MYSTERY GIFTS

“They’re here!” announced Librarian Lila from the doorway. She waved the kids inside.

Oliver was surprised to see the blacksmith and the butcher standing behind her. And on a long wooden library table, he spotted three brightly wrapped gifts.

“They’re not emeralds,” said Blacksmith Bernard. “But we wanted to reward you kids for your work in cracking the mysteries in Birchtown. We picked out something special for each one of you.”

He handed Audrey a package wrapped in glittery blue paper. Oliver’s was wrapped in green-striped paper.

“And this one is for Sniffs,” said Butcher Bart. “Wait, where’s Sniffs?”

When paws scrabbled outside the door, the librarian laughed and let the poor dog in.

“That’s better, isn’t it, Sniffs?” she said. “Do you want your present now?”

Woof! He nosed at the gift in her hand.

“Wait!” said the blacksmith. “Don’t you kids want to guess what we got you? We’ll give you a clue.” He tapped his chin and then said, “Every gift starts with the letters B and O.”

What did each “detective” receive as a gift? Take a guess, and then turn the page to find out.

Audrey got a B O __

Oliver got a B O __ __

Sniffs for a B O __ __.

Before Oliver could take a guess, Sniffs had already chewed open his gift—a tasty new bone!

“Sniffs! You were supposed to guess,” teased Oliver. “But maybe your nose knew what was inside.”

When he heard the sound of paper ripping, Oliver whirled around. Audrey had torn open her gift, too! She held a beautiful new bow and arrow.

“Do you like it?” asked Librarian Lila. “I picked it out myself.”

Audrey ran her finger along the smooth bow. “I don’t just like it,” she said. “I love it!”

“But you were supposed to guess!” said Oliver, trying not to whine.

Audrey shrugged. “I think we’ve solved enough mysteries lately, don’t you? Open yours now, Oliver!”

He sighed and peeled back a piece of the wrapping paper. When he saw the smooth leather cover beneath, he tore off the rest of the paper in one fell swoop. “A new notebook!” He raised the leather cover to his nose and took a big sniff. Then he opened the book and flipped through the crisp white pages.

“Now you can take more notes,” said Audrey with a smile.

“And solve more mysteries,” said Oliver, hugging the book to his chest. “I can’t wait to get started!”

“Me neither,” said Audrey, sliding an arrow into her bow. “How about you down there, Bone Breath?”

Woof!

THE END