While gathered around the wood stove in winter, Old Turtle tells his friends unbelievable baseball stories of Cleo Octopus, Melvin Moose, Carla Kangaroo, and Randy Squirrel.
Leo and Emily pack their rucksacks and hike in search of a dragon. Later that evening, they repack their rucksacks and hike again with their baby-sitter.
At an end-of-the-year beach picnic, Anna Maria, Jim, and the other children realize they will miss First Grade and their teacher, but decide they are ready for Second Grade after all.