The Circus Surprise is a children's book written by Ralph Fletcher and illustrated by Vladimir Vagin.

Bina Williams in her review for the School Library Journal said "Fletcher details an occurrence that is bound to happen to just about every kid at one time or another--getting lost in a public place.

"[2] Publishers Weekly was mixed in their review saying "Fletcher's text is by turns reassuring and practical in tone, providing tips that readers will find useful if facing a predicament like Nick's.

Vagin's tightly composed gouaches show crowds, but the bustle doesn't come through.

While his work is highly detailed (e.g., he finely delineates the lions' fur and manes, and shows the trim on an acrobat's costume), the scenes themselves look stiff and static.