The Missing Paintbrush

Lexile: 510 | Grade: 3

Passage

Lena loved to paint. Every Saturday morning, she set up her easel near the window, where the sunlight made her colors shine.

One Saturday, she reached into her art box and frowned. Her favorite paintbrush—the one with the red handle—was missing.

She searched the floor, under her table, and even in her backpack. It was nowhere.

Lena’s little brother, Jake, peeked into the room. 'Are you looking for something?' he asked.

'My red brush is gone!' Lena said.

Jake scratched his head. 'I used it yesterday to paint a sign for my toy store. I forgot to put it back.'

He ran to his room and returned with the brush, a little messy but still good. Lena smiled and said, 'Next time, just ask!'

Then she dipped the brush into bright blue paint and began to create a new masterpiece.