Frank Carlson Library

When Olivia and Francine can't agree on the Halloween decorations for their classroom, Olivia decides to focus on her costume instead.

Asked by their teacher to think about the things and people for which they are thankful, the first graders of the Robin Hill School take turns sharing their feelings, challenging young Reza to think of something original.

Steve is excited and happy to be starting "real school" until Hannah, who just moved from Alaska, captures everyone's attention and his response lands him in the principal's office.

Otis is very angry when his best friend is teased by his schoolmates, but their teacher intervenes and introduces activities that affirm the importance of every student in the class while teaching that teasing is harmful.

During Parents Week at Robin Hill School, the students are all impressed with what one another's parents do for a living, especially Ayanna, who realizes that the artwork her father does at home makes him very special.

"A fish is nervous about a test and a mean-looking substitute teacher at school"--

"Mr. Keene loved being the principal of his fine, fine school. He was so proud of his students drawing and painting and reading and singing that he thought his buttons would burst! Then one day his appendix burst, and a new principal, Mr. Tatters, swooped in to take his place. Mr. Tatters said, 'In order to be a smart, smart school, we will have lots and lots of tests.' And suddenly there were no more cards and banners, posters and songs. Instead,...

"Matt takes his pet gecko to school, and disaster almost strikes when the gecko escapes. Matt and his friends try to catch the gecko as it runs around the classroom, hoping their teacher won't notice. In the end Matt learns a valuable lesson, and the class learns a lot about geckos"--Page 4 of cover.

It's school science fair time, and Max and Mo love seeing what the big ones -- the kids in the class -- are making. The two hamsters decide to do their own experiment and learn how to grow plants from seeds! Follow along with Max and Mo with simple instructions at the back of the book for kids to grow their own plants!

Little Critter rides the school bus, meets a new teacher, and makes new friends at school.