Books in Another Sommer-Time Story Series series

Trapped high on a mountain by deep snow, hungry townspeople wait desperately for one of the three big trains to bring them food, but they all refuse to go up the mountain. Seeing the desperate situation, The Little Red Train and a family of brave helpers decide to go up the mountain in spite of the ridicule from the big trains. The Little Red Train and it helpers overcome severe obstacles and save the people from starvation. In this exciting and vividly illustrated book, Carl Sommer shows the value of perseverance, compassion, and civic virtue, and children learn to sing the song: Try! Try! Try! Grades K-3. Virtues: Perseverance / Compassion / Civic Virtue Other Virtues: Appreciation, Assertiveness, Caring, Cheerfulness, Citizenship, Commitment, Community Service, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity, Diligence, Generosity, Initiative, Kindness, Patience, Positive Mental Attitude, Respect for Humankind, Responsible, and Self-Discipline

It was time for the beautiful princess Elizabeth to be married. Charming Simon and the strong, handsome Thomas came to ask her hand in marriage. And then there was John, the handsome but not-so-flashy commoner whom Elizabeth had first noticed helping an old man get his wagon out of a muddy ditch. Not sure about the true character of her three suitors, Elizabeth had them run a race to reveal what they were really like in difficult situations. Tempted by distractions planted by the wise king, two of the three runners failed to keep their eyes on their goal. But the commoner John stayed focused on the beautiful princess-he passed the test of the Great Royal Race. This inspiring story by Carl Sommer shows how goal setting, perseverance, and loyalty will bring success. Grades 1-4. Virtues: Citizenship / Caring / Community Service Other Virtues: Appreciation, Assertiveness, Caring, Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Courtesy, Diligence, Initiative, Integrity, Kindness, Loyalty, Obedience to Parents, Patience, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Purity, Respect, Self-Discipline, Self-Reliance, and Temperance.

The bear cubs Stubby and Prissy can't seem to agree on anything-not even on who should close the door. Even their forest friends walk out because of their bickering. The cubs finally decide to settle the issue with a game of, "You move, you lose." However, two raccoon burglars show up for an unforgettable game of their own. When a wolf comes by chasing a little kitten, their stubbornness is tested to the limit. Stubby declares victory, but he soon realizes that the true winner is his sister Prissy. In this stimulating book, Carl Sommer shows the folly of stubbornness, and the importance of tolerance, cooperation, and friendship. Grades K-3. Virtues: Tolerance / Friendship / Cooperation Other Virtues: Caring, Cheerfulness, Civic Virtue, Compassion, Forgiveness, Kindness, Loyalty, Obedience to Parents, Positive Mental Attitude, Respect for Others, and Responsible Citizenship

Spike the rebel caused trouble everywhere, and all the kids were afraid of him, except Mary. Mary warned him that one day he would get into big trouble because of his meanness. Spike continued to be mean at school, on the school bus, camping, and in the park. He thought that being tough and mean would make him happy. Instead, it made him miserable and got him into all sorts of trouble. Spike went over a dangerous waterfall with a stolen canoe and survived. One day while riding his bike, he hit one of his self-made bike traps. He broke his leg and bled badly. Debbie, a girl he laughed at for falling off her bike in one of his traps, came with her mother and saved him. Spike's life was transformed. He said to Debbie, "I thought being tough and mean would make me happy, but I've discovered I'm much, much happier having friends and helping others." Grades 1-4 Virtues: Tolerance / Friendship / Cooperation

The bear cubs Stubby and Prissy can't seem to agree on anything-not even on who should close the door. Even their forest friends walk out because of their bickering. The cubs finally decide to settle the issue with a game of, "You move, you lose." However, two raccoon burglars show up for an unforgettable game of their own. When a wolf comes by chasing a little kitten, their stubbornness is tested to the limit. Stubby declares victory, but he soon realizes that the true winner is his sister Prissy. In this stimulating book, Carl Sommer shows the folly of stubbornness, and the importance of tolerance, cooperation, and friendship. Grades K-3. Virtues: Tolerance / Friendship / Cooperation Other Virtues: Caring, Cheerfulness, Civic Virtue, Compassion, Forgiveness, Kindness, Loyalty, Obedience to Parents, Positive Mental Attitude, Respect for Others, and Responsible Citizenship

Witnessing the deterioration of her inner-city neighborhood, Stephanie decides to "light her candle" to help clean up the trash and stop the violence. After convincing her two friends to do as much good as they can for one week, Stephanie and her friends, with the help of parents, end up transforming their inner-city school and the whole city from a place of violence and deterioration to a model of order and cleanliness. Carl Sommer shows that in spite of many obstacles, one person's determination and desire to do well can transform an entire community. This inspiring story teaches the importance of citizenship, caring for others, and community service. Grades 1-4. Virtues: Citizenship / Caring / Community Service Other Virtues: Appreciation, Assertiveness, Civic Virtue, Cleanliness, Commitment, Compassion, Cooperation, courage, Courtesy, Creativity, Diligence, Generosity, Initiative, Kindness, Patience, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Respect for the Environment, Respect for Others, Responsible Citizenship, Self-Discipline, and Self-Reliance.

Three boys grow up in the same drug-infested, gang-ruled, poverty-stricken neighborhood. Nelson becomes a successful doctor, his best friend Jesse, an award-winning architectural engineer, but Nelsons brother Alvin ends up in jail. In this riveting tale, Nelson relates the story of their childhood, and how, with the love and guidance of his grandparents, they come upon valuable lessons on how against all odds to become successful. Featuring accounts from Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln, the boys are inspired by some of Americas greatest heroes. Although Alvin chooses differently, Nelson and Jesse are two friends who Dare to Dream! Virtues: Courage / Responsibility / Self-Discipline

Life couldn't have been better for Buzzie Bee, until she overhears some disturbing news. Buzzie became furious and started a revolt among the younger bees. The angry bees left the hive to start their own. In the new hive the young bees argue and fight over who should do the work. They finally discover that working together with a leader is the only way to have a happy hive. They return and follow the Queen Bee. This intriguing story demonstrates the influence of an angry thought and the power of a wise answer. Sommer teaches the importance of citizenship, teamwork and responsibility. Grades 1-4. Virtues: Citizenship/Teamwork/Responsibility Other Virtues: Appreciation, Caring, Cheerfulness, Civic Virtue, Cleanliness, Commitment, Community Service, Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, courtesy, Diligence, Dignity of Labor, Fairness, Forgiveness, Friendship, Humility, Kindness, Loyalty, Peacefulness, Positive Mental Attitude, Respect for Others, Respect for Law, Respect for Elders, Responsibility, Trust, and Unity

Tombo the tadpole thinks he is the king of the pond. He brags that he is the biggest, the fastest, and the strongest tadpole, and teases and chases all the other tadpoles. However, while Tombo is showing off doing a triple flip, a boy catches him. The boy puts him into a fish tank and gives him fish flakes to eat, a food Tombo despises. When Tombo turns into a frog, the boy releases him back into his pond. Then Tombo discovers that he is no longer the biggest and fastest, but he does learn the value of friendship. In this superbly illustrated book, Carl Sommer reveals the importance of respect for others, forgiveness, and sportsmanship. Grades K-3. Virtues: Respect for Others / Forgiveness / Sportsmanship Other Virtues: Appreciation, Assertiveness, Caring, Cheerfulness, Citizenship, Civic Virtue, Compassion, Cooperation, Courtesy, Fairness, Friendship, Generosity, Humility, Justice, Kindness, and Tolerance

Speckles the spider and Crumbs the cricket think Katy the caterpillar is much too ugly to be their friend. But Annie the ant doesn't agree, and she and Katy become best friends. As Katy the caterpillar begins her strange transformation into a beautiful butterfly, her friend Annie is shocked and amazed. Speckles and Crumbs finally learn the true meaning of beauty and friendship-and caterpillars. In this inspiring and beautifully illustrated book, Carl Sommer teaches the importance of respect for others, kindness, friendship, and the true meaning of beauty. Grades 1-4.