The Rappin' Prince
(grades 3-6)
Synopsis
Sloopy’s king is facing multiple dilemmas and has little hope. The kingdom has become dreary and unexciting and even worse than that, the king is unable to find a prince that will suit his cold-hearted daughter who has already turned down multiple previous proposals. The king finds relief from an unexpected source as Curly, originally from the humble streets of New Hurley, wins over both the king and the princess with his contagious rhythm and rhyme while simultaneously revitalizing Sloopy.
Sample from text
“I’m traveling toward town to find the man with the crown, through all the land just to ask for his daughter’s hand.”
Curly was the cousin of a prince from Southern California who was particularly fresh. For this reason, Curly always tried to speak in rhyme.
“I need to show Sloopy that they’re missing a link. This long commute will give me time to think.”
The unique prince was originally from the streets of New Hurley, and while his home was not in the most prosperous part of town, the community was very close. He continued to reflect as he made his journey.
“The cabbage isn’t always flowing, but that’s not why I’m going. The people continue to stick together, and they’ll do that forever. The streets are full of love so they’ll rise above, and even though New Hurley’s now behind me, they’ll always know where to find me.”
The No-Laugh Giraffe
(grades 2-5)
Synopsis
Frankie is one giraffe who lives her life without a care in the world. That is, until her constant laughter becomes a nuisance for the rest of the zoo animals. Frankie sets out through the zoo in order to find her lost laugh, but no matter where she goes, can not seem to find it. The rest of the animals, however, begin to realize that even though Frankie’s laugh occasionally annoyed them, it is who she was. Now the animals must work together in order to find Frankie’s laugh in the place where they should have originally looked.
Sample from text
CROCODILE: I don’t mean to be rude, and maybe I’m skewed, but I’d give you money if you didn’t find everything funny.
FRANKIE: I don’t know why I laugh at everything. Would you rather I sing?
CROCODILE: Ugh, please don’t. Spare us our ears. We’ve heard your voice and it will bring us to tears.
BEAR: I stuck my head in the jar, my fur’s full of honey. But I could still hear you, what is so funny?
FRANKIE: I'm not even sure you tried, but that's not a very good place to hide. I laugh at your 'do, like others laugh at my length. I can't hold it back, not with all of my strength.
NARRATOR: And with that bear's gaff, Frankie let out a laugh.
The Flamenco Flamingo
(grades 2-5)
Synopsis
Domingo lives at the zoo and constantly sees all the birds attract visitors with their individual talents. Each bird has a purpose, and more importantly a passion. Domingo, unfortunately, is unsure of his particular purpose so he sets out in order to find it. He comes across a newfound friend performing a magical dance and Domingo’s new passion is born just in time for the first day of spring at the zoo.
Sample from text
NARRATOR: With Domingo struggling to find his way, he went on to see his friend, the owl, to see what he had to say.
DOMINGO: The bald eagle doesn’t have any hair, but he’s beautiful and rare. In this country, they need him, ‘cause he’s a symbol for freedom.
The peacock spreads his feathers, a beautiful blue and a green. People come from all over so that he may be seen.
Everyone loves the parrots, because they know they can talk. I can’t even fly, merely stand here and walk.
OWL: Domingo, you just need to find something you enjoy and do well. I don’t know what that is, it’s hard to tell. I can’t tell you what to do. It’s not really my call. Just be careful on one leg, I don’t want you to fall.
DOMINGO: The penguin can swim and you can think, but I just stand still, skinny legs and pink.
Queen Maudine
(grades 2-5)
Synopsis
One would think that a cow living on a farm would be perfectly content, but not Maudine. This cow realizes her dreams with the help of three goofy geese who give her no choice but to follow through on that dream. Before she knows it, Maudine finds herself in the middle of the race for Homecoming Queen and transforms from a dreamer to a doer.
Sample from text
MAUDINE: I’ve never really thought about having a dream. Maybe it’s time, or so it’d seem. It couldn’t bring too much harm. Maybe I could own my own dairy farm? Or maybe, in the derby, I could race. They’d have to slow down, not sure I could keep with their pace.
NARRATOR: Maudine’s dreams were overheard by the horse. He had something negative to say. No surprise, of course.
HORSE: Keep dreaming, Maudine. You’re just a Holstein.
MAUDINE: I will, and I think I want to be queen.
HORSE: You better hope that it’s a one horse race. Or start preparing for a major disgrace.
GOOSE 1: Your goose, he’s trying to cook. He doesn’t deserve, even one second look. Maud, you’re dream isn’t even close to absurd! That’s the best idea that I think I’ve ever heard!
My Friend Penguin
(grades K-2)
Synopsis
Polar bear is lounging around thinking about grabbing a snack, but isn’t exactly sure how to do that. The timing couldn’t be better for Penguin to enter his life. This unlikely pair works together in order to find Polar Bear a snack while developing a friendship that will last a lifetime.
Sample from text
He said, "Well friend, I can help if you wish."
"It would be great if I could catch a fish. Oh, that would be so nice."
"We'll start by cutting a hole in the ice."