Moans and Groans and Dinosaur Bones (7 page)

At school, all the Pee Wees were talking about their badge project.

“I’m going to do the dinosaur claw,” said Kenny.

“I’m going to write about those dishes that were in the shipwreck,” said Rachel.
“I don’t think anyone else noticed them.”

But Molly didn’t talk about her project. She was sure her subject wouldn’t be chosen by anyone else. She wrote before breakfast and after lunch. At school and after school. Her project was too long. Molly took lots of words out. Then it was too short. She put some of the words back in. Then she copied it over in very small writing on both sides of one sheet of paper. It had been so much fun writing it, she was sorry to be finished.

On Tuesday the Pee Wees gathered in the Peterses’ basement. Mrs. Peters had a pile of badges in front of her.

“I think we should all read our papers out loud to the group,” she said. “That way we can all enjoy them! And if you drew a picture, you can hold it up when it’s your turn.”

Sonny held his picture up first. It was the dinosaur claw.

“Darn!” said Tim. “I drew that too!”

“It looks like a big wad of chewing gum,” said Tracy. “It doesn’t look like a claw.”

Tracy was right. Sonny’s picture could have been anything. It must not have taken him more than a minute to draw it. It was black.

“He only used one crayon,” said Roger.

“It’s not fair to get a badge for only using one crayon,” said Lisa in disgust.

Mary Beth read her piece about the baby shark named Scamper. Everyone laughed and clapped.

“That was good,” said Molly.

When it was Roger’s turn, he got up and read, “‘There were mummies in the museum, and they were old and they were dead. The end.’”

Rachel waved her hand. “Mrs. Peters, how can he get a badge for one line? That isn’t fair!”

“It’s not one line,” shouted Roger, “it’s
two
!”

“It’s still too short,” said Patty.

Molly had to admit to herself that it was unfair. She had spent hours writing and rewriting and copying her paper over. Then she remembered that she’d had a good time
doing it. Apparently Roger hadn’t.

Finally it was Molly’s turn to read her paper. She wondered if it was too long, or if it was boring, or if everyone would boo her.

But that didn’t happen. The title of Molly’s paper was “The Pee Wees Almost Go to Jail.”

It was a story about a trip to the Center City museum, a stay in a hotel, a mysterious man who looked like a crook, his girlfriend, and her dog, Roger.

And it was about a missing necklace from the museum and how the Pee Wees jumped to the conclusion that Mr. Ross was a crook. It had a surprise ending. Of course it wasn’t a surprise to the Pee Wees, because they had been there.

Everyone was spellbound as they listened. They clapped when Molly was done reading.

“But that’s not about something in
the museum,” Roger piped up.

“Mr. Ross was in the museum!” said Mary Beth, defending her best friend.

“He doesn’t live there,” said Sonny, “like a mummy or a shark.”

“Mummies don’t live there,” said Kenny. “They’re dead.”

Mrs. Peters held up her hand.

“Molly has done a very creative project,” she said, “on one sheet of paper. She has used her imagination to make the museum trip into a story. It will be a very good record for all of us to keep of our big adventure. It will remind us of the trip, and of the fact that we should not judge people too quickly. I am going to make copies for all of us to put in our scrapbooks.”

Most of the Pee Wees applauded again. Some even whistled.

“That was great,” said Mary Beth. “I
wish I could make things into stories like that.”

“I didn’t have to make it into one,” said Molly. “That’s just what happened.”

She was pleased that Mrs. Peters had liked her story. For a change, her wild imagination had not let her down. It had been very useful! It even helped to get her a badge. Rat’s knees, writing was fun. And Pee Wee Scouts was fun!

Mrs. Peters passed out the badges. Sonny lost his before the meeting was over. Roger spilled hot chocolate on his.

But Molly felt the badge’s soft, silky stitching and admired its bright colors. Then she put it between two pieces of clean paper in her folder. She put the folder safely into her book bag. This was a badge she’d never forget earning. She was sure it would always be her favorite!

Be a Pee Wee Scout!

In
Moans and Groans and Dinosaur Bones
, the Pee Wee Scouts visit a museum.

Have you been to a museum? There are many different kinds. Art museums are full of paintings and sculptures. History museums might focus on anything from arrowheads to airplanes. And science museums usually have displays about space, our planet, and animals—including dinosaurs!

Here are some activities you can try.

Draw a Picture

Museums are usually quiet, and that makes them a great place to draw. It’s a fun way to make sure you’ll always remember your visit. So find a spot to sit
down, make a drawing of your favorite museum item, and write what you’ve learned about it on the back.

Be a Cultural Detective

At many museums, you can learn about people who lived long ago. Imagine what it would have been like to be a caveman
or a president or an Indian. What would be different about that life? What would be easier than in your life today? What would be harder?

Quiz Your Parents

Write down five interesting facts that you learned at the museum. Then try to stump your parents. They’ll be amazed at how much you found out in a single afternoon.

Build Your Own Museum

As you go through the museum, imagine that
you’re
in charge. What displays would be in your perfect museum? Is there anything you absolutely wouldn’t have? Why or why not?

Don’t Forget the Internet

If you can’t make it to a museum in person, you can usually visit online. Ask your
parents to help you find a famous museum’s Web site. Then you can see pictures, learn facts, and maybe even watch movies. It’s almost as good as being there!