In 1961, shy and overprotected eleven-year-old Shirley Alice Burns must begin speaking up if she is to do what she wants, including talking about her beloved, deceased father.

When Charlie turns a plain cardboard box into a zippy new car, he can't wait for Mama to have the first ride. He adjusts the mirror, checks to be sure there is enough gas, and reminds Mama to buckle up. Then off they go-REV REV VROOM! There are places to visit and bumps along the way. There is even a traffic jam! By the time they return home, Mama is exhausted, but Charlie can't wait for her nap to be over so he can drive her someplace else. A Margaret...

Violet, who is very shy and hates for anyone to look at her in school, finally comes out of her shell when she is cast as Lady Space in a play about the solar system and saves the production from disaster.

When Sally Jean outgrows her beloved bicycle, Flash, she experiments with various ideas for acquiring a new, bigger one.

While attending his first "night party" to celebrate Great-Gran Sadie's 100th birthday, Robert's manners disappoint family members and relatives but please the guest of honor, who loves his dance steps.

Jacob watches his favorite television show, "Baking with Chef Monty," and bakes a beautiful peach pie, which he gives to his parents for their anniversary.

Rosemary Emma Angela Lynette Isabel Iris Malone grows tired of being an only child, but eventually finds a way to feel less alone.

The teacher from the black lagoon: It is the first day of school, and a boy imagines the worst about his teacher, in this wildly funny look into the mind of every child. The day Jimmy's boa ate the wash: Join in all the fun and excitement when Jimmy brings along his pet boa constrictor on a class trip to the farm. Monty: Ride along when Monty, a dependable and considerate alligator taxi for three children, decides that he needs a vacation. Shrinking...