Central Kansas Library System

Relates the surprising gifts bestowed on twelve-year-old Bob Barnhart and his family, who have recently moved to a small Illinois town in 1958, by their larger-than-life neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel.

Oggie Cooder has always wanted to swim in his neighbor Donnica Perfecto's perfect pool, and when Donnica's mother makes her invite Oggie to her birthday party, Oggie vows he will get his chance, no matter what obstacles Donnica sets up to keep Oggie away.