When building a house, you see,
There are many things you need to be,
A master of, to build with glee,
And make your dream home a reality.

First, the footing strong and true,
To keep the house from sinking askew.
Next, the frame, a sturdy base,
That holds the walls in their rightful place.

With the walls up, it's time to fit,
The fixtures that make the home legit.
A firestop in the chimney's flue,
Ensures smoke doesn't escape and harm you.

Then comes the flashing, oh so bright,
To keep the water out of sight.
A filler here, a flitch there,
To make sure everything is square.

Outside, the flagstone is laid,
A pathway to the home's front glade.
And with all these things in place,
Your dream home now you can embrace.

So remember, when you build a home,
Each part is important, not just some.
From the footing to the flagstone's grace,
Each piece plays its vital place.

Reflections

1. What was the necklace in the story and why was it valuable?
2. Who was the detective in the story and how did he approach the investigation?
3. Who was the clever housekeeper and how did she help solve the mystery?
4. Were there any clues that helped the detective and housekeeper solve the case?
5. What was the surprising twist in the story and how did it change the investigation?
6. What did you think of the ending of the story? Did it surprise you? Why or why not?
7. Have you ever lost something valuable? How did you feel and what did you do to try and find it?