Salome: An Invitation to the Dance begins when the Bogweasel family spends a week by the lake, but the weather is not good. To entertain his brood, Mr. Bogweasel, a history teacher, suggests they do some research. Since he doesn't agree with the historical inaccuracies of a Hollywood movie called "Salome," he makes the biblical dancer the family's research subject. The Bogweasels discover quite a lot about their subject, even though their efforts are interrupted by romance and adventures on the lake. During the barbecue that marks the end of their holiday, they announce their findings to friends, neighbors, and extended family. They are surprised to find out that even though 2000 years have passed since the time of Salome, feelings still run strong.