SOLVED: Man's life is linked to toad statue - children's novel [s]

[Caitilin]

I read this book many years ago so don't remember too much. The main character is a young girl and a sinister man who runs an antique shop or junk shop of some sort. He has a toad statue in a cage which she is not allowed to touch. She eventually discovers that his life is somehow linked to the toad statue. At one point the girl steals the statue. That's about all I remember. The book is at least 15 years old, probably more.

[Aquila]

Jennifer Murdley's Toad is likely it.
Bruce Coville YA, originally published 1993, reprinted in 2007:
http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Murdle...
Hope this is it, but with such a unique premise, how could it not be? <*smiles*>
Hope you enjoy the re-read! <*grin*>

Fondest Regards,
AquilaLorelei

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Jennifer doesn't really seem to match what the poster gives as a description--except for the junk shop part, that is. And Bufo isn't linked to the owner's life force.

Still, I LOVED this book when I found it for my daughter,and now my grandkids have read it and enjoyed it too.

[Michelle Mulford]

My memory is fuzzy on this one, but it might be No Flying in the House.

I remember an antique shop and windup toys in that book.

[Leela4]

It's "Beware of This Shop" by Carol Beach York.

Interestingly, you're the second person to ask about it this year.

[Caitilin]

That's got to be it. Thanks!