"Annie Lumsden has hair that drifts like seaweed, eyes that shine like rock pools, and thoughts that dart and dance like minnows. She lives with her artist mother by the sea, where she feels utterly at home, and has long felt apart from the other girls at school. Words and numbers on the page don't make sense to her, and strange maladies have been springing up that the doctors can't explain. Annie's mother says that all things can be turned into tales,...

Teased by his older siblings about his appearance and tiny squeal, a little piggy finds acceptance with an equally odd-looking companion who teaches him to celebrate his differences and recognize that others will appreciate his uniqueness, too.

Woolbur, a sheep with a mind of his own, never seems to follow the flock, despite his parents' reminders about how he should behave.

On his first day at a new school, Norm, a regular boy, has trouble fitting in with his monstrous classmates.

Pete the Cat and his animal friends welcome Gus the Platypus, who discovers his own special talent.

"Dennis is an ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children do show-and-tell. Dennis mimes his. Some children climb trees. Dennis is happy to BE a tree ... But being a mime can be lonely. It isn't until Dennis meets a girl named Joy that he discovers the power of friendship--and how special he truly is!"--

When Rabbit and Bear's swim is disturbed by a small owl, Bear is interested in learning more but Rabbit relates horror stories and wants to imprison the sleeping bird.

"A young worm dresses her family up for a photo, but ultimately comes to appreciate them for who they are"-- Provided by publisher. Emma worries that her family portrait won't be able to match the beauty of her friends' portraits, until her family wriggles and squeezes into a pose that only a worm family could do.

"Maureen and Francine Carter are twins and best friends. They participate in the same clubs, enjoy the same foods, and are partners on all their school projects. But just before the girls start sixth grade, Francine becomes Fran -- a girl who wants to join the chorus, run for class president, and dress in fashionable outfits that set her apart from Maureen. A girl who seems happy to share only two classes with her sister! Maureen and Francine are...