Introducing himself to readers as the author of the book they are holding, fast-talking narrator Howie describes it as a how-to book with "a diary in the middle," and announces that it "will probably change your life." Hershenhorn's (There Goes Lowell's Party) chronicle of the boy's month-by-month account of the business he launches—to try to win a school contest—includes some diverting twists and comical dialogue. At the start of the school year, Howie feels confident that his lawn-care business, "A Boy for All Seasons," will land him first prize in the H. Marion Muckley Junior Businessperson of the Year Contest, named for the late founder of Muckley Milkshakes and inventor of the "steel-blade milkshake pulsator." The budding entrepreneur's classmates intermittently compete with a vengeance and lend a helping hand (humorously, often out of self-interest). Although they come across as a somewhat stock crew (the class know-it-all, wise guy, genius, etc.), Howie's cock-eyed view will keep readers' interest. One blow-by-blow "On the Scene with Howard J. Fingerhut," for instance, which charts Howie's failed attempt to clean up the Busghetti's lawn, may well have the audience in stitches. They'll undoubtedly deem his $illy mi$adventure$ amu$ing. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)
