Synopses & Reviews
Owen Jester wishes his family hadnt moved to his grandfathers house after his dad lost his job. For one thing, his grandfathers live-in nurse sure knows how to ruin anyones idea of a good time. And then theres Viola, the girl next door, who cant ever mind her own business. She even thinks Owen should put his freshly captured bullfrog back into the pond. Then late one night, Owen hears a curious noise when the train passes by his grandfathers house. Something mysterious and wonderful has fallen off the train. When Owen finally discovers what it is, he realizes he just might need a know-it-all after all. But can he trust Viola keep the most fantastic secret to ever tumble into Carter, Georgia?
Review
“OConnor has perfect pitch with this comic adventure, which ends with a happy resolution everyone, even the frog, can live with.”—
New York Times Book Review“OConnor masterfully twists the two plot threads—Owens gradual realization that Tooley must be released, and the childrens Fitzcarraldo-like mission to move the submarine through brush to pond—into a fully convincing tale pitched perfectly to the upper elementary grades.”—BCCB, Starred Review
“This well-crafted novel creates a charming mix of the commonplace and the extraordinary. . . . Appealing and authentic, this tale of summertime adventure will be a hit with readers year round.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review
“OConnor has spun a lovely read that perfectly captures the schemes and plans of school-age kids in the long days of summer.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“With a quiet sensitivity, OConnor explores the effects of unemployment and relocating and the joys of both longtime companions and new, unexpected friendships. Filled with charm and wonder, this finely crafted novel reminds readers of the mysteries to be found in childhood and the outdoors.”—BookPage “. . . the story is smoothly written, the secret is ingenious and believable, and who can resist a frog named Tooley Graham?”—Booklist “OConnor's funny, triumphant tale reveals the wisdom of listening to ones inner voice over the noise of one's peers.”—Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Once youve finally captured the most enormous frog in Carter, Georgia, what exactly are you supposed to do with it?
Synopsis
Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work--like Wish; Wonderland; How to Steal a Dog; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; and more
New friends, a frog, and a summer they'll never forget
An amazing secret has tumbled off a freight train into Carter, Georgia, and Owen Jester is the only person who knows about it. If he can simply manage to evade his grandfather's snappish housekeeper, organize his two best friends, and keep his nosy neighbor, Viola, at bay, he just might be in for the summer of a lifetime. With her trademark wit and easy charm, Barbara O'Connor spins a fantastic fable of friends, enemies, and superbly slimy bullfrogs.
This title has Common Core connections.
About the Author
Barbara OConnor is the author of numerous acclaimed books for children, including Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; Me and Rupert Goody; Greetings from Nowhere and How to Steal a Dog. She has been awarded the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Awards, the Massachusetts Book Award, and the Dolly Gray Award, among many honors. As a child, she loved dogs, salamanders, tap dancing, school, and even homework. Her favorite days were when the bookmobile came to town. She was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, and now lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts, a historic seaside village not far from Plymouth Rock.