by Cheryl Secomb

Valentine wondered about many things.

He wondered what he would find under that rock

or where a puddle went once it was gone

or why his tail was so long.

Valentine wondered most about the sparkling stars. What did they really look like?

Because he was a tiny, little mouse, he knew he would never reach them. But still he gazed and wondered, wishing he could see them better.

On Valentine’s favorite holiday, he was busy baking heart-shaped cookies when he noticed a new neighbor moving in next door.

As she carried her belongings inside, one box made Valentine especially curious. It was longer than the mouse who carried it.

What could it be?

That night, Valentine sat in his mousehole, wondering and wondering about the mysterious box. Finally, Valentine decided to visit his neighbor. He took a plate of cookies with him.

Valentine knocked on her door.

She opened it and smiled.

Valentine introduced himself, handing her the cookies.

“Thank you!” she said. “I’m Violet. Please come in.”

Valentine looked around and spotted the empty box. What could have been inside? And then he saw it.

“What is that?” he asked.

“It’s a telescope!” she said. “Come and see!”

So Valentine did.

And to his surprise . . .

Valentine reached the stars.