The Case of the Missing Cupcake

Wompus Stompus Movement Mystery by Mollie Nelson

In a cozy little town filled with giggles, hopping feet, and sugar-sprinkled surprises, something very important has gone missing—a cupcake! But not just any cupcake. This was the last, extra-swirly, cherry-on-top, rainbow-sparkled cupcake that everyone had been saving for a special treat. “The Case of the Missing Cupcake” is a delightful and interactive story wrapped in mystery and movement, written to inspire kids to read, dance, and solve problems—all at once.

This tale is part of the beloved Wompus Stompus series and is created by author and illustrator Mollie Nelson. Known for blending storytelling with movement, Nelson’s books encourage physical activity through rhythmic text and engaging plots. This particular story takes young readers on a bouncy adventure with a pinch of detective work, a spoonful of imagination, and a big scoop of fun.

Story Begins A Sweet Disappearance

The story opens on a sunny morning in Tumblytown Elementary, where the kids are buzzing with excitement. Today is Treat Day. Everyone lines up for their snacks when suddenly, a loud gasp breaks the calm. The most magical cupcake of all is gone! Who took it? Where could it be? With no signs of crumbs or frosting trails, the mystery begins.

Enter our brave and curious hero, Benny Bounce—a kid with a heart full of rhythm and sneakers made for stomping. Benny decides to take on the case with help from his friends: Lulu Loop, who twirls when she thinks, and Sammy Slide, who glides into clues like a pro. This group of gumshoe movers doesn’t just talk about the mystery—they move through it, encouraging young readers to get up and mimic the fun motions.

Mystery with a Twist of Motion

Throughout the book, readers are prompted to engage physically with the story. Each clue the kids uncover leads to a motion-based activity. For instance, when the group investigates the playground, they hop like frogs. In the music room, they tiptoe to avoid disturbing instruments. In the library, they sway like whispering pages.

These movements are not random. They’re designed to promote gross motor skills and coordination, making The Case of the Missing Cupcake more than just a reading experience—it’s a full-body, literacy-boosting adventure. The rhythmic, chant-like lines make it easy for kids to remember and repeat, building language skills while having fun.

Characters That Dance Off the Page

Each character in the book brings a different type of movement into play. Benny Bounce’s stomping energizes the group and gives kids a safe outlet for jumping around. Lulu’s spinning is tied to moments of reflection, encouraging balance and mindfulness. Sammy’s sliding transitions scenes in a fun, flowing way that keeps the pace exciting.

And then there’s Ms. Muffin, the wise and slightly silly teacher who guides the kids with warm encouragement. Her catchphrase, “Think with your feet, feel with your heart!” is a mantra children love to repeat. She turns everyday situations into teachable moments that blend emotion, empathy, and action.

Solving the Case with Kindness

As the mystery deepens, false clues and silly distractions abound. A muddy paw print leads them to the school cat. A missing napkin suggests a sneaky snack attack. But every red herring comes with a giggle—and a new dance move. Eventually, the group learns that the cupcake wasn’t stolen at all. It had been hidden away by the school janitor for safekeeping after nearly being crushed by a flying dodgeball.

What stands out in the resolution isn’t just the “aha!” moment, but the message that sometimes, misunderstandings happen—and that jumping to conclusions can lead to unfair judgments. The team apologizes to those they wrongly suspected, turning their mystery-solving into a lesson about empathy and communication.

More Than Just a Story A Book with a Mission

Written with heart and purpose, The Case of the Missing Cupcake continues the tradition of combining literacy and movement in meaningful ways. Teachers and parents will appreciate how easily the story can be incorporated into a classroom or home routine. Movement breaks that tie into literacy have been shown to enhance focus and memory, and this book delivers those benefits wrapped in a story kids want to read again and again.

In fact, this story is part of the Wompus Stompus movement book by Mollie Nelson a celebrated series praised for transforming storytime into an active, educational experience. This book, in particular, has gained recognition for its ability to captivate even reluctant readers through rhythm, humor, and interactive storytelling. Children are not just reading—they’re thinking critically, practicing empathy, and staying active.

Bringing Wompus Stompus to Life

Mollie Nelson’s unique vision continues to evolve with every new title. Her blend of rhythmic language, engaging plots, and active storytelling has made her a favorite among educators, parents, and librarians. The Case of the Missing Cupcake showcases her talent for writing stories that are not only fun to read aloud but also perfect for classroom movement activities, theater roleplay, or even birthday party games.

Illustrated in bold colors with expressive characters, the book’s visuals complement the lively text. Every page is a burst of energy, designed to guide children through emotions like frustration, curiosity, teamwork, and joy. It invites participation without demanding perfection—whether a child jumps with two feet or wiggles in place, they are part of the story.

Ideal for Ages 3 to 8

Targeted toward preschool through early elementary ages, the book supports early literacy milestones. Children ages 3–8 will find the text easy to follow, with enough repetition to build vocabulary but plenty of surprises to keep them engaged. It also serves as a wonderful tool for speech therapists and special education classrooms, thanks to its inclusive, movement-based approach.

The language is playful yet purposeful. Sentences stay within a manageable length, helping emerging readers follow along without feeling overwhelmed. The transitions are smooth, and the story arc is satisfying, ending with a joyful cupcake celebration where everyone—including the reader—is invited to join the final “Wompus Stompus” dance.

Treat That Lasts Beyond the Page

The Case of the Missing Cupcake doesn’t end when the book closes. The story leaves readers with activity prompts they can try at home or in school, such as creating their own mini-mystery scavenger hunt or inventing a stomp-dance with their moves. This kind of active storytelling makes the book a resource, not just a one-time read.

It is also a great jumping-off point for discussions about fairness, sharing, and solving problems with kindness. Children are encouraged to think about how their actions affect others, and the resolution models positive conflict resolution in a way they can understand and remember.

Final Thoughts

With this book, Mollie Nelson continues to prove why she’s a standout name in children’s literature. The Case of the Missing Cupcake is not only a mystery full of laughs and adventure—it’s also a heartfelt invitation to move, think, and grow. Whether read at home or used in a learning environment, the story makes each child feel like a key part of the fun.