Staff Picks Blog
Written by Barbara O’Connor, author of another favorite book of mine, How To Steal a Dog, tells the story of the summer Owen Jester has captured “the biggest, greenist, slimiest, most beautiful bullfrog ever to be seen in Carter, Georgia.” He names it Tooley Graham, and has built a swell cage for it in his bedroom. Then Owen’s nosey neighbor, Viola, discovers the captured bullfrog and convinces Owen to set him free in the local pond thus relieving his nagging guilt about the frog’s captivity. The main storyline, however, deals with Owen’s discovery of the Water Wonder 4000, a two person submarine that has fallen off a train near Owen’s house. The adventure begins as Owen and his two buddies scheme to keep the sub hidden from know-it-all Viola and and adults who are curious about the kids’ activities. The cover art depicts the fantastic escapade of the children and once again, Barbara O’Connor has written a gentle Southern story with great characterizations and humorous situations. Fourth through sixth graders will get caught up in the shenanigans of this old fashioned tale and the antics of the boys in the story.
