This is the simple story of Peter, who longs to whistle for his dog, Willie, and persists until he does.

When Peter finds out that his blue furniture is being painted pink for his new baby sister, he takes the last unpainted item, a chair, and runs away.

When Maggie's pet cricket is stolen, she and her friends embark on a search for the pirate thief which ensues in a small tragedy, but the making of a new friend

Two days after arriving in New York from Puerto Rico, eight-year-old Juanito, who speaks no English, loses his dog and searches for it all over the city making new friends along the way.

A procession travels to Bethlehem, bringing gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. The little drummer boy comes along, although he is too poor to bring a present fit for a king. Instead, he plays a song on his drum for the Christ Child. Within the little drummer boy's seemingly simple gift lies the true spirit of Christmas. Ezra Jack Keats' vivid, jewel-toned artwork perfectly illustrates this classic holiday carol. Music for the song appears at the back...

After a rainstorm, Clementina and her father discover a surprise in the prickly skin of the cactus that they've watched growing in the desert.

Jennie's favorite aunt is sending her a new hat, and Jennie is sure it will be beautiful. But when the box arrives, the hat inside is very plain. She had imagined a wonderful hat with big colorful flowers and even tries to make her own hat from a straw basket! Jennie is almost ready to give up on her dream when she receives a fanciful surprise from some very special friends. Ezra Jack Keats's timelessly charming illustrations will leave readers wishing...

In his apartment in the city, Sam hears voices, barking dogs, snoring, and all kinds of other noises. One rainy day he also hears the sad sounds of a harmonica, and wonders who's playing. Sam's search leads him to Apt. 3, where he finds not only the source of the music--but a new friend.