For Sara and Dante: Without you two Laurel Carnation would never exist. You have given me the experience to write these stories, and the motivation to get them out there. I have adored the many memories and adventures you have taken me on, And look forward to the ones still to come. 4 Gobble Words It's fun to learn new things, whether it's about new words, people, places, or things. Every Laurel Carnation adventure has words young readers may not be familiar with. Their meaning can be found at the conclusion (end) of the story. These are gobble words, words for young minds to "gobble up" to use every day. Broaden their vocabulary and their minds, and encourage your reader to learn these words and phrases. 5 I heard a roar come from deep in the jungle. It was dark in my cave, but I wasn't scared. The evil Medusa wouldn't find me there. "Get up!" She roared. "Or I'm coming in. Get up! I'll give you until the count of ten!" 6 7 "I'm coming out," I cried. "I'll be right there. Just please, oh please, don't let down the snakes in your hair!" "Silly girl," She called out. "What is it that you are talking about?" 8