Mirette learns tightrope walking from Monsieur Bellini, a guest in her mother's boarding house, not knowing that he is a celebrated tightrope artist who has withdrawn from performing because of fear.

When the Great Blondin announced that he was going to walk from America to Canada across the Niagara River on a rope that was more than 1,100 feet long and just 3 inches wide, hanging 160 feet above the raging river, people came from everywhere. Some came to watch him cross. Some came to watch him fall. Some thought he wouldn't show up at all. But he did show up. And he did walk across the river. And then he did something else amazing. He crossed...

After the Great Bellini teaches young Mirette to walk the high wire, she uses her talent to free him from prison, and both resolve to help others become free.

With the help of a young immigrant boy they meet on their crossing to America, two famous tightrope walkers manage to survive the treachery of a rival showman.

Children's book tells the true story of Philippe Petit, the young French aerialist who walked on a high wire between the World Trade Center towers. This Caldecott Medal winner is brought to life on DVD with narration by Jake Gyllenhaal.