Esmeralda and the Children Next Door — Jenny Nimmo

Esmeralda is big and strong but she does not want to be the circus strong-woman like her parents hope she will be. Esmeralda would be happier walking the tightrope or doing acrobatics. But what she truly wants is to play with the children next door. Trouble is, the children are terrified of Esmeralda's great size and strength. They yell at her to go away. Gentle Esmeralda desperately wants to be friends, but how can she? Then one day Esmeralda proves how kind and loving she really is and wins the friendship she has craved.