Snake scientist Suzy Ehret's study of banded rock rattlesnakes has provided valuable information for the conservation of this species.

In ***Fig Jam,***Darren's and Lisa's steadfast belief that kids cannot cook is demonstrated by their incredulous reaction to the discovery that Finian, their good friend, fancies himself as a cook. Their disdain at the thought of Finian being a cook only increases when he claims to cook things as exotic as Fig Jam. An intriguing invitation results in Darren and Lisa reevaluating their prejudices about kids, cooks, and food.

In Luke's Flute*,* a positive exchange between June and Luke about Luke's flute is interrupted when a mean-looking kid approaches them. Both June and Luke are convinced that the intrusion will end up in a fight between the intruder and Luke. But both June and Luke are taken aback when the intruder reveals an unpredictable truth about himself.

In A Fort in the Park, when Gabriel explained to Maisie and Eric why he could not meet them at the fort in the park, they could never have imagined the reason for his decision. Gabriel's story is a cautionary tale that reinforces the reality that misbehavior can result in negative consequences. However, Gabriel's story also provides the rationale for being good.

In ***No Bike, No Hike, No Dice,***when Jacob's mother announced Jacob's bedtime, he came up with things he would rather do than go to bed. But when his mother did not get on board with his suggestions, he resorted to other creative tactics to avoid bedtime-including one that involved "rolling the dice." In the end, Jacob succumbed to his mother's entreaties and made a responsible decision.

In ***No Bike, No Hike, No Dice,***when Jacob's mother announced Jacob's bedtime, he came up with things he would rather do than go to bed. But when his mother did not get on board with his suggestions, he resorted to other creative tactics to avoid bedtime-including one that involved "rolling the dice." In the end, Jacob succumbed to his mother's entreaties and made a responsible decision.

In ***Fat Cat and Lap Dog,***because Jack was missing several of his treasured belongings, he concluded that his sister Jen had stolen them. However, Jen's proclaimed innocence was confirmed when she proved that the real culprit was standing nearby in plain sight.

In ***A Net, a Sack, and a Pet,***Ted and Kim meet on the dock to catch frogs. When Ted is successful and catches a frog, Kim becomes jealous and steals the frog. Once Ted discovers that the frog is missing, he asks Kim if she took his frog. Kim lies and tells Ted, "No." Later, sick with guilt, Kim returns the frog to Ted, and he is so grateful to have his frog back, he does something special for Kim.

In A Rain and Hail Day, when rain and hail confine Angela to the indoors, she is left with her teddy bear to figure out how to entertain herself. While coming up with things to do that are realistic, safe, and acceptable, Angela is reminded of the fact that she is responsible for addressing her boredom and should choose acceptable things to do without relying on others to entertain her.

In The Cat, the Rat, and the Bat, Ben loved his toy rat, toy bat, and cap and was bereft when his cat ruined them. His empathetic father suggested that the cat would not be able to ruin Ben's things if they were put away. Ben discovered that following his father's advice could bring about positive results for everyone.

In Sam, Tam and the Mat, Sam enjoyed playing alone on the red mat with his blocks. Tam also enjoyed playing alone on the red mat with her horses. A conflict ensued when Tam pulled the mat out from under Sam in order to have it all to herself and Sam followed suit. The conflict was resolved when their teacher suggested that they find a way to create more fun by sharing the mat as well as their blocks and horses.

In A Coil, a Coin, and a Pipe, Tony and Juanita think they are better off playing together on their own. But they soon learn that excluding other people is not as productive and beneficial as it is to include them.