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Krista is about to finish grade three and looking forward to the holiday at her grandparents’ place, when her parents tell her that this year she will be going on her own. Krista will miss their parents, but she is happy to be spending her holiday with grandma and grandpa. She always has a lot of fun at her grandparent’s place, unlike her everyday life during the school year.

Every time Krista visits her grandparents, grandpa prepares different games and activities for her to do. This time, he invites her to try a game he played in his youth. The idea is to win a series of badges, each one being a reward for achieving different skills and disciplines.

Krista is excited and begins the game, called a “beaver hunt”. For the first badges, Krista has to develop her physical strength and agility by running, jumping and swimming. It is not always easy, and she finds, she had to work hard to get the badges, but she enjoys it and wins three badges in first couple weeks. The “hunts” for the next badges are even more exciting. She would get one for bravery, another for her ability to spend a day alone in the outdoors, and so on.

Krista’s grandparents have prepared a further adventure for her. They will all go together for a week-long hiking trip through the foothills and mountains and they will have a horse to carry their stuff. Krista, who never slept in a tent, has to prepare herself for the trip. She is thrilled with the plans for her holidays!

The hiking trip is beautiful and for Krista, her “hunt” for the badges makes it unforgettable. Before her holiday ends, she obtains still more badges after some remarkable hunts. Just before her departure, the seniors organize a big party with games, songs, and dancing. All kids as well as adults have lots of fun and happy memories to recall throughout the year.

Krista is sad to leave her grandparent’s place, but they help her to make plans for more activities through the school year. Krista’s parents agree to support her plans, and best of all, come to realize how much their help means to Krista.

About the Author:

EVA ZIDEK is living in Canada, in the Rocky Mountains. She likes outdoors, hiking, cross-country skiing and for these activities, she has many opportunities around her. The story in the book is based on her own experience, how her family spent summer with their children.