Spring break is here, and while some kids are heading to the beach or visiting grandparents, others are hanging out at home—wondering how to fill all that free time. Whether your family is traveling or taking it easy, there’s one thing every kid can do from anywhere: go on an epic nighttime adventure … with a little help from Crosley and the Night Buddies crew!

This week, we’re inviting young readers to write their own Night Buddies spring break story. What kind of wild mission would you go on with Crosley the red crocodile? Where would you go? What would you find? And, of course, will there be pineapple cheesecake involved?

Let’s get those imaginations going!

Meet Your Main Characters: Crosley and John

Before you start crafting your own spring break mission, you need to know the dream team that started it all: John Degraffenreidt and Crosley.

John: The Brave (and Slightly Sleepy) Hero

John is your average middle-grade kid—smart, curious, and just adventurous enough to say “yes” when a red crocodile shows up at his window with a mission. He’s thoughtful and observant and keeps a level head when things get weird (which, with Crosley around, they always do).

Crosley: The Red Crocodile with a Cheesecake Obsession

Crosley isn’t just red—he’s ridiculously red, totally unpredictable, and 100% committed to his pineapple cheesecake addiction. As a full-fledged agent of the super-secret Night Buddies Program, Crosley takes kids like John on top-secret missions that must be carried out under the cover of darkness. Loud, energetic, and always just a little chaotic, Crosley brings the fun (and the mess) to every mission.

Together, John and Crosley solve mysteries, outwit bad guys, and somehow make it back before sunrise (usually).

Now you are ready to start your story!

Step 1: Choose Your Mission

Every Night Buddies adventure starts with a top-secret mission. Spring break is the perfect time for something new and unexpected.

Need some ideas? Try one of these:

  • Operation Lost Flip-Flop – A famous pair of flip-flops has vanished from the beach. Were they stolen? Do they have magical powers? You and Crosley are on the case.

  • The Cheesecake Factory Has Gone Green! – Crosley’s favorite dessert shop is suddenly making avocado cheesecakes for Earth Day. Is it a prank? Sabotage? Or a delicious accident?

  • The Mystery of the Missing Spring Flowers – Someone—or something—is stealing all the flowers in the borough.. Can you and Crosley catch the culprit before the Spring Parade?

Or make up your own mission! Just ask:

  • What’s the problem?
  • Why is it urgent?
  • Why does it need to happen at night?
Step 2: Pick the Setting

Where will your story take place? One of the best parts about the Night Buddies series is how everyday places become mysterious once the sun goes down.

Will your spring break mission take you to:

  • A moonlit beach crawling with clues?

  • A botanical garden filled with misbehaving plants?

  • A quiet neighborhood that’s not so quiet after dark?

Let your imagination take you somewhere strange, silly, or even a little spooky.

Step 3: Don’t Forget Crosley! (And Maybe Add a Friend)

Crosley is your sidekick for this mission, no question. But maybe your story could use one more character…

Try adding:

  • A new Night Buddy (perhaps a talking bunny with X-ray vision?)

  • A mysterious figure who’s following you—but why?

  • A villain with a soft spot for cheesecake and a clever disguise

Remember: Crosley adds comic relief, chaos, and lots of heart. He’s not just a red crocodile—he’s a friend you can count on… unless he’s distracted by dessert.

Step 4: Start Writing (or Drawing!)

Now it’s time to turn your idea into a story. You can write it out, create a comic strip, or illustrate it like a picture book. All styles are welcome!

Use this structure to get started:

  1. Beginning – You’re settling in for spring break when Crosley shows up with a mission…

  2. Middle – You face tricky clues, sneaky goons, and probably a cheesecake emergency.

  3. End – You save the day (or night), maybe learn something new, and get back home just before morning.

Every Great Adventure Starts with “What If…”

John never knows what to expect when Crosley shows up at his window—but he always says yes. Why? Because deep down, he knows that the best adventures happen when you’re willing to try something new… even if it’s at midnight and involves pineapple cheesecake.

This spring break, what kind of mission would you say yes to?