That's what Ramona thought the fourth grade was going to be, but things aren't turning out as she hoped. Sure, she has a new best friend named Daisy. But how can she improve her spelling as her teacher insists, or be the role model for her baby sister, Roberta, that Mrs. Quimby expects? Fourth-grade life is full of adventure and challenges, and at the end of it all'a "zeroteenth" birthday to celebrate!
"Look into the tiger's eyes. I wish to show you lives different from your own," Soma-Nandi tells the boy-king Tamar. When you join Tamar on his enchanted journey, you too can look into the tiger's eyes. But beware, for along the way, nothing is as it appears to be: forest creatures speak and populate hidden kingdoms, hacked-down vines regenerate before your very eyes, and holy men spring up from ant hills. In a dream, Tamar has lost everything to the impressive King Jaya in a game of dice. Tamar feels honor bound to obey the king's command: he must give up his kingdom to travel to a Jaya's domain. His obligation is confirmed when he awakens to find an iron ring on his finger. Inspired by the classic mythology of India, virtuoso storyteller Lloyd Alexander creates dazzling visions of high adventure and deep humanity. A sprinkling of Hindi and singsong verses add spice to this epic tale. Narrator Ron Keith's clear, compelling English accent adds vivid atmosphere and makes the extraordinary real.
The third hilarious story about Splat the Cat, the irresistible character from Rob Scotton, bestselling creator of Russell the SheepREAD BY PHILL JUPITUS. Splat the cat can't wait for Christmas and is SURE he's been good enough for Santa to bring him all the presents on his Christmas list.But just in case Santa needs reminding of what an exceptionally good cat he is, Splat makes himself EXTRA helpful around the house.It's tiring work being helpful, but when Splat goes to bed on Christmas Eve he's kept awake by a worrying thought... Just how good do you need to be for Santa to visit?A charming Christmas story perfect for any eager child awaiting Santa's arrival.
Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing vacation on the beach! I would spread out by the crystal-clear water with a good book. What more could a mouse want? At least, that was the plan. But somehow, my vacations never seem to go according to plan. Instead of a beautiful seaside resort, I found myself in a fleabag hotel that was falling down around my ears! Oh, would I ever be able to relax and enjoy my vacation??
Jumpin' gerbil babies, I was so excited! I was heading to America for the first time ever. Thea, Trap, and Benjamin were all coming with me. And we were going to visit a real ranch and go riding and herding cattle cowboy-style! It was sure to be my most whisker-licking-good adventure yet.***
Big sister Beezus Quimby tries to be patient with her four-year-old little sister, Ramona, but it isn't easy, not when Ramona powders her nose with marshmallows and invites her nursery school class to a party without telling her family. Sometimes Beezus doesn't like Ramona, but the girls are sisters and that means they will always love each other'just not every single minute.
When her father loses his job, Ramona decides to help out. Maybe she could earn a million dollars making a TV commercial, or get her father to stop smoking to save money (and his lungs)'she is full of ideas. Some work, some don't. But when her father says he wouldn't trade her for a million dollars, Ramona knows all is right in her world.
Ramona's job is to be nice to fussy Mrs. Kemp, who watches her while her mother works. If Mrs. Quimby didn't work, Mr. Quimby couldn't return to college. On top of all that, third grade isn't turning out as Ramona expected, even though she enjoys her class's new reading program, D.E.A.R. Danny the Yard Ape teases her, and, on one horrible day, she throws up'at school. Being eight isn't easy, but it's never dull!
Ramona feels this is the awkward age'too little to stay by herself after school when her mother is at work, but too big to enjoy playing with pesty Willa Jean at her sitter's house. These days, all Ramona really wants is to twitch her nose and be her mother's little rabbit like she used to be. Can't she be her mother's little girl forever?
Ramona is happy to have a new bedroom all to herself-during the day, at least. It's not as easy to be brave when there might be ghostly, boneless gorillas oozing under the door at night. Then there is the big, mean dog that steals Ramona's shoe on her way to school. Any other first grader might be frightened. But it's going to take more than monsters and dogs to scare this fearless first grader!
