The Mystery That Wasn't

By Jan Shure-Hurwitz

A comedy of animals, led by Chagall the squirrel, a painter and part-time detective and his pal Sabout Tour the snake.  They are side-tracked from 

pursuing the charitabl

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Life Clarity Publishing
• Release date: Apr 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736119372

Book preview

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THE MYSTERY THAT WASN’T

(a Fable)

Author & Designer: Jan Shure-Hurwitz

Illustrated by: Alyssa Naylor

A Gramma Bunny Book

Dedication

To Aharon and Yosef Goldstein,

You are the tree through which I see the forest

No one has ever become poor by giving

Anne Frank

Acknowledgement

Much is owed to my good fortune in engaging Laurie Horowitz, my content editor and Westside Writers’ Workshop leader. She has guided me through multiple drafts, advising change and, when necessary, admonishing unnecessary verbiage. I have had the further great advantage of excellent writers from the workshop, who have offered suggestions with honesty, kindness and a keen eye for useful and positive criticism. I’m also grateful to Shari Lyon for her useful content editing and, Brenda Goldstein, my daughter, for her excellent copy editing. And last, no small thanks to Pattie Sadler, my publisher at New Life Clarity Publishing, for her kind guidance in this process and her recommendation of Alyssa Nadler, illustrator, who improved my drawings to perfection.

CHAPTER. 1

Deep within the wooded Lamina Village, where a gentle stream ran through and otters played, Chagall the wisest squirrel stood up as tall as he could and spoke from the top of his favorite pecan tree.

Careful, warned the tree. I’m developing my seedlings.

Oops! said the squirrel. I’ll be more careful. His tail brushed back and forth, as if he were painting.

Sabout Tour, the crafty copperhead snake, scooched out of Chagall’s way, so as not to get squirrel fur in his mouth.

Chagall whistled through his two front teeth to quiet all the animals from the village, who were congregated to hear the news.

I want to announce the coming of our much- awaited Nut Giveaway Holiday, Chagall said, as he rubbed his front teeth against his bottom teeth. Everyone is invited, whether or not you save, bury or hunt nuts. This year, we’re going to donate the proceeds to those of us forest dwellers who can’t scavenge for themselves. - Oh yes. Just a reminder to act like the best of animals.

Chagall’s mother raised her tail and said, Your Royal Rodentness, what folly is this? Not all of us eat nuts. I, personally, get severe reflux.

My Beloved Mother, I didn’t say we would supply only shell nourishment.

Make yourself clear, then, she retorted.

So, Chagall the squirrel reached for his canvas and read:

Seeds for the crows and other air fowl.

Veggies and meats for the wolves, bobcats and others,

with sides of honey for the bears.

Baby mice for the slithering creatures.

Mouse freaked out and squeaked, You can’t do that. I won’t have any next generations to get joy from.

Chagall put his paw over his mouth, rolled his eyes and said, My bad. Of course, we’ll find something else.

Scaramoose the moose