Identifying the Author's Tone in a Narrative

In the short story "The Curious Case of the Missing Statue," the author describes a busy city park where people come to relax and enjoy the sights. The story follows a group of friends who are puzzled when they notice that their favorite statue has disappeared overnight. The friends discuss their theories about what happened, including the possibility of a practical joke or a grand adventure.

As the friends share their stories, the author uses descriptive language and a light-hearted tone to engage the reader. The characters express excitement and curiosity as they speculate on the statue's fate, reflecting the playful nature of their personalities.

Considering the author's choice of language and the overall mood of the story, what is the author’s tone throughout the narrative?