5 Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite

Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite

After that, the mail got way boring. No exciting letters, no mysterious packages. Stink got a postcard about wearing a seat belt, a new issue of Short Stuff magazine, and some envelope addressed in super-messy writing. He didn't bother opening it. Bor-ing! Then, after dinner, as if Mom had read his mind, she told Stink out of the blue, "I almost forgot. A box came for you. It's on the table."

"Not another one," said Judy, hitting her forehead. "No fair. Stink, you're not supposed to write any more letters." "I didn't!" said Stink. "I swear!" "Don't worry. It's from someone you know and love this time." "Jawbreaker Heaven? Gobstoppers? I know and love them." "No. Grandma Lou. She heard about Pajama Day." "Pajama Day?" asked Judy. "It's only in Mrs. D.'s class," said Stink. "We get to bring stuffed animals and a sleeping bag and wear pajamas and stuff. Then we read books all day and we don't have math and she brings her dog." "What does her dog have to do with Pajama Day?" asked Judy. "I'm just saying," said Stink. "How come Stink gets a present and not me?" asked Judy.

"It's not a present," said Stink. "It's for Pajama Day. That's like homework." "Just my luck," said Judy. "I have math and spelling, and Stink gets pajama homework." She peered over Stink's shoulder as he opened the box. "Stop crowding," said Stink. "I need my personal space." Judy reached into the box and snatched something. "Look! I got a Bonjour Bunny shirt!" "How come you get that?" asked Stink. "For Un-pajama Day!" said Judy. Stink pulled out a pair of striped PJs with bacon and eggs all over them. "No way am I wearing these for Pajama Day," said Stink. "Why not?" asked Mom.

"Hello! Kindergarten!" said Stink. "Well, I think they're cute as a bug's ear," said Mom. Mouse raced over and licked the pajama eggs. "Mouse likes them!" said Judy. "Look, Stink. The sunny-side-up eggs have glow-in-the-dark middles! You love stuff that glows." "Wait. Let me see," said Stink. "Just try them on, honey," said Mom. Stink pulled off his shirt and put on the pajama top. He stretched his arms out and turned back and forth, showing off. "Stink, you look like a walking menu. No, a night-light! No, an electric eel!" said Judy. "How will you ever get to sleep?" "It's better than the I TRUCKS ones I got last year," said Stink. "Besides, the glow-in-the-dark part is kool-with-a-k!" All of a sudden, Stink started to squirm. He scratched his arm. He scratched his neck. He pulled at the tag in back.

"What's wrong?" asked Judy. "Your new PJs have cooties?" "These pajamas itch," said Stink. "Here, I'll cut off the tags and soften them up in the washer for tomorrow," said Mom. "You get ready for bed now, Stink. You too, Judy."