George Washington's Ghost

Celinda, the youngest member of the Noodle family, a group of itinerant puppeteers, must come to the rescue when George Washington, the family's star puppet, is stolen, in a story set during the early days of America.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-In what seems to be the early 1800s, the Noodle family-a widowed mother and her four children-take to the roads with their traveling marionette theater. Celinda, the youngest, dislikes the "baby" jobs she's assigned-curtain-puller, money-collector, horse-holder. She wants to work the puppets with her older siblings. When an unscrupulous wheelwright demands George Washington-the family's best puppet-as payment for his services, Celinda dreams up a scheme to reclaim it and is rewarded with her own part in the performance. Brown's story is lighthearted and optimistic. Despite hardships, the Noodles always bounce back. Celinda is particularly well depicted, coming across as a curious, creative, clever child. Brown colorfully re-creates life in rural New England, although (oddly) dates and places are never mentioned and must be assumed. Several episodes end abruptly, leaving readers desiring more information. Small black-and-white line drawings decorate every other page. Overall, an enjoyable story.Ann W. Moore, Guilderland Public Library, NYCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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