McElligott, Matthew

At night under a full moon, a child operates a barber shop with a monstrous clientele.

While working on a science fair project, a Philadelphia school boy discovers both a secret laboratory in his basement and Benjamin Franklin, who comes to life after receiving a jolt of electricity.

When his tattered, smelly clothes are finally ruined at a rowdy birthday party, Backbeard, history's dirtiest, hairiest pirate, goes to Edwin's Fine Fashions, gussies up in dandy clothes, and worries that the other pirates will no longer respect him.

The Pirate Council tells Backbeard that he must stop wearing colorful clothing and look more fearsome, so he decides to quit being a pirate and get a job on shore, providing he can find work that matches his particular skills.

Ant is honored to receive an invitation to lion's annual dinner party, but is shocked when the other guests behave rudely and then accuse her of thinking only of herself.

When Benjamin Franklin is mysteriously awakened after two hundred years, he and his two friends find themselves involved in an investigation of the Right brothers' suspicious offer to fix all of the bikes in Philadelphia and also try to determine why there are vampires stalking its streets. Includes illustrations and discussion questions.

Eccentric Uncle Frank comes for a short visit, but ends up moving into a pit in the backyard while he tries to dig up something he thinks is buried there.

While working on a science fair project, a Philadelphia school boy discovers both a secret laboratory in his basement and Benjamin Franklin, who comes to life after receiving a jolt of electricity.

Gloria, an ant, takes her friend Frieda on a walk and tries to persuade her not to see danger in everything around her.

A colorful family's Thanksgiving arguments are ended by the viewing of an old home movie, which seems to leave no topics for further discussion.