, there's tons of booby traps. What else can you do when you have a nosy neighbor?
June 10, 2013
I had a blast writing Book 2 in THE QUIRKS series - this one is full of mischief and adventure, and the Quirks' fun monster Niblet even gets in on the action!
September 7, 2014
Aww! These books are so cute! And the author is from Minnesota. Looking forward to book three!
February 5, 2014
It is a really great book. Loved it.
November 5, 2014
Another cute story featuring the Quirk twins.
November 9, 2014
I love this series for kids. I think every kid can relate to the Quirks siblings in some way or another.
June 6, 2015
Cute - 2nd in the series - goofy fantasy fun about a magical family trying to adjust to life in a town called Normal.
February 14, 2016
3.5 stars, another quirky and fun book. I loved the ending. :)
August 21, 2015
Super cute, imaginative, & creative. Lots of kid appeal.
Message = Celebrating unique talents and sticking together as a family.
Message = Celebrating unique talents and sticking together as a family.
October 17, 2017
My kids loved this series. We read it aloud at bedtime and it entertained all 3 of them (ages 5-10).
October 15, 2018
Another fun story for younger and middle grade readers from Erin Soderberg.
July 24, 2019
We’re all loving this series & look forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews