Books in Another Sommer-time Story series

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.

Ants have to work hard during the summer to build their homes and gather food for the winter, but the Dilly Dally family have a different tradition: they always play first. If they have any time, then they work a little. The Family Work Play ants, however, first build their house and gather their food, then they relax and have fun. So they built a strong house and had lots of food for the coming winter. When the long, cold winter came, the Dilly Dally family had a tough time getting food and keeping warm. However, they learned an important lesson, and changed their name to Family Work First. In this delightful and inspiring book, Carl Sommer shows the importance of diligence, responsibility, and having a proper work ethic. Children will learn that by working first and playing later, it will bring them much greater happiness. Grades 1-4.

As a reward for winning the soccer championship, Davy is chosen mayor for a day. The band and the whole town assemble together for this great event. Tired of his parents' rules, Davy's first official announcement as mayor is to eliminate all rules. The parents' groan, but the children jump up and down for joy. But the day without rules was a disaster for everyone. The whole town becomes angry, but Davy finally saves the day. In this graphically illustrated and fascinating story, Carl Sommer shows the importance of citizenship, rules for maintaining civic virtue, and respect for the law. Grades 1-4. Mayor for a Day' has been selected as "Best Children's books that Today's Librarian reviewed in 2000." Keri Davies, Publisher, Today's Librarian Virtues: Citizenship / Civic Virtue / Respect for Law Other Virtues: Appreciation, Caring, Cheerfulness, Community Service, Compassion, Cooperation, Courtesy, Fairness, Justice, Kindness, Obedience to Parents, Peacefulness, Respect for Humankind, Responsible Citizenship, Self-Discipline, Sportsmanship, and Unity.

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

To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu doesnt want to listen to Papa and Mamas lessonshe just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didnt have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. After being taunted by his friends, Sangu finally learned to be assertive, to value learning, to listen to his parents, and to respect himself. Virtues: Self-Esteem / Respect for Parents / Assertiveness

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.

Missy the mouse has a very big problem—she's dissatisfied with who she is and what she looks like. She thinks her ears are too big and her tail is too skinny. Even worse, Horace the cat is constantly chasing her, and she can't do anything about it! If only she could be as big and beautiful as Horace, then all her problems would be gone. One day, while being chased by Horace, Missy wishes herself into becoming a big cat. Her wish comes true, and she chases Horace. Missy is delighted that she is now the biggest and most beautiful cat in the whole world. But she quickly discovers that cats have serious problems with dogs. As Missy wishes herself into becoming bigger and stronger creatures, she discovers that everyone has problems. Missy finally learns to accept herself for what she is. Grades k-3

Marcus and Marcella hate the noisy forest animals and the hard work in searching for food every day. Their eyes light up when a chipmunk tells them that the farm has no noise and lots of food. In spite of being warned by Mama Beaver, they immediately move to the farm. Their dreams come true. But their dreams are shattered when the farmer and his wife come home. The chase is on. After barely escaping, they quickly return to their forest home. They discover that even with all the noise and hard work, the forest is a wonderful place to live. In this delightful and inspiriting story, Carl Sommer shows the importance of tolerance, friendship, and appreciation. Grades K-3. Virtues: Tolerance/Friendship/Appreciation Other Virtues: Caring, Cheerfulness, Citizenship, Civic Virtue, Community Service, Compassion, cooperation, Diligence, Dignity of Labor, Friendship, Kindness, Patience, Peacefulness, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Peacefulness, Respect for Others, and Unity.

Nelson was a successful doctor, his best friend Jesse was an award-winning architectural engineer, and his brother Alvin ended up in jail. Nelson tells about his childhood of living in a single parent home in a poor area with gangs and drugs. His grandparents taught him, Alvin, and Jesse valuable lessons on how to become successful, but Alvin always resisted learning. Grandma tells them about the struggles of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln. After hearing of their struggles, Nelson and Jesse felt ashamed that they had complained about things being difficult. Grandpa read to them, "Dare to Dream Guidelines." Alvin's refusal to listen eventually caused him to end up in jail; however, Nelson and Jesse listened and became successful. Grades 1-4 Virtues: Courage / Responsibility / Self-Discipline

Proud Rooster, always ignoring everyone's advice, gets into all sorts of trouble. Filling his tummy with green strawberries, falling off a tree while showing off, and skating on thin ice after being warned, nearly do him in. But his hard lessons change him forever. Proud Rooster is glad to learn that it is not too late to obey. In this exciting tale, Carl Sommer reveals the importance of humility, obedience to parents, and self-discipline. Grades K-3. Virtues: Humility / Respect for Parents / Self-Discipline Other Virtues: Assertiveness, Caring, Citizenship, Civic Virtue, Commitment, Community Service, Compassion, Cooperation, Creativity, Diligence, Generosity, Kindness, Obedience to Parents, Respect for Law, Safety, and trust.

Marcus and Marcella hate the noisy forest animals and the hard work in searching for food every day. Their eyes light up when a chipmunk tells them that the farm has no noise and lots of food. In spite of being warned by Mama Beaver, they immediately move to the farm. Their dreams come true. But their dreams are shattered when the farmer and his wife come home. The chase is on. After barely escaping, they quickly return to their forest home. They discover that even with all the noise and hard work, the forest is a wonderful place to live. In this delightful and inspiriting story, Carl Sommer shows the importance of tolerance, friendship, and appreciation. Grades K-3. Virtues: Tolerance/Friendship/Appreciation Other Virtues: Caring, Cheerfulness, Citizenship, Civic Virtue, Community Service, Compassion, cooperation, Diligence, Dignity of Labor, Friendship, Kindness, Patience, Peacefulness, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Peacefulness, Respect for Others, and Unity.

When Jane, the farmer's wife, complains to her husband Sam about the crooked rows he has plowed, they decide to switch jobs for a day. Both Sam and Jane expect to have lots of free time after each finishes the other's "easy" job. But they encounter one calamity after another doing each other's chores. After having the hardest day of their lives, they meet each other and end up laughing at their misconceptions. In this hilarious adventure, Carl Sommer teaches the importance of respect for others, responsibility, and forgiveness. Grades 2-4. Virtues: Respect for Others / Responsibility/ Forgiveness Other Virtues: Appreciation, Cheerfulness, Peacefulness, Respect for Work, and Tolerance