As spring arrives on Gardam Street, there are surprises in store for each Penderwick, from neighbor Nick Geiger's expected return from the war to Batty's new dog-walking business, but her plans to use her profits to surprise her family on her eleventh birthday go astray.

"Piggie tells Gerald she has a big surprise for him, but it is not there yet so Gerald must be patient"--

"Ever since Monster (who sleeps under the bed) and Boy (who sleeps in the bed) met and became best friends, they've learned a lot about each other. So when Monster notices that Boy seems grumpy (Boy's mom has told him he's getting another baby sister), Monster decides to cheer his friend up. Together, they set out on a surprise adventure! But surprise: Boy's sister has tagged along. Together, they learn about how monster babies are born and get their...