Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang Read Free Book Online Page B

sleep because of worrying. If they could only do more to help.
    They all went to bed shortly after Edward had turned in.
    Violet, however, couldn’t sleep. She gazed at the big yellow moon outside her window and hoped the animals were safe. She tossed and turned and hit her pillow. It wasn’t fair that Edward, who was such a wonderful man, had to put up with trouble at his zoo.
    At last Violet drifted off into a restless sleep. She dreamed a huge van hauled all the animals away. And when they visited the zoo, it was quiet and still. Not a bird whistled or a lion roared. Not one animal remained.
    When Violet awakened, sunlight streamed in, and she heard voices from the kitchen. Leaping out of bed, she dressed and ran downstairs.
    Jessie laughed, handing Violet a glass of orange juice. “Good morning, sleepyhead. You’re just in time for breakfast.”
    Violet smiled. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help.” She was glad that she had only dreamed that the animals had disappeared.
    After eating oatmeal and toast, the Aldens cleaned the kitchen, bought groceries at the store, and chatted with Grandfather, who was working in the yard.
    â€œHow do you like these red rosebushes I planted?” he asked.
    â€œBeautiful,” Violet said.
    â€œDo you want us to do anything?” Henry asked.
    â€œNo,” Grandfather answered. “I’m happy when I can dig in the dirt.” He straightened, rubbing his back. “You run along to the zoo. I’m sure Edward needs you more than I do.”
    Suddenly, Violet stood on her tiptoes and kissed her grandfather. They were so lucky he loved them.
    So the Aldens left for the zoo, hoping there would be no more trouble. Today they’d have fun looking around.
    But when they saw Edward, he was standing by the seals with Pat, and both of them had grim faces.
    â€œWhat now!” Jessie murmured.
    â€œHi, kids,” Edward called, then turned back and studied a list with Pat.
    Violet’s heart picked up a beat. Fearfully, she glanced around, but all the animals were in place and seemed happy and content.
    â€œYou two aren’t smiling!” Benny said, not smiling himself. “Did another bad thing happen?”
    â€œYes, it did,” Edward answered. “I went into the storeroom where we keep expensive animal food and diets.” He shook his head. “Most of it is missing!”
    â€œOh, no,” groaned Henry.
    â€œSome animals,” Pat explained, her forehead wrinkling, “have special diets, others need expensive vitamins, and it’s all gone. Our storeroom was ransacked.”
    â€œWhat can we do?” Violet questioned.
    â€œDo you suppose your grandfather would drive you over to Bridgeport and you could pick up a few items at the pet store? Pat and I have to stay here.”
    â€œWe’d be glad to,” Henry responded.
    â€œThere’s no rush,” Edward said. “Enjoy the zoo this morning, and this afternoon you can buy the food.”
    â€œOh, good,” Benny said. “I wanted to say hello to Amos!”
    Pat smiled and handed the list of pet foods that were needed. “I don’t know what we’d do without the Aldens,” she said, squeezing Jessie’s hand. Jessie smiled at Pat. Edward was lucky to have such a good worker. Then her smile faded. At least she thought he was. Surely Pat couldn’t be the guilty one.
    For the next hour they wandered around the zoo. They watched the seals as they dived and played in their pool.
    â€œRemember the bad shape the seals were in when their pool was drained?” Violet said.
    â€œYes, they look much healthier today,” Jessie said, pleased at their antics.
    They moved on. The panther, sleek and black, sat and stared at them; the birds gave them a noisy greeting; and the elephants swished their tails and raised their trunks. The children laughed as they watched the animals, enjoying their