Chapter One
Arnold collected things.
Rocks. Pinecones. Sticks shaped like letters.
They were his treasures.
Louise did not collect things.
“I only need the sun in the sky,” she explained.
But it wasn’t just that Louise didn’t collect things.
Louise also lost things.
Usually, Arnold’s things.
One day, Arnold found the best treasure ever.
It was shiny and blueish greenish and—
“Can I see it? Can I have it?” asked Louise.
Arnold shook his head.
“I need it for my Blue Things collection,” he told her.
“It’s more green than blue,” she said.
“Then for my Green Things collection.”
“Is this because I lost your favorite acorn cap?” Louise asked.
“And my second-favorite acorn cap,” Arnold reminded her.
“See!” said Louise. “You’re still mad!”
“Louise, you lose everything,” said Arnold.
“I don’t! I won’t,” said Louise. “I’ll just borrow it until tomorrow. Pleeeeeease?”
Arnold considered.
Louise did her best to look trustworthy.
Finally, Arnold nodded.
With a happy squeal, Louise ran off with the treasure.
“You won’t be sorry!” she called.
Arnold hoped she was right.
Copyright © 2019 by Erica S. Perl; illustrated by Chris Chatterton. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
