You
Thanks for helping me practice my part in the plane, Irby. It's okay. You do your part and I'll read all the rest.
I'm from a family that's called Brannasaurus. We eat so much, there's not enough for us.
Quick!
Quick!
Holy come on, Mandy. What are you doing?
It says I'm supposed to squawk.
I know. Why are you clapping around like a Brannasaurus?
You're supposed to be a pterodactyl.
Yeah, but I've never heard of a pterodactyl.
It was a big bird.
Well, how was I supposed to know that?
Well, you could have figured it out.
Look, first of all, it says that you squawk, right?
Right. Right. So that's a clue, and there's another one in your very next speech.
I saw a life fly high up in the sky.
See? That says bird to me.
Yeah, I get it.
If you don't understand what you're reading, stop and look for clues that can help.
Okay, let's start over. I'll come in like this.
Squawk!
Squawk!
Squawk!
Squawk!
Squawk!
Squawk!
Uh, let's do this after dinner, okay?
I just remembered some homework I've got to do.
Okay. Close the door, okay?
Relax, or?
My son, you are needed again in Morjoust.
I wish you could pick better times. My sister almost caught us.
We have no time to lose. Hurray, or for Zul will claim another victim.
Naomi?
Naomi?
Yeah.
Thunder and lightning, trumpets and drums, readers rejoice as story Lord comes.
I mean, who does he think I am?
I'm sort of detective or something.
Hey, be careful. You'll ruin my souffle.
Sorry. Where am I anyway? A restaurant?
No, a car wash. Of course it's a restaurant.
Mine. Chef Jeff's.
Are you the boy they send to peel the potatoes?
I'm Norbert Neasinden, apprentice story Lord.
Did you say story Lord?
Yes.
Great. First it's Thor Zul. Now it's a munchkin where it's story Lord Glove.
A Thor Zul bin here?
Is broccoli green?
I come in this morning and look what I find into my oven door.
From the desk of Thor Zul, Chef Jeff, have this ready for tomorrow or else?
Under some ice cream, over some meat, beside some milk, what a treat.
Mmm. That's a tough one.
I mean, who does he think I am? Psychopedia Brown?
Oh, my course is cooked. Or should I say microwave?
Don't worry, Chef Jeff. We'll figure this out.
Wait. You mean you can help me?
Is broccoli green? I'll see you here tomorrow.
Oh.
My soup playing.
Now, before we... Norbert?
Mrs. Framish, you remember how yesterday you said if something we were reading didn't make sense?
We should stop and read it over and look for clues?
Yes. We put it right up here on the board.
Well, what if you read it over and it still doesn't make sense?
That's a very good question, Norbert. If you can be patient, maybe we can answer it in today's reading class.
Now, who can remind us of what we read yesterday?
Angie?
This mother told her kids that someone was moving in with them, but you wouldn't tell them who.
And the kids are trying to guess.
Very good, Angie. Now, let's begin. Jason, will you start reading for us, please?
Well, you told us his name. Please, big Sarah. The mother nodded. His name is Mr. Muddy Face.
Mr. Muddy Face said, Adam, what a funny name. Wearily sleep, asked James.
I think I'll put his bed in the basement. We said the furnace in so far, Mom.
Who he simply said it didn't time us, Julia.
No one said their mother. I think I'll put his plate on the floor.
I don't think he'll stay very long, said Adam. Well, I think he'll like it very much. He played his mother.
This doesn't make sense.
Why not, Jason?
Because I was right. No one would like to sleep by the furnace and have us plate on the floor.
Do you all agree with Jason?
Yeah.
I'm glad you stopped reading when it didn't make sense.
Let's all read it over to see if we missed a clue that might help us understand who this mysterious Mr. Muddy Face could be.
If you find a clue, raise your hand.
No.
All right, Norbert, this is what you were asking about.
Since what we are reading still doesn't make sense to us. We read on.
And look for new clues.
Angie, will you read on for us, please?
Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. And here's Mr. Muddy Face now, said their mother.
The children raced to the door and opened it. It was her neighbor, Mrs. Lockwood, holding a large box of holes in it.
You're not Mr. Muddy Face, said Sarah. No, I'm not left, Mrs. Lockwood. He's in this box.
All the children peered into the holes. Is anyone in there as Julia?
Meow, said Mr. Muddy Face.
Mr. Muddy Face is a kitty cat.
I get it. That's why he sleep by the first and have his plate on the floor.
Right. Now, everything in the story makes sense, doesn't it?
We found out some new clues by reading a hand.
Does this answer your question, Norbert?
I hope so, Mrs. Framish. I'll soon find out.
I've read it and reread it. I understand all the words, but it still doesn't make any sense.
Here.
Under some ice cream, over some meat, sounds like spirit of zalamot or something.
Yeah, guide me with linguine.
Let's read on and search for new clues.
Read on where?
Good point. Did you check the other side of the note?
Did I check the... as a matter of fact, no.
Aha! Look at this.
If you will heat it, I will eat it. Sign, or so.
If it has to be heated, then it must be something cold.
The fridge. It must be something in the fridge.
Under some ice cream, is there any ice cream in the freezer?
Yes, and there's some meat in the bottom drawer. You know, over some meat.
Besides some milk, look! Right here! An apple pie!
Under, over, beside. That's it. That's the trade he wants me to eat.
I hope you have a microwave!
Is royal badness?
Is hungry royal badness?
Or zool?
I don't smell anything cooking.
Enough of this friendly banter. Where's my treat?
What hot apple pie! Coming up!
But... but my riddle. You've solved it. How?
Well, when I realized I couldn't understand your note,
I stopped and read it over to see if I'd missed any clues.
Then I reread it, looking for more clues. And I solved it.
It was easy as pie.
You. I'll get you.
No friends. Get me out of here.
Thank you.