Longing for the kinds of adventures she reads about in books, 11-year-old Kate receives the unexpected gift of a colossal steam locomotive from a mysterious uncle and teams up with her younger brother on visits to fantastical lands in the company of exotic talking animals.

"Let's make this mystery history. Pipsie loves everything wild--from dragonflies to oceans to tall, tall trees. She also loves solving mysteries. That's why she and her turtle Alfred notice that their new friend Frannie the caterpillar has vanished, Pipsie is on the case. She grabs her magnifying glass, goes to her treehouse headquarters, and begins to search for clues...Bursting with personality, this engaging story introduces a spunky new girl detective,...

After auditioning for a solo part in the youth chorus, Ellie makes her first attempts at playing baseball and finds a baby deer alone in the woods while searching for a stray ball.

Liz's dream of a sleepover at the Santa Vista Art & History Museum turns into a nightmare when strange noises and shadows fill the night.

Franny takes her time saying goodbye to the only school she has ever attended, remembering everything that has made it special.

"Amy has never liked being in the spotlight. When all her friends decide to form a team for the Santa Vista Quiz Bowl, Amy's not so sure. She knows she can answer the quiz questions...but can she do it in front of hundreds of people? Meanwhile, The Critter Club is caring for some chickens who need a home. As the Quiz Bowl approaches, Amy herself starts feeling just a little bit chicken!"--

When Ellie and her friends plan a Halloween party for the Critter club, they realize a bat has gotten trapped inside the barn, so with the help of a wildlife vet the girls help return the bat to its home. "In the twenty-sixth book of the Critter Club series, Ellie and the girls plan a costume party for pets. Let the cute parade begin! Ellie’s favorite holiday is coming up: Halloween! She and friends plan to decorate the Critter Club barn and throw...

Marion learns that there’s going to be a butterfly release event at the Santa Vista Arboretum. And she decides she wants to be a part of it! So she volunteers to spread the word and lead the arts and crafts table at the event. Even though none of her friends can make it, she hopes her younger sister, Gabby, will come. But then she remembers that Gabby is afraid of bugs. Can Marion help the butterflies and help Gabby get over her fear?

"Liz is determined to create the perfect painting for an upcoming art show, but the ferret she's pet-sitting has other plans!"-- "In the twenty-seventh book of the Critter Club series, Liz tries to create the perfect painting for an upcoming art show, but the ferret she’s pet-sitting has other plans! Liz is having an exciting week! The Critter Club is pet-sitting a ferret, and a local artist is looking for artwork from young painters to include...

Amy is excited for her step-sister to visit, but when everyone, including the snake the Critter Club is watching, seems to love Chloe, Amy starts to wonder if they all like Chloe more than they like her. "In the twenty-fifth book of the Critter Club series, Amy wonders whether her best friends like her stepsister more than they like her. Plus, they all care for a charming snake at the club! Amy’s stepsister, Chloe, is coming to town! Amy can’t...