Worried that his mischievous new puppy, Pal, will wear out his welcome, Arthur trains his pet and teaches him good manners, and finally Pal is able to show off what he can do.

As the reader lifts flaps and places the enclosed stickers in the scenes, Arthur, D.W., and their parents get ready for the holidays by decorating their house, writing Christmas cards and baking cookies.

When Arthur and Buster try to take the bus to Arthur's swimming lesson, they fall asleep and end up in a strange part of town.