Homer Et Le Chien Formidable (Les Aventures D'Homer #1) (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Homer W. Pudding has spent all his life on his father's goat farm, and dreads the day when he'll have to take it over. It's what his father expects of him, after all. But he dreams of being like his famous uncle Drake, who is a treasure hunter and adventurer who travels all over the world in search of lost treasures. One day, he receives word that his uncle has died and left Homer his most prized possession... which turns out to be a smelly, droopy old Basset hound. To say Homer is unimpressed would be an understatement. But before he knows what's happening, the dog leads him on an adventure that just might help him fulfill his treasure-hunting dreams!This is a perfect book for upper middle-grade kids, and it has something for everyone. It would be a great high interest/low level book for older reluctant readers; it's definitely got some laugh out loud lines (I read it on an airplane and had more than a few people look strangely at me when I snickered); and Homer is just such an endearing character that you have to love him. A chubby treasure-hunter with the world's most useless dog is a recipe for rollicking fun, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series! Homer's sensible parents don't want him to be a treasure hunter any more than they want his fiery older sister Gwendolyn to be a taxidermist. But Homer is suspicious about his uncle's death, since getting eaten by a giant tortoise doesn't exactly make sense. After all, tortoises are herbivores. When Homer gets a mysterious invitation to a VIP event at the museum in The City and his father takes away all his treasure hunting supplies and Homer accidentally destroys a rather important piece of his small town, he goes on the lam with his sister and the beagle who can’t smell! Once in The City, they plan to attend the VIP event, but first Homer makes friends with a girl named Lorelei, someone the author hints shouldn't be trusted (as if her name weren't enough of a clue!).As you can tell this is a fun mystery that is funny, has kind of crazy characters and yet holds your interest with its lighthearted race to solving the mystery.Grade 6 (on the young side)
What do You think about Homer Et Le Chien Formidable (Les Aventures D'Homer #1) (2013)?
OK but didn't keep my interest. Kids will probably like it but some won't try it because it's long.
—KaelaRose
amazing story about a dog that can only smell treasure and can barely be carried.
—Bob
LOVED it! I hope there is a follow up story!
—alison
