Detective Dot and the Squirrel's Sneaky Snack Swap

**Detective Dot and the Missing Picnic Basket**

It was a perfect sunny day. Dot and her fluffy dog, Beru, were helping Mom and Polka the parrot set up a picnic under the big oak tree. The blanket was spread, the sun was warm, and everyone was excited.

But then Dot gasped. “The picnic basket is missing!” she said. “Detective Dot is on the case!”

Dot grabbed her trusty magnifying glass from her pocket. “Let’s find some clues, Beru!” she said. Beru barked happily and wagged his tail.

First, they searched by the picnic table. Dot crouched low, her magnifying glass in hand. She spotted a trail of crumbs leading into the flower bed. “Hmm, suspicious,” Dot said. “Follow me, Beru!”

The crumbs led to the garden gate. Dot pushed it open and found more clues: a piece of cheese stuck on a rock and a small pile of nuts. “This is getting interesting!” Dot said, adjusting her detective hat.

Beru sniffed the air and barked excitedly. He ran to the oak tree, wagging his tail. Dot hurried after him. There, under the tree, she spotted something shiny on the ground. It was a button! And above her, on a low branch, was the picnic basket.

Dot squinted through her magnifying glass. A little squirrel sat next to the basket, nibbling on a cracker. “Aha! You’ve been sneaky, little squirrel!” Dot said.

The squirrel tilted its head. Dot thought for a moment, then reached into her pocket and pulled out the shiny button. “How about a trade?” she asked.

The squirrel chattered happily and scurried down. It took the button and darted off, leaving the picnic basket behind.

“Case closed!” Dot said with a grin, carrying the basket back to the blanket.

Mom and Polka cheered, and Beru barked happily. Everyone enjoyed sandwiches, fruit, and cookies under the big oak tree. Dot smiled proudly. “Mystery solved, Beru!”

And Beru wagged his tail, ready for their next adventure.