Can a stack of paper grow legs and walk away? Winston wondered about this big question as he stared at the empty wooden desk at the front of the classroom. It was a Monday morning, and the sun was shining through the windows, making specks of dust dance like tiny, glowing fairies. But Winston was not looking at the dancing dust. He was looking at Mrs. Higgins’s desk. It was supposed to be covered in the weekend homework packets. Instead, it was completely bare.

Winston felt a wiggle in his tummy. This was not a scared wiggle; it was an excited wiggle. Today, he was going to be a detective for the very first time. He reached into his backpack and pulled out his favorite hat. It was checkered and soft, just like the ones detectives wore in his books. He placed it carefully on his head and took a deep breath. The air smelled like crayons and floor wax.

"Oh no!" Mrs. Higgins cried, putting her hands on her cheeks. "Class, our homework has vanished again! This is the third Monday in a row. Where could it be?"

The other children looked sad. They had worked hard on their letters and numbers. It did not feel fair that their hard work was gone. Winston knew he had to help. He stood up, feeling very tall and brave.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Higgins," Winston said. "I am on the case!"

Winston began his investigation. He knew that to solve a big mystery, he had to look closely at the world. He got down on his hands and knees. The classroom floor was like a giant map waiting to be read.