Fantasy novel about a gifted actor/juggler/performer with orange hair

I read this book about ten years ago or so; it's the story of a non-human (but humanoid) performer who was a child prodigy at his art. The story starts from his childhood, and at some point his highly neurotic mother sticks him in a basket and leaves him in the closet. Later in the book, he gets arrested and the pattern of light on the roof of his jail cell reminds him of the basket pattern, and brings him close to a breakdown. I think the author's name is Kate something? Cover was black with a drawing of this orange-haired guy. Thanks :)

The Merro Tree! Fantastic book!

YES! Thank you so much!

You're welcome! You gave a fantastic description of it in the OP... I recognized it instantly.