There is nothing better than the smell of cookies baking in the oven. Unfortunately for hans and Greta the cookies were for tomorrow’s bake sale at school. “Can we try one Mommy?” Greta asked. “Sorry dear but these cookies are for the bake sale. But if you eat all of your vegetables at dinner I will allow you each to have one cookie.” “Hurray!” the kids shouted.

“Hans and Greta!  Get down here immediately!” “What is it Mom?” Hans asked as his voice trembled. “I specifically told you not to touch the cookies but when I went back to the kitchen I noticed some missing cookies and there were crumbs all over the table,” “but it wasn’t us! Honest!” Greta pleaded.  “I’m really disappointed in you two. Your father and I will have to discuss your punishment.” “But.......” Hans mumbled as the kids marched up to their rooms.

“I don’t get it Hans. We didn’t steal those cookies.” “I know Greta. I think somebody set us up. But who? And why?” “I sure hope Mom and Dad don’t ground us this weekend. The Nylands are having a pool party on Saturday” Greta said as she started to cry. “Don’t worry sis, we’re going to get to the bottom of this before Dad comes home from work.”

“Um, so what now?” Greta wondered. “It’s time for us to do some good old-fashioned detective work.” “Well, I questioned all of my Barbie dolls and they didn’t see anything.” “Uh, yah. Good work Greta” Hans sarcastically replied. “We need to get out there and gather evidence to prove our innocence.” “But how are we gonna do that without Mom seeing us?” “I’ve got a plan Greta, just follow my lead.”

“Mom! Mom! I can’t find Hoss and I think he may have run away!” Greta wailed as she ran down the stairs. “I can’t go looking for him. I’ve got cookies in the oven.” “Don’t worry Mom. We’ll  go looking for him and then go straight to our rooms when we return” Hans responded. “Okay. Be safe and I hope you find him soon.” “Worked like a charm” Hans whispered to his sister.

Hoss was waiting for the kids behind the garage. “Good boy! Now let’s go find the cookie robber.” The pair walked for a couple of blocks before entering a wooded area. “What is this place Hans? And why does the air smell so sweet?” “It’s called ‘Sylvan Glen’ and I think the answers to all of our questions can be found in this enchanted forest.” Having spotted something Hoss suddenly ran off into the forest. “Hoss! Stop!”

“Hoss!  C’mere boy!” Greta shouted to no avail. “Whatever it was he saw seems to have really spooked him”  Hans added.  As the duo ventured deeper into the woods they felt as though they were being watched. Soon the kids were completely surrounded by elves. “What are you doing in our forest?” one of the elves cried out. “You better not be here to steal our cookies!” another elf growled. “No! No! No!” Hans responded. “We’re trying to find our dog. Wait, what was that you said about cookies?”

“At ease boys. Nobody’s here to steal our cookies. Are you?” “No sir” Hans quickly replied.  “What’s going on?”a confused Greta inquired.  “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is J.J. Elf. My elves and I have been making delicious cookies in this forest for centuries. “We sell them to grocery stores across the world. But I don’t think that’s why you’re here, is it?” “We’re trying to find out who stole some cookies that our Mom baked” Hans stated. “Hmmm. I have no idea who it could be but I do know someone who might. Follow me!”

And so Hans, Greta, Hoss, and a collection of elves began a lengthy trek to find out who was responsible for the missing cookies.

“Are we there yet J.J. Elf?”

“Not yet Ernie.”

“Are we there yet J.J. Elf?”

“Just a little bit further.”

"Is it much further J.J. Elf?"

"YES IT IS!!!!!!"

“Okay kids, this is as far as we can go. We don’t want to risk being seen by humans. On this sheet of paper is the address of someone who will help you solve the crime of the missing cookies.”

“Thanks J.J. We really appreciate all your with all......” and just like that, the group of elves had magically disappeared.

After walking around in circles, the kids decided to ask for directions. There was nobody around except for a furry green character hanging out in a garbage can. “Pardon me sir, but can you tell how to get, how to get to....” “Look at the sign at the corner! You’re already here!” “Thanks mister” Greta chimed in. “Yeah. yeah. Now leave me alone!” The creature snarled. “Geez, what a grouch” Hans muttered to himself.