Although his mother is a little worried, a young boy is delighted to discover that every shop in town is giving away real dinosaurs to their customers.

When his best friend, a human boy named James, goes away on vacation, Marvin the beetle worries that their friendship may end.

Named after a character in a Shakespeare play, misfit sixth-grader Hero becomes interested in exploring this unusual connection because of a valuable diamond supposedly hidden in her new house, an intriguing neighbor, and the unexpected attention of the most popular boy in school.

"Marvin the beetle is going collecting with his family. All is good and well until Uncle Albert gets hurt. Marvin needs his human friend James's help to save Uncle Albert before it's too late"-- Provided by publisher.

Marvin the beetle finds adventure when his human friend James takes him to school.

Marvin the beetle tries to reassure his human boy, James, who is worried about his father's upcoming wedding and the changes it will bring.

Mirabelle lives with her family in the backyard of a piano teacher, and she is intrigued by Mr. Starek's newest pupil. Michael Jin is a keyboard sensation-- who refuses to play. With the Chopin Festival looming at summer's end, will he be read in time? When Mirabelle sings the Chopin piece Michael is beginning to play, it is their first duet. -- adapted from jacket

A dog's attempts to cool off on a hot day get him into trouble with a series of people and finally lead him to interrupt a country wedding.

A boy's mother, reluctant to allow him even one pet, is increasingly unhappy as each pet wants a pet of its own.