Chapter 12 Summary

Jacob attempts to avoid August the rest of the day. Jacob hears a rumor in the menagerie tent that he is not the only one avoiding August. Apparently Uncle Al wants Rosie to take part in the parade at the opening of the show that day, and August knows that Rosie is not ready, which has put August in a foul mood. When the parade begins to line up later that day, Rosie will not follow any of August's commands. Finally, as a compromise, Rosie is placed in a hippopotamus wagon for the parade.

After the parade, Rosie is easily the most popular animal in the menagerie. Uncle Al sees this and demands that Rosie be a part of the Grand Spec, the parade inside the big top at the beginning of the show. Again August argues, but Uncle Al insists. Marlena rides...