Serendipity (book series)
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Serendipity is a series of children's books about animals and other creatures. The books were written by Stephen Cosgrove (born July 26, 1945) and illustrated by Robin James. The books are short stories with colorful illustrations that have a moral perspective.
Cosgrove wrote the books after searching for an easy to read book with a message to read to his then three year-old daughter. After searching for such books and finding primarily large expensive books, he decided to write his own. Cosgrove teamed up with illustrator James to create low cost softcover books. After attempting to have the books published only to be rejected, receiving an offer to publish the books only in hardcover, Cosgrove created his own publishing company - Serendipity Press. The first four books of the Serendipity Series were released in 1974. They are: Serendipity, The Dream Tree. Wheedle on the Needle and The Muffin Dragon. Cosgrove merged Serendipity Press with the publishing company, Price/Stern/Sloan-Penguin/Putnum in 1978 so that Cosgrove could focus on writing. Cosgrove decided to re-edit his earlier books, which have been republished with the changes. To date, there are 70 books in the series, written from the kindergarten to grade three levels.
The animals in the Serendipity series include both real animals such as bears, cats, dogs, horses, squirrels, rabbits, and mythical creatures such as unicorns, dragons, sea monsters, and flying horses. Cosgrove also invented his own creatures such as the wheedle, hucklebug and kritter.
The stories told in the series teach children important lessons because they are based on real-life situations. The books present moral issues that kids have to deal with in life, such as growing up, disabilities, abuse, fear, friendship, prejudice, gossip, and helping the environment.
The book series was adapted into a 26-episode anime series entitled Serendipity the Pink Dragon and 26-episode cartoon series Little Mouse on the Prairie.
At least 25 of the books were translated into Spanish (based on the list in El Dragon Gloton).
List of Books in the Serendipity Series
Bangalee 1976 Being clean and tidy makes life easier for yourself and others
Buttermilk 1986 The dark of night can make ordinary things seem scary
Buttermilk Bear 1995 An open mind is the key to conquering all kinds of prejudice
Butterwings 1993 Laughing at yourself can be the most fun of all
Cap'n Smudge 1977 Everyone deserves a chance to do something good
Catundra 1981 Healthy food and exercise keep you well in body and mind
Crabby Gabby 1985 Having fun while playing a game is more important than winning
Creole 1975 True beauty comes from within
Crickle-Crack 1987 It's important to know when to say "no"
Dragolin 1984 You can be your best if you really believe in yourself
Dream Tree 1974 Though it is sometimes hard to wait, growing up comes soon enough
Fanny 1986 Being handicapped is only a state of mind
Feather Fin 1983 There's no place like home
Flutterby 1995 Be just who you are
Flutterby Fly 1984 Gossip is harmful—and usually filled with lies
Frazzle 1990 Children need love and attention from the very beginning
Gabby 1983 Silence can be golden. Learn to listen to others.
Gigglesnatcher 1988 ?
Glitterby Baby 1985 Sometimes love forces us to make difficult choices
Grampa-lop 1981 Adults can learn from the magic children have in their hearts
Grumpling 1989 Good manners are important
Hucklebug 1975 Even though you have chores to do, home is still the place to be
In Search of the Saveopotomus 1974 It's best to take only what you need
Jake O'Shawnasey 1975 If you believe in yourself, you can do anything
Jalopy 1990 Language can sometimes be used as a barrier
Jingle Bear 1985 Father Snow will only come when all little bears are asleep
Kartusch 1978 Beauty is not only in the eye, but in all of the senses
Kiyomi 1984 Conceit can make you blind to what is really beautiful
Lady Rose 1990 Those who are gone are never forgotten
Leo the Lop 1977 Normal is whatever I am, and ...?
Leo the Lop: Tail 2 1979 You are best just who you are
Leo the Lop: Tail 3 1980 You can always play with you
Leo the Lop: Tail 4 (aka Grampa Lop) 1981 Make time for stories and books
Little Mouse on the Prairie 1978 Laughter makes work much easier
Maui-Maui 1978 Take only what you need from nature
Maydard's Mermaid ? Your own imagination can be a good friend
Memily 1987 Whether you're short, tall or medium, you're perfect just as you are
Ming Ling 1983 Sharing your environment with others is rewarding
Minikin 1984 You're special just the way you are
Misty Morgan 1978 Remember that there is a time for work and a time for play
Morgan and Me 1975 Treat others the way you would like them to treat you
Morgan and Yew 1982 Love is the most important possession we can have
Morgan Mine 1982 To have a friend you must be a friend
Morgan Morning 1982 Sometimes we must lose in order to gain
Muffin Dragon (aka. Muffin Muncher) 1974 When we work together there's more to share
Mumkin 1986 Fear of losing what you have can rob you of the joy of sharing
Napoleon's Rainbow 1994 Don't be afraid of change, it can be beautiful
Nitter Pitter 1978 Vanity can cost you friends
Persnickity 1988 We each have our own idea of perfection
Pish-Posh 1986 Every creature is useful and special in its own way
Poppyseed 1989 Being a big brother or sister is a special job
Puddle Pine 2004 Protect the forests for they are important to everyone
Raz-ma-taz 1982 Showing off is not a good way to get loving attention
Rhubarb 1988 To have a friend, you must be a friend
Sadie 1994 ?
Sassafrass 1988 Kindness is always appreciated more than sarcasm
Serendipity 1974 Knowing who you really are will bring you happiness
Shimmeree 1986 Don't be afraid of what is different from you
Snaffles 1980 ?
Sniffles 1988 When we exaggerate everything, we often forget what the truth is
Sooty Foot 2003 Friends don't take advantage of each other
Squabbles 1990 It is good to help friends in trouble
Squeakers 1987 It is important to learn to say "No!" to situations that make you uncomfortable
Tee Tee 1983 Learning who we are is an important lesson
The Gnome From Nome 1974 Love and friendship can warm the coldest day
Tickle's Tale 1987 Sometimes too much curiosity can get you into trouble
Trafalgar True 1980 Learning to share can bring us closer together
Trapper 1981 Everyone can enjoy nature if we all let it be
Wheedle on the Needle 1974 Cooperation can solve almost any problem
Zippity Zoom ? It is important to take the time to enjoy life
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