The Mud Flat Mystery

By James Stevenson

What's inside the box?

It's a quiet morning in Mud Flat when Hobart the deliveryman delivers a large, mysterious package to Duncan's porch. With Duncan away on vacation, the neighborhood is wild with curiosity. What could be inside? is it food? Should they guard it? Can the residents of Mud Flat wait for Duncan to get home and open the box, or will their curiosity get the best of them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Aug 2, 2011
• ISBN: 9780062034137

James Stevenson

James Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. His popular column, "Lost and Found New York," has appeared regularly in the newspaper since 2003. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books. He lives in Connecticut.

Book preview

1.

Delivery

It was a quiet morning in Mud Flat. Gordon was digging in his vegetable garden. Enid was watering her flowers, and Mark was swinging gently in his hammock.

Suddenly, there was a strange sound:

What in the world is that? said Enid.

It’s getting nearer, said Gordon.

Hobart, the delivery man, came down the path.

He was wheeling a large cardboard box on his squeaky handcart.

That’s a very big box, Hobart, said Gordon.

Sure is, said Hobart.

What’s in it? asked Enid.

I don’t open them, said Hobart. I just deliver them.

Where are you delivering it to? said Mark. It’s not for me, is it?

Or me? said Enid.

"It’s going to Duncan’s

Reviews for The Mud Flat Mystery

[marciaskidslit · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This story teaches children the idiom “curiosity kills the cat”. Inquisitiveness can lead to trouble. It was wrong for Ferdie and Norris to open Duncan’s box. It was also very wrong for Ralph to take Duncan’s new bike and take it for a ride. The next day Andrew receives a box. Everyone has learned their lesson to leave Andrew’s box alone. That is, everyone except Duncan. His curiosity gets the best of him.This transitional book is illustrated with soft watercolor paints and a black pen. Most of the animals are whimsically outfitted in hats and shirts. All the animals “talk” and have “people” names. The book is divided into 12 very short chapters; all have chapter names. An index is provided at the beginning of the book. The text font size is large and very easy to read. Sentences are short and contain simple vocabulary without any surprise words.