Jim Paillot

After budget cuts threaten the art and music programs at Ella Mentry School, as well as some services, groundskeeper Burke finds gold and "gilver" on the playground, causing a modern-day gold rush.

"It's very important for kids to learn about fire safety, and Mrs. Meyer of the local fire department has been brought in to teach the students at Ella Mentry School. But she is the weirdest safety expert in the world. She likes fire just a little too much. Will Mrs. Meyer catch on fire? Will she retire? What will transpire?"--Jacket.

With guidance from Miss Brown, a teacher who is an expert on creativity, the third grade class at Ella Mentry School builds a car and a bridge to compete in a Brain Games competition against Dirk School.

A.J. and his friends are afraid that Ms. Todd, their substitute teacher, has killed their regular teacher and is trying to take over her job.

Ella Mentry School counselor Dr. Brad believes wisecracking A.J. may be a genius and subjects him to some very weird tests to find out for sure.

"When Miss Daisy returns to Ella Mentry School as a substitute teacher, the kids are in for a weird and wacky day of not learning about math, writing, the weather, and more"--

New third grade teacher Mr. Granite has so many strange ideas about how to make Ella Mentary School environmentally friendly that the students are sure he must be an alien.

When Mr. Will, the local ice cream man, brings treats to the students at Ella Mentry School, Dr. Carbies will stop at nothing to ensure no one breaks his latest rule banning desserts.

A.J. and his fellow third-graders from Ella Mentry School, including new student Alexia, go on a field trip to the zoo, where they meet a very strange zookeeper.

New lunch lady Ms. Hall is obsessed with healthy food and she makes it her mission to get A.J. and the gang to eat more vegetables, but they won't take this sitting down.