Betsy Byars

Meet Ant. He is a little brother with a very big personality, and he knows exactly how to keep his older brother on his toes. Whether they are teaming up to banish a scary monster hiding right under the bed, trying to draw their way out of trouble on a homework assignment, or writing a highly important letter to Santa Claus right in the middle of July, life with Ant is never boring. These four short and funny stories show exactly what it is like to have a younger sibling. There are moments of frustration, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of love along the way. You will quickly see why Ant is so entertaining. This warm and upbeat collection is perfect for new readers who are ready for a fun challenge and want to read stories that feel just like real life.

May-May and Rose are the fabulous Golly sisters, and they are packing up their covered wagon to take their incredible show on the road. With a fresh set of bright new dresses, plenty of songs to sing, and energetic dances to perform, they are determined to head out into the wild frontier and entertain everyone they meet along the way. However, putting on the best show on either side of the Mississippi River is not as easy as it looks. The two sisters are constantly arguing about who gets to do what, dealing with stubborn horses, and getting into hilarious mix-ups in the middle of nowhere. Whether they are learning how to share the spotlight or trying to figure out which direction is actually west, the Golly sisters always manage to keep things entertaining. This funny and upbeat adventure is perfect for early readers who love lots of laughs and a great pioneer story.

The warning sirens are blaring, and a dark, massive funnel cloud is quickly approaching the farm. As the wind begins to howl, the family rushes down into the safety of the dark storm cellar to wait out the terrifying weather. To help take their minds off the frightening storm raging above, the farmhand, Pete, decides to share a remarkable piece of his childhood. He tells the captivating story of a very special dog named Tornado. When Pete was just a boy, a twisting storm miraculously dropped a doghouse right into his yard, complete with a friendly dog waiting inside. Tornado was no ordinary pet. He could perform incredible card tricks, brave the wild to save a tiny turtle, and engage in a hilarious rivalry with the household cat. As Pete shares these funny and heartwarming memories, the family realizes that the best distractions come from the unforgettable stories we share with one another.