A Smart Kid's Plan for a House Thief

Book excerpt: In the vibrant, crayon-colored town where young Alex and his parrot Zip reside, a clever plan unfolds to catch a notorious house thief. Known for leaving behind riddles with the stolen goods, this thief meets his match in Alex, a kid with a penchant for puzzles and inventive gadgets. Determined to protect his home and recover the neighborhood's treasures, Alex devises a series of playful yet challenging traps. The first trap is a maze constructed from books leading to a soft landing in teddy bears. The second involves mirrors creating an endless illusion maze. The final and most intriguing trap is a puzzle box safeguarding the family's prized possession, solvable only by deciphering three carefully crafted riddles by Alex. As night descends, Alex and Zip watch as the thief navigates each trap with curiosity but falls prey to their ingenuity. Engrossed in solving the puzzle box's riddles, the thief fails to notice Alex until it's too late. Through these traps embodying kindness, reflection, and wisdom, the thief realizes ...