Boat Camp: Beanie Books, #5

By Matt Wiedeman

"You want us to go to boat camp!?!" Ben and his twin sister Beth asked their parents.

 

And so, the hilariously chaotic journey on Lake Erie kicked off. Join the daring duo, accompanied by their pals Gloppy (who inexplicably chose to dress as Santa… seriously, don't ask!) and Cole, as they set off on this nautical escapade. 

 

Wondering who's calling the shots? Well, it's none other than Captain Ted, but there's definitely something fishy about him. Beanie also joins in on the escapade. The plot thickens when the kids are left to their own devices and come across a potion-brewing witch. And just when you thought things couldn't get any fishier, they bump into Ego Mendo, the infamous smuggler. Let's just say, he's a whole different kettle of fish!

 

This boating escapade will have you hooked from start to finish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matt Wiedeman
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224295227

Matt Wiedeman

Hi everyone, I live in Cincinnati, OH with my family. I started writing Beanie in the Bottle as a fun side project. It ended up becoming a series. Someday I hope to meet a genie.

Book preview

Boat Camp?

You want us to go to boat camp!?! my twin sister Beth and I asked our parents in unison.

Jinx! You owe me a soda, Ben!

I'll get right on that, I replied.

Kids, just look at this brochure, Dad beamed with excitement.

Where on earth do you come up with these wacky ideas? I pondered aloud.

My parents glanced over at Beanie behind the ice cream counter at his shop. Beanie, the retired genie, had become a part of our lives after I freed him from a bottle in the haunted woods. In exchange, he granted me some wishes, and we've been inseparable ever since. But that's a whole other story.

Nowadays, Beanie runs the local ice cream parlor, which is practically the hub for all the kids in town. Some say it's the best ice cream in Ohio, while others might beg to differ.

Hey there, Ben. I handed out those brochures. You've been so focused on lifeguard training that I figured it was time for some open water action, Beanie quipped with a wink.

Beth saw the chance to escape boat camp. Hey, Ben, it totally makes sense for you to go. That means I don't have to, right?

I responded quickly. If I have to go, then you have to go. We're twins, remember? We stick together, even when it's boring!

Mom attempted to convince us. Kids, just think of all the exciting activities. It could be really fun.

I glanced at the list, which featured thrilling tasks like inspecting sails, polishing metal railings, and predicting the weather. Every single thing on this list looks like hard work. Why would I sign up for extra chores?

Maybe an ice cream cone will make this boat camp thing look better, Beanie suggested.

I seriously doubt that ice cream can turn hard labor into a beach party, I countered.

Come on, Ben, don't be such a drama king, Mom chimed in.

Beanie was relentless about the ice cream idea. Let's put it to the test. How about treating the whole fam to a round of cones?

As Beanie started scooping ice cream, our pals Cole and Gloppy barged in. As you can tell, this place is the hotspot for kids in our town.

Cole and I work together at the BushGrass golf course. And wouldn't you know it, he's also my neighbor. But let me tell you about our friend Gloppy - yes, that's Boris Gloppenstein, but he insists on Gloppy.

They saw us and walked over to our table. Hey, your parents are here, said Gloppy.

And before anyone else could react, my quick-witted Mom fired back, Aren't you just the keen observer!

I tell you, it's never a dull moment at this ice cream shop!

Anyway, Gloppy had some big news to spill. Hey, guess what? I just tried out to be the new mall Santa. I really think I've got a shot.

Seriously, Gloppy? Christmas is months away, Beth quipped.

I'm dead serious about this, Beth. It's not easy, you know. There's serious training involved. I've got to get into character, Gloppy insisted.

But aren't you a bit young to be playing Santa? Beth teased.

I'm working on my old man vibes. I'll have everyone convinced that I'm an experienced, seasoned Santa, Gloppy replied confidently.

And then, like magic, Gloppy morphed into Santa. He hunched over a bit and bellowed, HO HO HO!

That's hilarious, but won't the beard get itchy? Cole chimed in.

Gloppy shrugged.

Well, I don’t know about the Santa thing, but it sounds better than boat camp, I added.

Boat camp? asked Cole, looking puzzled.

Yeah, our parents have decided to sentence Beth and me to boat camp without a trial. They didn’t even bother to ask if we wanted to go.

Ben, we’re sitting right here, Dad interjected with a raised eyebrow.

I mean, it should be a lot of... uh, an interesting experience! I corrected myself with an exaggerated grin.

Cole was immediately on board. That sounds like a blast! I'll go consult the parental authorities.

Dad chimed in, passing Cole the fancy brochure. Take a peek at the brochure for more details.

Gloppy added, I can totally picture myself on a boat, too.

They both stepped outside to call their parents. In a minute or two they returned.

Cole eagerly confirmed, Count me in!

Excited, I turned to Gloppy, What about you? Are you in?

Gloppy sighed, My mom has imposed a strict 'no adult, no go' policy on me.

Turning to Dad for support, he deflected, I can’t go. I’m a bit swamped with work at the moment.

Then our attention shifted to Beanie.

I can't handle a boat trip! Beanie protested.

Beth jumped in, pointing out, But this was your brilliant plan.

Beanie shrugged, A boat camp adventure? Well, that certainly wasn't on my bingo card!

Day One

Our parents drove Beth and me to the dock for the first day of boat camp. We arrived on time, but nobody was there. However, we did see an old boat with the name Tubular on the side.

Beth scanned the area theatrically. Well, well, well! Looks like it's just us. Time to bail and head home, I guess.

I second that motion, I chimed in.

Patience, young grasshoppers, Mom interjected.

Suddenly, Cole and Gloppy strolled over. Gloppy was wearing a full-on Santa Claus getup.

Beth couldn't contain her laughter. Gloppy, what's with the Santa costume?

I've got big news! I will be the mall Santa this December!

Congratulations, but why wear the outfit now? I pondered.

I'm a method actor. Right now, I'm not Gloppy—I'm Santa.

Should we hand over our Christmas wish lists? inquired Cole.

Just pop them in the mail like always, Gloppy responded.

Sure thing, Santa, I quipped.

Santa, do you have a list and is it getting a double check? Beth inquired.

Gloppy whipped out a tiny notebook and started jotting something down. Beth snuck up to take a peek. What's the deal?

Gloppy quickly withdrew. This is top-secret Santa business.

We then witnessed the grand entrance of a loud, ancient, three-wheeled motorcycle rushing up to the dock.

"Hey, would you look at that! Our esteemed captain,