Leonard W. Shortall

Andy has a job with plenty of leashes, wagging tails, and surprises along the way. As a dog walker, he must pay attention to each dog’s needs while keeping his little parade moving through the neighborhood. This warm, easygoing story gives young readers a friendly look at responsibility, pets, and the small adventures that can happen during an ordinary day. With its simple situation and appealing animal focus, it is a good fit for children who enjoy gentle stories about dogs, helpers, and everyday independence. Perfect for early elementary readers, Andy, the Dog Walker invites you to follow a boy who learns that caring for animals takes patience, care, and a steady hand.

Joey notices something important just when it matters most. A healthy tree is in danger of being cut down because someone thinks it has Dutch elm disease, and Joey’s quick thinking may be the only thing that can stop a mistake. This concise, thoughtful story turns a neighborhood problem into a child-sized moment of courage and observation. Young readers can follow Joey as he looks closely, speaks up, and tries to protect a living tree before it is too late. Just-in-Time Joey is a quiet environmental story for early elementary readers who enjoy realistic fiction about nature, problem solving, and kids whose careful attention makes a difference.

Grand Central Station is huge, busy, and full of places to look. For Peter, a boy from a small town, every corner of the station feels new: the crowds, the trains, the echoes, and the rush of people going somewhere. This city adventure follows Peter as he experiences one of New York’s most famous landmarks with curiosity and wonder. The story’s appeal comes from seeing a familiar public place through the eyes of a child who is still learning how large and lively the world can be. Peter in Grand Central Station is a gentle choice for young readers who like realistic adventures, travel settings, and stories about stepping into an unfamiliar place with open eyes.

Little Toad has an emergency to handle, and getting to the pond at the right moment is not as easy as it sounds. His trip becomes a small but lively lesson in timing, patience, and knowing when to act. With an animal hero and a clear, child-friendly problem, this story gives early elementary readers a gentle adventure that is easy to follow and satisfying to think about. Little Toad’s journey keeps the focus on action, purpose, and the simple importance of doing things at the proper time. Little Toad to the Rescue is a good pick for children who enjoy animal stories with a touch of suspense and a warm lesson woven into the adventure.

Put your detective skills to the ultimate test with Idaville's most famous ten-year-old super sleuth. Leroy Brown, better known as Encyclopedia, has an uncanny knack for trivia and a brain packed with unconventional knowledge. Operating his very own detective agency out of his garage, he solves neighborhood mysteries for the local kids. But his crime-solving does not stop there. His dad happens to be the chief of the Idaville police department, and every night around the dinner table, Encyclopedia helps him crack some of the town's most baffling adult cases. Now, you get to join the investigation. This interactive collection features ten confounding mysteries that will challenge your powers of observation and logic. You are given all the exact same clues that Encyclopedia has, giving you the chance to chime in and solve the case before he reveals the answer. Grab your magnifying glass and see if you have what it takes to outsmart the criminals in this classic interactive mystery experience.