7 PLATE OF EIGHTS

CHAPTER 7 PLATE OF EIGHTS Alexander woke up to the best of all possible morning smells: pancakes! He got dressed and ran downstairs. "Happy birthday, AI!" said his dad. "Let's start this date with a plate of eights!" Figure-eight pancake Eight blueberries Eight strawberries Eight ounces of orange juice "Thanks, Dad," said Alexander, digging in.

"But wait! Here's the greatest eight of all!" His dad handed him a gift with eight bows. Alexander tore into the gift. FANCY MAN DRESS SOCKS 4 pairs 8 socks! "Dress socks?" He tried not to frown. "Heck, yeah!" said his dad. "You're turning eight today. No more comics or action figures for you—big kids get useful gifts!" "Uh, thanks," Alexander mumbled. He tossed the gift into his backpack. "You're welcome!" his dad said. "Now get out there and have fun. I'll see you after school for your party!"

Alexander hurried outside to find Rip and Nikki waiting in his front yard. "Birthday!" they said at the same time. Alexander raised an eyebrow. "We would have said 'happy birthday,'" Nikki explained, "but we're not super-happy about it." Thanks, guys," said Alexander. "Now let's get moving. While I'm still me." "So, where to?" asked Rip. "School?" "Not yet," said Alexander. "I figured out who Elmer Mooselidge is. I mean, was. He owned that old factory on the other side of town." Alexander opened his placemat maze, and pointed to the abandoned glue factory. Nikki's eyes widened. "Could that be the boss- monster's hideout?" she guessed. "Only one way to find out!" said Rip.