Amazon Adventure question

I remember a book from my childhood (read circa 1969-70) in which the protagonist wishes he were a fictional character, Tony, who lived in Manhattan, and that his parents were as cool as Tony's. I thought the name of the book was Anaconda and it was definitely set in the Amazon, but I can't find anything by that name. Amazon Adventure by Willard Price sounds like it might be the right book, but I read it yesterday and there is no mention of Roger wishing he could be like the fictional character Tony. Is this ringing a bell with anyone? Any other thoughts on what the book could be?