We have gotten into the habit of starting with three drawings that represent “The Beginning,” “The Middle,” and “The End.” These help us build and expand our story.

A Mysterious Trail of Corn

A Sudden Storm Scatters The Evidence

On a quiet evening at Feather Hollow Farm, Pearl and her Hardy Hen crew notice something peculiar—perfectly arranged trails of golden corn kernels scattered across the barnyard. At first, it seems like a harmless oddity, but as the patterns grow more intricate, forming symbols and shapes, the hens realize this is no ordinary spilled feed. A mystery is unfolding, and the clues point toward a hidden message—one that could reveal a long-buried secret of the farm.

As Pearl and her team follow the trails, they uncover signs of disturbance in the old grain silo—tiny claw marks, misplaced sacks, and an eerie sense that someone, or something, is watching. Just when the hens think they’re onto the culprit, a sudden storm scatters their evidence, and doubt begins to creep in. Vexley, The Fox was known for his sharp wit, and he suggested an ancient barnyard legend—the tale of a lost grain stash, hidden decades ago. Could this mystery be tied to a long-forgotten treasure? And if so, who—or what—is trying to uncover it now?

The Clever Field Mice and Their Forgotten Treasure

With determination, the Hardy Hens work through the remnants of their clues, piecing together the true story behind the kernels. At last, they uncover the answer—a family of clever field mice, descendants of the barn’s original inhabitant, have been tracing out maps, hoping to reclaim their ancestors’ forgotten grain stash. Rather than seeing them as foes, Pearl decides on a heartwarming resolution—helping the mice recover their buried treasure while ensuring harmony remains in the farmyard. The mystery of the curious corn kernels ends not with rivalry, but with unexpected friendship, proving that some secrets are best uncovered together.

Our Working Cover

This is planned as an 8” by 8” book for younger readers. But the text can be expanded and the cover altered to turn the story into a 6” by 9” book for older readers.