Chap. 1The Missing Pie of Sunnyvale

They stopped at the big fountain in the square. Mayor Grumble stood there with his paws on his hips. He was a stout bulldog wearing a blue vest. He looked very grumpy and his nose was wrinkled. "Stop right there, Leo!" the Mayor shouted loudly. "The village baker has lost his giant berry pie." He pointed a chubby finger at the golden lion. "You are the biggest animal in our little town." Everyone in the crowd began to whisper and point. Leo looked down at his big, soft paws sadly. He had not eaten any pie at all today. Mina stood in front of Leo to protect him. "Leo would never take a pie!" she cried out. Her voice was small but she was very brave. The Mayor did not believe the tiny grey mouse. He told Leo to go home and stay there. The crowd nodded their heads and looked very cross. Leo felt like he did not belong in Sunnyvale. The fountain water splashed behind them as they stood still. The sun felt less warm than it did before.

Leo turned away with a very heavy, sad heart. His golden tail drooped low on the dusty ground. Mina patted his soft fur to make him feel better. They walked slowly toward the edge of the village. Suddenly, Mina stopped and looked at the green grass. She saw a trail of purple berry juice spots. The spots led away from the bakery and the fountain. They did not go toward Leo’s small, cozy house. The purple trail went straight into the Dark Woods. Something else had taken the baker’s giant berry pie. "Look at this, Leo!" Mina whispered in excitement. A strange, blue feather lay right next to a bush. Leo leaned down to sniff the soft blue feather. It smelled like wild berries and cold mountain air. Who did this feather belong to in the village? No one in Sunnyvale had bright blue feathers at all. They had to find the truth to help Leo. If they found the pie, everyone would be happy. Leo and Mina looked at the tall, dark trees. A mystery was waiting for them in the woods.