After shocking the elegant garden party by using a bad word, Elbert learns some acceptable substitutes from a helpful wizard.

After shocking the elegant garden party by using a bad word, Elbert learns some acceptable substitutes from a helpful wizard.

Beatrix the butter maid and her best friend, Gerda the cow, live in a cozy cottage in a happy valley.Life is peaceful ...until the day two rude giants move into a nearby castle.When Gerda is snatched up by the giants, Beatrix must rescue her.This is a warm and humorous tale of friendship and cleverness that children will want to share with their best friends--or rudest neighbors.

Merricat Blackwood protects her sister, Constance, from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers after murders occur on the family estate.

Pa Brindle helps Ma bake her irresistible sweet dream pie, and the whole neighborhood is affected.

"Besides the beguiling story, the affable illustrations of the smiling Gloria, the accidental mayhem in the background, and the myriad safety tips -- such as 'always pull the toothpick out of your sandwhich' and 'never lick a stop sign in the winter' -- add to the enjoyment. A glorious picture book." -- The Horn Book"Rathmann is a quick rising star in the world of chidren's books. In this book, she again shows her flair for creating real characters, dramatic situations and for knowing what will make young audiences giggle and think." -- Children's Book Review Magazine"Rathman brings a lighter-than-air comic touch to this outstanding, solid-as-a-brick picture book." -- Publisher's Weekly"A five-star performance." -- School Library Journal

THE STORY: The home of the Blackwoods near a Vermont village is a lonely, ominous abode, and Constance, the young mistress of the place, can't go out of the house without being insulted and stoned by the villagers. They have also composed a nasty s