Bobby wants a shark for his birthday, so he is disappointed when his parents get him a puppy instead--but this puppy turns out to be a bit of a shark herself.

A bird pecks its way out of its shell, then spends a day discovering new things about the world and itself.

When Mr. Portly finds a kitten, he and his wife raise her like a child, but unlike a typical child, Minifred the kitten does not like to follow rules at home or at school.

"Herbert loves foxes. He loves foxes so much, he will do anything to be one. But his mummy doesn't understand. Why can't he just be a good rabbit?"--

A young kitten explores the wilderness as other animals celebrate spring.

Buster finds a homeless kitten and takes care of it, with help from Phoebe, the tabby, and the calico. In a second story, Buster and Phoebe take the new kitten, Tilly, to Gregory's house to play.

"It's springtime, and the pond is bursting with new life. There are beaver pups, heron hatchlings, and lots and lots of ducklings. Everyone is out and about, swimming, flapping, chirping, and quacking--except for one family of geese"--

Mama bird wants Baby bird to learn to fly so he can migrate with the rest of the flock, but Baby bird would rather go by hot air balloon or car, instead.

After seeing sleepy baby animals, a child is finally ready for bed.

Humphrey, the pet hamster of Classroom 26, is helping Richie with a science project, but Richie's feisty puppy gets in the way.