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'GATOR AID by Jane Cutler

'GATOR AID

by Jane Cutler

Pub Date: Sept. 15th, 1999
ISBN: 0-374-32502-2
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Cutler’s comedy examines truth and exaggeration, and takes shots at public hysteria and how it’s created, in this third book about the Fraser brothers (No Dogs Allowed, 1992, etc.). Edward is known for his active imagination, so when he tells people he’s seen a baby alligator in the lake at the local public park, at first no one believes him. As the rumor spreads, the entire town starts searching for a dangerous, giant alligator. An alligator-catcher and his wise-cracking daughter, Earline, arrive from Louisiana; Earline has to take over the hunt when her father is injured in a tussle with an overeager TV crew. The baby alligator is caught, of course; this humorous romp is deft at giving readers a realistic glimpse of the difference between fact and fiction—and silly characters lighten the lesson. (Fiction. 7-10)