From RICKY RICOTTA'S MIGHTY ROBOT VS. THE NAUGHTY NIGHTCRAWLERS FROM NEPTUNE Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot sat on the front steps of their house. They were bored. "We are going shopping," said Ricky's mother. "I don't want you boys making a mess while we are gone!" "A mess?" said Ricky. "When have we ever made a mess?" "Every time you jump in a mud puddle, you make a big mess," said Ricky's mother. "Oh, yeah," said Ricky. "And every time you climb a tree, you make a big mess!" said Ricky's mother. "Oh, yeah," said Ricky. "And every time you chew bubble gum, you make a big mess!" said Ricky's mother. "Oh, yeah," said Ricky. "I know," said Ricky's father. "Why don't you boys build a fort?" "A fort?" said Ricky. "Yes," said Ricky's father. "You can use tree branches or cardboard boxes or even old pieces of metal and wood to make a fort!" "That sounds like fun," said Ricky. "Great!" said Ricky's father. "Just remember, you must clean up after yourselves when you are done playing." "We will," said Ricky. "Good-bye," said Ricky's mother. "And remember: NO MESSES!" Excerpted from Mighty Robot vs. the Naughty Nightcrawlers from Neptune by Dav Pilkey All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
