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Adventure ~ Animals ~ Around the World ~ The Arts
Folktales and Legends ~ Humor ~ Mystery ~ People ~ Sports


Adventure Stories

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  Adventure in the Banyan Tree
Young Ruskin observes a deadly confrontation between a cobra and a mongoose.

  Story of the Week Image   Lost in Corn Country
If this boy's class had a knotted rope, he wouldn't be in this predicament.

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  Anna Mae’s Adventure
Anna Mae was sick in bed, so she took an adventure in her head!

  Story of the Week Image   Midnight Heroine
To save the lives of strangers, young Kate Shelley braved crossing a railroad bridge on a stormy night.

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  Avalanche!
Chris discovers how powerful the snowy mountains can be.

  Story of the Week Image   My Night with the Elk
A shortcut turns into an adventure that lasts all night long.

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  Barney the Bug Man
When it comes to tiny crawly creatures, Barney has an eye like a hawk.

  Story of the Week Image   Ravens to the Rescue
Ravens save a skier's life after a bad accident high in the mountains.

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  Bike Fright
The tables are turned when Jake has to teach his mom to ride a bike.

  Story of the Week Image   River Never Sleeps, The
Xavier and his cousin have a close encounter while fishing.

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  Braving the Pacific on a Bamboo Raft
Tim and his crew retrace the steps of explorers who sailed thousands of years ago.

  Story of the Week Image   Run to the River
Margaret stays strong and thinks quickly in a dangerous situation.

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  Chilling Thrill, A
How can the school ski trip be fun if Carly has no friends?

  Story of the Week Image   Shed Full of Tigers, A
Jaimie thinks her new house is full of tigers!

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  Conga
Emeka will drown if Rebisi can't convince him to ignore the snake and climb out of the fishing hole.

  Story of the Week Image   Sighting, The
A neighbor is convinced he's seen Bigfoot. Now Eddie, Cathy, and Marie want to find out for themselves.

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  Covered Wagons of the Oregon Trail
With only a covered wagon to call home, pioneers braved the Oregon Trail.

  Story of the Week Image   Sign, The
Jess and Ma helped a runaway slave escape, but how will they know that he is safe?

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  Cows Don't Have Seat Belts
Cassie, a city slicker, finds herself riding on a cow's back after a spill.

  Story of the Week Image   Storm at Tempest Cove
Jamie's quick thinking helps save the lives of the village fishermen.

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  Danger on the Guayas River
Juan and Pepe learn that you shouldn't take chances with a river.

  Story of the Week Image   Stranger in the Orchard
Two boys solve a mystery that reunites a community.

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  Fish for Benny, A
Joe learns the value of a stepbrother on a fishing trip.

  Story of the Week Image   Swimming Lesson
A swim coach's advice saves the day during a scary boat trip.

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  Flashlight Playground
A light brightens a dark playground and Jordie's day.

  Story of the Week Image   Swimming Magnet
A plan to get even gets two boys into high water.

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  Freedom for the Planter
Robert Smalls becomes a hero when he sails his family to freedom from slavery.

  Story of the Week Image   Terror in Bear Country
A sleepy camper wakes up to a frightening noise.

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  Gilby's Snowman
Gilby's Snowman lay tired in the snow. But when Gilby returns the snowman is awake!

  Story of the Week Image   Tidal Tale, A
Sarah's decision to go sailing without permission gets her into a heap of trouble.

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  Hand-Me-Down Dreams
Mikey's quick thinking saves the day during a terrible ice storm.

  Science Story of the Week Image   To Touch the Mammoth
Zol, a Clovis boy of the Ice Age, sets out to prove he is not afraid of the woolly mammoth.

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  Happily Ever After
Rowena's on a roll when she delivers a wedding cake right on time.

  Story of the Week Image   Truth About Black Widow Spiders, The
Can you die from the bite of a black widow spider? The author finds out the hard way.

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  If I Met a Fairy
What wonderful adventures would be in store!

  Story of the Week Image   White Knuckles over Niagara
Could Blondin succeed in carrying a man across the gorge of Niagara Falls on a tight rope?

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  Inca Treasure
A man searches for the hidden gold of the ancient Incas.

  Story of the Week Image   Woolly-Puff Rescue, The
Wendy and Alex make a new discovery that turns out to be very useful on their planet.



Stories about Animals

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  Bon Voyage
A funny story about three animals' adventure in a hot air balloon.

  Story of the Week Image   Mr. Pilling's Pond
At age twelve, Mr. Pilling began a hobby that landed him a spot in the hall of fame!

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  Buster and the Toboggan
Who knew what a good time everyone would have?

  Story of the Week Image   My Night with the Elk
A shortcut turns into an adventure that lasts all night long.

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  Close Friends
Two animals try to cheer up a sad snowman.

  Story of the Week Image   My Puppy Sings the Blues
Autumn thinks her new dog's sad howl means he's unhappy--until she meets Laura and her beagle.

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  Copycat Mouse
Lewis is shocked to find out why his brother, Milton, is such a copycat.

  Story of the Week Image   Night in the Desert, A
At night the desert comes alive!

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  Cows Don't Have Seat Belts
Cassie, a city slicker, finds herself riding on a cow's back after a spill.

  Story of the Week Image   Nutty Narrows Bridge, The
It's a bridge only a squirrel could love.

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  Dog and His Reflection, The
A greedy dog ends up with nothing.

  Story of the Week Image   Old Man and the Bears, The
Octaviano shares the story of why he allows bears to feast on the fruit of the trees.

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  Dogs at Work
Dogs have many ways to show that they are "man's best friend."

  Story of the Week Image   Ollie and the Rainbow
Ollie the Elephant didn't exactly stay out of trouble, but he still managed to make his mother proud.

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  Elephant and the Cassowary, The
A true account of an animal odd couple in India.

  Story of the Week Image   One Smart Cat
Cat taught Jaguar important hunting skills. Now how will Cat protect himself from his student?

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  Farmyard Wedding
Miss Duck and Mr. Drake celebrate the big day with all of their farmyard friends.

  Story of the Week Image   Rabbit and Tiger
A brave rabbit cleverly tricks the fierce tiger into leaving the forest for good.

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  Finding S-A-M
Can you help Rebecca find S-A-M?

  Story of the Week Image   Raccoons' Workout, The
Seven raccoon kits work out to become strong and fast like their Papa.

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  Fox Makes Lunch
Fox has to change his plans as he prepares a surprise lunch and gift for Bear.

  Story of the Week Image   Ravens to the Rescue
Ravens save a skier's life after a bad accident high in the mountains.

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  Goose Chase, The
Gaylord Goose isn't clever, but he may be lucky enough to talk himself out of being Admiral Bear's dinner.

  Story of the Week Image   Russ and the Boy Next Door
When Ben moves in next door, Russ, a lonely dog, tries everything to get his attention.

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  Jasper Finds a Job
Jasper, the pony, takes charge and pulls through with a clever plan.

  Story of the Week Image   Safe from the Storm
Use scissors and some paper to find out where Rabbit and his friends were protected from the storm.

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  Jessie's Big Idea
Jessie comes up with a clever way to walk her big dog, Bart.

  Story of the Week Image   Salt on a Bird's Tail
A young boy realizes that with hard work he can earn his own things.

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  Just Plain Buster
Buster, the dog, discovers the secret to finding a perfect family.

  Story of the Week Image   Searching for Bird Number Ten
A science teacher's advice helps finish a bird-watching project.

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  Katie's First Real Fox
It's not easy trying to spot a fox. Will Katie come up with a plan?

  Story of the Week Image   Secret in the Orchard, A
Grandpa has a Christmas surprise in store.

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  King of the Longhorns
A gentle, intelligent Texas Longhorn named Old Blue became the most famous lead steer in the days of the great cattle drives.

  Story of the Week Image   Shed Full of Tigers, A
Jaimie thinks her new house is full of tigers!

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  Kitten's Climb
An adventurous kitten gets stuck in a tree and hatches robin eggs!

  Story of the Week Image   Skating Lesson, The
Fox learns how to skate--the hard way.

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  Lambing, The
Lisa uses all her strength and courage to help save a newborn lamb and its mother.

  Story of the Week Image   Spadefoot Toads: Desert Amphibians
The life cycle of a spadefoot toad is fast and fascinating.

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  Miss Squirrel Minds Her Busy-ness
A busy day doesn't stop Miss Squirrel from enjoying a wonderful Christmas Eve with her friends.

  Story of the Week Image   Terror in Bear Country
A sleepy camper wakes up to a frightening noise.

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  Molly the Pony
Molly has never been first at anything...until now!

  Story of the Week Image   The Tarantulas of Pie Town
Jennifer is accepted by the other ranch hands when she reacts well to a practical joke.

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  Monument to a Pest, A
"The meanest bug in America" helped people change their lives for the better.

  Story of the Week Image   Think like a Horse
Can Kristi figure out why her horse, Babe, will not cross the stream?

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  Mouse and the Happy Hearts
Mouse's candy-heart messages make everyone happy.

  Story of the Week Image   Tinker’s Tide
If Josie and her brothers and sisters can't come up with a fool-proof plan, their horses will be sold in a week.

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  Mouse Mitzvah, The
Two determined mice ask a sleeping rabbi to explain the meaning of mitzvah.

  Story of the Week Image   Truth About Black Widow Spiders, The
Can you die from the bite of a black widow spider? The author finds out the hard way.

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  Mr. Mell Goes to Camp
Mr. Mell's music guides a camper out of a storm.

  Story of the Week Image   Winter Window Washers, The
No one knows exactly why they wash windows in the winter. Can Theodore find out?



Stories from Around the World

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  Blue Sausage Girl
Adjoa shares a friend with newcomer Fiona--a tiny, blue, stuffed friend!

  Story of the Week Image   Magic Sand, The
Marcos's gift to his grandmother is magical.

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  Braving the Pacific on a Bamboo Raft
Tim and his crew retrace the steps of explorers who sailed thousands of years ago.

  Story of the Week Image   Making Mango Cities
How can Clementina sell mangoes at the market and write a paper for English class?

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  Cobra Kite
In Malaysia, air battles between kites are popular--especially since anyone can claim a fallen contender.

  Story of the Week Image   Navigating by the Signs of Nature (Micronesia)
Early navigators could read ocean currents, clouds, and stars to find their way through the ocean.

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  Daruma-San
A Japanese good-luck charm you can make yourself.

  Story of the Week Image   Olive Tree, The
The tree in Nada's backyard drops its olives in Saleem's yard--so who gets the prized fruit?

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  Different Strokes: The Art of Chinese Writing
To the Chinese, handwriting is an art called calligraphy.

  Story of the Week Image   Rodika
Mayi and Rodika live side by side in the beautiful country of Transylvania. But one girl is Hungarian and the other is Romanian. Can they be friends?

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  Don't Blow Out the Candles
Benjy's sister, Iris, tells him the story of the brave Judah and Hanukkah.

  Story of the Week Image   Sight for Sore Eyes
Sunglasses have been around for hundreds of years. Who invented them?

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  Dragon in the Tunnel
As a child, the author thought steam engines were dragons. As an adult, he encountered a fearsome real animal in a railway tunnel.

  Story of the Week Image   Sweetened Condensed Milk
A delicious treat reminds Ishmael of a special place.

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  Every Day's a Holiday
There are enough holidays to fill every day of the year. Here are a few of them.

  Story of the Week Image   Terra-Cotta Army of Emperor Qin, The
Read a fascinating story about an emperor and his army of clay soldiers.

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  Exploring the Ancient Civilization of the Maya
Nearly twenty-five hundred years ago, the Maya built beautiful buildings and had an advanced system of mathematics. Why did their civilization collapse?

  Story of the Week Image   Tree That Saved History, The
A famous tree, the Charter Oak, became a symbol of freedom throughout early America.

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  Inca Treasure
A man searches for the hidden gold of the ancient Incas.

  Story of the Week Image   Two Hundred and Fifty Steps
Gao Ling has a long way to go to overcome her shyness.

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  Keeper of the Keys
It's not easy to outsmart a monkey.

  Story of the Week Image   Yia–Yia’s Dance
From the night she was born in a tiny Greek village, dancing has been an important part of Yia-Yia's life.



Stories about The Arts

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  “Under a spreading chestnut-tree . . . ”
The renowned poet Henry Wadworth Longfellow was respected by celebrities and scholars, but he was especially loved by children.

  Story of the Week Image   Instrument That Ben Built, The
Few people know that Benjamin Franklin invented the armonica.

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  Antonio Gaudi's Magical Playground
Parc Güell in Barcelona, Spain, examplifies engineering genius and unusual art.

  Story of the Week Image   Magic of Ventriloquism, The
Learn to be a ventriloquist and you'll always have someone to play with.

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  Drawing Horses
Art isn't easy for Marisa, but she's learning.

  Story of the Week Image   Painting Hominy
The true story of a Native American artist who added color to his Oklahoma hometown.

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  Find the Music
Learn about music and instruments you can make from household items.

  Story of the Week Image   Sebastian's Violin
Will Sebastian's new violin be ready in time to play on Easter?

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  From Scribbles to Spacious Skies
"America the Beautiful" has become the unofficial anthem of the United States.

  Story of the Week Image   Second Fiddle
A friend's encouragement and musicianship inspire Leslie to not give up.

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  Fun with Shadows
Learn how to make a rabbit, eagle, and other animals with shadow pictures.

  Story of the Week Image   Shape Up Your Drawings
To draw something difficult, start with simple shapes like a circle, square, or triangle.

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  He Made Trees Live Again
George Nakashima shaped wood into beautiful chairs, tables, and cabinets.

  Story of the Week Image   Ten Great Mother’s Day Gifts
Surprise Mom with any one of these thoughtful Mother's Day gifts.

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  High-Kicking Katie Hughes
Get in step with a girl who loves to dance.

  Story of the Week Image   Terra-Cotta Army of Emperor Qin, The
Read a fascinating story about an emperor and his army of clay soldiers.

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  How Clifford Was Born
Meet Norman Bridwell, the creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog.

  Story of the Week Image   Touch of Genius, A
This blind artist sees with his hands and creates beautiful sculptures.



Stories about Folktales and Legends

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  Ant and the Dove, The
A short story about an ant's and a dove's kindness towards one another.

  Story of the Week Image   Potter and the Washerman, The
Will the jealous potter be successful in discrediting the washerman in the eyes of the king?

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  Bridge of Liars, The
Be sure not to lie before crossing the collapsing bridge!

  Story of the Week Image   Rabbit and Tiger
A brave rabbit cleverly tricks the fierce tiger into leaving the forest for good.

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  Bundle of Sticks, A
Two brothers learn they must stick together.

  Story of the Week Image   Running Rabbit
Rabbit shows off his incredible speed--and loses his coat!

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  Dishonest Merchant, The
Long ago in Romania, a prince dealt fairly with a lying merchant and an honest peasant.

  Story of the Week Image   Salt on a Bird's Tail
A young boy realizes that with hard work he can earn his own things.

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  Exchange, The
A young fairy's first tooth exchange gets complicated when she becomes trapped.

  Story of the Week Image   Spider and the King, The
A tale about a spider who inspires a king to not surrender.

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  Flame of a Candle, The
Hodja comes up with a clever way to prove to himself to his friends.

  Story of the Week Image   Spider's Gift, The
Spiders brought beauty and hope into an old woman's Christmas.

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  Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs, The
A fable that shows the evils of greed.

  Story of the Week Image   Three Statues, The
A young prince works to solve the mystery of the three statues.

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  Great Pumpkin, The
You know all about pumpkin pie and jack-'o-lanters, but pumpkins used for . . . hair styling?

  Story of the Week Image   Turtle, Frog, and Rat
How did Turtle get a cracked shell, Frog acquire warts and bulging eyes, and Rat lose the fur from his tail?

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  Kingdom Under the Sea, The
A faithless man makes a terrible mistake that costs him his youth.

  Story of the Week Image   Why Bat Hangs Upside Down
Lazy Bat gets what he deserves in this Laotian folktale.

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  Maureen's Harp
The leprechaun king deals with Maureen's selfish, greedy sisters.

  Story of the Week Image   Why Raven’s Beak Is Curved
A trickster gets tricked in this Northwest Coast Indian legend.

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  One Smart Cat
Cat taught Jaguar important hunting skills. Now how will Cat protect himself from his student?

  Story of the Week Image   Woodcutter, The
A silly woodcutter ends up empty handed.



Humerous Stories

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  Aunt Millie's Handbag
There's something magical about Aunt Millie's handbag!

  Story of the Week Image   Jumping Hat, The
Harry's hat has a mind of its own.

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  Bewitched
What can a fairy-godmother trainee do if a frog doesn't want to be a prince?

  Story of the Week Image   Knights' Day
Sir Delbert thinks the Knights' Day medal is the most important prize . . . until he meets Edwina.

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  Bon Voyage
A funny story about three animals' adventure in a hot air balloon.

  Story of the Week Image   Lazy Day
See what this family doesn't do on a restful day.

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  Bubbles
A funny story of a bubble family's need to be heard.

  Story of the Week Image   Little Ghost's Nap
It would be awful if the little ghost slept through trick-or-treating . . . but he won't wake up!

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  Clowns Don't Wear Eye Patches
Annie wants to be a clown for Halloween, but there is just one problem . . .

  Story of the Week Image   Meanest Witch, The
A princess takes matters into her own hands when two witches won't stop fighting.

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  Eggacheggaba!
Why does Bartlett the rooster attack Duffy every time Duffy tries to collect eggs?

  Story of the Week Image   Mr. Petalucha, P.E.
Mr. Petalucha isn't called a painter extraordinaire for nothing.

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  Fax Attack
A tiny shark means big trouble.

  Story of the Week Image   Mrs. Doosilly's Car Won't Open
No matter how many people try, Mrs. Doosilly just can't get her car door open!

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  Five Days till Mom's Birthday
Sometimes the best gifts are small, folded pieces of paper.

  Story of the Week Image   Nothing Ever Happens Around Here
Just what is the story with Louie Knuckleberry?

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  Gloop! Gloop!
Just what is a Green Glooper, anyway?

  Story of the Week Image   Prince Thornton and the Four Specialty Dishes
Cooking for a picky prince isn't easy, but one girl may know a solution . . .

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  Happily Ever After
Rowena's on a roll when she delivers a wedding cake right on time.

  Story of the Week Image   Rory's Funny Story
Rory thinks nothing funny ever happens to him until he tells the class about his weekend.

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  Henry's Horrendous Hiccups
Only ten minutes until church and Henry, the choir's soloist, can't stop hiccupping!

  Story of the Week Image   Squeaking Through School
It's hard being the new kid, but it's even harder when you've got the squeakiest desk in the class!

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  Horace Wringwhydner and the Pusillanimoose
Horace is determined to photograph the camera-shy-creature--if he can find it.

  Story of the Week Image   Squeaks in the Floorboard
It's a good thing Tyler isn't bothered by squeaks in the floorboard--especially since Squeak is a mouse and that is his home.

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  I.A.M.M.
I.A.M.M. is not as fast as A.S.A.P. which spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

  Story of the Week Image   Two Pets and a Pizza
Maude and Harold have always wanted to share the family pizza, so they take things into their own hands . . . er, paws and feet.

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  If Davy Could Yodel
All the cowboys at the Circle S Ranch could yodel better than Davy--until one freezing-cold night.

  Story of the Week Image   Winter Window Washers, The
No one knows exactly why they wash windows in the winter. Can Theodore find out?



Mystery Stories

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  Alien in Apartment 4-B, The
Manny is convinced that there are space aliens in the Morgans' apartment--now he and his brother are going to find out for sure.

  Story of the Week Image   Mind-Boggling Card Trick, A
Fool your friends with a mind-boggling card trick.

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  American Army of Two Saves the Day, An
Were Rebecca and Abigail Bates real heroes of the War of 1812?

  Story of the Week Image   Missing Balloon Pin, The
The thief in this case wasn't too hard to pin down.

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  Ancient Disk's Secret Message, An
For nearly a century, scholars have been trying to solve the mystery of the Phaistos Disk.

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