Everything on a Waffle

by Polly Horvath Narrated by Kathleen McInerney

Overview

Primrose Squarp simply knows her parents did not perish at sea during a terrible storm, despite what the other residents of Coal Harbour believe. For all practical purposes, Primrose is an orphan, and there's no great clamoring of prospective adopters. After realizing the impracticality of continuing to pay Miss Perfidy (a mothball-scented elderly lady) an hourly wage to baby-sit her, the town council places her with Uncle Jack, who reluctantly takes her in. Primrose does warm up to him, but her true sanctuary is a local restaurant called The Girl on the Red Swing, where everything--including lasagna--is served on a waffle, and where the proprietor Miss Bowzer offers a willing ear.

Through a mixture of eccentric humor and probing philosophy, author Polly Horvath makes Primrose's search for peace and understanding a most memorable one.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In [Horvath's] capable hands the dilemma of Primrose Squarp is revealed with hilarity and buoyant good nature. . . . Subtlety and slapstick is a challenging combination; Horvath pulls it off beautifully.” —The Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review

“Horvath delivers another hilariously puckish read with this tale of a (possibly) orphaned girl from a small Canadian fishing village. . . . A laugh-out-loud pleasure from beginning to triumphant end.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“The story is full of subtle humor and wisdom, presented through the eyes of a uniquely appealing young protagonist.” —School Library Journal

“. . . a deeply touching novel about irrational faith.” —Orlando Sentinel

“Delightful. Hilarious. Entertaining. Insightful. These adjectives don't even begin to describe a novel I simply couldn't put down. . . . You'll love it.” —The Syracuse Post-Standard

OCT/NOV 02 - AudioFile

Start with that wacky name--Primrose Squarp--and the fact that her best friend’s restaurant serves everything on a waffle (even if you order a waffle!)--and it’s a good guess that listeners are in for a tall tale. Eleven-year-old Primrose, a Coal Harbor, British Columbia, orphan, believes that both of her parents, thought to have been lost at sea, will one day return to her, from the belly of the whale, as it were. Life with her mothball-ridden, squeaky-voiced, acrimonious guardian, Miss Perfidy, is dreary, with only the gruff, tough Miss Bowzer and her recipes to cheer her. When the vibrant but self-important Uncle Jack arrives to take over her care, he further complicates the plot with his real estate dealings and neglect. Kathleen McInerney’s reading of the confident, earnest, and pragmatic first-person narration includes the delivery of a series of recipes between chapters. A wild romp through unlikely and humorous waters. T.B. 2003 ALA Notable Recording © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169408577
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	02/26/2002
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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