The Case of the Missing Lunch
by Oliver DrakeA child detective investigates who's been stealing lunches from the classroom, uncovering an unexpected culprit
1/31/2026
10 pages
Meet the Characters
Zara
Tommy
+2 more
Style
Golden Books Classic
Story
Story Arc
Order
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Humor & ComedyMystery & DetectiveRealistic FictionFriendshipKindnessAcceptanceForgivenessCuriosityRespectSlice of LifeProblem SolvingLove of LearningWonder of Nature
Zara is a detective! Can she solve a tricky school mystery?
Page 1
Zara walked into her classroom. She saw many lunchboxes. Then she saw an empty spot. A lunch was gone!
Page 2
Ms. Lily looked worried. "Someone took Leo's apple and sandwich!" she said. Many eyes looked at Tommy.
Page 3
Tommy’s shoulders drooped. "It wasn't me," he mumbled. Zara saw his sad face. She decided to look for clues.
Page 4
Zara carefully looked on the floor. Near the empty spot, she found a tiny, sparkly nut shell. It was very small.
Page 5
Zara walked slowly to the classroom door. She saw another tiny nut piece by the doorframe. The trail went outside!
Page 6
Out on the sunny path, Zara spotted more shells. They led under a big green bush. A flash of brown fur zoomed past.
Page 7
Zara knelt and peered under the bush. Two bright eyes looked back. Squeaky the squirrel quickly munched an apple core.
Page 8
Zara hurried inside. "I found the lunch!" she told Ms. Lily. "It was Squeaky!" Ms. Lily smiled at Zara.
Page 9
Ms. Lily put up a sign by the door. "Please keep lunches inside!" it said. Tommy watched, looking surprised.
Page 10
Zara smiled at Tommy. He smiled back. Everyone knew the real lunch thief was just a hungry little squirrel.
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