Super Surprise

  Too bad. All she had were fourteen fish. They gulped in water. They flicked their tails.

  “I was thinking,” Destiny’s mom said. “Orange is your favorite color.”

  “That’s right,” Yolanda said.

  Destiny’s mom nodded. “And fish aren’t very exciting pets.”

  Destiny held Orange Ice Cat a little harder.

  “Here’s the rest of the poem,” Yolanda said.

  “Destiny really tries.

  She’s going to get a super surprise.”

  Destiny’s mom nodded.

  Destiny took a breath. Orange Ice Cat was going home with her!

  Mitchell whistled. It was loud. It was piercing!

  “Read all about it in the Zigzag News!” Peter Petway said.

  Destiny nodded. Orange Ice Cat purred even louder.

  It had been the best week at the Zigzag Afternoon Center.

  PATRICIA REILLY GIFF is the author of many beloved books for children, including the Kids of the Polk Street School books, the Friends and Amigos books, and the Polka Dot Private Eye books. Several of her novels for older readers have been chosen as ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Books and ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. They include The Gift of the Pirate Queen; All the Way Home; Water Street; Nory Ryan’s Song, a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Golden Kite Honor Book for Fiction; and the Newbery Honor Books Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. Lily’s Crossing was also chosen as a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book. Her books for younger readers in the Zigzag Kids series are Number One Kid, Big Whopper, Flying Feet, Star Time, and Bears Beware. Her most recent books for older readers include R My Name Is Rachel, Storyteller, Eleven, and Wild Girl. Patricia Reilly Giff lives in Connecticut.

  Patricia Reilly Giff is available for select readings and lectures. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Random House Speakers Bureau at rhspeakers@randomhouse.com.

  ALASDAIR BRIGHT is a freelance illustrator who has worked on numerous books and advertising projects. He loves drawing and is never without his sketchbook. He lives in Bedford, England.

  PRAISE FOR THE

  ZIGZAG KIDS SERIES

  “The short chapters and engaging story lines will motivate developing readers to learn more about the cast of characters. Spot illustrations throughout help bring the action and kids to life.”

  —School Library Journal

  “New chapter-book readers will easily relate to the various troubles and anticipations of this diverse crew.”

  —Kirkus Reviews