Introducing a new early-chapter-book series with classic storytelling at its heart. Parents and teachers will love its read-aloud appeal. Kids will love the adventure.

Mr. Taylor is the new teacher in Cricket's class, and he has a special knack for spinning a yarn. He can build an intriguing plot around any selection of items that his students choose. A boat, a dog, a tennis ball, a playing card, and a necklace. That's all it takes for Mr. Taylor to capture his students' imaginations and prove the power of a story.

In the first book, Mr. Taylor tells the tale of Maisie, a lonely young girl who teaches her dog, Jack, to talk. Once Jack can speak his mind, he becomes Maisie's true best friend. They do everything together, until (more in extended summary)