On the first day of third grade, Gus worries that his teacher will be a monster, his classmates will call him names, and it will be the worst day of his life, but when it is over he discovers that most of his fears were unfounded.
Gus knows nothing about fishing, but his grandfather teaches him all of the important things--including that there is more to a great fishing trip than catching fish.
Gus wants to be sure that Santa Claus will remember him and what he wants for Christmas, but wearing huge antlers while waiting in line at Santa Land draws more attention than he wants.