Homer Price facts for kids

The first book about Homer Price, published in 1943.

Homer Price is a fun character from two popular children's books written by Robert McCloskey. The first book, Homer Price, came out in 1943. The second book, Centerburg Tales, was published in 1951. These stories are full of funny and unexpected adventures!

Meet Homer and His Friends

Homer lives in a town called Centerburg, Ohio. He's a calm and friendly boy who loves to fix radios. But somehow, he always ends up in amazing and sometimes silly situations!

For example, Homer once had to deal with a doughnut machine that just wouldn't stop making doughnuts! He also helped take care of some mystery plants that turned out to be giant, allergy-causing weeds. Homer often does odd jobs, like raking leaves or sweeping up at his uncle's diner or the barber shop. His main job is helping at his dad's business, a motor court (like a motel), which is also where Homer lives.

Homer's Exciting Adventures

One of Homer's most famous adventures is called "The Case of the Cosmic Comic." In this story, Homer and his best friend Freddy meet a superhero called "The Super-Duper." Freddy believes the hero is real and can do amazing super feats. But Homer, being more grown-up, understands that the Super-Duper is just an actor in a costume.

In another story, a friend of Homer's in Centerburg wins a contest for writing a catchy song for shaving lotion. But then, the prize money is stolen! By chance, the people who took the money are staying at Homer's family motor court. Homer sees this as a chance to help catch them and earn a reward. He wants the reward money to build cool radios and even buy an expensive television, which was a big deal back then! Homer is keen to get the reward, but he also genuinely wants to see justice done for his friend.

Unusual Characters and Inventions

The books also feature some very interesting characters and strange inventions. One story introduces a salesman named Professor Atmos P. H. Ear. He tries to sell a special, invisible liquid called "Ever-So-Much-More-So." He claims that if you sprinkle it on anything, it makes it better. For example, a soft bed would become even softer, and a fast car would become even faster!

Many of the men in Centerburg have names from old Greek stories, like "Grandpa Hercules" and "Uncle Ulysses" and "Uncle Telemachus" (who is also called "Uncle Telly"). Homer himself is named after a famous ancient Greek storyteller.

Miss Terwilliger's Choice

There's also a kind and friendly lady named Miss Terwilliger who loves to knit. Both the sheriff and Uncle Telly want to marry her, but she can't decide who she likes more. So, the two men decide to have a contest to see who has the biggest ball of string! The winner gets to marry Miss Terwilliger. In the end, Miss Terwilliger surprises everyone by having an even bigger ball of saved yarn herself! Even though she wins, she still chooses to marry Uncle Telly, who came in second.

People in Centerburg

The books also show African-American characters who are portrayed as normal and positive members of the community. For example, during a big celebration in Centerburg, a choir from the African Baptist Church provides music.

Homer Price Stories

Here are some of the exciting stories you'll find in the Homer Price book:

• "The Case of the Sensational Scent"

Homer builds a new radio and the first thing he hears is news about a robbery! The next day, he and his pet skunk meet the robbers, which helps the police find them.

• "The Case of the Cosmic Comic"

Homer and Freddy meet their favorite comic book hero, the Super-Duper, at the movie theater. But they accidentally learn a secret about him that changes how they see their hero.

• "The Doughnuts"

Homer's Uncle Ulysses gets a new doughnut machine for his diner. Homer takes a huge order from a rich customer. But then, the machine breaks down and starts making doughnuts super fast, filling the whole town!

• "Mystery Yarn"

Homer's Uncle Telly and the local sheriff are rivals. They both want to marry a local widow, and they both claim to be the best at saving string. They have a contest at the County Fair, but the widow herself enters with her own huge ball of yarn!

• "Nothing New under the Sun (Hardly)"

A mysterious stranger comes to Centerburg, claiming to have a "better mousetrap" and offers his services to the town.

• "Wheels of Progress"

Centerburg holds its yearly celebration. They celebrate their history and a new neighborhood with modern, ready-made houses. But things get tricky when the street signs aren't put up on time, and people get lost trying to find their way home.

Centerburg Tales Stories

Here are some of the tales from the Centerburg Tales book:

• "Grandpa Hercules"

Homer's Grandpa Herc tells amazing stories from the old frontier days, like "The Hide-a-Ride" and "The Gravity-Bitties."

• "Experiment 13"

A lazy person named Dulcy Dooner inherits a greenhouse from his uncle, who was a famous plant scientist. Dulcy finds an unfinished experiment and starts some real trouble with it!

• "Ever-So-Much-More-So"

A traveling salesman tries to sell cans of an invisible product that he promises will make all your life experiences much better.

• "Pie and Punch and You-Know-Whats"

A new song on the jukebox at Uncle Ulysses's diner is so catchy that everyone who hears it can't stop singing!

Homer Price on Screen

Some of Homer Price's adventures have been made into short films and TV shows:

• "The Doughnuts" was made into a short film in 1963 by Weston Woods Studios.
• "The Case of the Cosmic Comic" became a short film in 1976, also by Weston Wood Studios.
• "Homer and the Wacky Doughnut Machine" was an episode of the ABC Weekend Special in 1977.

• Homer Price (1943)
• Centerburg Tales (1951)