Jeremy Cabbage is an orphan stuck at Harpwitch's Home for Mean Dogs, Ugly Cats, and Strey Children, where the dogs are treated better than the kids. And things aren't much better on the outside: the city is ruled by the arrogant and foolish Baron Ignatius von Strompié, whose Wisdom Wagons ride the streets blaring out gems like "Ignorance is bliss," and who's on a campaign to stamp out anyone different. At the top of his list are the cloons, outlandish people who look and act like clowns. Jeremy's only chance is a good adoption--but who would possibly adopt Jeremy, an unloved, unwanted 11-year-old? The answer sets Jeremy off on an outrageous, comical adventure that could bring him face to face with the Baron himself.

From the Hardcover edition.