ALA Booklist (Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2000)

for reading aloud. Third-grader Owen, last seen in Owen Foote, Fron tiersman (1999), hopes to earn money so that he can purchase a whoopee cushion and some plastic vomit. An allowance seems out of the question, since his parents insist that he do regular chores to earn it, so he and best friend Joseph try other schemes, including a fishing video for kids and a pet-walking service. The results are discouraging until Owen's neighbor, Mr. White, elicits his help to build a backyard goldfish pond. After a sweaty afternoon and a job well done, Mr. White presents a surprised Owen with a crisp twenty-dollar bill. Greene's understanding of the concerns of eight-year-old children is as sharp as ever, and children are certain to appreciate Owen's problems with his parents and obnoxious older sister. A sure bet for beginning chapter-book readers, especially those seeking a humorous story.

Horn Book

In this sequel to Owen Foote, Frontiersman, Owen is anxious to make money without actually having to work for it--no chore-based allowance system for this eight-year-old boy's boy. While the book is a bit heavy on lessons learned, it, like the others in the series, is fresh, funny, insightful--and definitely worth spending your allowance on.

Kirkus Reviews

<p>In his quest for easy moolah, Owen learns that the road to financial solvency can be rocky and fraught with work. Greene (Owen Foote, Soccer Star, 1998, etc.) touches upon the often-thorny issue of chores and allowances: Owen's mom wants him to help out because he's part of the family and not just for the moneya"while Owen wants the money without having to do tedious household chores. This universal dilemma leaves Owen without funds and eagerly searching for ways to make a quick buck. His madcap schemes range from originala"a "free" toilet demonstration that costs 50 centsa"to disastrous, as during the trial run of his children's fishing video, Owen ends up hooking his ear instead of a trout. Enlisting the aid of his stalwart, if long-suffering, friend Joseph, the two form a dog-walking club that becomes vastly restricted in clientele after Owen has a close encounter with an incontinent, octogenarian canine. Ultimately, Owen learns a valuable lesson about work and money when an unselfish action is generously rewarded. These sudden riches motivate Owen to consider wiser investments for his money than plastic vomit. Greene's crisp writing style and wry humor is on-target for young readers. Brief chapters revolving around a significant event or action and fast pacing are an effective draw for tentative readers. Weston's (Space Guys!, p. 392, etc.) black-and-white illustrations, ranging in size from quarter- to full-page, deftly portray Owen's humorous escapades. A wise, witty addition to Greene's successful series. (Fiction. 8-10)</p>

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Owen Foote is now eight years old and in dire need of funds. Since he received the catalog "Junk You Never Knew About," he realizes that he can not live without the plastic vomit, dog poop, and other assorted wonders advertised therein. When his guided tour of the wonder of toilets fails to impress his older sister and her friend (and nets only a quarter), the boy knows that he needs to change his moneymaking strategy. Mrs. Foote is no help, since she expects her son to work for his allowance. What's a third grader to do? Owen and his friend Joseph attempt to make a kid's fishing video and start a dog-walking business, both with hilarious results. Only when Owen volunteers to help his neighbor build a fish pond, though, does monetary reward unexpectedly come his way. Kid-friendly humor, good characterization, and a believable and fast-moving plot distinguish this book. The value of hard work, pride in a job well done, and a respect for money are seamlessly woven into the story and reinforced by caring adults. Irrepressible Owen grows up a little, and readers will laugh along the way. Although fans of the previous books will welcome Owen back, this one can be enjoyed on its own. Full-page black-and-white illustrations add to the fun. Libraries needing well-written, accessible beginning chapter books will profit from this selection.-Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.