Owen Foote, Money Man (Owen Foots) [Paperback]

Stephanie Greene (Author), Martha Weston (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Owen Foots

Owen has discovered an amazing catalog called "Junk You Never Knew About," and found a bunch of neat stuff to buy. The only trouble is, he’s broke! How can he make some cash, quick? His parents are willing to give him an allowance, but that would mean doing all sorts of boring chores. Owen is sure there’s a better way—all he needs is the perfect plan. With the help of his best friend, Joseph, Owen comes up with one money-making scheme after another, but—funny thing—he’s still broke. Not till Owen changes his ideas about how to make money, and how to spend it, does the tide of fortune start to flow the other way. Owen Foote’s new adventure makes a hilarious and fast-paced book, perfect for kids fascinated with the joys of getting and spending money.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Third-grader Owen, last seen in Owen Foote, Frontiersman (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. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (October 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618378375
• ISBN-13: 978-0618378371
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #957,864 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephanie Greene is the author of many books for young readers, including the popular Owen Foote books. Ms. Greene lives in Chapel Hill, N.C. Her website is www.stephaniegreenebooks.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Stick with "The Toothpaste Millionaire" by Jean Merrill, May 15, 2011

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Owen Foote, Money Man (Owen Foots) (Paperback)

I'm a mom with a family of boys.

This book was merely ok - it was an easy read. Owen wants money, and his parents are willing to extend him an allowance if he takes on responsibility for more work. He ends up working for a neighbor who pays him $20... but he never does the chores at home.

Meantime, the book has plenty of potty humor and references to fake vomit. Owen speaks disrespectfully to both his parents, although he is respectful toward the neighbor. And there are dried yellow stains on the floor all around Owen's toilet. Give me a break. And a neighbor's dog urinates on Owen's leg.

When you compare this book to "The Toothpaste Millionaire" by Jean Merrill, this one really loses its appeal.