PICNIC Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully Text by Erzsebet Harskuti Simplified by Annette Burton

“Get the food,” said Mama. “We’re going on a picnic.” stoolscarf

The mouse family got in the red truck. There were Daddy, Mama, Grandpa, Grandma, and nine little mice.

Off they went.

The road was bumpy. rock

Eight little mice held on. But not Minnie. She just held her doll.

The truck hit a bump. Oh no! Minnie and her doll fell out of the truck!

She lay on the ground. The truck drove away. No one saw her fall. cat tail

The other mice got to the picnic spot. They jumped out.

Daddy carried the picnic basket. It was heavy. cane

Mama put down a red and white picnic cloth. They put the food out.

The little mice were playing. Grandma and Grandpa were relaxing. Grandpa played his banjo. Everyone was happy. antswatermelonbanjo baseball bat tire

But Minnie wasn’t happy. She was upset. Tears fell from her eyes. She hugged her doll. ladybug

Minnie wanted to find her family. upside down

She saw a big plant. It had berries. tree trunk

At the picnic spot, the other mice were having a good time. They swam and played. Mama called them to come eat. watermeloncamerasalt and pepper napkinsboat

Minnie wanted to eat a red berry.

Soon she was eating lots of red berries.

The big mice saw that Minnie was not there. Mama counted the children. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. There should be nine!

They called, "Minnie? Where did you go?" The little mice were crying. Everyone looked for Minnie.

They ran to the truck.

Minnie had eaten too many berries. Her stomach hurt.

“Minnie? Where are you?” they called. The family looked for Minnie on the road.

Hey! What was that?

Minnie heard her name!

She ran to the voices.

It was her family!

They jumped out of the truck and hugged her. Everyone was happy to find Minnie.

Suddenly, Minnie turned around!

She ran away. Where was she going?

Minnie had dropped her doll.

She found her on the ground. Thank goodness!

The family went back to the picnic spot. Minnie didn’t eat. Her tummy was full of berries. She was so glad to be with them again.