Mittens is a very happy kitten who lives in a cozy house. He has many toys, but his favorite is a bright red ball. He carries it everywhere he goes.

One morning, Mittens wants to play. He bats the ball with his paw. Boing! The ball bounces across the floor. But then, it disappears!

Mittens looks under the armchair. He looks behind the bookshelf. He looks high and he looks low. Where could his favorite red ball be?

Mittens walks into the dining room. “Maybe it is hiding under the table,” he thinks. He crawls under the big wooden table and looks around.

He sees something small and brown. Is it the ball? No, it is just a tiny crumb. A little mouse named Pip peeks out from the corner. “Have you seen my ball, Pip?” Mittens asks.

Pip shakes his head and scurries away. Mittens walks over to the window. The long, blue curtains are swaying in the breeze. “Is my ball behind the curtains?” Mittens wonders.

Mittens pokes his head behind the curtain. He finds a little ladybug named Dotty resting on the windowsill. “Hello, Dotty. Do you have my ball?” Mittens asks. But Dotty just flies away.

Mittens feels a little bit sad now. He sits down near the big, comfy sofa. Suddenly, he sees a flash of red in the shadows. He wiggles his tail and gets ready to pounce!

Mittens reaches his paw deep behind the sofa. He feels something round and smooth. He pulls it out, and there it is! His favorite red ball was hiding the whole time!

Mittens is so happy to have his ball back. He hugs it tight and purrs a very loud purr. Now it is time for a nap with his favorite toy. Goodnight, Mittens!