Here is a thrilling story charged with all the excitement and drama of life in the circus . . . a book children the world over have enjoyed for generations.

Our story begins as a traveling circus stops for a performance in the town of Guilford, and in the process takes on a new hand—a spunky little fellow named Toby Tyler. Toby had been unhappy living with his Uncle Daniel, so when Mr. Lord, the circus' peanut man, offered Toby a job as his assistant, the young boy hesitated only long enough to say yes.

But the next day, far from home, Toby discovered that Mr. Lord was something less than a jovial fellow who sold peanuts and lemonade. When he wanted to, Mr. Lord could be a very stern man, even cruel. When the lemonade glasses weren't washed fast enough he beat Toby. And while the show was going on, Toby had to carry a heavy . . . 

From the dust jacket of the Junior Deluxe Edition