Introducing Nate Gadol, a new larger-than-life holiday hero who brings Hanukkah wonder and generosity to all those in need. He is a generous spirit whose magic can make things last exactly as long an they're needed. When the Glaser family immigrates to the United States, their first Hanukkah looks like it will be a meager one. And their neighbors are struggling too, with money scarce and Christmas around the corner. Even Santa's spirits are running...

"Today, Amik is expecting her beaver cousins for a special visit, and she can't wait to show them her home. But as the visitors arrive, Amik suddenly realizes that her little sister, Nishiime, has disappeared. Where could she have gone? As Amik shows her cousins some of her favorite haunts, the reader also learns how beavers help all the other animals in the forest: they cut down poplar trees so deer have easier access to the leaves, they create canals...

All Sophie wants for her birthday is a pet giraffe, but as she tries to convince different members of her rather complicated family to support her cause, each tells her she is using too many words until she finally hits on the perfect one. In a humorous way shows the perspective of a request through the mind of a judge, a businessman, a politician and a very strict person. Through these stories new words are introduced that all mean the same thing....

"When Abuela comes to visit from Peru, she brings a suitcase full of treasures and her granddaughter learns that home is not just a place, but the love between family no matter the distance"--

Excitedly attending her friend's birthday party, Sophie becomes jealous when her friend receives a mouse house, a gift Sophie has always wanted.