Diane deGroat

Gilbert the opossum imagines himself as Surfer Dude on a fun-filled day at the beach.

Gilbert seems to be the only one in his class who cannot think of any ideas for an Earth Day project.

Gilbert's excitement over starting first grade turns to worry that the teacher will be mean, the work too hard, and his classmates too unfriendly, but throughout the day there are pleasant surprises.

On April Fools' Day, Gilbert is unhappy that everyone is tricking him and he is unable to get them back, but then he thinks of a great way to fool his best friend. Includes tricks hidden in the illustrations for the reader to find.

While Charlie, a sleepy basset hound, tells about the busy life of a ranch dog, his best friend Suzie, a Jack Russell terrier, is getting the work done.

When Charlie loses his appetite and is not even tempted by bacon, a worried Mama takes the faithful basset hound to the veterinarian, where his nerves are soothed by a friendly puppy.

Mr. and Mrs. Moose try to invite a turkey to their Thanksgiving feast.

As the months pass during first-grade teacher Mrs. Neal's pregnancy, her class gets involved writing letters to the baby, thinking up possible names for it, and designing a baby room on the bulletin board.

"There's nothing that makes Charlie's soul rejoice more than naps and bacon. But when his daily routine of eating and sleeping is interrupted by a new baby calf, Abigail, Charlie is not happy! Things go from bad to worse when Charlie sees everyone rubbing Abigail's belly--instead of his; feeding her--instead of him; and tucking Abigail in at the end of the day--in Charlie's bed. Will Charlie be able to adjust to the new addition?"--Publisher's description....

Eight-year-old Anna experiences a series of episodes, some that are funny, others sad, involving friends and family during a year in Baltimore just before World War I.