Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

When Minna expresses an interest in stars, her mother suggests she invite a few friends to a star party, including a special dinner, a trip to the new Star Space at the Children's Museum, and star-gazing.

Buddy likes looking at and collecting rocks. Mama suggests they visit the local nature center. They hike the Blue Diamond Trail to five rock stops. They meet Roxie, a Rock Ridge Ranger. Buddy learns lots about bedrock, erosion, and how rocks are formed. He finds out many surprising things about rocks.

Sophie's grandfather tells her that all he wants for his birthday is for her to perform a mitzvah, a good work, and change the world. Sophie is perplexed because while she enjoys helping people, she does not see how her kindness changes the world--until her grandfather explains it to her.