Chrysanthemum loves her name, until she starts going to school and the other children make fun of it.

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.

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

An owl, puppy, bear, bunny, and pig wait for marvelous things to happen.

When her teacher announces that he is getting married, Lilly the mouse sets her heart on being the flower girl at his wedding.

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.

"Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings"--

Chester and Wilson share the same exact way of doing things, until Lilly moves into the neighborhood and shows them that new ways can be just as good.