Warton and the King of the Skies — Russell E. Erickson

Amphibian siblings Warton and Morton face an adventure together that requires trust, patience, and their strong family bond as they help a family of weasels learn cooperation. The third in the 50th anniversary reissue of this classic chapter book series for 6-8 year-olds that was hailed by Booklist in its starred review as "a small scale Wind in the Willows" and that the New York Times called "a parable of friendship."One hot summer's day, the toads are doing everything they can to cool off. While sipping sweet huckleberryade, Morton tells his brother about his dreams of flying like a hawk through the air. Warton, wanting to surprise his brother, builds a contraption out of a washtub and tubes of dried snakeskin that will allow them to float in the sky, carried by the wind.But when the wind gets too rough, the toads are launched through the woods, far down the river from their home. Before they can start the dangerous journey home, they're captured by a family of weasels. Instead of eating them, the weasels offer a deal. If the toad can build the weasels' new home, then they will be free to leave. But there's just one issue: the weasels have no idea how to work together as siblings, and their fighting is getting in the way of Warton and Morton's tasks.This charming transitional chapter book emphasizes the need for cooperation, communication, teamwork, and strong sibling relationships.