“Actually, we’ve solved two and a half cases,” he said. “We also solved some of the mystery of the letter to Septimus Hodge.”
Minerva put her hand to her throat and touched the chain from where she’d hung the tiny flute. She’d decided to always keep it with her because she was sure that it belonged to her parents.
“If the flute was so well hidden, it must be important,” said Ravi.
“And it’s definitely a clue for finding Minerva’s mom and dad,” said Thomasina.
“We know that it can be used to call owls,” Minerva said. “Maybe they could lead me to my parents.”
“Or maybe the flute does something else as well,” suggested Ravi. “I reckon we’ll find out more about it once we’ve solved the other mysteries. Like who Septimus Hodge is and what all the other clues in the bag mean, like the note in the encyclopedia.”
“Count the letters of Blue Tiger,” Minerva recited from memory.
“It’s like a puzzle,” said Ravi.
Minerva smiled. They had so many things to do together that it meant she’d be spending a lot more time with her new friends, Ravi and Thomasina. It meant they wouldn’t leave her. “We should start now!” she said enthusiastically.
“First we’ve got to make a club rule,” objected Thomasina, who was much more experienced with secret clubs than the other two from all the books she’d read. “And a password.” She sighed. “We are the defenders of Pembrose! We punish the wicked and help the weak!”
“Speaking of the wicked,” Minerva said, “next time Gilbert and his gang plan something, we’ll have the owls on our side. I wonder how they’ll react to being swooped by owls!”
“Absolutely!” Thomasina said. “I can hardly wait!” She then thought for a moment. “But we’re going to have to find another hideout. They know about the lighthouse.”
“We need a top-secret headquarters,” Minerva agreed.
“We’ll have lots of adventures!” cried Thomasina. “This is going to be great!” she said, putting her arms around the shoulders of the other two.
Ravi instantly turned as red as a tomato, but he still said, “Our first mission has to be to find Minerva’s parents, though, okay?”
Minerva thought it was perfect. Everything was perfect. The sunset. The hug. Her new friends. “The Order of the Owls is going to have some great adventures!” she shouted at the sea and sky, now both as red as fire. “You’ll see!”
Elisa Puricelli Guerra
As a child, I had red hair. It was so red that it led to several nicknames, the prettiest of which was Carrot. With my red hair, I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking for two reasons. The first reason was that I wanted to have the strength to lift a horse and show him to everyone! The second was that every night my mother read Astrid Lindgren’s books to me until she nearly lost her voice (or until I graciously allowed her to go to bed). As I fell asleep each night, I hoped to wake up at Villa Villacolle. Instead, I found myself in Milan. What a great disappointment!
After all of Lindgren’s books were read and reread, my mother, with the excuse that I was grown up, refused to continue to read them again. So I began to tell stories myself. They were serialized stories, each more and more intricate than the one before and chock-full of interesting characters. Pity then, the next morning, when I would always forget everything.
At that point I had no choice; I started to read myself. I still remember the book that I chose: a giant-sized edition of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales with a blue cloth cover.
Today my hair is less red, but reading is still my favorite pastime. Pity it is not a profession because it would perfect for me!
Gabo Leon Bernstein
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and have had to overcome many obstacles to become an illustrator.
“You cannot draw there,” my mom said to me, pointing to the wall that was smeared.
“You cannot draw there,” the teacher said to me, pointing to the school book that was messed.
“Draw where you want to . . . but you were supposed to hand over the pictures last week,” my publishers say to me, pointing to the calendar.
Currently I illustrate children’s books, and I’m interested in video games and animation projects.The more I try to learn to play the violin, the more I am convinced that illustrating is my life and my passion. My cat and the neighbors rejoice in it.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ORDER OF THE OWLS?
An overpowering archaeologist visits Pembrose to see Merlin’s cave. Is it possible that it’s the sorcerer’s cave, or is it just a legend to attract tourists? Minerva and her friends will solve the mystery!
The ghost of a fierce pirate is scaring everyone in Pembrose. Was the late Black Bart so mean that his spirit cannot find peace? Minerva and friends will find out!
Find out more about Minerva Mint and her friends at www.capstonekids.com
Minerva Mint is published by Capstone Young Readers
A Capstone Imprint
1710 Roe Crest Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
www.capstoneyoungreaders.com
All names, characters and related indicia contained in this book, copyright of Atlantyca Dreamfarm s.r.l., are exclusively licensed to Atlantyca S.p.A. in their original version. Their translated and/or adapted versions are property of Atlantyca S.p.A. All rights reserved.© 2012 Atlantyca Dreamfarm s.r.l., Italy © 2014 for this book in English language - Capstone Young Readers Text by Elisa Puricelli Guerra; Translated by Chris Turner Original edition published by Edizioni Piemme S.p.A., Italy Original title: La compagnia delle civette
International Rights © Atlantyca S.p.A., via Leopardi 8 - 20123 Milano – Italia — [email protected] — www.atlantyca.com
No part of this book may be stored, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the copyright holder. For information address Atlantyca S.p.A.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on the Library of Congress website.
ISBN: 978-1-62370-038-6 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-4342-6510-4 (library binding)
ISBN: 978-1-4342-6513-5 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-62370-167-3 (ebook)
Summary:
When a couple comes to Minerva’s mansion claiming to be her parents, she knows they are lying. She just has to prove it.
Designer:
Veronica Scott
The Order of the Owls Page 7
