It was really sweet to see these pre-readers trying to scribble down the clues into their notebooks.
In place of the cake was the first clue, "Your cake I did take! Bounce up or down, and I'll still have the best cake in town!" Our crime-solvers ran to the jump house with a little help emphasizing the "bounce" part of the clue.
Next, they were told, "Follow my feet to find the next next clue to your sweet treat." Stuck to the patio floor were footprints I had printed and cut out.
These led them inside the house (not the roof like they had originally speculated). Clue three read "Into the front yard. Never put down your guard."
Once they found the final clue, which said "It's no mirage...that's me behind the garage" they all raced back to the back yard. Hiding in the back was the villain, Chris French. I knew he'd be perfect for the role. He didn't disappoint with his wig and beard disguise. Earlier in the party, he made an appearance pretending to rake the yard. It was very suspicious!
Cooper pulled off the wig to reveal his true identity while Chris spoke the famous Scooby Doo catch-phrase, "And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for your meddling kids."
The cake was safely recovered. Let's eat!