Jake (Bowman)

In Jake Learns to Share, its Jake's birthday and he's announced he's going to eat his cake all by himself. He also intends to play with his presents all by himself. But he quickly discovers that leaving his family out of the fun makes for a boring, lonely celebration!

When his family goes to the park, in Jake's New Friend, they meet a family whose son is in a wheelchair. Jake wants to play by himself, but he's encouraged to play with the other boy, and to his surprise, he learns they have a lot in common!

Jake and Father plan to go fishing, but on the way to the lake Jake spills the worms. Jake is noisy in the boat and then gets a fish hook caught in his pants. When things finally settle down, they catch several fish for supper and have a great day together. But feeling sorry for the fish, Jake decides to put them back in the lake. Jake feels like he spoiled the day by wanting to put the fish back. Father assures Jake that God gave them a good day to have fun and be together. Father stops by the store on the way home and they buy some crackers shaped like fish.

Jake is excited about going to the beach with Mother, Father, and his little sister, Kelly. He wants to help out so they can be on their way. After spilling the milk, breaking a plate, and sloshing pickle juice in the picnic basket, he finally goes to his room feeling like he's just in the way. While waiting for Mother and Father to finish the chores, he reads books to Kelly. When they get to the beach, Jake helps Kelly build a sand castle and teaches her how to swim. At the end of the day, Mother and Father explain to Jake that he was a big helper even though he didn't realize it.