Cynthia Rylant

"Children, animals, and natural life react to a coming rainstorm that will nourish them all"--

In 1972, Flora Smallwood, nine, copes with her parents' separation with the help of her friends, Yury and Nessie, a new pet, and the familiar routines of life in Rosetown, Indiana.

Hornbeam the moose goes on a picnic with his best friend Eureka, sleeps over his friend Cuddy's house, and learns how to swim with Adorabelle.

Mr. Putter's love of toys is almost as strong as his affection for his cat--but are he and she too old to play with a toy airplane?

When Mr. Putter catches a cold, his friend Mrs. Teaberry sends over some special treats to help him feel better.

Mr. Putter's neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn't as easy as it sounds--for them or their pets.

After the death of the beloved aunt who has raised her, twelve-year-old Summer and her uncle Ob leave their West Virginia trailer in search of the strength to go on living.

Motor Mouse takes a hot air balloon ride with his brother Valentino and neighbor Horatio, decides to teach Valentino to drive a car, and spends a day with Valentino at the Funfair.

Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.