Hi Abby said Betty the crossing guard She had a big yellow button on her bright green crossing guard vest It said SMILE Abby didn’t feel like smiling What’s the matter honey Betty asked bending to look at Abby’s face Abby shrugged Her book bag bounced up and down on her back All the third graders have to be community a helpers month she said I don’t know what to do for When’s your project due honey Betty asked We have to tell our teacher where we will be working by Monday Abby said Betty stood up and smiled She 8
patted Abby’s shoulder Then you have the whole weekend to come up with something Don’t you worry I don’t have any ideas Abby said Ask Betty suggested I’ll bet she can help you think of something grandma your Gram always had time to talk She was staying with Abby for a few days while her parents were away Maybe they could come up with a project together Abby gave Betty a big smile Thanks Betty she said See you tomorrow 9
Pet Projects Hi sweetie Gram was waiting when Abby crossed the street She gave Abby a hug Did you have a good day Abby nodded It had been a good day until she found out she and Sydney wouldn’t be doing a project together Mom said Sydney could sleep over tomorrow night Abby said I asked Sydney today Mom left money to order pizza Pizza it is said Gram They walked down the block past the red brick public library Mrs Mackenzie the children’s librarian was just getting out of her car She had a huge bear puppet in her hand Abby waved Hi Mrs Mackenzie 10
Hi Abby Hi Mrs Simon Mrs Mackenzie called back She made the bear wave his paw at Abby I just came back from telling stories at the preschool Are you coming to the library Abby shook her head Not today We’re coming on Saturday Mrs Mackenzie smiled She waved the bear’s paw again See you on Saturday Abby she said in a deep rumbling voice Abby laughed She and Gram walked down the block to Abby’s house The maple trees that lined the street had turned bright red and yellow Gram had been raking the front yard One side of the yard was finished Leaves still covered the other side I can help you rake Abby offered Change your clothes first said Gram I want to finish before the rain starts tonight 11
