The Dry Creek Middle School drinking fountain has sprung a leak, so principal Walter Russ dashes off a request to Flowing Waters Fountains, Etc. asking<P> "...We need a new drinking fountain. Please send catalog. "<p>Florence Waters responds:<p>"I'd be delighted. . . But please understand that all of my fountains are custom-made." <p>And so begins the hilarious chronicle, in letters, cards, transcripts, and official town documents, as collected by Mr. Sam N.'s fifth-grade class... <p>Flo Waters, an artist who looks everywhere for inspiration, solicits suggestions from the fifth graders-- ...a fountain big enough to splash around in; ...a glass-sided fountain with fish; . . . buttons for dispensing lemonade and root beer; and from Mr. Sam N.-- ...a hot tub and whirlpool for the teachers. <p>Flo is thrilled. Mr. Russ is beside himself-- . . ."We don't need a fountain like you create for palaces and hotels. Send bid as soon as possible, or sooner. "<p>But it's too late. The fountain project has taken on a life of its own. Flo is supplying designs from all over the world. The school board president is up in arms. So is her friend, Dee Eel, of the water-supply company. A scandal is brewing, and the fifth-grade class is researching Dry Creek's history. Something very fishy is going on...and the secrets are buried beneath the fountain and within this delightful, thoroughly original novel.