Stella the Mouse, Nico the Toad, Delilah the Spider and Bo the Parakeet each love different subjects and different activities, so every part of the school day has something special to offer each curious creature. They are excited to greet the children in the morning and sad to see them go in the afternoon. Thankfully the animal friends all live at the school together.

Rhoda is on a long, long hike with her aunt and uncle, each of them carrying backpacks of gear as they walk through the north woods. While Auntie June and Uncle Jonah watch for wildlife and set up their campsites, Rhoda is on the hunt for one thing: ROCKS. She finds them in all shapes and patterns, from hearts and hats to stripes and sparkles. And every last treasure goes into her pack, making it heavier and heavier as they hike through forests and along streams. Soon Rhoda is sweaty, and tired of salami sandwiches, and wishing for her own bed. Then, on the last day, they come to the Big Lake. And its beach is covered in rocks. Rhoda can't believe her luck. After hours of play and even more rock discoveries, it's time to head for home. By now Rhoda's pack is too heavy to lift. Will she give up her rocks and return to the cabin for a real shower, a hot meal, and a soft bed? Or will she stay on the beach forever with her beloved collection? Her clever solution makes the most of her treasures--and offers delights for other hikers.
Writer and teacher Molly Beth Griffin is the author of "Loon Baby "and "Silhouette of a Sparrow." Jennifer A. Bell has illustrated over a dozen children's books, most recently "Toe Shoe Mouse" and "When a Dad Says "I Love You.""

Nico the Toad is always a bit grumpy. But recently he's been grumpier than ever. Stella the Mouse, Delilah the Spider and Bo the Parakeet think the school trip to the art museum will cheer him up. But the animal friends have never left the school before. If they stick together nothing can go wrong, can it? Friendship takes centre stage in this early chapter book from the Classroom Critters series.

WINNER OF THE MILKWEED PRIZE FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE WINNER OF THE 2013 PATERSON PRIZE FOR BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS ALA RAINBOW LIST RECOMMENDED BOOK AMELIA BLOOMER PROJECT LIST RECOMMENDED BOOK LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD FINALIST MINNESOTA BOOK AWARD FINALIST FOREWARD REVIEWS BOOK OF THE YEAR HONORABLE MENTION In the summer of 1926, sixteen-year-old Garnet Richardson is sent to a lake resort to escape the polio epidemic in the city. She dreams of indulging in ornithology and a visit to an amusement park--a summer of fun before she returns to a last year of high school, marriage, and middle-class homemaking. But in the country, Garnet finds herself under supervision of oppressive guardians, her father's wealthy cousin and the matron's stuck-up daughter. Only a job in a hat shop, an intense, secret relationship with a beautiful flapper, and a deep faith in her own heart can save her from the suffocation of traditional femininity in this coming-of-age story about a search for both wildness and security in an era full of unrest. It is the tale of a young woman's discovery of the science of risk and the art of rebellion, and, of course, the power of unexpected love.

Testing week at school is coming, and Stella the Mouse, Nico the Toad, Delilah the Spider and Bo the Parakeet are stressed out. Everyone wants to do well. They know their brains are ready, but they're so nervous anyway, all jitters and tummy aches! Find out how the animal friends calm their nerves in this relatable early-chapter book from the Classroom Critters series.