Michael Bond - A Bear Called Paddington

The Browns first meet Paddington on a railway platform in London. He is sitting on a battered suitcase, wearing an odd-looking hat and a sign around his neck that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” And that is just what they do, unaware that home will never be the same once Paddington becomes a member of the family.

Nine stories follow Paddington's adventures and mishaps in England, along with some snippets of information about his past.

Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures - The Amazing Mexican Secret

Special delivery: Danger! When Stanley's mother needs the secret ingredient for a special recipe, Stanley mails himself to Mexico to track down its mysterious maker. But when a band of spies threatens to steal the secret, Stanley's simple trip becomes a race against an opponent that even a flat boy like himself can't slip past!!

Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You

When teen ballerina Kayla becomes, how shall we say, more shapely up top, a teacher recommends that she have a reduction surgery. News spreads quickly at her performing arts school, causing a private matter to become even more public, more obvious, and more embarrassing. Then a pair of red shoes appear with a note bearing the book's title. With both her career and life in danger, and with her peers (especially the boys) openly and enjoyably discussing her appearance, Kayla becomes uncomfortable in the limelight.

The Cat Who Blew the Whistle

Jim Qwilleran and his feline sleuths, Koko and Yum Yum, investigate the disappearance of a wealthy railroad buff--and alleged multimillion-dollar embezzler--a case that becomes complicated by red herrings, a tragic train wreck, and murder at a railroad tavern

Gwenhwyfar - The White Spirit

Lackey's tale is centered around, not surprisingly, Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere), the daughter of one of Arthur's kings. It follows her as she grows up in her father's household, becomes a skilled warrior and scout, and as she becomes wrapped up in Arthur's fall as his last queen. Rather than choose between one version of the tale versus another, Lackey essentially chooses that they are all true and runs with them. For most of the book, it's not really about Arthur at all, with the grand scope of the legend serving as incidental background to the story of Gwenhwyfar's education and exploits in the field. Her education as a soldier is well described, as are her exploits in the field.