# The Winter Storm Patrol

When a huge winter storm threatens to flood the otter tunnels, junior inspectors Splash and Ripple must prove they are ready for the job. Brandt and Carter learn that the bravest thing a team can do is call in the right kind of help.

Ages 5–7. 8 chapters, about 36 minutes.

## What happens

A huge winter storm is coming, and school custodian Mr. Tom quietly suggests that Brandt and Carter check on their friends. In the tunnels, Oliver is watching the rising creek while young otters Splash and Ripple, the colony's junior tunnel inspectors, report a storm drain near the park that is backing up. Brandt and Carter find a branch jammed across the grate and must decide what to do about fast, muddy water that nobody should go near.

This gentle, suspenseful story shows children how to stay safe: tell a trusted adult, call the right helpers, and use teamwork and a clever idea from Jasper to protect the youngest otters sleeping in the nursery chamber.

## From Chapter 1

> Rain drummed on the classroom windows all through math. By lunchtime, it was still going, harder than before.
>
> "Big one coming tonight," Mr. Tom said, wheeling his cart of mops past Brandt and Carter's table in the cafeteria. "Weather folks are calling it an atmospheric river. Fancy name for a whole lot of rain in a hurry."
>
> Brandt looked up from his tray. "How much rain?"
>
> "Enough that the creek's going to be running high for days," Mr. Tom said. He lowered his voice, even though the cafeteria was loud enough that nobody else could hear. "You two might want to check on your friends before it really gets going."
>
> Carter's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "You mean...?"
>
> Mr. Tom just nodded and kept walking, whistling like he hadn't said anything at all.

## Chapters

1. Storm Warning
2. The Patrol
3. Too Big to Handle
4. The Signal
5. A Plan with the City
6. Waiting It Out
7. The Drain Clears
8. Full Inspectors