This is the Wordgirl version of the new penguins of madagscar special: "The Lost Treasure of the Golden Squirrel."
Life is a Treasure
Chapter 1:
"Okay, kids," Mr. Dudley began, "Today we will be reading about the Hansett treasure. I presume that all of you have heard of it?
Tobey and Becky shot their hands up and called out in unison, "I know all about it!"
Becky turned and glared at Tobey. Tobey just shrugged, and they both turned back to face their teacher.
"Well, then this will be completely new material for most of you," Mr. Dudley told the class. "Becky, why don't you tell us the history of the treasure?"
Becky was surprised, but answered, "Of course, Mr. Dudley."
Tobey turned towards Becky and stared at her dreamily from his seat. Fortunately for him, she had not noticed. Recently, Tobey has developed a big crush on Becky, although she still hated his guts. Tobey was not one to give up hope, however.
"Well, about 300 years ago, there was a man named Captain Jerrold, and he sailed the 7 seas looking for gold. He stole gold from all the land he passed, which were many. Of course, his wealth became so big, people wanted to steal it from him, especially one pirate named Captain Crothers. He would stop at nothing to get Captain Jerrold's treasure. Captain Jerrold didn't want his treasure to fall into the wrong hands, so he knew he only had one choice. He had to bury it where Captain Crothers could never find it. He traveled to barren land that would eventually become our fair city. He found a passage way underground that led to a giant room. He stashed his loot there and locked it up with a key. Captain Jerrold buried the key and a map to the treasure in a shoe box underground," Becky related.
"The key, to this day, had never been found. People will not give up hope however. They continue to look for it, day after day," Tobey added.
"Thanks a lot, Tobey," Becky murmured sarcastically.
"Doing my part to help, Botsford," Tobey snapped.
"Okay, you two did a fantastic job relating the story of the Hansett treasure," Mr. Dudley complimented.
"Becky and Tobey are related to the treasure?" Violet asked dumbfounded.
"Yes, Violet, related can mean belonging to the same family by birth or through adoption or marriage, but related can also mean to tell a story or describe an event," Becky informed them.
"Yes, Becky, now I hope you all learned something. Oh, look at that. It's time for the early dismissal, out you go," Mr. Dudley hurried them. "Oh, and Becky, wonderful job telling that story."
Becky smiled and joined her classmates in the hallway.
"Wow, Becky, I learned so much about the Handsought treasure!" Violet exclaimed.
"I think you mean the Hansett treasure," Becky corrected.
"Why Becky Botsford, it is nice to have another classmate who knows they're history," Tobey said to Becky.
Becky turned and glared at the boy genius.
"Not that I can say the same for you. Why don't you go bully someone your own size," Becky snapped.
"Not that makes any sense but if you're accusing me of being small, then you are gravely mistaken. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day," Tobey smirked and walked off towards the dismissal area.
"He's very nice sometimes," Scoops commented.
"Sure," Becky replied sarcastically.
"He's only like that around Becky. It's because he has a crush on her. You should have seen Tobey during the story. He was staring at her dreamily the whole time," Violet explained in Scoop's ear.
"Oh. Wow."
Violet giggled. Becky hadn't heard them talking, luckily. Scoops and Violet closed their lockers, and the 3 of them walked together out to the dismissal area.
"Hey, dad, I'm home!" Becky called into her house when she arrived home from the early dismissal.
"Out here, pumpkin!" Mr. Botsford responded.
"Ok, hold on. I have to check on Bob," Becky told him.
Bob, Becky's pet monkey, had gotten the flu and was lying in bed upstairs.
"How are you doing?" Becky asked him as soon as she entered the room.
Bob squeaked. [All I can eat is soup! It sucks!]
"I know, Bob, but you're sick, so sorry. Maybe you should wash your hands more often," Becky advised him.
Bob squealed. [Ah man!]
Becky raced down the stairs and out back to where her dad was.
"Hey, Becky, come here," Mr. Botsford told his daughter.
Becky looked around. There were piled of dirt all around, and her dad was standing inside a hole. "I was digging here to plant our new apple tree when I came across this shoebox," He explained and then he held up an old, worn out shoebox.
Becky gasped at the sight. She took a couple more steps towards her dad.
"And inside is a key and piece of paper. I thought you might like to have it."
Becky's eyes widened, as well as her grin. She took it ever so carefully from her father.
"Dad, thank you so much!"Becky gave her dad a giant hug. "But, dad, do you know what this is?"
"No idea, sweetie. Have fun!" Mr. Botsford said.
Becky walked inside the house, and then ran to the phone. She quickly dialed Violet's and Scoop's numbers and told them to both come over right then. They seemed to know it was urgent.
"What's up, Becky?" Scoops asked as him and Violet entered the Botsford house.
"The matter sounded serious," Violet added.
"Guys, my dad found the key and map buried in our backyard!" Becky exclaimed.
The 2 stared at her blankly.
"You know the key and map to the Hansett treasure?"
"Oh, that," the 2 said in unison. Automatically, they got all excited.
"We're in!" Scoops announced.
"Ok! Wait, what?" Becky asked in confusion.
"We're going to help you find the treasure," Violet replied.
"Really? Are you sure you guys want to do this?" Becky asked.
"Yes!"
Becky smiled at her two best friends.
"I'm going to write down the entire adventure and give it to the Big Times newspaper!" Scoops exclaimed.
"Let's see where the map is telling us to go, Becky!"Violet said.
Becky opened the map and examined it carefully. "Well, if I'm correct, the school is by the lake and the townhouses are over here, this place is a town house. Let's look it up in the map now a days."
The 3 grabbed a map off the bookshelf.
"This house belongs to, oh no," Becky said.
"What is it?" Scoops asked.
"Tobey's house," Becky gulped.
"How will we get in there?"
Becky shrugged.
"Guys, I don't care where it is, I just want to find that treasure," Violet told them.
"And have an adventure," Scoops added.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but let's go to Tobey's house," Becky agreed, and they left the house quickly, eager to start their adventure.
