At Walter's birthday party his guests are supposed to go for horseback rides, but his horse Rain has other plans on the day of the party.

When best friends Iris and Walter go on a field trip to an aquarium, Walter gets lost and a worried Iris helps Miss Cherry look for him.

Iris's baby sister Rose is a very, very fussy baby, and Grandpa takes Iris out for a special day without the baby.

Iris and Walter

by Elissa Haden Guest

Published 1 September 2000
Iris is sure that life in her new home will be just awful. There is nothing to do and no one to play with in the country. Iris will never be happy there. Then Grandpa suggests a walk. Down the road and around the bend, they discover a huge green tree, a secret hideaway--and a boy named Walter. Maybe life far from the city won't be so lonely after all.

Walter's favorite cousin Howie is coming for a visit, and Walter is sure Iris will like Howie as much as he does. But nine-year-old Howie has other plans--which do not include Iris. Full color. Accelerated Reader: Reading Level 2.8, 0.5 Points.

Iris's baby sister Rose breaks a necklace and then is discovered playing with Walter's missing harmonica.