10-I AM RODENT, HEAR ME SQUEAK!

I AM RODENT, HEAR ME SQUEAK! Just then, another plop hit my umbrella. It reminded me of the guidebook on the PIRATE ISLANDS. It talked about the plop birds on an island called Thump Flop. "I know where we are!" I cried excitedly. "We're on Thump Flop Island. I read about it in the guidebook. It said the island had plants and edible fruits." Thea grinned. "Good work, Gerry Berry," she squeaked. "I guess it pays to have a bookmouse for a brother sometimes." I was about to remind her that my name is not Gerry Berry when I remembered something else. I had read a few more interesting things in that guidebook.

"In ancient times, pirates brought their gold and riches to the Pirate Islands. Many treasures are still buried there. There are also many ghosts on the islands. The ghost of the famous pirate Silverpaw wanders the beaches on the island of Thump Flop. His ship was said to have mysterious powers. It could appear and disappear in the blink of an eye." That night, I curled up in a big palm leaf to sleep. It wasn't easy. I kept thinking about pirates and ghosts and disappearing ships. Don't be such a scaredy mouse, I scolded myself. I sang a little song to give myself courage: "I AM BRAVE. I AM STRONG. I AM RODENT, HEAR ME SQUEAK." My cousin Trap mimicked me in a singsong voice. "I AM BRAVE. I AM STRONG. I AM RODENT, HEAR ME SNORE!"