The Shop That Wasn't There

Ada knows the Christmas street by its bench, bricks, and stars. So when she finds a shop where she remembers a wall, she wants proof—not just a guess.

With Markie, her seven-year-old friend and young sleuth, Ada looks for clues from the pavement. The shop has no name on its sign and no goods in its windows. A bell rings behind the shut door, and a crooked white line on Ada’s drawing may lead them closer to the truth. But reflections shift, paper stars obscure the view, and each new angle brings fresh doubt. Can Ada find evidence strong enough to trust what she remembers?

This gentle Christmas mystery invites young readers to notice details, compare clues, and think alongside Ada and Markie. With vivid seasonal scenes and a satisfying spirit of discovery, it’s a warm read-aloud or an engaging choice for early readers who enjoy a little mystery.