There is nothing Otis likes better than stirring up a little excitement in class. He turns a folk fiesta into a circus, a class science project upside-down, and shoots a spitball right by the teacher's ear! His teacher, Mrs. Gitler, makes Otis pay for it by asking him to shoot spitballs into a wastebasket for one long, long hour. Somehow, after an hour of being forced to shoot spitballs, Otis never wants to see a spitball again.

      Back at his desk, Otis found the class no longer interested in what he had done. As far as they were concerned, the excitement was over. He also discovered that although he was no longer thirsty, he still had a funny taste in his mouth from chewing so much paper. As he worked at his spelling, it began to bother him more and more. He wished he had something to eat that would take away the awful papery taste.

If only Otis could chew on something! He rummages through his pockets and finds a clove of garlic. Will garlic take the taste of paper out of his mouth? Will anyone notice Otis and his latest mischief?