| There was nothing Otis Spofford liked better than
stirring up a little excitement, particularly at school. A less resourceful
teacher than Mrs. Gitler would have found him pretty hard to take.
But even Mrs. Gitler did not entirely relish the bullfight at the
fiesta arranged for the P.T.A. meeting. Otis was disappointed at not
being the toreador, but as the front half of the bull he managed to
steal the whole show, to the annoyance of his classmates and his teacher.
It was then that Mrs. Gitler suggested that Otis might someday get
his comeuppance.
Of all Otis's acquaintances, the neat and well-behaved Ellen Tebbits
was the one he most enjoyed teasing. Strangely enough, it was Ellen
who at last brought about his comeuppance. But before that happens,
his losing spitball battle with Mrs. Gitler, his surprising affection
for the experimental baby rat, and his insect collecting on behalf
of the football hero provide a feast of fun for any child or grownup.
Mrs. Cleary's gifts as a writer are many, and her real understanding
warms every page of this wonderful story of a "bad boy."
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"A really hilarious boy who is a classroom
comedian, a show-off and a pest, but still very lovable."
-- Publishers Weekly
"Mrs. Cleary writes from a sure knowledge of the third
grader's world. It all rings true."
-- The New York Times
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