15 STOMP, CHOMP, AND ROLL

CHAPTER 15 STOMP, CHOMP, AND ROLL Careful, Salamander!" cried Rip, tied to the tetherball pole. "Keep away from its tail!" shouted Nikki, glued to the blacktop. "Okay!" said Alexander. He zigzagged through the playground. The candy-saurus snapped at his heels, smashing through the playground equipment.

Alexander wriggled into the jungle gym. The candy-saurus reached in with its sharp claws. "Oh, no! Salamander's trapped!" said Nikki. I can't watch this!" said Rip. "Where's my blindfold when I need it?!"

Alexander looked around from inside the metal dome. Everything on the playground was wrecked. Except for Antville. Candy-cane claws grabbed at Alexander through the bars. Then the monster stuck out its red gummy tongue. He has a red gummy tongue... thought Alexander. Just like the gummies I brought for lunch! Alexander looked at Mr. Plunkett's giant ant farm. Ants love the sweet stuff.... "I've got an idea!" he called to Rip and Nikki. "Watch out!" cried Nikki.

GRARRRRR! The candy-saurus raised its foot above the jungle gym. Alexander scrambled out from between the bars just as CLANK!- the monster flattened the jungle gym. Alexander sprinted between the candy- saurus's legs. He skidded to a halt near Antville. "Run, Salamander!" shouted Nikki. Alexander planted his feet. "What are you doing?!" yelled Rip. "Keep moving!"

Alexander looked into the monster's fiery red eyes. "Take your best shot, monster." GRAH-HA-HAAAR! The candy-saurus's roar sounded like a laugh. Then it swung its wrecking-ball tail at Alexander. WNOOSN! Alexander ducked. He could feel the rush of wind as the jawbreaker shot over his head. WHACK! The monster's heavy tail slammed into Antville. The giant ant farm exploded. The playground was covered with sand and wood. And, of course, ants.