Centerburg might be your town. Grampa Hercules and his never-ending tall tales, Dulcy Dooner, the uncooperative citizen, unbusinesslike Uncle Ulysses and his friendly lunchroom, the flustered sheriff, the pompous judge--they are all as American as they come. But there's a subtle and delightful difference. In Centerburg, along with the routine of day-to-day living, the most preposterous things keep happening.

But nothing fazes Homer Price Ragweeds taller than fire ladders, music that sets a whole town dancing--he solves these problems calmly and efficiently. Homer Price is a boy...