Well, who was it? Jessie demanded. It was Mr. Frederick! He had a notebook with that gold design on the front, said Benny. He must be the thief! Wait a minute, said Steve. We cant just accuse someone unless were sure. Im going to call the police. The...
At first Steve and the Aldens just stared at the empty shelf. I cant believe we didnt notice this before, said Steve, at last. Its so dark back here in this corner that you wouldnt notice unless you came and stood right in front, said Jessie. The old...
See you all later, Rebecca said, picking up her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. Benny looked at Violet. Rebecca was about to leave, and she still had their petition! Before Violet could stop him, Benny blurted out, Rebecca, isnt that our petit...
Its got to be here some where, Jessie muttered to herself. She took everything out of her knapsack. But the petition wasnt there. How can this be? she said to herself. I never lose things. Jessie searched everywhere in the garage. Maybe the petition...
Not again! said Jessie. Yesterday the paint was all a mess, and today its the window boxes! What do you think happened? asked Violet. The children knelt down and examined the trampled evergreens. Look at the ground under the windows. Its all scuffed...
What happened? Jessie cried. We cleaned everything up so neatly before we went home yesterday. I know, Mike said. I came in here after you left, and I was very impressed. Not only did the walls look much better, but youd put everything away so nicely...
As the children were finishing up their lunch, Sparky began barking. A moment later, the door opened and Ms. Lerner walked in. With her was a smaller, young woman who had short blond hair and a cheerful smile. She was carrying a large sketch pad and...
The Aldens looked at each other in surprise when they heard what Ms. Lerner had said. What was that all about, Chief? asked Christine. Mike looked grim. Ms. Lerner just told me that the town council is thinking of tearing down this building. They thi...
Steve, are you a firefighter, too? Violet asked as they followed him. Yes, he said, wheeling himself through a side door. I used to be on active duty, until I was injured in an accident. Since then I havent been able to walk. So now I work in the off...
Look at what I found! cried six-year-old Benny Alden, running into the old boxcar. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and his sisters and brother were sitting around a card table working on a jigsaw puzzle. They looked up and smiled at Benny, who wa...
