Ben loves to play at his best friend’s house, but when it’s time for a sleepover all Ben can think about is going home. Ben’s brother and sister try some creative solutions to help their younger sibling get over his fear.
Fiction
Fiction genre
A Little Fear
A strong minded older woman, Mrs. Tucker moves to a small, isolated cottage in Australia where she discovers a Njimbin–a gnomelike spirit–and she must use all her cleverness to win the battle with it for her new home.
Bare Hands
A boy confronts his mother’s suitor on New Year’s Eve when the boy kills the man’s duck and, in a fit of anger, the man kills the boy’s dog.
The Costume Party
Madame Coco and her family of dogs are bored because the rain just won’t stop, but then they decide to have a costume party and become very busy with the preparations.
Very Tricky, Alfie Atkins
Alfie’s father is too busy to play, so Alfie borrows his toolbox and soon finds himself in a tight spot.
Don Quixote and the Windmills
Immersed in tales of knights and dragons and sorcerers and damsels in distress, Senor Quexada proclaims himself a knight and sets out on his first adventure against some nearby windmills that he thinks are giants.
Zulu Dog
In post-apartheid South Africa, a Zulu boy keeps secrets from his family as he cares for an injured dog and befriends the daughter of a white farmer.
The Bamboo Flute
In 1932, during Australia’s deep economic depression, young Paul meets Eric the Red–a wandering swagman–who teaches Paul how to play the bamboo flute and brings music back into Paul’s life.
The Wishing Of Biddy Malone
In Ireland, a young girl who cannot sing, dance, or control her temper stumbles across a faerie village, where a beautiful boy asks her to name her three wishes–but does not promise to grant them for her.
Little Soldier
Taken from Africa to a foster home in London after his family is killed by an enemy tribe, Kaninda discovers the meaning of hate and the value of not hating.