This is my children’s story for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Fourth of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest. You can follow the contest and eventually vote for the winner on her blog. Here’s the link: The Fourth of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest
Thank you for stopping by!
MOUSE’S MISSING MAGIC
By Cheryl Secomb
Mouse bustled up her path and waved to her neighbor, Skunk.
She had so much to do before tonight!
Mouse threw a party every Fourth of July.
She invited her closest friends.
She served lots of yummy food.
But most of all, Mouse made her magic brew and splashed the night sky with sparkles and glitter and brilliant colors.
“This should be the best batch of magic yet.” She chuckled. “I’ve added extra sizzle to the swizzle.”
Mouse stepped into the kitchen and gasped.
“My pot of magic brew is missing!”
Mouse spotted smudges on the floor. They glowed.
“Footprints! The thief must have spilled some brew.”
Mouse followed the glowing prints outside. They led past Mole’s burrow.
Mouse knelt down and called, “Hellooo!”
Mole poked his head out of the hole. “Yes?”
“Have you seen my pot of brew?”
Mole blinked. “It’s gone? Oh, dear!” He climbed out. “I’ll help you search.”
Mouse and Mole continued the hunt.
“The footprints are fading,” said Mole.
Mouse’s heart pattered. They must find her magic! She could never make another batch in time for the party.
The trail wound past Squirrel’s tree.
Mouse looked up and called, “Excuse me!”
The leaves trembled and Squirrel peeked out. “Yes?”
“Have you seen my pot of brew?”
Squirrel’s tail twitched. “It’s missing? Oh, no!” He scampered down. “I’ll help you search.”
So Mouse, Mole and Squirrel continued the hunt.
But the footprints finally faded away.
Mouse sighed. “What will I do?”
Rustle. Rustle.
“What’s that?” she whispered.
Rustle. Rustle.
“It’s coming from that bush,” said Mole.
They crept forward and peered around the bush.
“The magic brew!” said Mole.
“It’s Skunk!” cried Squirrel.
“Why did you take my brew?” asked Mouse.
Skunk hung her head. “Because I’m lonely. Nobody invites me to parties. Every year I watch your Sky Show from my yard.” She sniffed. “I thought if I had the magic brew, maybe I could throw my own party.”
Mouse said, “I’m sorry I didn’t invite you, Skunk.”
“I’m sorry I took your brew,” she said. “I’ll bring it back.”
“We’ll help!” said Mole and Squirrel.
The friends carried the pot to Mouse’s home just in time for the party.
When it grew dark, Mouse splashed the night sky with sparkles and glitter and brilliant colors.
“The swizzles really sizzle,” said Skunk. “It’s the best batch yet.”
“And the best party, too!” said Mouse.
