Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang Page A

china cupboard with glass doors so grimy you could hardly see the dishes inside. On the opposite wall was a small table with a telephone and a bench beside it.
    Edward led them into the kitchen. “Sit down, sit down,” he said heartily. He set a quart of ice cream in the center of the kitchen table. Six bowls, spoons, and napkins completed the table setting.
    As Edward dished up the ice cream, Violet glanced around. The sink, filled with dirty dishes, was next to the stove. That, too, needed a good cleaning. When Edward opened the freezer, frozen food was stacked to the top.

    â€œThis tastes good,” Benny said. “Except for stopping for lunch, we were on the road all day.”
    â€œMy, my,” Edward said sympathetically. “I’ll bet you’re tired.”
    â€œWhere do we sleep?” Benny asked.
    Grandfather shook his head. “Benny, be patient. Eat your ice cream.”
    Benny tipped his bowl. “It’s empty,” he said. “I’ve finished.”
    â€œHow about another scoop?” Edward said, leaning toward Benny.
    â€œThank you, but I’d better not,” Benny said.
    â€œThat’s right,” Violet said, “we don’t want to spoil our appetites for supper.” She wondered, though, if they would eat here. There was not a sign of a prepared dinner, nothing on the bare countertop nor a pot on the stove.
    Suddenly a distant roar interrupted them.
    â€œWhat was that?” Benny asked, his big brown eyes questioning Edward.
    â€œThat’s the lions at my zoo,” Edward explained. “They are fed at five, but around four they start crying for their dinner.”
    â€œJust like someone else I know,” Jessie teased, smiling at Benny.
    â€œGrandfather says the zoo is close by,” Henry said.
    â€œIt is!” Edward said. “It’s only a block from here, and when the wind is just right, you can hear birds twittering and elephants trumpeting.” He laughed. “I love it!”
    â€œGee!” Benny exclaimed. “That’s exciting. I can’t wait to see the animals.”
    â€œTomorrow, bright and early, we’ll pay the zoo a visit,” Edward promised.
    â€œOh, good!” Benny said. “I like to watch the monkeys.”
    â€œAnd now,” Edward said, scraping back his chair, “let me show you your rooms.”
    The children followed him upstairs. He led them to two small bedrooms. “This,” Edward said, indicating a small room with bunk beds, “is the boys room.”
    He crossed the hall. “And this is for you,” he said to Violet and Jessie, showing them to a bigger room with a large bed.
    â€œMake yourselves at home,” Edward said. “We’ll go out to a restaurant about six o’clock.” He left, going downstairs.
    Jessie, unpacking her suitcase, said, “Violet, I don’t think Edward has many home-cooked meals.”
    â€œI’m sure of it,” Violet said. “We’ll have to cook dinner for him.”
    â€œThat will be fun,” Jessie said. “We can do a lot to make this place cozy.”
    Grandfather would be sleeping on a roll-away bed in Edward’s large bedroom off the living room. Once everyone had unpacked and washed, they met by the front door.
    â€œI want to take you out to one of my favorite places,” Edward said.
    They drove to Rita’s Restaurant. As soon as they walked in, the woman at the cash register called, “Edward! How are you? Do you want your usual table?”
    â€œNot tonight, Rita. I need a table for six,” he replied.
    â€œCan do,” she said, smiling. “Follow me.”
    And she seated them at a round table in the back. Edward greeted several customers. When the waitress took their order, she kidded with Edward. Edward knows everyone in here, Violet thought.
    The children and Grandfather were given special treatment by Rita and the waitress. After eating