Award-winning author Patricia Polacco based this story on her own childhood and the heroic teacher who helped her overcome her learning disability. Even though she is a wonderful artist who makes beautiful pictures with her crayons, Trisha can't figure out how to read. The other kids make fun of her, calling her terrible names like "Dummy." Then one day, a new teacher arrives. Mr. Falker doesn't think Trisha is dumb at all. He knows he can help her...

"Inspirational and tinged with nostalgia, this will please fans." —Kirkus Reviews
"A well-intentioned tale full of expressive scenes...heartfelt."— School Library Journal

From New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Patricia Polacco comes the uplifting tale of three inseparable friends who pursue their talents and stop at nothing to achieve their dreams.
Based on...

After losing running, climbing, throwing, and burping competitions to her obnoxious older brother, a young girl makes a wish on a falling star.

When Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for.
"Polacco has created another charming story featuring a child learning from a grandparent in an idyllic pastoral setting." —School Library Journal,...

When Babushka was a girl, she had a special doll that she played with only once. Now it's her granddaughter's turn to learn a valuable lesson about consideration for others. Young readers will be delighted with this highly-acclaimed author's original variation on a theme: the childhood fantasy of toys coming to life. Barbara Caruso's lively narration will charm not only young children, but aging ones as well.

Miss Parks, a new teacher, is devastated when her cat, Autumn, disappears during a storm, but with the help of her students, she finds not only Autumn but also the man of her dreams.