Tomie De Paola

Strega Nona has the perfect remedy for a houseguest who overstays her welcome.

On the morning of the first Christmas, the colorful birds of Bethlehem gather to talk about the exciting events they have witnessed, from the long line of people approaching the town to the stable where a newborn baby lies.

While observing the busy world around them, two children and their grandfather take a moment to appreciate being quiet and still.

Strega Nona fills her basket with two dozen tomatoes from her garden that she intends to donate to the convent, but her effort is challenged by her mischievous goat and her haphazard assistant, Big Anthony.

When Andy and Sandy first meet at the playground, they are cautious of one another, but soon find a way to become friends.

"When the first big snow of winter hits, Sandy wants to play outside--but Andy isn't so sure. Sandy drags Andy along to make a snowman, go sledding, and make snow angels. Will Andy discover that snow can be fun--despite being wet and cold?"--

When Jungle Girl falls into some quicksand and starts slowly sinking, Jungle Boy arrives quickly-- and takes the opportunity to tell her how it is formed, what it is made of, and how to get out of it, demonstrating with charts and graphs. Meanwhile, Jungle Girl sinks lower... and lower... -- amazon.com

After helping Strega Nona plant her vegetable garden just so, Big Anthony takes some extra seeds and sows another garden willy nilly, then must find a way to deal with the consequences.

"Andy is small. Sandy is tall. Andy is quiet. Sandy is LOUD. When these two opposites-attract best friends play dress up, anything could happen"--