Mary Ann Fraser

Profiles the inventor from his early life in Scotland with his mother, who lost most of her hearing to an infection, to his later life as a teacher in Boston, and describes his work with Thomas Watson to invent the telephone.

A child learns about the life cycle of a giant pumpkin and the rewards of letting it grow. Includes "Pumpkin Fun Facts" and information on growing and racing giant pumpkins.

After going to the library with Mrs. Furber's class every day of Library Week, I.Q., the class pet, hopes to take out a funny book with his own library card.

Describes various nocturnal animals and their nighttime activities, including the opossum, brown bat, and tree frog.

Mrs. Furber brings I.Q., a rat, to be the classroom pet, but he has hopes of becoming Student of the Week.

Describes the events preceding and during the key Civil War battle of Vicksburg, its significance, and its aftermath.

During Fitness Month, I.Q., the class pet, learns important lessons about staying healthy as he tries to win a gold ribbon in the School Fitness Challenge.

I.Q., a pet mouse, learns to tell time along with the rest of Mrs. Furber's class and worries about whether he will have his special project ready in time for Parents' Night.

Describes the final stages of the conquest of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norkey.

Though her classmates call her Morticia and Ghoul Girl, Lily actually likes her work the dead are good listeners, and they don't judge. Lily learns their stories, shares her worries with them as she makes up their faces, and embroiders pillows for their final rest. 'The way I figure it,' says Lily, 'a person's arrival into this world is about as unglamorous as it gets. The least I can do is dignify their departure.' Then, after a mysterious explosion...