On the first day of first grade Sam has news to share with the class--over the summer, his elephant had a baby! His classmates find out the truth when they go to a school field trip to the local zoo.
Although reluctant at first, the second graders in Mr. Hopper's class follow new student Luna's suggestion and perform as stars in a "midnight circus" on Family Night.
A famous chef is coming to visit Mr. Hopper's second grade class, and every one is excited about bringing in their family's favorite dish to share except Ollie, who loves to cook but cannot find a dish his whole family likes.
Sam's favorite thing about second grade is the class pet, a hamster named George Washington, so when the class goes on a field trip to a science museum, Sam cannot resist bringing George along.