On a summer visit to her grandmother's cottage by the ocean, twelve-year-old Martha gains perspective on the death of a classmate, on her relationship with her grandmother, on her feelings for an older boy, and on her plans to be a writer.

Seven year old Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a lot of worries, but by the end of the year, he has developed good relationships with his teacher, his little sister, and his parents and learned many important lessons.

Penny comes home from school eager to share her very own song, but must wait until the time is right to teach it to her parents and the babies.

"When Penny looks out the window, she doesn't see any snow. Penny really, really, really wants to use her new red sled. Will the snow ever arrive?"--Back cover.

"Animals and children alike watch as the world transforms from the dark and dead of winter to a full and blooming spring"--

After helping her mother weed, water, and chase the rabbits from their garden, a young girl imagines her dream garden complete with jellybean bushes, chocolate rabbits, and tomatoes the size of beach balls.

Three little birds crack their way out of eggs and fly away, leaving one egg sitting all alone until the three chicks come back and discover a friendly baby alligator has finally hatched.

Penny feels guilty after taking a beautiful blue marble that she sees in Mrs. Goodwin's grass, but gets a pleasant surprise when she goes to return it the next day.

A bird, a fox, a dog, and a squirrel overcome minor setbacks to have a very good day.

Invites the reader to see the sun, bright as a flower, a flower on a hill that looks like a lion, a lion that dreams of flowers as big as the sun, and more.