Zoo Poo Clues Read online

  Project Spy Kids IV

  Zoo Poo Clues

  Written by Hazel Edwards.

  Illustrated and designed by Jane Connory.

  From his hot air balloon flight over the zoo, sleuth Art sees something suspicious that later helps him solve a mystery.

  As winner of talkback radio’s ‘Going Up’ competition, quiz whiz Art shares the prize of a hot air balloon flight with mates India and Mars Bar. It’s India’s birthday soon and Art hasn’t bought a present. Mars Bar comes regardless.

  The prize must be used at 4.30 am next morning, but 9.am sharp on Wednesday is Mrs.Tasker’s class visit to the Zoo. Luckily the flight path goes over the Zoo. The children are suspicious of passenger Mr. Brand who takes special photos. Luckily the balloon lands in time for the children’s excursion. They meet the Cyclist, Shorty, and the Butterfly Expert and Kip the Zoo teacher. Art suspects all of them.

  Later, in the zoo grounds, Art checks out the mysterious Butterfly House clue. After sleuthing around the Zoo, they solve the mystery. A smelly solution. Zoo Poo Cake.

  Also in the Project Spy Kids Series, by Hazel Edwards.

  Copyright © Hazel Edwards and Jane Connory, 2011.

  Written By Hazel Edwards.

  www.hazeledwards.com

  Illustration and design by Jane Connory.

  www.janeconnory.com

  ISBN 978-0-9871078-9-3

  All electronic rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

  Teacher resources and activities available -

  http://www.hazeledwards.com/shop/item/1657798

  Contents

  Chapter 1 Star Signs

  Chapter 2 Winning The Balloon Flight

  Chapter 3 Bird’s Eye View of a Mystery

  Chapter 4 Landing

  Chapter 5 Blow up Dino

  Chapter 6 Zoo Poo

  Chapter 7 The Butterfly House

  Chapter 8 Zoo School

  Chapter 9 Eco Games

  Chapter 10 Birthday Clues

  Chapter 1

  Star Signs

  You will have good news today. Everything will be up in the air tomorrow.’

  From the newspaper, India read out her stars.

  ‘I don’t believe in that,’ said Art quickly.

  ‘When’s your birthday?’ India cut out the signs. ‘February, the 13th.’

  ‘You’re Aquarius. Like my star sign,’ India flipped through magazines.

  ‘Horror scopes, ‘ interrupted Mars Bar. ‘My Grandad says you can’t tell the future by stars.’

  ‘Right.’ India agreed.’ But I’m doing a scientific experiment.’ She added the last clipping to her pile.

  ‘I’ve got five different horoscopes for my birthday week. They’re from five different astrologers. I’m going to see if any are right.’

  Art noticed something important. ‘India, see this date on the front.’

  But India kept talking.’ My monster party’s tomorrow night, after we get back from the zoo. You’re coming aren’t you?’

  Art nodded. He hadn’t bought India’s present yet. And he hadn’t read the butterfly book Mrs.Tasker had given him. Zoos were the class project.

  Mars Bar checked both papers.

  ‘They say different things.’ India nodded. ‘That’s why I’m doing my scientific experiment.’

  ‘For the Science award?’ asked Mars Bar.

  Last time, India collected dogs’ droppings. Then she’d designed a dog toilet, which won. Mrs.Tasker hadn’t liked the invention’s name ‘Dogs’ It’, but India still won.

  Art asked, ‘Did all this stuff happen to you at this time LAST year?’

  ‘Can’t remember,’ admitted India. ‘Why? Oh no! Last year’s magazine. That’s history. ‘

  ‘Cherry picker!’ said Mars Bar.

  Since Miss Hall banned swearing, that was his new word when things went wrong.

  ‘Use stars for your history project,’ suggested Art. India read so fast, she never bought new magazines. When she needed pictures for school projects she got bundles at op shops.

  ‘Hey, Tiny! Stop licking me! ‘laughed Mars Bar.

  Tiny was India’s very big dog. His name fitted only when he was a puppy.

  India dragged him off Mars Bar, just before Tiny lifted his leg.

  ‘Has Tiny got a dog star sign?’ Mars Bar asked.

  ‘Tiny can’t read,’ said India. ‘

  But he’s a dog who stars...’ ‘...at lifting his leg on people when they’re on the floor!’ said Mars Bar quickly.

  Art thought about today’s stars. Would any good news arrive for him?

  That night, Art won the ‘Hot Air, Going Up’ competition. Mum was still at work. Dad was away, driving his truck.

  While Art ate his pizza slice, he’d been listening to talk back radio. Dr What’s quiz program had ace prizes. The first time Art tried, the number was engaged and he missed winning tickets to the ‘Hot Ice’ concert.

  Art dialled the number again. He hung up and waited, his pizza-sticky finger just above the redial button.

  ‘Our next competition is sponsored by ‘Going Up’, the hot air balloon company. They need a name for their new balloon. Ring in when...’

  Art hit the redial button. Beeps. The phone was answered immediately.

  ‘Hi. M’name’s Art.’ ‘Hullo Art. What is your answer?’ said a voice.

  For a moment, Art went blank. He didn’t know the question. Behind, he could hear his radio talking to itself.

  ‘Could you turn off your radio please Art?’ requested Dr What.

  ‘Okay.’ Art leaned across, and paused. The radio was a few seconds behind. Art could hear his radio- self talking.

  ‘Okay,’ said his voice. Weird. As if there were two of him. He liked hearing himself, but. ... Click! The radio went dead.

  ‘Your suggestion for the hot air balloon’s name? ‘Dr What’s voice came from the phone. ‘Balloon ... Fly. Balloonfly,’ said Art quickly.

  ‘Thank you. Art. Give your number off- air to my producer.’ Art gave his details and hung up. Then he switched the radio back on. Dr What was still speaking as Art finished his pizza and drank his milk.

  ‘Congratulations to prize-winner Art. He’ll have to be up VERY early tomorrow. My producer will be calling him in a few minutes.’

  ‘Cherry picker!’ Art let out a yell. Unluckily, the prize had to be used next morning, at 4.30 a.m. It was a hot air balloon flight for three.

  Excitement fizzed in Art’s tummy. But who would go with him?

  Last school camp India had hated the flying fox. How would she feel about hot air ballooning? Even if it were a birthday present.

  Art ‘owed’ Mars Bar. If he came, Mars Bar was sure to muck up the flight.

  Chapter 2

  Winning The Balloon Flight

  Ring. Ring. Ring. ‘Hi. I’m Sara, the balloon pilot. I have the latest weather report. The winds are okay. But there’s a ten percent chance we might have to cancel. Come anyway.’ Art pulled India and Mars Bar out of their sleeping bags. They’d slept over, so they’d be up in time.

  ‘Wait. I forgot something!’ Mars Bar came back, clutching two thin packages. ‘For later.’

/>   In the 4am darkness, Art told Mum where to drive. ‘There’s the farm gate with the balloon picture. But where’s the balloon?’

  ‘There, ‘ India pointed down the track. A neatly packed balloon sat on the trailer in the farmyard. A small wicker basket was underneath. It was like a picnic basket with the top open. The pilot was waiting alongside. Sara waved.

  Car headlights parked behind them. Two men got out. They joked VERY loudly. India was pleased to hear they were nervous too. The fat man wore a short sleeved T-shirt. On it was written BRANDS NAME SELLS. His camera bag was covered in BRANDS NAME SELLS stickers too.

  ‘Welcome Art,’ said the pilot. ‘You won the radio prize didn’t you? BALLOONFLY is a great name. We’ll use it soon. Got some warm socks? Gets cold up there. You and your friends will go on the flight with one of these gentlemen.’ Sara introduced them.

  ‘Why can’t we all go together?’ asked Mars Bar.

  ‘Only four plus the pilot fit in the basket at once.’ Sara looked at them closely. ‘There’ll be two flights.’

  Another car was arriving. ‘She’s working out our weights.’ Art’s guess was right. ‘To balance the basket.’

  ‘Sure you’re okay, India?’ Art’s Mum knew India hated heights.

  ‘Got my birthday camera,’ said India. ‘Aunty gave it to me. She thought Art’s present of a flight was terrific. Even if my real birthday isn’t until tomorrow.’

  ‘Why is your Monster party tonight then?’ asked Mars Bar. ‘Only night my aunt can come,’ said India.

  ‘What if I throw up?’ Mars Bar clutched his thin packages. ’I got airsick once on a mountain bike.’

  ‘Make sure I’m not underneath,’ said India quickly.

  ‘People are often nervous at the beginning.’ Sara said ‘I’ll snooze in the car until you get back.’ Art’s Mum was shivering.

  ‘Then share your champagne breakfast, drop you at the zoo and race to work. How long’s the flight, Sara?’

  ‘About forty-five minutes. Depends upon the wind. Most people think we land back at the launching place. We don’t. We drive not fly back here.’

  ‘What about the passengers in the second flight?’ asked Mars Bar. ‘ They follow in the van. We swap over in a field.

  Then the balloon takes off a second time.’ ‘Are we first?’ India watched the shivering Mr. Brand accept Mum’s offer of a car rug. He wrapped it around his shoulders. When a business card fell out of his pocket. Art picked it up. The card had pictures of houses, a butterfly shape and a long name.

  ‘Yes, Art, could you help undo the balloon?’ said Sara. ‘India, take that end.’

  Mr. Brand just stood watching as the balloon was opened out. His friend was checking his map. ‘That’s the spot! Near the zoo!’

  India enjoyed undoing the long strings like parachute cords. The mobile generator pumped air and the colourful balloon started to ‘grow’.

  Noticing shivering Mars Bar, one of the crew offered a jacket. ‘Here, put this around your shoulders.’

  ‘I’m okay,’ protested Mars Bar, ‘Take it.’ So Mars Bar wrapped the jacket around his shoulders. One sleeve flapped. The generator was still whirring. Zak, the crew chief held open the cords linking the flat balloon to the basket. The basket was on its side. Whirring, the generator blew warm air quickly into the slack balloon shape.

  ‘Hey, look at that!’ Mr. Brand swung around.

  The edge of the rug around his shoulders caught! Zing! A grinding noise. The rug caught in the whirring fan of the generator. It wrapped around one of the blades. The blade snapped. Plastic bits of fan shot out.

  ‘Look out!’ Art jumped.. A piece of fan just missed Mars Bar’s eye.

  India acted. ‘Look out!’ Startled, the fat man jumped back, and India pulled him to safety. ‘

  You were lucky,’ said Sara.

  ‘Nearly a one eyed footy fan, Mars Bar,’ said India. ‘

  He’s that anyway.’ Art joked to cover their embarrassment.

  ‘I’ll fix it,’ said Sara quietly. ‘Tight fitting clothes are better here.’ Art noticed the crew wore tight track suits.

  ‘Dumb thing to do.’ Glad it wasn’t him; Mars Bar slid his arms through the empty sleeves of the borrowed jacket and zipped it up. Sara put in a new blade. She started up the motor again. Then she climbed into the basket, which was still on its side. Two crew lit the gas with a burst from the burners. The basket jerked upright with Sara inside.

  Art liked the way she did things without fussing. ‘Come on.’

  Mr. Brand got stuck and Sara hauled him in by his pants top. ‘Thanks,’ he puffed.

  He straightened his glasses. Messing up the generator didn’t seem to worry him.

  Mum’s ripped car-rug worried Art. She might be mad later. The basket carried five people standing, including the pilot. It also carried four gas bottles.

  ‘Take this,’ Sara handed a gas bottle to her crew on the ground.

  ‘Don’t we need all that gas?’ worried Mars Bar.

  ‘More room for passengers,’ smiled Sara. ‘During the changeover, we’ll take more on.’

  ‘SShh,’ India pushed Mars Bar. ‘It’s so Mr. Brand can fit.’

  Zak put the gas bottle into the retrieval van. Corks littered the back of his van, Art noticed. Why did balloons need corks?

  ‘Will we be able to see out?’ India whispered.

  The wicker basket was chest-high on the fat man. On the ground, his mate was still making loud jokes about ‘LAND ing’ and waving his map around. Mum was folding her car rug and frowning.

  ‘There’s a step,’ pointed Art to the hole in the wicker basket.

  ‘Sometimes kids peer out of the step hole.’ Sara pointed to the wicker step. ‘Jump in Art. Come on India.’

  Taking a deep breath, India clambered in. Her new camera bumped against the side.

  ‘Careful.’ Sara gave instructions. ‘Hold onto the rope loop on the inside of the basket. Or hold onto the steel rim of the gas cylinder. Face the direction in which we’re landing. No arms outside the basket.’

  ‘We’ve got a lady driver, fellas!’ Mr. Brand’s middle wobbled as Mars Bar tumbled in, trying to find space beside him.

  ‘Not a problem Mr. Brand. I can fly aeroplanes, airships and balloons. I’ve also got a Civil Aviation Authority Instructor and examiner’s rating,’ said Sara quietly. ‘And you did say you wanted some close shots of the land.’

  ‘What about power lines?’ asked Mr. Brand. ‘And high rise flats? Lots of building in this area. I know all about that.’

  If he knew so much, why did he have to tell everybody, thought India.

  ‘Balloonists know every power line. We plan to miss them all,’ replied Sara. Art looked up. Early morning sun lit the sponsors’ messages in red, blue and vivid yellow on the canopy. The balloon was a travelling ad.

  ‘No seat belts,’ whispered India. Inventing a car-seat-belt for Tiny was her next project. After horoscopes and the hot ice-cream scoop.

  ‘No parachutes,’ whispered Art. India wondered about dog-parachutes. How would Tiny know when to pull?

  ‘Who has a flight as a present?’ Sara fiddled with the ropes. India put up her hand.

  ‘Sometimes, the friend might be keen on the idea of flying but the birthday person mightn’t,‘ said Sara. ‘Is that so, Mr. Brand?’ The fat man nodded. ‘My company is paying’.

  Art wondered what work he did.

  ‘Our balloon and van are always in radio contact. So you’re quite safe,’ shouted Zak. As the crew chief, he also drove the van.

  ‘Zak knows every local junction. From the road, he can see us.’ said Sara reassuringly. ‘Even when we’re over the zoo.’ ‘

  We’re a bit big to miss.’ Art looked up. The colours stood out against the sky.

  ‘Maybe a good place for a Brands Name Sel
ls ad.’ Mr. Brand looked up. ‘Let’s go!’ said Sara. The basket jerked and they were off.

  Chapter 3

  Bird’s Eye View of a Mystery

  ‘Ace,’ said Art. Silly sheep ran in single file as if they had one brain. They skimmed the grass. Just the hiss from the bursts of gas being released by Sara.

  ‘Tell me when we’re over the zoo,’ ordered Mr. Brand.

  ‘Going to jump into the lions?’ Mars Bar nudged India who was trying to use her new camera, but her floppy cricket hat slipped off and fell over the side! Art grabbed.

  ‘Got it!’

  ‘Thanks.’ India crammed her hat on.

  ‘Mrs.Tasker said we HAD to bring a hat for the zoo.’

  ‘Mrs. H. will hate mine.’ Mars Bar smiled strangely.

  ‘If I drop this, will it go straight down, or float around?’ India asked. Mars Bar knocked her. The paper dropped.

  ‘It’s an invite to my party.’ Below, it was a green jigsaw puzzle. Cars were like toys. Sara smiled,

  ‘Passengers fly for different reasons. We’ve had a wedding. They wanted to drop confetti for good luck. Usually we don’t drop anything from the balloon which might litter, but...’ India blushed as Mars Bar dug her in the back.

  ‘If they dropped rice, the birds could have eaten it,’ Art remembered the good luck rice he’d seen thrown at weddings.

  ‘Mr. Brand fiddled with his glasses.

  ‘I could drop my leaflets out of the balloon.’

  ‘Don’t do that.’ Sara pointed

  ‘There’s the zoo,’ As Mr. Brand leaned over, the basket tilted. Underneath, were animal enclosures like jigsaw pieces. ZOO KIOSK was painted on a roof.

  ‘Ah!’ Mr. Brand took the camera cap off. His camera had a zoom.

  ‘The Butterfly House.’

  ‘Our school excursion goes there, at 9 o’ clock,’ said Art. Silver, robot-like shapes gleamed on the pathways. Art couldn’t work out what they were.

  ‘Can you shoot them, India?’ He pointed. Wooden walkways criss-crossed the ground. Underneath, a man in khaki stopped an open mini- truck near a rubbish pile. He didn’t realise the balloon passengers could see him as he opened the back of the truck. He dragged something in a bag. As he stuffed the bag under the walkway, the balloon’s shadow crossed the ground. He looked up, just as India’s camera flashed.