As spring arrives on Gardam Street, there are surprises in store for each Penderwick, from neighbor Nick Geiger's expected return from the war to Batty's new dog-walking business, but her plans to use her profits to surprise her family on her eleventh birthday go astray.

On Halloween, Melly is invited to Cousin Malberta's home for a surprise, but as she walks there on a beautifully spooky evening, she is followed by increasing numbers of creatures that may actually be frightening.

Bear, Raccoon, and Squirrel are good friends, and when some city folks visit their woods they plan to throw a welcome party with snacks and entertainment--but when Bear returns with the party hats the humans are suddenly in a hurry to leave.--