Lark Holds the Key
Page 3
Sophie watched me for a second. “Okay.”
“Good. Just one thing first. I have to go to the library and get some books. And we’ll need some grown-up help to fly the kite.”
“The library?”
I nodded. “I want to get some books on detective work. I think I’m becoming a really good P.I. You want to come with me?”
Sophie shrugged. “Whatever. As long as you help me fly the kite.”
We went to the library, and I got a bunch of mystery books. There were books on figuring out clues in dirt and how to find fingerprints. I got them too. Then I helped Sophie find some books on kite repair—in case the kite got broken.
Halmoni and Connor came to Sophie's with us to fly the kite. Solving Sophie’s problem was easy. She couldn’t fly the kite because there was no wind. So we just had to make some. With the adult’s help, we brought some fans outside and plugged them in. Then we turned them on. Now Sophie had the wind she needed to fly her kite!
And I’d fixed her problem. That was kind of like solving two cases in one day. I really was an amazing P.I.
Sophie looked at me. “Thanks, Lark sheep.”
I smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Connor watched the kite sail in the sky. “That was a good idea.”
“I know. I’m an excellent problem solver.” I picked up my bag of books. “Get your books. We have to go.”
“Where?” asked Connor.
“We solved Mrs. Robinson’s problem. We solved Sophie’s problem. I bet there are more mysteries and problems to solve. We need to find them.”
Connor thought for a minute. “Okay, and next time, I won’t leave you to play with truck lights.”
“Good work today, you two,” said Halmoni. “You helped out Mrs. Robinson and Sophie. That was kind of you.”
“It was fun,” said Connor. “I hope we get to help out more people this summer.”
I agreed.
“You know what else would be fun?” asked Halmoni.
“What?” I asked.
“If we went to the ice-cream shop and each got a double scoop of ice cream.”
“A double scoop?” Connor’s eyes went bright and wide. “Are you kidding me?”
Halmoni smiled. “I think it could be just what a pair of detectives need to celebrate a job well done.”
“I agree!” I said. “Let’s get some ice cream!” Today really was the bestest day ever.
THE WORDS LARK LOVES
CHAPTER ONE:
“I say we should go. It shows we have…” I couldn’t remember the word. It started with an n or maybe an i, and it was a good word. “It shows we care. I’m your big sister and that’s my decision.”
The word Lark was thinking of was initiative. It’s a great word! It means you take charge of stuff. For example, if you were finished eating dinner, taking the initiative might be helping your parents clear the table (without them asking)!
CHAPTER SEVEN:
“Didn’t you pay attention when the principal was reading the story? She’s a client, and we have to be…” I couldn’t think of the word. It was a good one though. It meant to be on your best behavior.
Lark knew the definition but not the word. The awesome word she was thinking of was professional. For example, being professional in class could be making sure you’re paying attention when your teacher or another student is talking.
THE STUFF LARK *ALMOST* GOT RIGHT
CHAPTER FIVE:
Mrs. Robinson started talking about the sunshine and the birds. Then she said something about cleaning. At least, I think she was talking about cleaning. She said something about waxing nostalgick nostalcick nostalgic. I didn’t know what that meant, but both Mom and Halmoni nodded. So I did too.
Waxing nostalgic is an old-fashioned way of saying you’re thinking about the past and remembering fun memories. For example, when grown-ups talk about the toys they used to play with or the candy they used to eat when they were children, they’re waxing nostalgic.
CHAPTER SIX:
I knew he was right, but in the P.I. book, the detective had promised the king he’d find the treasure. He called it “upping the aunty.”
“We have to find the key,” I told Connor. “I have to get more detective books. And I have to find out what ‘upping the aunty’ means.”
Lark thought the phrase was upping the aunty, but it’s actually upping the ante. To up the ante means to ask more of yourself or others in order to complete a goal. For example, if you were playing baseball and could hit the ball five times in a row, upping the ante could be challenging yourself to see if you could hit the ball six times in a row.
Award-winning author NATASHA DEEN graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA in psychology. In addition to her work as a presenter and workshop facilitator with schools, she has written everything from creative nonfiction to young adult and adult fiction. Natasha was the 2013 Regional Writer in Residence for the Metro Edmonton Library Federation. Natasha lives in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit her website at www.natashadeen.com.