While trying to spare Erica's feelings so she could go to Brittany's birthday party, Allie disobeys one of her own rules and lies.

Nine-year-old Allie Finkle has rules for everything and is even writing her own rule book, but her world is turned upside-down when she learns that her family is moving across town, which will mean a new house, school, best friend, and plenty of new rules.

Nine-year-old Allie Finkle's list of rules helps her navigate a tricky situation with a new girl at school.

"While the elves are looking the other way, the reader is encouraged to push the button, shake the book, and more despite the risk of getting on Santa's naughty list."--

Second-grader Hailey's frustration over a school project releases Maybelle, a sprite whose punishment for being a rulemonger will end when she grants Hailey's wish to have fun, but Maybelle's efforts only seem to cause trouble.

When the teachers of Ella Mentry School go on strike, A. J. and the gang meet a new principal who does not believe in rules and says that the students do not have to learn anything if they do not want to.

"The most important rule is #1: It must be your birthday. After that's been established, a crew of hilarious animals help picture book pros Tom Lichtenheld and Beth Ferry take readers through a joyous romp that covers the most important elements of every year's most essential holiday, including singing; closing your eyes and making a wish; blowing out candles on a cake, then settling into bed and dreaming of your wish coming true." --

"The only rule in Larry's book is that the reader not push the button, but when no one is looking, it may be irresistible." --

A young girl's talented but untamed tresses do not impress her strict first-grade teacher, who has rules for everything, including hair.

Duncan does not understand such things as why dessert must be eaten last or why people should share, and on his mischievous days, like one particular birthday, he has a hard time paying attention to rules.