The Mountain Mystery
Phase 8 · Book 5Focus ou and ow; complex-vowel review
On a mountain walk, Molly and Arthur stop with Dad. They spread a picnic cloth on level ground. The clouds drift over the peaks. “Listen!” says Molly. “What is that sound?”
A low rumble comes from beyond the hill. Then they hear a clatter. “Could it be thunder?” asks Arthur. Dad looks at the sky. It is clear above them.
They pack up their picnic. Dad leads them round a bend on the marked path. The sound grows louder. Molly spots dust rising behind a wooden bridge.
A farmer appears at the far end of the bridge. A flock of brown sheep follows him. Their hooves clatter on the boards. “We found our rumble!” says Arthur.
The family waits well back as the flock passes. One lamb looks down and gives a loud bleat. “That one sounds like a trumpet!” says Molly. The farmer smiles and waves.
They return to their picnic spot. Arthur draws the bridge and the flock. Molly draws the noisy lamb. “The mountain mystery was a sheep parade!” she says.