Elyse's Escape

Under the big top, Elyse was born; from birth she was trained to obey.


She would travel the country, perform for the crowds, but never got to play.


Her costumes were extravagant; she wore feathers on her head.


But she didn't have a family, or a warm and cozy bed.


Each night Elyse would fall asleep exhausted and forlorn,


wishing for the mom she hadn't seen since she was born.


One evening when the crowds were gone and she was tethered for the night,


Elyse noticed for the first time that her ropes were rather tight.


She wasn't quite the fragile baby that she used to be;


she was stronger now, but could she break her binds and easily run free?


Find out in this lyrical rhyming story from author Heather Leughmyer, part of her Kindness to Animals Series. Perfect for ages 5 and up, and excellent for both humane education and library and family story time.