How to Merit in Monsters Page 4

  Nervously (seriously, my hands were shaking), I flipped open the book. “Uh, it says, ‘To be awarded the Bigfoot Badge, the junior scout must display acts of courage, kindness, and teamwork, as well as pass the challenge of using the Bigfoot Call on a genuine bigfoot specimen, preferably an irate one.’”

  Walter pinned a shiny badge on my otherwise empty vest. “I’d say you all passed with flying colors. So I, Strange Scoutmaster Walter Simmons III, welcome you to the Strange Scouts and award you the prized Bigfoot Merit Badge.”

  Then he pinned badges on Manuel, Ginger, and Asma, too.

  “Repeat after me,” he said.

  On my honor I will do my best:

  To honor Mother Nature and all her creations, especially the monstrous ones,

  To help my fellow citizens of the world,

  To preserve oddity and strangeness in all its glory, especially my own,

  Because uniqueness is never weakness.

  We repeated the words.

  Walter saluted us. “That’s it! You’re all Strange Scouts, Junior Class. Now turn to page 5 in the handbook and study the chapters on herding northeastern biting pukwudgies. That, and two-person rowing. This week was the easy part, scouts. From here on out, you’ve got your work cut out for you!”

  Bigfeet dwell primarily in the deciduous forest biome, where temperate forests of trees lose their leaves with the changing seasons. You might think that these forests are common, but genuine deciduous forests become rarer each year. How can we help? One way is to visit a national park today! Spending time in the beauty and wonder of our protected parklands is the first step to becoming a Strange Scout!

  Learn more by visiting the National Parks Service at nps.gov/​kids.

  MATTHEW CODY is the acclaimed children’s author of several popular books, including the award-winning Supers of Noble’s Green trilogy: Powerless, Super, and Villainous. He lives in New York City with his wife and son.

  STEVE LAMBE is an Emmy Award-winning animator for TV shows such as The Fairly OddParents, Teen Titans Go!, and The Mighty B! He has also illustrated several books in the Golden Book series. He lives in Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son.