The children had called Mrs. Frye to let her know that they would be home soon. Since Janet and Hap didnt want the Aldens around, it wasnt as much fun visiting Hope Harbor Mall anymore. As the children walked along Waterfront Street, Benny noticed hi...
When the children came down to breakfast the next day, they were sleepier than usual. They were quieter than usual, too. Mrs. Frye tried to perk them up. Have some of my famous blueberry pancakes. Those will wake you up. Henry dug into a stack of pan...
Well, dont look at me. I dont know why you leave things lying around if theyre so important. Janet thumbed through some sales slips as if nothing had happened. Anyway I need you to do those errands if youre going to be working tonight, Janet said as...
As soon as they arrived at Pennys Emporium the next morning, the Aldens heard popcorn popping. Penny stood at the cash register, ringing up a sale. When Janet saw the Aldens, she disappeared into the storeroom. I must say, she spends more time back t...
After the boys met up with Jessie and Violet, they strolled along the glass balcony that overlooked the indoor food court in the mall. Violet peeked over, then pulled back. It makes me dizzy to look down. If I had my binoculars I could tell what ever...
Benny and his new coconut monkey were a big hit the next day. Several of Pennys customers asked whether it was for sale. No way, he answered with a cheerful smile. Bennys monkey even came to the rescue when a little girl came in to have her picture t...
The Aldens joined other strolling tourists on their way to the malls many outdoor restaurants. At sunset, people liked to come outdoors, look at the view, and eat outside. Jessie checked the directory of all the shops and restaurants in the mall. Mr....
What are you sniffing, Benny? Jessie asked when the children stepped inside the mall. Benny kept his nose in the air and didnt answer Jessie right away. I know. Bennys sniffing for caramel corn, right? Henry asked. Benny made a face. How come I dont...
The next morning, Benny woke up to the sound of tooting. He kicked off his covers and went to the window. Down in the harbor, a red tugboat tooted again. Slowly, it pulled a barge away from the dock. Henry, Benny whispered. Time to get up. Come look...
At a rest stop by the side of a road, the Alden family sat around a picnic table. In the middle of the table, next to their picnic basket, sat a coconut. This was not an ordinary coconut but one painted to look just like a monkey. Six-year-old Benny...