“That’s the end,” Dad said, closing the book. “Time for bed. Are you sleepy?”

Katie nodded, almost giggling because of her special secret.

Mom came into the living room. “Bedtime! Do you have Freddy? And your blanket?”

Katie held up Freddy, her stuffed rabbit. “Where’s Tatters?” she asked, smiling because she had a secret.

Mom laughed. “Yes, you need Tatters. There’s not much left of that old blanket, but we know you love it.”

“That’s right,” Dad agreed. “You take Tatters everywhere.”

Katie frowned. She remembered how the kids teased her at preschool. They all brought stuffed animals, but only Katie needed her blanket. It was just a tatter, but it smelled good and felt good.

“Maybe Tatters is in the kitchen,” Mom said.

Katie thought about her special secret and giggled as she hurried to the kitchen with Freddy.

“I don’t see Tatters in here,” said Mom.

Dad tapped his chin. “Maybe Tatters is in our room.”

They moved to Mom and Dad’s room. Katie put Freddy in front of her face to hide her grin.

Mom looked under the bed. “Where else could it be?” she asked.

“Katie’s room!” said Dad.

Giggling, Katie raced ahead and jumped on her bed.

Mom looked behind the curtains. “No Tatters here.”

Dad looked in the closet. “No Tatters here.”

“She had Tatters at dinner,” said Mom. “She said the kids at school were teasing her today.”

Dad nodded. “Then you and I cleaned up the kitchen, while Katie worked on a surprise for Freddy.”

“But where’s Tatters?” Mom asked.

Katie couldn’t keep her secret any longer. “Here!” she shouted. She held up Freddy and made him jump and swoop so that his new cape swirled and fluttered.

“Look at that!” said Mom.

“Is Freddy wearing Tatters?” asked Dad.

“Yes!” Katie giggled. “I made a cape for Freddy with my blanket. He wants to wear it to school tomorrow.”

“Freddy looks very handsome,” said Mom.

Katie and Freddy snuggled into her pillow, happy and proud of his beautiful new cape.

“You’re pretty smart,” Dad said, kissing her cheek.

“I know,” Katie giggled. “Freddy is, too.”