Gilbert is nervous about portraying George Washington in a school play, in front of the whole class, but he begins to feel even worse when he cannot find his main prop.

Gilbert's excitement over starting first grade turns to worry that the teacher will be mean, the work too hard, and his classmates too unfriendly, but throughout the day there are pleasant surprises.

"There's nothing that makes Charlie's soul rejoice more than naps and bacon. But when his daily routine of eating and sleeping is interrupted by a new baby calf, Abigail, Charlie is not happy! Things go from bad to worse when Charlie sees everyone rubbing Abigail's belly--instead of his; feeding her--instead of him; and tucking Abigail in at the end of the day--in Charlie's bed. Will Charlie be able to adjust to the new addition?"--Publisher's description....

When Mama and the kids are busy with their lessons, Charlie decides to start a class of his own with Suzie, Kitty, and Walter.

Gilbert the opossum gets stuck with a tattletale "buddy" on a class trip to Pilgrim Town.

"Charlie the basset hound participates in a variety of sports on the ranch"--

When Charlie the ranch dog tries to help Abigail the calf, who is stuck in the mud, he gets stuck too.

Gilbert is excited about staying overnight at Camp Hi-Dee-Ho, until he hears about the legendary camp ghost.

Charlie, a bassett hound who considers himself to be "King of the Ranch," finds an unexpected Christmas gift under the tree.

When Gilbert loses his tooth, the reader finds out just how resourceful the Tooth Fairy can be.