WHY IS THE MONA MOUSA SMILING?

New Clues to the Mystery of the
World's Most Famouse Painting
By Soya Mousehao

NEW MOUSE CITYFive centuries ago, the artist Mousardo da Munchie painted his mousterpiece, the portrait of a lovely young mouse named Mona Mousa. Her mysterious smile has amazed and delighted art-loving rodents ever since. Today, the painting hangs in the Moustropolitan Museum of Art, right here in New Mouse City, where it's viewed daily by thousands. But no one has ever been able to discover the secret behind the smileuntil now.

In an exclusive interview with reporters from The Rodent's Gazette, art expert Frick Tapioca announced a sensational discovery. He said he had x-rayed the Mona Mousa, and found another painting behind it! Furthermore, the older painting contains a message written in code by Mousardo da Munchie!

That da Munchie was one smart mouse, said Tapioca. He painted the mysterious smile on her because she's hiding one of history's best-kept secrets. Then, shuddering to the tip of his tail, he added, I'm starting to think it's a secret that may be very, very dangerous.

Regardless of the danger, Geronimo Stiltonwith the help of his sister Thea, his cousin Trap, and his favorite nephew Benjaminis determined to solve the 500-year-old mystery. It seems that Mousardo left eleven clues scattered all around New Mouse City, and the painting is the key. When all eleven clues have been found, the code can be broken and the secret revealed.

Perhaps that explains why various sinister-looking rodents have been trying to find the eleven clues before Geronimo does. Let's hope our not-so-fearless editor gets there first. Because if the secret falls into the wrong paws, there's no telling what could happen!

© EDIZIONI PIEMME – ITALY