Circus Girl — Tomek Bogacki

Overcoming barriers to friendship.

It was late spring. I remember the day very well. Strange sounds coming from outside woke me earlier than usual. I jumped out of bed and ran to the window. A colorful caravan of carriages was passing by. I spelled out the letters painted on the side -- C-I-R-C-U-S.

The next day, the teacher introduced a new girl to the class. She would be going to school with them while the circus was in town. Her presence was exciting to all the children, but it was her kindness that opened doors for the two boys who sat nearest to her, and they began an unlikely friendship.

In his highly expressive paintings, Tomek Bogacki provides an evocative glimpse into his childhood in Poland.