Asia Citro - Wishypoofs and Hiccups

TABLE OF CONTENTS

For NINA AND TIM, MY PRAWNS! - ML
FOR BUBS AND GOOSE (WITH AN ESPECIALLY BIG THANK YOU TO TANYA FOR GIVING ME THIS STORY IDEA AND TO MY READERS FOR HELPING ME BRAINSTORM!) - AC

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the authors imagination or, if real, are used fictitiously.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Audience: Grades K-5.

LCCN 2021938942

ISBN 9781943147946; ISBN 9781943147953; ISBN 9781943147960

Text copyright 2021 by Asia Citro

Illustrations copyright 2021 by Marion Lindsay

Journal entries handwritten by S. Citro

Published by The Innovation Press

7511 Greenwood Ave North #4132, Seattle, WA 98103

www.theinnovationpress.com

Printed and bound by Worzalla

Production Date: July 2021 | Plant Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Cover design by Nicole LaRue | Book layout by Kerry Ellis

These days my cat Sassafras and I are always desperately hoping well hear our barn doorbell.

I know most people are excited to hear their doorbell ring. It might mean a present or package delivery, or a friend showing up to play. But our doorbell is even more exciting than that. Because its a magic doorbell. When it rings, it means theres a magical animal waiting outside our barn. A magical animal who needs our help.

My moms been helping them basically her whole life. And now I get to help, too

Who is the cutest? I sang, crouched down low on the floor. Its you! I booped one kitten nose. Then I turned. And its also you! I booped a second kitten nose.

One kitten flipped into a half somersault and bopped into her sister. They grabbed each other and started rolling.

I sighed happily. Is there anything cuter than floofy, tumbly kittens?

My mom reached down and scooped one of the fluff balls into her lap. No, Zoey, I dont think there is!

We both laughed. I love volunteering at the cat shelter. Lavender rubbed her cheek against my knee, and I started rubbing her tummy. She flopped to one side, purring loudly.

Just dont forget that its a job. Mom nodded toward the litter box.

I know, I know. I got up and grabbed the scooper. Little Lavender came trotting after me and bonked her head into my ankle.

Mom held up Sage so they faced each other. Little miss, I just cannot get you to purr. The kitten blinked at her a few times, then curled back up in Moms lap.

I set down the scooper. Ooh! I know how to make Sage purr! I figured it out last time we were here. I can show you!

Mom raised an eyebrow.

I squatted back down and picked up the scooper again. Um, after I finish scooping the litter.

Mom smiled and pet Sage under the chin. Sage closed her eyes and sighed.

After I closed the lid on the garbage can, I stood up and brushed off my pants. Lavender tumbled into the litter box and sniffed around.

I think Lavender is making sure I did a good job. I laughed. OK, so I figured out that Sage is pretty tricky. You cant just do one thing she likes and get her to purr. You have to do two things she likes at the same time!

Mom nodded. Interesting. I know she likes these chin rubswhat else do you suggest I try?

I grinned. Now go for a belly rub with your other hand.

Mom kept scratching Sages chin with her right hand and used her left to give that tiny fluffy kitten belly a good rubbing. Sure enough, within a few seconds we both heard a quiet rumbly purr.

Ta-da! I raised my hands and smiled.

When we got home from the cat shelter, Mom hung up her purse to the sound of galloping kitty paws.

Sassafras skidded to a stop at my feet. Mrow!

Hi, buddy! I picked him up and tucked his head under my chin.

Sassafras wiggled out from my neck and sniffed me all over. Mrow?

Thats just Sage and Lavender youre smelling. Theyre the kittens at the shelter.

Sassafras jumped down and turned away from me.

I knelt down and ruffled his fur. Oh, Sass, youre still my favorite. Besides, the kittens have a loving home all set up. They just need another week to get bigger and stronger at the shelter before they go.

Sassafras glanced back at me and then licked his toes.

Mom laughed. I think someones feeling a little jealous.

I tapped a finger to my lip. I know just the thing to make it up to him!

I strolled into the kitchen and opened a can of tuna. Sassafras came running so quickly he slid into my legs.

Here you go, buddy. Sorry I smell like kittens! I said as I set down the can of tuna on the ground. I expected to see Sassafrass happy face staring back at me but there was no Sassafras.

Sassafras? I looked around the kitchen and under the table. Then I spun around just in time to see the cat door flapping.

Wow, he must really be upset with me to turn down a fresh can of tuna! But then it all made sense. Because I heard what Sassafras mustve heard over the sound of the can openerthe magic doorbell!

Sassafras was already meowing at the back barn door by the time I got there. I took a quick moment to close my eyes and hope for an exciting new magical creature to help. Then I slowly opened the door and immediately doubled over laughing. Oh my goodness.

Its not funny. Pip stood outside the barn door with his arms crossed. And with a full head of flowing green curly hair.

Sassafras meowed and leapt backward, which only made me laugh harder.

I swallowed hard. Im so sorry, Pip.

Pip rolled his eyes. I am sure it looks somewhat silly, but

Oh my. You havent seen it yet? I choked out. It was very hard to hold back my laughter.

Pip shook his head, which made the green curls bounce. He took one of the longer locks of hair and held it in front of his face. I mean, I can see parts of it, obviously.

I held up a finger (it was easier to not laugh if I didnt talk) and turned to look through the drawers in the barn. Bingo! I whispered and held up a small mirror. I swallowed hard to keep myself calm, walked back to Pip, and showed him.

OH! Oh my! Pip exclaimed. And then began to giggle. He bent over laughing hard, and I joined in. OK, OK, I guess it is pretty funny for a frog to have hair. He poofed up each side with a hand. But the green looks good with my purple skin!