# The Great Flood Mystery

When young otters Splash and Ripple accidentally break a water main, it floods the school grounds and threatens to expose the secret tunnels. Brandt, Carter, Maya, and Jasper must think fast to stop the flood, protect their otter friends, and keep the colony's secret safe.

Ages 5–7. 9 chapters, about 53 minutes.

## What happens

A normal school morning turns wild when water bursts from the basement of Oxford Elementary and floods the front lawn. Brandt and Carter know the real cause might be linked to their secret otter friends living beneath the school. With city workers arriving and about to head underground, the boys, Maya and Jasper must work out what went wrong, using Maya's math and Jasper's animal know-how.

This fast-moving, funny and suspenseful adventure shows children how friends share the work, think on their feet and own up when mistakes happen. Young listeners also pick up a little about water pipes, storm drains and how creeks connect to the places they live.

## From Chapter 1

> The morning sun cast long shadows across the Oxford Elementary playground as parents dropped off their children for another school day. Brandt helped Carter adjust his backpack straps while they walked past the familiar otter statue.
>
> "Remember, we're meeting Maya and Jasper at lunch to talk about the new tunnel map Oliver gave us," Brandt reminded his younger brother.
>
> Carter nodded eagerly. "I can't wait to see where the new passages go! Oliver said the young otters have been exploring all summer."
>
> As they approached the main entrance, a strange sound made them both stop. It was like rushing water, but louder than the nearby Strawberry Creek usually sounded.
>
> "Do you hear that?" Carter asked, his head tilted to listen better.

## Chapters

1. Morning Chaos
2. The Terrible Mistake
3. Racing Against Water
4. Misdirection and Mystery
5. Too Close for Comfort
6. Splash and Ripple's Redemption
7. The Cover Story
8. Damage Control
9. Lessons Learned