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 and illustrated by Robin James. The books are short stories with colorful illustrations that have a moral perspective.

Contents

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 finding primarily large expensive books, Cosgrove teamed up with illustrator James to create low cost softcover books. After 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 December of 1973. They are: Serendipity, The Dream Tree, Wheedle on the Needle, and The Muffin Muncher. Cosgrove merged Serendipity Press with the publishing company, Price/Stern/Sloan (now part of Penguin Random House) 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. [1]

The animals in the Serendipity series include bears, cats, dogs, horses, squirrels, rabbits, and mythical creatures such as unicorns, dragons, sea monsters, and pegasus. Cosgrove also invented his own creatures such as the wheedle, hucklebug and kritter. The books present moral issues such as growing up, disabilities, abuse, fear, friendship, prejudice, gossip, and helping the environment. [2]

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) and at least 6 in Italian (by Arnoldo Mondadori Editore).

List of books in the Serendipity series

TitleCopyright yearMoral
Bangalee1976Best clean up your junk, cause here comes the Grunk!
Buttermilk1986The dark of night can make ordinary things seem scary.
Buttermilk Bear1995An open mind is the key to conquering all kinds of prejudice.
Butterwings1996Laughing at yourself can be the most fun of all.
Cap'n Smudge1977Everyone deserves a chance to do something good.
Catundra1978Healthy food and exercise keep you well in body and mind.
Crabby Gabby1985Having fun while playing a game is more important than winning.
Creolé1975Never, never judge a book by the way you think it's covered, for inside that tattered binding there is a lot to be discovered.
Crickle-Crack1987It's important to know when to say "no".
Dragolin1984You can be your best if you really believe in yourself.
Dream Tree1974Though it is sometimes hard to wait, growing up comes soon enough.
Fanny1986Being handicapped is only a state of mind.
Feather Fin1983There's no place like home.
Flutterby1976Be just who you are.
Flutterby Fly1984Gossip is harmful—and usually filled with lies.
Frazzle1990Children need love and attention from the very beginning.
Gabby1983Silence can be golden. Learn to listen to others.
Gigglesnitcher1988In giving happiness to others, you will find it yourself.
Glitterby Baby1985Sometimes love forces us to make difficult choices.
Grampa-lop (a.k.a. Leo the Lop Tail Four)1981Adults can learn from the magic children have in their hearts.
Grumpling1989Good manners are important.
Hucklebug1975Even though you have chores to do, home is still the place to be.
In Search of the Saveopotomus1974It's best to take only what you need.
Jake O'Shawnasey1975If you believe in yourself, you can do anything.
Jalopy1990Language can sometimes be used as a barrier.
Jingle Bear1985Father Snow will only come when all little bears are asleep.
Kartusch1978Beauty is not only in the eye, but in all of the senses.
Kiyomi1984Conceit can make you blind to what is really beautiful.
Lady Rose1990Those who are gone are never forgotten.
Leo the Lop1977You're special because you're you.
Leo the Lop: Tail 21979You are best just who you are.
Leo the Lop: Tail 31980You can always play with you.
Leo the Lop: Tail 4 (a.k.a. Grampa Lop)1981Make time for stories and books.
Little Mouse on the Prairie1978Laughter makes work much easier.
Maui-Maui1978Take only what you need from nature.
Maynard's Mermaid1993Your own imagination can be a good friend.
Memily1987Whether you're short, tall or medium, you're perfect just as you are.
Ming Ling1983Sharing your environment with others is rewarding.
Minikin1984You're special just the way you are.
Misty Morgan1987Remember that there is a time for work and a time for play.
Morgan and Me1975Treat others the way you would like them to treat you.
Morgan and Yew1982Love is the most important possession we can have.
Morgan Mine1982To have a friend, you must be a friend.
Morgan Morning1982Sometimes we must lose in order to gain.
Mumkin1986Fear of losing what you have can rob you of the joy of sharing.
Napoleon's Rainbow1994Don't be afraid of change, it can be beautiful.
Nitter Pitter1978Vanity can cost you friends.
Persnickity1988We each have our own idea of perfection.
Pish-Posh1986Every creature is useful and special in its own way.
Poppyseed1989Being a big brother or sister is a special job.
Puddle Pine2004Protect the forests, for they are important to everyone.
Raz-ma-taz1982Showing off is not a good way to get loving attention.
Rhubarb1988To have a friend, you must be a friend.
Sadie1994True friendship grows out of love, not need.
Sassafrass1988Kindness is always appreciated more than sarcasm.
Serendipity1974Knowing who you really are will bring you happiness.
Shimmeree1980Don't be afraid of what is different from you.
Snaffles1980We all have emotions and show them.
Sniffles1988When we exaggerate everything, we often forget what the truth is.
Sooty Foot2003Friends don't take advantage of each other.
Squabbles1990It is good to help friends in trouble.
Squeakers1987It is important to learn to say "no" to situations that make you uncomfortable.
Tee Tee1983Learning who we are is an important lesson.
The Gnome from Nome1974Love and friendship can warm the coldest day.
The Muffin Muncher1974When we work together there's more to share.
Tickle's Tale1987Sometimes too much curiosity can get you into trouble.
Trafalgar True1980Learning to share can bring us closer together.
Trapper1981Everyone can enjoy nature if we all let it be.
Wheedle on the Needle1974Cooperation can solve almost any problem.
Zippity Zoom1989It is important to take the time to enjoy life.
Tale of Three Tails1973

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References

  1. ↑ Penguin Books-Stephen Cosgrove. http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Author/AuthorPage/0,,1000039417,00.html
  2. ↑ "Serendipity" (PDF). www.stephencosgrove.com. Retrieved 2018-12-17.
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