Tony Johnston

Arturo and his family and friends share all kinds of experiences living in the barrio of East Los Angeles--reclaiming their names, playing basketball, championing the school librarian, and even starting their own gang.

A tough silent dog works in the desert, taking care of his goats.

As the plum tree changes in the passing seasons so do the lives of a three-generation farm family.

Presents forty-two poems--some funny, some poignant and philosophical--about dogs and their attributes, including their loyalty to people, their love of food and smells, and their varied appearances and personalities.

A couple of bumbling parents with a hungry baby seek help from a tricky little witch, but it is a sweet black-eyed yak who really helps them to live happily ever after.

A witch's hat causes its owner some problems when it turns into a bat, then a rat, then a cat, and still won't behave after that.

Mole and Troll agree to trim a tree for Christmas but disagree on the ornaments as each dislikes the other's choices.

Farmer Mack's attempts to measure his wonderfully fat pig create chaos on his farm.

Carlos tries to help his uncle, who is frustrated and angry at his inability to speak English, adjust to their new home in Los Angeles.

The people, animals, and objects on the farm explain their relationship with the dirt, which is used and needed by all.