Books in Michael Neugebauer Books series

Buttons's little brother, Bo, is a big crybaby. His howl is his secret weapon. All he has to do is start bawling and Mother gives him whatever he wants--even Buttons's favorite red car! Buttons is fed up and angrily stomps off to the meadow to be by himself: But it's not so easy to get rid of a pesky, tagalong little brother--which turns out to be surprisingly lucky when the two bears get lost in the forest. Buttons and Bo introduces two appealing young heroes in a satisfying story of sibling rivalry and brotherly love.

One day Sam decides he does not want to go to school. He comes up with the idea of sending his stuffed monkey in his place. As he dresses the monkey in his own school clothes, tells him how to behave, and describes kindergarten, Sam realizes how bored he'll be at home. Sam decides that htye will both go to school today. Whether it's first-day jitters or middle-of-term blahs, here's the perfect solution for children who don't want to go to school.

Once upon a time Tian, the Lord of the Cranes, decided to leave his home, high in the clouds, and fly down to the city to test the people. Dressed in rags, he went begging for alms, but only the innkeeper Wang, passed the test. Tian rewarded Wang with a miraculous gift, a gift that brought fame and fortune to the innkeeper, and in return, Wang vowed to help the Lord of the Cranes with his special mission. The painter Jian Jiang Chen remembered this folktale from his childhood in China. He heard it from an old man who told stories accompanied by a violin -- a common form of entertainment at that time when so few Chinese had televisions. Retold here by his wife, Kerstin, it is a haunting and uplifting tale of virtue rewarded.

""I don't know if I'm too big or too little,"" laments the heroine of this story. Her mother tells her she's too big to be carried upstairs, but too little to chew bubble gum. She's too little to play with the boy downstairs, but too big to eat with her fingers. It's very confusin--and upsetting. Children will relate to this sweet, reassuring story about a youngster's first identity crisis.

It's no wonder nobody wants to play with Rocky. He turns everything into a contest and if he doesn't win he whines, "That's not fair!" One day kind, patient Humphrey takes Rocky fishing with him. Humphrey's actions speak much louder than words, showing Rocky that winning isn't everything. ?This sequel to Santa's Gift will entertain young children while it teaches them another important lesson in values.

Pablo the Pig lives a marvelous life. He sleeps when he wants, roots around for tasty plants, and lolls in the mud. But one day when his friend Vera comes to visit, his little hut is gone! In it's place stands a giant bulldozer, its teeth glinting dangerously. Soon workers will come and start building houses. Pablo flees, and with some butchers hot on his trail., it seems he is doomed. But Vera comes to his rescue, and friendship triumphs.