PPBF: Brave Girl PLUS 50 Precious Words Contest

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Are you ready for something fun, my friends?

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday, so you know we are going to have a review of a great picture book. Plus, because this is Women’s History Month, I’ve chosen a book that celebrates an important Mighty Girl in American history, Clara Lemlich.

But first I want to tell you about a mini-contest. Wednesday was the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. One of his books actually came about because of a bet he made with Bennett Cerf, one of the publishing giants of Random House. Cerf challenged Seuss to write a children’s book using only 50 words. And the classic Green Eggs and Ham was born. It’s true that the story has over 700 words…but only 50 unique words.

If you are currently writing picure books…or just reading them, you’ll notice that the average word length is getting shorter and shorter. So I thought, wouldn’t that be a great challenge…to write a story for kids with only 50 words. With a beginning, a middle, and an end. I wondered if I could do it. And I decided to open the challenge to everyone. Here are the guidelines:

50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CONTEST

  1. Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words…they can all be different words, or you can use some of them over and over…just as long as the total word count for the story is 50 or less.
  2. It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
  3. Title is not included in the word count.
  4. No illustration notes please.
  5. Post the story on your blog if you have one and put the link in the comments OR post the story in the comments.
  6. Deadline for posting the story or the link in the comments is Friday, March 18th…that gives you two weeks.
  7. Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 19th, in our Will Write for Cookies post.
  8. Prizes? Of course! In honor of Women’s History Month, a copy of Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough. And we’ll see what else I can figure out.
  9. This just in!!!! Kristen Fulton is donating a seat in her April Nonfiction Archaeology class. Just to let you all know…I took her class in June 2014..and that was the step that led me down this path of writing nonfiction picture books. I wrote Sweet Dreams, Sarah the month after the class ended. And I’ve been writing nonfiction picture books ever since!
  10. I’m also going to offer a mini-critique of a picture book manuscript…hopefully, after years of writing, revising, and critiquing, my feedback will be helpful.
  11. Plus, I have a soft spot for mini-books…you know, those tiny books you can hold in the palm of your hand. It’s time to share a couple from my collection.
  12. Stop the presses!!!!! Another GREAT PRIZE has just been donated! My fabulous agent, Essie White, is going to give a critique to one of the winners! Thank you so much, Essie! This contest is shaping up to be so much more than I had ever expected. Thank you so everyone who is posting about it and sharing on Facebook and Twitter!
  13. Hurray…another great prize!!!! Next Saturday, as I mentioned, when I announce the winners, I’ll also be interviewing debut picture book author, Nancy Churnin. So I am adding a shiny new copy of her book, “The William Hoy Story” to the prize pool…woo-hoo!

I’ve been participating in Carrie Charley Brown’s ReFoReMo Challenge. The list of recommended picture books was astounding. Fortunately, my local library is able to get most of the books I request. Plus, they don’t have a limit on the number of books you can take out. One of my favorites so far is the story of the girl who led the fight for better conditions for workers in the garment industry. And I thought it was a stellar book to spotlight during Women’s History Month.

brave girl

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909

Written by Michelle Market

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Publisher: Balzer & Bray (2013)

Ages: 5-9

Themes: Courage, standing up for what is right, working together, labor unions

 

Opening Lines:

“A steamship pulls into the harbor, carrying hundreds of immigrants—and a surprise for New York City.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon: This is a true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. This picture book biography includes a bibliography and an author’s note on the garment industry. It follows the plight of immigrants in America in the early 1900s, tackling topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry, with handstitching and fabric incorporated throughout the art.

When Clara arrived in America, she couldn’t speak English. She didn’t know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast.

But that didn’t stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory.

Clara never quit, and she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen.

From her short time in America, Clara learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to.

 

Why I like this book:

  • This is a moment in history that comes alive for children and that is what I love about these newer nonfiction picture books. The author paints a picture with her words and the reader and listener are there. Fingers crossed that my Sweet Dreams, Sarah will do this also.
  • The wonderful illustrations support the text perfectly…and with text by Michelle Market and illustrations by Melissa Sweet, this is no surprise.

 

How a parent can use this book and related activites:

  • Great read-aloud.
  • Springboard for a discussion on how one person can make a difference. What would have happened if Clara hadn’t spoken up?
  • Talk about people in your family who may have had similar experiences.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Make a Family Tree and Timeline

familytree_finalresult1Photo courtesy: http://www.alphabetkids.com

A family tree and timeline can be a great way for children to find a way to relate to ‘the good old days’. Find detailed directions at this wonderful website: http://www.alphabetkids.com/?q=parents/craft-activities/family-tree

If your child can speak with a grandparent or great-grandparent, they can find out lots of stuff…did they watch TV when they were a kid? What did they do when they got home from school? What did they learn in school? And, relating it to the story, did they ever go out on strike? If so, what for? Interaction between the generations is a valuable thing!

 

And for more wonderful picture book reviews, visit Susanna Hill.

So, my friends, I hope some of you will participate in the 50 PRECIOUS WORDS CHALLENGE.

Oh, I knew I forgot something! Here is my little sample example for you…it’s a story I had been working with on and off. It was over 500 words…but obviously, I cut it drastically. I’m excited to read all of your wonderful entries which will absolutely positively be better than mine.

Pilar the Pirate (50 words) by Vivian Kirkfield

 

     Pilar wanted to be a pirate captain. No treasure. No crew.

     She enrolled in pirate school. On a scavenger hunt, Pilar and her partners filled the bag. Soon they were lost. Lenny blubbered. Jenny sobbed. Pilar said. “Follow me!”

     “Aye, aye,” Lenny and Jenny piped up. “We’re right behind you.”

 

Have a wonderful weekend! I’m truly looking forward to reading your stories…I hope we have a lot of entries…this is a community of support and encouragement.

406 thoughts on “PPBF: Brave Girl PLUS 50 Precious Words Contest”

  2. Hey Vivian! Thanks for bringing Brave Girl to my attention, I’m going to have to pick that one up. Love your contest idea! I’ll give it a shot😊

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. I loved Brave Girl, too, Vivian. Great choice for PPBF. The family tree brought back wonderful memories, too. Both daughters, now grown, made them in kindergarten. The best school projects ever!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Wasn’t it a super story, Pat? And I never thought about relating family trees to the timeline of history…but I’m realizing that they would be a great way for young kids to connect to events that happened long ago. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Oh yay!!!! I’m so happy you are going to participat4e in 50 Precious Words, Sue! I’m using Brave Girl as a mentor text also…I’m actually working on a story (my February 12 Days of Nonfiction draft) about an immigrant. Can’t wait to read your entry. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Hi Manju…hope you get to read Brave Girl soon. I took out a huge stack of books for the ReFoReMo challenge and plucked that one out to read first…I’m so glad I did! Please please please do participate in the contest…I’d love to have you on board. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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    • And you are kind and generous! They say less is more…but it sure was hard! I hope you get to read Brave Girl soon, Wendy…it’s definitely one of the best of the genre…and a GREAT mentor text. 😉

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  9. I love true stories about brave girls/women who made a difference in history. This book intrigues me because my grandmother worked in the clothing industry 30-40 years after Clara, as a seamstress and later as a designer.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Oh, that is fascinating about your grandmother, Pat. My mother-in-law told me that when she was a young girl back in Europe, she left home at age 14 to be a seamstress for a wealthy city lady. She was given a tiny room, a couple of meals a day, and she sewed all of the lady’s garments. Hope you get to read Brave Girl. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Here is my story 🙂

        DOGGIE DELIGHTS by Janie Reinart

        Doggie delights in digging.

        Dirty Doggie.

        SELF-SERVE DOG WASH.

        Doggie deposits a bone.

        Pulls ropes.

        Pushes levers.

        Bubble-bath.

        Rinse.

        Pulls ropes.

        Pushes levers.

        Dryers on.

        Pulls ropes.

        Pushes levers.

        Brushes fluff.

        Pulls ropes.

        Pushes levers.

        Bandana on.

        Pulls ropes.

        Pushes levers.

        Treats for a clean Doggie.

        Doggie delights in digging.

        Liked by 9 people

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        • Thank you, thank you, dear Janie! What a fun story! This is just the type of story kids will love…lots of repetition…it will delight kids the way digging delights doggie. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun. 😉 You and Stephanie posted at exactly the same time. 😉 A tie for first entries. 😉

          Liked by 1 person

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  11. This book looks incredible. I already started Googling this fascinating woman – woman at the turn of the 20th century were not messing around. Between suffrage and child labor laws, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Can’t wait to check this out.

    And 50 words, no art notes! That’s quite a challenge!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Would love to see you take it on, Jess! The more, the merrier!
      Glad the review sparked your interest in Clara…you are so right…it was so hard for a female to step out of the mold that had been cast by men…hip hip hooray for the ones who did…they led they way, for sure. 😉

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  12. I like Brave Girl, too! What a fun contest. If I can squeeze a story out this wkend, I’ll let you know! My students and I had green eggs & ham yesterday! They loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. I am on my last day of visiting beautiful Hawaii. I love reading your post! For the challenge, here is my 50 Word story as it is unfolding before me:

    HONU WAITS
    (TURTLE WAITS)

    The water is deep and cool.
    Honu drifts
    through blue,
    then turquoise,
    then green.
    Honu waits.
    Rises.
    Drifts.
    Gold sand.
    Honu rests.
    Sun warms him.
    One flipper
    Then the other.
    One leg
    And again.
    Honu waits
    White froth covers him.
    Honu drifts
    Through green
    Then turquoise
    Then blue.

    Liked by 11 people

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  15. Brave Girl sounds like a great read; I can’t wait to get hold of it. Thanks for a great contest. Here’s my 50-word story. Carol Samuelson-Woodson (purplebrookatyahoodotcom)

    THE FLEAS AND ME

    They say I am a good dog,
    I always try to please,
    I do my best–
    But get no rest–
    I’m stuck with these old fleas.
     
    Now they’re going to bathe me?
    How much worse can it get?
    The fleas, they say–
    Will go away?
    Hooray! Let’s all get wet.

    Liked by 10 people

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  16. Hi, Here is my story:

    No Whine Wednesday!

    (kid’s Mom}

    Dr’s visit today kids
    .
    {Sophia}
    Oh No!
    No shots please!
    No shots please!

    (Charlie)
    I’m not worried, I don’t need any

    {Kids Mom}
    Stop Whining!

    {Sophia}
    No shots please!

    {Mom]
    Wait and see.

    All day Sophia whined

    {Mom}
    This is no whine Wednesday.

    {Sophia}
    Very Funny!
    {Charlie}
    I don’t need any shots.

    {Dr.”s office}
    Hi kids

    (Sophia}
    I don’t need any shots!

    {Dr.}
    Oh, really
    Let’s see who needs shots
    Sophia, you don’t need any

    But, Charlie needs two!!!!!!!!!

    dpasiczniak@yahoo.com
    Donna Mae Pasiczniak

    Liked by 8 people

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    • Oh my goodness, Donna Mae..this is definitely a story every kid can relate to. 😉 Thank you so very much for joining in the fun!!! I’m thrilled to see so many lovely new (to me) writers participating!!! So happy to meet you. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  17. Too funny, I also wrote a dog story! I’ve posted it here, but will also post on my blog soon: http://www.frogonablog.net. This really was a great exercise in learning to cut words.

    A Ride in the Car (50 words)

    by Lauri Fortino

    My tail wags fast.
    My head’s out the window.
    We’re going to the park.
    Or Grandma’s.
    Or Hotdog Hut.
    Hey!
    This is not the park.
    Or Grandma’s.
    Or Hotdog Hut.
    My tail droops.
    This place smells scary.
    A shot!
    Awrooooo!
    What? Done!
    Next stop, Hotdog Hut!
    My tail wags fast.

    Liked by 11 people

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  20. I have never considered myself a wordy person, until this challenge. Phew! Thanks so much for putting this together, Vivian. It really was fun and a great exercise in writing succinctly. Here’s my go at it…

    Anything but Broccoli!
    By: Jodi McKay

    Broccoli? Yuck!
    I’ll eat beets, beans, even bok choy. Anything but broccoli!
    Here boy, got a tasty treat for you.
    Psst! I’ll do your chores if you eat these.
    They will blend in nicely with my napkin.
    UGH! I hate broccoli!
    Only one bite?
    Mmmmmm, not bad.
    More broccoli please!

    Liked by 7 people

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    • This story made me laugh, Jodi…and nod my head. I totally remember hating broccoli (actually love it now, go figure)…and wished we had a dog so I could sneak it to him. And I recall many napkins that became the repository for a couple of crowns. 😉 😉 Thank you so much for playing along…great job!

      Liked by 1 person

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  21. I grabbed this entry from Lauri Fortino’s FB share of the contest…I wasn’t sure if Sandy would post it here also:

    Sandra Dodge Here’s my story. It’s called Bhean Chapull, the Horse Woman.

    Moonlight music
    Calls Katiri from her bed:
    lovely bells
    in the grass
    in the brook.

    Pocketing them,
    She sees Bhean Chapull
    collecting
    bare-barked sticks
    until her bundle bulges.

    Into Rainbow Valley;
    Bhean Chapull sings the horse to life.

    Something is missing!
    Katiri’s bells are mane and tail.

    Then…they fly.

    Liked by 7 people

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    • Hello Sandy…I hope you don’t mind that I grabbed this from the FB page…I wanted to make sure everyone got to enjoy your hauntingly beautiful story…50 precious words indeed. 😉 Thank you so much for participating!

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  22. Took the challenge! I wrote LOVE HUGS using 49 words. Whew! http://www.keiladawson.com/love-hugs/

    And I’m adding it here, just in case, to make sure no one misses it:

    LOVE HUGS
    by Keila V. Dawson

    Would you like a hug goodnight?
    Not tonight, I’m alright.

    Would you like one when you’re sad?
    Not when sad. Not when mad.

    Would you like one for good-bye?
    Not for good-bye. Not if I cry.

    Would you stop me if I do?
    Not at all, I’d like two!

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Yes!!!! I am excited to read your entry, Erik! I’m glad I introduced you to a book you had not heard of…I think that probably doesn’t happen too often…you are the best read young man I know. 😉

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  24. Here’s my story:

    A Wild Ride:

    Clickety clank, up we go through the dark scary tunnel.
    Shifting with each turn of the wheels, my head bobs around wildly.
    Screams fill my ears as we plummet down the steep drop to our doom.
    Water splashes all around as the cries turn to laughter.
    The ride is over.

    Thank you for the fun task.
    Melissa Cinotti Folette

    Liked by 6 people

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    • Oh, this is lots of fun, Melissa…I used to love water rides…I remember when we took our kids to Disneyworld and we waited forever on a line for one of them..but it was worth it…what a great cooling off we had. Thank you so much for stopping by and for giving us this great entry to the contest. 😉

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  25. Thanks for the insight on your post, Vivian!
    Here is my entry for the 50 word challenge….

    Petunias for Patty Sue
    Patty Sue loved petunias
    white Petunias
    pink petunias
    purple petunias

    Patty Sue dreamed she planted a beautiful garden of petunias
    white Petunias
    pink petunias
    purple petunias

    Patty Sue!! Come outside! I have something for you!

    Patty Sue opened the door to see petunias everywhere!
    White petunias
    Pink Petunias
    Purple petunias

    Liked by 5 people

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    • I forgot to include my information! This was written by Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield for the March 12 by 12 challenge as well as the 50 word challenge. Thanks for having this contest! I had been struggling with this ms for a while and your challenge gave me the answer to the dilemma.

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    • I’m so glad that Patty Sue woke up to such a lovely reality. Thank you so much for participating, Gabrielle. I read your entry and thought to myself, who is ‘awesomeauthor’…and then I scrolled down and saw you had answered my question. So happy you hopped on board…and I’m thrilled that the challenge helped you get past a story problem.

      Liked by 1 person

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  26. What a neat but difficult contest. Hope I did it justice.

    No More Drips

    Drip goes the rain on the roof.
    Through an itty bitty hole.
    Mama gets a bucket.
    But the dripping takes a toll.
    The rain no longer drips.
    Mama dumps the bucket out.
    Papa’s hammer goes tap, tap.
    “No more drips,” I shout.

    Liked by 6 people

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  27. Great idea. Don’t know that I’ll be able to pull something together, but it’s fun to think about what I might do if I can. And what a great picture book! I wish I had a library nearby. Thanks for the tip on a good book though.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • I hope you do. Thanks for stopping by, Johnell. Even if you don’t have the time, I know you will be cheering every on. And who knows, maybe those 50 precious words will just come tumbling from your pen. 🙂

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    • Thanks for stopping by, Carrie! I appreciate that, with ReFoReMo going strong and taking your attention, you took the time to come by and leave a comment. Of course it would be fun to have your enter…but I totally understand if you can’t. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  29. Suzy,
    What a great idea! Unfortunately, I’m in preparation for complete right knee replacement and won’t be able to join the fun.

    I will watch the progress as it takes form.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hello Betty…thank you so much for stopping by…I’m sorry you won’t be able to participate…wish it was for a more fun reason like a vacation! But I’m sending you all good wishes for a successful surgery and a quick and easy recovery.
      I look forward to having you visit and cheer every one on from the sidelines. 🙂

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  30. Vivian, THANK YOU for giving a purpose to a 24-word story I wrote a couple of weeks ago that I was sure I wouldn’t have a use for. You have to imagine it as two characters. Here goes!

    Tug

    Hug

    Smug

    Hug

    Ugh!

    Hug!

    Sluggish

    Huggish

    Mug shot

    Hug shot

    Bugs me!

    Hug! See?

    Humbug

    Hum hug

    Hug?

    Shrug

    Hug?

    Hug

    Snug

    Liked by 11 people

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    • Julie, Julie, Julie!!!! One of my favorite mentors…our fearless 12×12 leader… participating in my little challenge? HOORAY!
      And I LOVE your snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug story. I look forward to giving YOU a hug at the Wild Midwest SCBWI conference next month. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun! By the way…did you want to give you sweet story a title?

      Like

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  31. Time For Slime

    “Time for slime?” asked Jaxon.
    “Time for slime?” asked Mazey.
    “Time for slime,” grumbled grandma.

    “Get the glue!” shouted Jaxon.
    “Get the water!” shouted Mazey.
    “Get the Borax,” grumbled grandma.

    Jaxon poured.
    Mazey mixed.
    Grandma grumbled.

    “Sloppy!” smiled Jaxon.
    “Slippery!” smiled Mazey.
    “Slimey!” grumbled grandma…

    and then she grinned.

    Liked by 6 people

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    • Hi Suzy…thank you so much for joining in the fun here. Kids love messes, that’s for sure. And I love that Grandma changes her tune as she gets into the activity with her grandkids. 😉 I know my grandson really enjoys ‘Grammy Camp’ because I love stuff like clay and fingerpaint and slime as much as he does. Super story!

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  32. SKIP SKIP THE CIRCUS SCARF

    Skip-Skip the Circus Scarf
    could do anything when given the chance,
    but he was at his best when doing “The Silly Dance”

    Should you be so lucky to meet him one day
    You’ll be delighted you did
    You’ll find out for yourself
    “The Silly Dance” isn’t just for kids!
    !OLE!

    Liked by 5 people

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  33. Cars on Mars

    Cars on Mars look like stars.

    When it is dark the racing starts.

    The cars are lined up.

    The golden cars honk. Clonk! Clonk! Clonk!

    A truck is in the way.

    Truck backed up. It flew away. Cars moved right away.

    Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!

    Suns up, quiet now, till dark.

    Liked by 8 people

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  34. This looked so fun, I couldn’t resist.

    Overindulgence

    I shouldn’t have eaten that third rodent.

    But I’m a hawk. What can I say?

    We perch, scan, stalk.

    We shriek, swoop, dive.

    Capture!

    Plump, palatable rat grasped tight in talons.

    What’s a raptor to do?

    I shouldn’t have eaten that fourth rodent.

    Liked by 8 people

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    • Oh my goodness, Katy…this is hilarious! And I know just how that raptor felt…I used to love going to buffet restaurants and could eat one of each dessert that was displayed…and then I was always sorry I hadn’t kept a better rein on my appetite. But they looked so darn good. I’m sure that is just how hawk felt. 😉 Thank you so much…I’m thrilled you entered the challenge.

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  35. I also love Brave Girl! Thank you for this fun challenge, Vivian! Here’s my entry–a 50-word biography.

    Journey to Artist: One Farmer’s True Story

    “I like your drawing,” said Papa.

    “It’s our farm!” said Anna Mary.

    “Time to get to work on it,” said Papa.

    She toiled. She married, and toiled on their farm.

    Until it hurt.

    “I’ll paint!” said Anna Mary.

    And at 80 she became a famous artist, known as Grandma Moses.

    Liked by 6 people

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    • WOW!
      I never thought I’d see a nonfiction biography in under 50 words…kudos to you, Robin…and many thanks for throwing your hat in the ring…and a lovely hat it is at that! So glad you are participating. 😉

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  36. Here is my story. Thanks for this challenge 🙂

    I love you baby Boo!
    Where are you going to?
    Are you flying high?
    Or are you racing by?
    Are you kicking cans?
    Or drumming on pots and pans?
    Are you counting sheep?
    Or are you fast asleep?
    Sweet dreams baby Boo,
    I love you!

    Liked by 6 people

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  37. Thank you for the challenge, Vivian! You inspire 🙂 Here is my entry:
    http://www.charlottedixon.net/blog

    Charlotte, I’m pasting your entry here also, to make sure everyone gets to read it:

    BUNNY AND WORM
    By Charlotte Dixon

    Bunny digs a burrow wide.
    Scritch Scratch
    Dirt flies.
    Scritch Scratch
    Deeper deeper grows the hole.
    Scritch Scratch
    Worm digs a wormhole skinny.
    Wiggle Jiggle Blow
    Dirt flies.
    Wiggle Jiggle Blow
    Deeper deeper grows the hole.
    Wiggle Jiggle Blow
    Bunny and Worm meet.
    Two new friends
    share a home.

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Charlotte…I hope everyone runs over to your blog to read your entry…I loved it…you’ve got action, great characters, super sound words, and a beautiful kid friendly message…I never imagined when the idea came to me on Friday that all of these talented writers would participate…I am beyond thrilled!

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    • Wowie is right, Jilanne. These stories are fabulous…and the spirit and enthusiasm of the writers is darn inspiring! Glad you liked the book recommendation…and I hope you are able to join the party with an entry. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  40. Run Chippie Run

    Chipmunk skittles, running free,

    Under logs and up the tree.

    Moving fast, a tiny blur,

    Flashes white and stripes of fur.

    Gathers nuts and seeds and fruit,

    Down the hole-hurry, scoot!

    Nestled deep beneath the ground,

    Furry wiggles bounce around.

    Mama settles, babies play,

    What a busy Chippie day!

    Liked by 8 people

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    • Hello Debbie…so lovely to meet you…and I’m thrilled you are participating in the contest. Your entry is FABULOUS! Great spot on rhyme and meter…and perfect characters..I’m already in love with Chippie! Thank you so much for playing along. 😉

      Like

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      • Vivian I love you! Thanks for the kind words. We’ve been Facebook friends for several years. I never use pics of myself so I think it’s throwing you! lol if I put up a dog or kid you’d know me This is such a great contest and your site is rally buzzing!

        Liked by 1 person

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  41. Hi Vivian, did you receive my entry for the 50 word picture book? In case not, I will type it again. This is something I shared with my little granddaughter long ago. I can still hear her laughter. ” Again, Gramma,” she’d say. Thank you for your kind words regarding my upcoming surgery.

    SMILE-Y GETS AROUND

    Bouncy, bouncy ball-y
    Bouncing down the hallway.
    Up down! Up, down!
    Sharing it smile, never a frown.

    Children find it bouncing along.
    They pick it up and join in song.

    Bouncy, bouncy ball-y
    Bouncing down the hallway.
    Up, Down! Up, Down!
    Sharing its smile, never a frown.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

  42. Hi Betty…no, I didn’t. The last comment from you said you wouldn’t be able to participate because you were having knee surgery…so I am SO HAPPY you are able to jump ( well, maybe not jump) right in. I’m glad you posted it again because this is the first time I am seeing your adorable story. It definitely made me smile…it reminded me a bit of the jump rope chants we used to do. Great job!

    Like

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  43. Vivian, here’s my entry, topping the scale at exactly 50 words (without title).

    Food for Frog

    Hungry Frog forages around stump.
    Snake slithers.
    Frog hides.
    Snake russsstles off.
    Frog leaps to barn.
    Hound bounds up. Ruffff!
    Frog springs off to pond.
    Frog bobs.
    Hawk hovers, dives. Swooooshhh.
    Frog plunges.
    Frog spies feast.
    Frog flicks sticky tongue,
    ensnares one wiggly worm,
    swallows whole.
    Crooaaak.
    Breakfast is served.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply ↓

  44. Here’s my entry in my blog Vivian, though I’m also posting it here. Amazing how many entries you’re receiving! This is wonderful! http://chanastiefel.com/blog/

    Gray Day
    By Chana Stiefel

    Somber sky
    Scratchy bark
    Dark path
    Dreary park

    Lonesome squirrel
    Metal swing
    Dull gray
    Everything.

    Hey!
    Is that a ray?
    Could the sun
    Be here to play?

    It pierces clouds
    It hits the slide
    It wakes the geese
    That flutter and glide.

    Water droplets fill the air
    Rainbow sprinkles
    Everywhere.

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Chana…good thing I am checking every post and comment…I’m discovering I missed commenting on a few…I think I went to your blog and commented there. But I wanted to add my thoughts about your lovely story here, also. I can definitely see this as a picture book…lovely images….and then..a rainbow in each droplet of water…how cool! Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

      Like

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  45. Thank you Vivian for this wonderful contest! I was inspired to join in after reading all these awesome 50 word stories!

    The Fearless Dragon and his Brush with Death
    By Angie Karcher

    Once, a fearless dragon floundered in a moat.

    The dragon couldn’t swim so he wore a giant float.

    His royal floaty melted due to fire-breathing flames.

    “H….E…L…P!” he sputtered. The palatial princess came.

    “I’ll save you!” She exclaimed, hiding accidental laughter.

    They kissed in celebration,

    then lived
    happily
    ever
    after…

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply ↓

    • Angie…my dear sweet rhyming guru…I am thrilled beyond words that you are participating in my little challenge. THANK YOU! I just read your 50 Precious Words out loud and couldn’t stop smiling. Totally spot on and hilarious…and a great showing of how we can use BIG words, strong verbs, and colorful language to get our story across…without sacrificing the meter. 😉

      Like

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  47. And here’s another entry from the lovely Tracy Bryan who runs the AWESOMENESS blog. Do you know what she did???? She created a 50 word challenge for kids!!!! Oh my gosh…that is ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY FABULOUS!!!!
    Thank you so much, Tracy…I’m touched and thrilled that you passed this challenge along to kids…after all, that is why we are all writing for children, right? We want to touch their lives in a positive way…and you are definitely doing that! I hope you get a lot of entries.
    Here’s the link to Tracy’s terrific entry…you won’t want to miss this one: http://tracybryan.com/blog/sam-i-am-contest-part-of-the-awesomeness-blog/

    And I’m pasting it here to make sure everyone sees it:
    People Connect

    by Tracy Bryan

    People connect

    People and phones don’t connect

    Phones and phones connect

    People and computers don’t connect

    Computers and computers connect

    People and TV’s don’t connect

    TV’s and TV’s connect

    People and people connect

    Female and male people connect

    People female and female connect

    Male and male people connect

    People connect

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Whoa! How did you insert so much suspense/tension in under 50 words? Julie…this is a wonderful story…with a great mc and lovely rhyme…so kid-friendly…I can see Little Tiger in a picture book, for sure! Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Tim…WELCOME! So glad you found your way here…probably from RhyPiBoMo…Angie was a sweetheart and she posted it there, I think. 😉

      WOW! WOW! A rhyming book…A counting book…An animal book…A humorous book…how did you do all of that in 50 words or less? I guess you are a genius! Thank you for playing along. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

    • I’m taking Lori Grusin Degman’s advice and posting my entry here as well.

      More Fun Than What?
      By Francis S. Poesy

      Dear Sirs,

      I am not happy!
      I must complain!
      The barrel I ordered,
      Here’s what it contained:

      1 Monkey – Dirty
      2 Monkeys – Bad
      3 Monkeys – Loud
      4 Monkeys – Mad
      5 Monkeys – Cranky
      6 Monkeys – Fat
      7 Monkeys – Sloppy
      1 Sloth – In a hat

      But fun?
      It had none!

      Sincerely,

      Distressed

      Liked by 5 people

      Reply ↓

      • So happy you did that, Tim. Yes, it’s a great idea…but I didn’t want to do that for anyone who posted on their own blog, just in case they wanted to have visitors come to their blog instead of just coming here…I only grabbed stories that people posted on Facebook pages because I was afraid no one would find them. 😉 But that was good advice from Lori. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

  50. Here is my entry. It’s a little “out there” but hopefully kids could see what I was doing by using up the 50 words as I wrote. It’s the idea that came to me, so I just ran with it. Thanks for the fun!

    USE YOUR WORDS
    by Kristen Schroeder

    Who’s afraid of 50 words?
    Not me.
    Even forty-three words can be turned into something magical.
    Or thirty-four words, that is a good place to start.
    But if I only had twenty-seven words, could I still do it?
    Of course! Because I only need three precious words.
    I love you.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

    • Kristen…this is a totally clever and sweet and wonderful story…you are a smart cookie to play on the low word count as the subject for your entry. You deserve a dozen…maybe one day we will meet in person…the cookies will be on me. I really love it! And I’m so happy you are participating…what fun to see all of these amazing stories. 😉

      Like

      Reply ↓

      • Ah thanks, Vivian. I would love to meet you and share a cookie or two or a dozen with you! Thanks for all the inspiration and enthusiasm you out out into the world!

        Liked by 1 person

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  51. Vivian, I just wanted to say thank you again for starting the contest! I’ve loved reading all the fabulous entries and it was such fun writing my own. Kudos to all. You guys are AWESOME!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Katy…I AGREE! The enthusiasm I feel in both the entries and the comments is AMAZING! I think somehow this challenge tapped into everyone’s inner child…like maybe only having 50 words freed people up to have fun with it. Maybe…or maybe the kid lit fairy godmother sprinkled happy magic dust and we are all in a state of bliss while we are working on our stories. 🙂

      Like

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  53. Hi Vivian! Thanks for the fun contest! Today’s weather inspired me, so here’s my contribution..

    Maybe Spring
    By Patti Richards

    Sun rising
    So surprising
    Birds singing
    Showers bringing
    Flowers budding
    Woodpeckers thudding
    Worms creeping
    Bears still sleeping
    Sun high
    In bright blue sky
    Grass drying
    Birds flying
    Squirrels jumping
    Rabbits thumping
    Cats napping
    Dogs lapping
    Cows mooing
    Sheep chewing
    Winds blowing
    Snow going
    April’s near.
    Spring is here?

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • And I am so thrilled about that, Patti! Thank you for entering the contest and giving me something to look forward to…yes…spring will definitely be coming soon. 😉 I love your topic and all of the animal and nature action going on in your story…AWESOME!

      Like

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  54. So happy to have found your blog Vivien! Such great energy and enthusiasm for writing. Here’s my entry: http://cathystenquist.tumblr.com
    I’m pasting Cathy’s story here so everyone can see it:

    I did it!
    What?
    Yep, I did it.
    Where?
    There!
    Really?
    I think so…?
    You better check. Well?
    It’s true! I did it!
    But, you said…
    I know.
    I’m surprised!
    Me too!
    That’s amazing!
    I really did it!
    Are you happy?
    I am.
    I’m proud of you.
    Me too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Cathy! So glad you stopped by to post your link. I can’t get over the enthusiasm of all of these talented writers. 😉
      I truly think kids would identify with your story…it totally worked for me…I think we all question whether or not we will be able to accomplish what we set out to do…and your 49 words gave us a true sense of how the mc was questioning herself..and then the joy when she realized she had reached her goal. Whoot! Whoot! You sure did reach yours!!!! Thank you so much. 😉

      Like

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  55. That WAS a challenge! But a really fun one- thank you for hosting!

    Bear’s First Spring (50 Words) by Jess Townes

    Now, Mama?

    Not while snow is our blanket.
    Back to sleep, my love.

    Now, Mama?

    Not while catkins haven’t bloomed.
    Back to sleep, my love.

    Now, Mama?

    Not while papa’s still hunting.
    Back to sleep, my love.

    NOW, Mama?

    Melted snow.
    Willows blow.
    Hearts aglow.

    Now it’s time, my love.

    Liked by 5 people

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  56. Here’s my story. BLUE BALL COME BACK by Kathleen Condit 50 words! gasp

    I kicked Blue Ball inside the house.

    Blue Ball

    Flung Mom’s puzzle.

    Rolled out the door.

    Hit a car.

    Flew over the roof.

    I yelled at the Moon,

    Blue Ball Come Back!

    A voice said on the other side of the fence,

    “Get ready. Catch!”

    OOOOmph!

    Blue Ball came back.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • What a perfect entry, Jaclyn…just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! I’m so happy the contest jived with your goal of writing a story for every holiday…I actually love that idea! Thank you so much for joining in the fun. 🙂 And I loved your funny twist at the end. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  58. MOVE!
    by Anne Bielby

    MOVE!
    Baaaaahh!
    MOOOVE!
    Buc buc buc…
    MOOOOVE!
    Hee Haw!
    MOOVE!
    NEIGH EH EH!
    MOOOVE!
    NEIGH EH EH! WHINNEEY!
    MOOOOOVE!
    Trot, trot, trot.
    MOOVE!
    Tweet, tweet!
    MOOOVE!
    Whoo?
    MOOOVE!
    Hoot, hoot!
    MOOVE!
    NO, YOU MOVE!
    MOOOOOVE!
    Excuse me.
    MOOOOOOO?
    Excuse me,
    Will you please MOOOVE!?!
    Okay.
    Moo.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Anne…so happy you are participating in the challenge. What a busy farm scene you’ve got going…I love all the animal sounds and action! Thank you so much…this one is lots of fun. 😉

      Like

      Reply ↓

  60. This is so fun! Here’s my story…

    “Wake up, Sloth! Want to play?”

    Zzzzzz

    “Wake up, Sloth! Tag – you’re it!”

    Zzzzzz

    “Wake up, Sloth! Let’s play catch!”

    Zzzzzz

    “Wake up, Sloth! You’re no fun…GET UP!”

    Zzzzzz

    “Wake up, Sloth! I’M BOR-R-R-ED. WA-A-A-KE UP!”

    Zzzzzz

    “Wake up, Sloth…” Yawn – flump! Zzzzzz

    “Huh? Wake up, Squirrel! Let’s play!”

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply ↓

    • Oh my gosh, Susan…isn’t that how life is sometimes? We want to do something and the other person doesn’t…and when they are finally ready, we are busy with something else. Sloth and Squirrel…what a great pairing…opposites in activity and energy. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun with such a great entry!!

      Like

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  62. Life Lesson #9 by Susan Jones

    Frogs crashed the princess party scene…
    Pink and green Mayhem!
    Princesses running every which way
    Except for Nina
    Who saw an opportunity…
    Nina gave a kiss on a warty head
    And the only thing that happened is…
    She skipped on her merry way
    And gave up kissing frogs that day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  63. Everyone’s stories are delightful. I wrote this for the upcoming holiday.

    Grass.
    Red Egg on grass.
    Bunny.
    Bunny sees egg.
    Bunny hops to egg, hippity-hop.
    Bunny sniffs egg, sniffity-sniff.
    Egg rolls on grass.
    Bunny jumps, hippity-hop.
    Bunny sits on egg.
    Boy.
    Boy sees bunny.
    Boy runs to bunny.
    Bunny hops away, hippity-hop.
    Boy sees egg.
    Boy picks up egg.
    Easter Egg!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  64. This was a fun challenge. Here is my story.

    DELIVERY
    by: Susan M. Schade (49 words)

    Remy’s mouth watered when the doorbell rang.
    His stomach rumbled in anticipation.
    He crept towards the kitchen.
    His nose nudged open the door.
    The crispy crusts crunched.
    He ran from the room before the scolding began.
    Licking his chops, he wondered,
    “Why do they keep food in the trash?”

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • Oh Susan…you got me! I was sure this little pup had eaten the pizza that was sitting on a counter…but he only ate what was in the garbage…great story with a subject kids will be able to relate to. 😉 Thank you so much for coming over and joining in!

      Like

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  65. This was fun! Thanks for the inspiration, Vivian! Here is my entry:

    Pair Skate

    A boy
    And some skates
    And a great
    Frozen lake.
    A girl
    And some twirls
    With wind
    Through her curls.
    How they glided
    And swizzled
    And leaped
    and giggled.
    Till the sun
    Set beyond
    That great
    Frozen pond.
    And they left,
    Skates in hand —
    A grand ice
    Routine planned.

    Liked by 8 people

    Reply ↓

  67. OK, I’ll take the plunge! Thanks for doing this, Vivian! I love all the others!

    (The two lines about the birds were supposed to be indented in a different font, but it didn’t work here. Whoops! )

    YUM!
    By Ellen Leventhal

    Marianne went out one day,
    set food down on her red lunch tray.
    Birds came swarming in a bunch,
    swooping close down near her lunch
    The hummingbird grabbed one black bean
    Two crows pecked her whole plate clean.
    Marianne thought, “That’s ok.
    The birds need it more than me today.”

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • You know something…I think you could make this a counting picture book….with a longer word count, of course. 😉 I love it,Ellen…I’m so glad you were able to get a story written…I know you’ve been watching for possible flooding. Thank you for playing along. 😉

      Like

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  68. Thanks for the challenge, Vivian! Gotta keep those writing cells active. Here’s my entry.

    At The Top

    A mischievous wind blew Ant’s balloon into the grasses.
    Ant searched by land, but couldn’t find his balloon.
    “I need a new perspective.”
    Ant climbed a hollyhock.
    At the tippy-top he found a new friend, his balloon held tightly in her hand.
    And soon he had her hand in his.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  69. Here is mine — I had fun writing rhyme, something I do not often do. Thanks for the challenge, Vivianne!

    http://literallylynnemarie.blogspot.com/2016/03/this-is-literally-my-entry-to-50.html

    I’m adding Lynne Marie’s story here so no one will miss it:
    FAR AWAY FRIENDS by Lynne Marie

    Penguin and Polar from opposite ends,
    First became pen pals, and next became friends.
    Then came the problem – they lived far away.
    How would poor Penguin and Polar bear play?
    Neither gave up – they were just not the type.

    Penguin and Polar played games via Skype.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

  70. Zowie! Awesome story, Lynne Marie. I love your main characters…hold on to them…they would make a great early reader series…Penguin and Polar Bear conjure up a great visual. And your rhyme was wonderful. 🙂 Thanks for playing along.

    Like

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  71. This was a fun challenge, Vivian. All the stories are fantastic! Here is mine.

    POOL PARTY
    By Jenna Grodzicki

    Splash! Pool party!
    But Emma can’t swim.
    Dipping toes is not enough.
    What to do?
    Look! What’s that?
    Sammie swims over with a float.
    “You can join us in the pool on this!”
    Slowly, carefully, Emma climbs aboard.
    Her grin is as bright as the sun.
    Giggle! Giggle! Splash!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  72. The Small, Quiet Rabbit

    My teachers and classmates said, “You are a small, quiet mouse!”

    Well, I think I am a rabbit, small and light brown. Sometimes, I like quiet gardens. Sometimes, I like having friends around.

    But I am not quiet when I eat with two, big, front teeth.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • My sister always called me a little mouse…but I think I am more like your rabbit…with big front teeth…and I do love carrots. 😉 What a great story, sg…Wonderful character…and I really connected. I appreciate you joining in the fun of #50PreciousWords. 🙂

      Like

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  73. Hi Vivian, here’s mine.

    One Snowy Enchanted Evening

    “Snow-lo, I’m Frosty.”
    “Snow-hi, I’m Avalanche”
    “New here?”
    “Was built this morning.”
    “I’ve been here awhile.”
    “I’ve been in the clouds, lately.”
    “Rain a-coming”
    “Then, goodbye hat.”
    “Blustery winds.”
    “Cheerio, carrot nose.”
    “Then, sunshine.”
    “We’re doomed.”
    “Snow-lo Santa! Flying to the North Pole?”
    “Snow-hi Santa! We need a ride, desperately.”

    Hopefully there will be more stories! Loving this.
    Thanks so much for the contest.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  74. Here’s number two. Thanks!

    TRA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-TRA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA!
    By Rita Antoinette Borg

    Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-tra-la-la-la-la-la-la!
    Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-tra-la-la-la-la-la-la!

    Fa-la-la-la-la-loo-loo!
    Fa-la-la-la-la-loo-loo!

    Ugh! Stop!

    Fa-la-la-la-la-loo-looooo-fa-la-la-la-la-loo-loooooooooooooooooooooo!

    Stop it!

    WHY?

    Because I AM SINGING!…Now, I’m leaving.

    Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-tra-la-la-la-la-la-la…BBBOOOOOOMMM!

    Fell?

    Yessssss!

    Help?

    No.

    Help?

    No.

    Help?

    No! OOOOOuch!

    Help?

    Please…

    UP YOU GO. Better?

    Yes.

    Now I’ll leave.

    Wait!

    Wait?

    Let’s share.

    Share? Together?

    Together!…….

    Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-tra-la-la-la-la-la-la!
    Fa-la-la-la-la-loo-loo-fa-la-la-la-la-LOO-LOOOOO!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Love the message, Rita…helping each other and working together…that is perfect…just what we need to do in our kid lit community. 😉 You are wonderful to do three stories for the contest…hats off to you, dear lady. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

      • Thanks you so much Vivian. Great stories are flowing in the site. You should do this every year! If you focus enough the stories just keep coming and characters pop in your head.

        Like

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  75. Here’s my third.

    Herman Hamster travels to Hawaii
    by Rita Antoinette Borg

    “Here’s the plane, Dog.”
    “Dishwasher.”
    “A wish-maker…taking me to Hawaii.”
    Dog lifts up Herman, closes door.
    Cat presses “ON” button.
    Inside, Water gushes.
    “Ooooooooooo, Waves!”
    “Ooooooo, Bubbles!”
    “Ooooooooooo, Hula dancing!” says Herman.
    “HUH???”
    Herman bursts from the dishwasher.
    “HHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!”
    “He’s going to Alaska next”, says Dog.
    “Refrigerator?” asks Cat.
    “Yep.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Oh dear, Rita…this is definitely thinking outside (or perhaps inside) the box. I think Hamster is a bit gullible and Dog and Cat are clever entrepreneurs…how much are they charging Hamster for the trip to Alaska? 😉 Very creative…and a wonderful entry into the challenge!!!

      Like

      Reply ↓

      • Actually I aimed for herman is a mad crazy selfish hamster .While dog is practical and tries to straighten herman hamster.Cat is worried about herman and his escapades too. They do his bidding just to appease herman mad scientist side.
        😆

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

  76. What a challenge! I might just see what I can come up with! From the looks of the comments, you have your work cut out for you with the judging! Thanks for being a part of the Booknificent Thursday reading community this week!
    Tina

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • That would be wonderful, Tina! I hope you can enter…I always try to post a link to your Booknificent Thursday reading community…maybe some of them will hop over and give the challenge a try. 😉

      Like

      Reply ↓

  77. A Whale of a Day

    Tiger fell asleep, near the ocean.

    I’m in your dream. (Fish)
    I’m a striped sea bass.

    I have stripes too. (Tiger)

    I see a whale. (Fish)

    Where are we? (Tiger)
    It’s dark. I’m scared.

    Whale opened his mouth. Hurry! We need to swim out. (Fish)

    We made it! (Tiger)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  79. Hi Vivian! I wrote this in response a girl who told her story on NPR about leaving Iran and the guilt she felt about being able to leave. It’s definitely on the older end of the age bracket you set for us!

    Peeking
    out the apartment window
    Fearing
    all I see:
    Men protest, women scurry, children flee

    Should I stay?
    Speak and fight?
    Or continue…

    Cowering
    For my life
    Betraying
    What I know is right…
    because
    I have too much to lose.
    I can leave this all behind.

    And so I do.

    Thanks for allowing us to join in on this challenge! I love it. Totally needed to focus on writing something new. 🙂

    Shari

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply ↓

    • Shari…I need to complain to WordPress…there should be a ‘love’ button, not just a ‘like’ one. 😉
      Please don’t apologize for the age level…in war-torn countries, children much younger than 12 are soldiers, children much younger than 12 are scavenging garbage heaps for a bite to eat, children much younger than 12 are walking many miles to skim a bucket of water from a dirty river so there will be something to drink…your story is lyrically beautiful and exceptionally powerful…about making choices, which children much younger than 12 have to do every day.
      Did I already say I love it? I’m grateful you entered the contest…thank you so much!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓

      • Aw, you are welcome…and you made me tear up with the truth of your words. I lived in a remote village in the Philippines for a while and have seen these things, of which you speak, firsthand. I’m happy that I could enter the contest. Thank you, Vivian!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

  80. I’m usually the one reading all the entries instead of participating, but I really wanted to give this one a try. So here goes!

    IN THE OLD WEST
    By Monique Wakefield

    It sure is hard being a cowboy:

    Chasing tumble weeds out of town,

    Catching prairie dogs in the garden,

    Getting wrapped up in my lasso.

    Yep, it sure is hard being a cowboy.

    But the best part is –

    Getting to eat all the ice cream in town!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

    • I LOVE cowboys! And I love ice cream even more! Great story, Monique, with lots of action kids would love…thank you so so much for playing along with my little challenge. It’s turned into so much more than I had hoped for…people are really throwing their hearts into it. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  81. I didn’t think I’d find time for this fun challenge, Vivian. But I did! Thanks for creating it. Here’s the link to my post with my 50-word story. My entry is GONE FISHING https://alaynekaychristian.wordpress.com/

    I’m adding Alayne’s here so everyone can read it:

    Gone Fishing by Alayne Kay Christian (44 words)
    Fishing pole

    dragonfly perch,

    flirting with the water.

    Bobber floats

    Bobber bobs

    Ripple

    Tug,

    jerk, and reel!

    “It’s a big one. . . .

    No, it’s not.”

    Tiny prize

    Back in lake

    Tail flips – flop-flop

    Bubble-bubble-glub . . .

    Gone from sight

    Bobber floats

    Pole flirts

    Dragonfly perches

    I wait.

    Liked by 2 people

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  84. Ida is three years old. She stands three feet tall in her boat made from boxes and blankets. She welcomes her three friends on-board. They take their seats. She stands and speaks;

    “There is a nightmare in my closet. It has taken my dreams. Tonight, we must get them back.”

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Oh no…when do I find out what happens….I need to know…will she get her dreams back? This is so creative, Georgina…and I LOVE that the nightmare has stolen Ida’s dreams…I think there is a real pb here. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the challenge!

      Like

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  85. Here’s one of my entries:

    THERE’S A MOUSE IN MY HOUSE

    There’s a mouse in my house.
    There’s a little mouse in my big house.
    There’s a little, furry mouse in my big, two-story house.
    Mom says, “I don’t want a mouse in my house.”
    Dad says, “I don’t want a mouse in my house.”
    I say, “Please stay, mouse.”

    Liked by 1 person

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  86. Hello Vivian, By accident I keft my story on Jenn garret’s site. I do want to try your wonderful idea so, delay, delay till tomorrow and then my ‘Welsh play’ will arrive ( I hope).
    Some great entries here. You are a generous lady. I will look for the Brave girl story too.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hello dear Jane…I’m so excited that you are going to hop on board the #50PreciousWords Contest! Do you need me to grab your story from Jenn’s site? Or can you post it here yourself? Let me know.
      Yes, I hope you get to read BRAVE GIRL…it’s a fabulous story. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

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    • Hello Geneva…you had me from the title! Beautifully lyrical…now I want to know more…will Clara come back again and have more adventures with the silver-winged fairies? I thank you so much for playing along with my little contest. 😉

      Like

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    • Thank you, thank you, Barbara…I’m so very happy you stopped by and enjoyed the review. Yes, Brave Girl is a must read! I hope you’ll be back every Friday for another Perfect Picture Book review…plus I truly hope you give the #50PreciousWords Contest a whirl…come on in…the water’s fine!

      Like

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    • I did check it out, you sweet lady! And it is a wonderful story…I loved it…and I love your website banner/header! Do you want to also post the story here? A lot of people have done that to make sure everyone gets to read it…but I didn’t want to make that a requirement, because I wanted to encourage people to visit other blogs. So it is up to you. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun!!!!

      Like

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  90. Hi Vivian,
    Thought I’d give it a try…

    Birthday Party Kisses

    Welcome lipstick kisses
    Funny photo fish kisses
    Make a wish cheek kisses
    Yummy cake finger kisses
    Puppy clean-up kisses
    For my gift, Eskimo kisses
    Thank you air kisses
    Go and play forehead kisses
    Heal my boo-boo kisses
    Bye-bye blowing kisses
    Bath time bubble kisses
    Tuck-in teddy kisses
    Goodnight butterfly kisses

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • I love your idea of all types of kisses, Christine…that would actually make a lovely board book for wee ones!!!! Hold that thought. 😉
      Hooray for you joining in the contest fun…thank you so much for participating with this wonderful story. 😉

      Like

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  91. Hi Vivian,

    Thank you for this opportunity. I hope you like “What’s for Lunch?”

    Hugs,

    Kathleen

    What’s For Lunch?

    I tried to make a sandwich,

    but am in full retreat.

    I have jelly in my hair,

    peanut butter on my feet.

    The dog thinks I’m a lollipop.

    The bird says I’m it’s nest.

    My mom points to the bathtub

    where I find some on my chest.

    Yum!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

    • Now I am definitely hungry! I LOVE peanut butter, Kathleen…actually, almond butter. 😉 This is so very cute…and I think kids would love a story like this…great action…and adorable rhyme. Wonderful! I’m so glad you decided to join in the fun. 🙂

      Like

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  92. Oh, I forgot; the ending is a sort of light joke about the rabbit/person accepting their two large front teeth, being proud of their imperfections. It’s meant to let the reader and or illustrator imagine it for themselves: a quiet rabbit letting out a loud “Crunch”, eating a carrot, or leafy greens.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Perfect, sg. 😉 And yes, I was that little girl with the two big front teeth and a little bit of an overbite…so I totally connected with your character. 😉 And so true about rabbits being quiet…yet when they eat, they get to express themselves with a crunch!

      Like

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  93. Here’s another entry:

    NO, RUBY!

    Ruby liked to play with her puppy toys.

    And Ruby liked to chew.

    Ruby chewed Rhonda’s socks. “No, Ruby!”

    Ruby chewed Rhonda’s shoes. “No, Ruby!”

    Ruby chewed Rhonda’s doll. “No, Ruby!”

    Ruby wagged her tail, licked Rhonda’s face, and climbed into Rhonda’s lap.

    “Oh, Ruby,” Rhonda said, “I love you!”

    Liked by 1 person

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  94. I’ve finally thought of a better summary of my story. Basically, it’s about how quiet kids are stereotyped by teachers and students who are more extroverted as being fearful, “like a mouse”, when in reality, what they don’t understand is that introverted children aren’t “fearful”; being an introvert, similar to rabbits, is sometimes liking peace and quiet, yet they sometimes also like being in the company of others. Despite the stereotype, they don’t like being alone or ignored by everyone all the time.

    It’s a story I wish had been told to me, my classmates, and teachers, because after constantly basically being teased and told that “you’re a mouse”, as though having a quiet personality was weird or wrong in the world, I grew up not liking myself, either.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • I totally hear what you are saying, sg…in fact, when people ask what kind of child I was, I tell them: timid and intimidated. I ALWAYS loved people…and one on one, especially if I knew them, all was well. But going into new situations, meeting new people, or having to speak to a large group…those things made me uncomfortable. But I was lucky…I always liked myself..I just didn’t have confidence. I hope you look at yourself in the mirror every day, smile, and realize that you are lovely…and that quiet is a fine kind of person to be. 😉 😉 And thank you for the explanation of your great story. 😉

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  95. Hi Vivian,
    I saw your post for this delightful contest on the 12×12 Facebook page. I love these kind of challenges. They flex the writing muscles and force me to look at things in a new way. Thank you for the chance to participate!

    RAINBOW’S TREASURE (41 words)
    By Sara Gentry

    On a bicycle.
    Escaping city giants.
    Pedaling.
    Leaving behind
    cold concrete and smoky skies.
    Pedaling faster.

    Free.

    Rolling
    through fields of
    red poppies,
    orange lilies,
    sunflowers,
    green clover,
    bluebells,
    and lavender.

    A clearing.
    A picnic.
    Friends.

    Treasure at the rainbow’s end.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  96. Hi Sara…I’m thrilled to meet you via the #50PreciousWords Contest. And I’m thrilled with your story! WOW…Action, adventure, suspense…all exploding in the colors of the rainbow…and a happy ending to boot. What could be better! Thank you so much for participating…I can tell you your writing muscles are in excellent condition. 😉

    Like

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  97. Here is my story in 50 words; it is The King’s Concern and is a conversation between him and Myrdd, a wizard with both delighted at the end t i from a 7th century myth about the red dragon who is now on the Welsh flag.

    Our Welsh Dragon Sleeps when Saxon hoards come. What can be done?”

    Wizard Myrdd replied, “In Snowdon he hides Refreshed, he’ll provide
    a way to save lands.”

    “I know he will fight and use his keen sight .”

    Our dragon’s firy breathe scares Saxons away. His plan saves the day!
    Hooray

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Jane…I’ve always loved myths, legends, and stories about magicians. Wizard Myrdd…great name…and Snowdon sounds like a place we need to find out more about. Plus a happy ending…what could be better! Thank you so much for entering your #50PreciousWords. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  98. Hope it is all right as it did not print as poetryin shorter lines. Myrdd is pronounced Myrthas welsh “DD” makes a th sound.His full name Myrddyn would not fir my rhyme well.Oh the first y has a ‘er’ sound and the second is short i. The welsh used to avoid vowels to save taxes!

    Liked by 1 person

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  100. Vivian, I sat at the table directly in front of yours at Kristen’s 2015 WOW Conference.
    I LOVE your grandson’s creative mind! So happy I discovered your blog. Quite fabulous.

    Here’s my 50 word contest entry:

    LOST IN THE WOODS or HALLOWEEN NIGHT
    By Eloise Freeman

    The full moon’s out.
    The cold winds cry,
    “Tonight’s the night
    When witches fly.”

    Her tongue is black.
    She leers at me.
    I shiver-shake.
    How can I flee?

    She rubs her hands
    And rasps, “You stay.”
    I grab her broom
    And fly away.

    Liked by 4 people

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  101. 50 words in the story, not counting the title and my byline.
    Thanks for the fun challenge! joanleotta@atmc.net

    Lost Bracelet
    by Joan Leotta

    “Mother, did you see
    my red string bracelet?
    Mother said, “No.”.
    As Rita searched her own room
    she heard chirping.
    She looked out her open window
    and saw a bright red thread
    lacing through the bird’s nest.
    “I guess birdie needed my bracelet
    to build her house.
    Glad to help!”

    Liked by 2 people

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  102. Wow! Took me forever to reach the end of this comment trail, as I stopped to read so many clever entries. I’ve posted my entry over on my blog, http://patricianozell.com/2016/03/12/fifty-precious-words-the-best-nest/
    Fly on over & check it out there! and thank you, Vivian, for a great challenge to honor Dr. Seuss & welcome spring.

    Patricia
    I’m pasting Patricia’s story here so everyone will see it:

    The Best Nest by Patricia Nozzel

    A prize!

    For the best nest!

    I’ll try.

    Me, too.

    Perfect spot.

    Twigs,
    grass,
    wad of wool.
    Set!

    Perfect spot.

    Mud,
    spit,
    dab of grass.
    Set!

    Two judges.

    Dashing duo.

    Tweeting about my nest.

    Singing about mine.

    Ruby Robin chooses my nest.

    Sheila Swallow picks mine.

    TIE!

    Best Nests!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Patricia…you added a lovely touch of spring with your engaging story! Thank you so much…I loved the nest-building contest between the two birds…WELL DONE! I’m so glad you joined in the fun. And what a challenge to write the story in dialogue. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you so much, Betty….I appreciate you taking a peek at some of my other posts. I’ve been participating in Susanna Hill’s writing contests for several years…she’s actually my inspiration for doing this one. 😉

      Like

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  104. Here is my story: Barbara Cairns

    Prudence Crandall

    1831

    Canterbury, Connecticut

    Teacher of “young ladies of color”

    Upset townspeople wanted

    Prudence to stop teaching black girls.

    1833

    Black Law passed

    Prudence jailed

    Released from jail,

    Prudence reopened school.

    School attacked by masked mobs

    Too dangerous

    Fall 1834

    Prudence closed school.

    1995

    Prudence Crandall, Teacher, designated

    Connecticut’s State Heroine.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Barbara..that’s a great topic…and I enjoyed how you found a way to present so much info in so few words! Super job! Thank you so much for joining in the fun…and hurray for Prudence! 🙂

      Like

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  105. Here is another!!!! From a dear writing friend..and WOW retreat flight seat-mate, Mona Pease. I had the biggest smile after I read it. Great story, Mona…thank you so much for hopping on board with a wonderful kid-friendly story. And your rhyme and meter are spot on!

    Tis the Season
    by Mona Pease

    Ten little boots tromp through the puddle.

    Splish! Splosh! Sploosh!

    Five pair of boots stomp in the muddle.

    Squish. Squash! Squoosh!

    A little boy says, “Here comes your Gram.

    What are we going to do?”

    A little girl says, “Give her some space.”

    She likes to play in mud too!”

    Liked by 3 people

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  107. I’m so glad you liked the review of Brave Girl, Jean. And I’m so so so glad you entered the contest. And with TWO entries. Your stories are great…you say it wasn’t easy…but you pulled it off so well! I hope everyone hops over to read them. Would you like me to grab them and post them here to make sure everyone gets to read them? Or it’s fine if you want to leave them on your blog. 🙂

    Like

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      • Here is the wonderful entry from Jean James…but her website is well worth visiting…so take a minute and hop over.

        Cat’s Revenge?

        Cat’s finally done it!

        Squirrels in his teeth.

        A hostage to revenge the dog.

        Payback to bequeath.

        Cat purrs with satisfaction

        Dog barks with delight

        Angered squirrels protest

        hurling acorn pegmatite’s.

        Meow and Yelp cry cat and dog

        distracted from their prey

        ducking flying acorn shells

        as squirrel gets away!

        Liked by 3 people

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        • And here is Jean second entry. Very clever! She gives us a bit of background:
          I also wrote this next one in honor of the wonderful, silly relationship between my son and his Grandma Silly (Yes they actually call her Grandma Silly!)

          Fox Breaking News:

          After being sentenced to a life of spinning for crimes committed against the animal kingdom, The Evil Dr. Gerbil managed to escape from his prison wheel today. The notorious Pack Rat Gang is believed to be involved. Police Chief Wallaby has summoned Wonder Weasel.

          Story at 11…

          Liked by 2 people

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  108. My 50 precious words. I call this story: NOTHING

    I’ve got nothing to say.
    And when I’ve got nothing to say, that’s it.
    You can beg.
    You can cry.
    You can plead.
    You can take a rocket ship to the planet of Words R Us.
    You won’t get one single, solitary word out of me.
    But you will get…
    50.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • This is so much fun, Nancy! I absolutely LOVE the rocket ship to the planet of Words R Us…I need to go there sometime, to find the right words for a story. 🙂
      Thank you so much for joining in the fun. And…I am so so so excited for next Saturday, when we will announce the winners of the #50PreciousWords Contest on the Will Write for Cookies post where I’ll be interviewing the one and only…Nancy Churnin! Hurray!
      I actually just got something in the mail from Kristen…a SIGNED copy of your book…I guess she got it at your book launch last week in Texas. I am thrilled and honored to have it…thank you so much for the wonderful inscription. I am going to donate the copy I had already purchased as another PRIZE for this contest…there are so many wonderful entries, I think another prize is definitely in order. 😉

      Like

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  109. I’m going a little off the beaten path with this one..but hey, 50 words, why not experiment?! So, in the spirit of strong women, here’s my entry:

    WRONG ANSWER
    by: Lauren Neil

    Tim,

    Do you like me?

    [ ] Yes
    [ ] No

    Lucy

    Tim,

    Do you like me?

    [ ] Yes
    [ ] No
    [ x ] Maybe

    Lucy

    Tim,

    Do you like me?

    [ ] Yes
    [ ] No
    [-x-]- M-a-y-b-e-*
    [ x ] Never mind

    Lucy

    *This should show as strikethrough but I can’t format the comment.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hahaha…love the ‘never mind’ choice! This is so much fun, Lauren…and with kids so tech and text savvy, they would definitely relate. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the contest. It’s great to see how many different roads writers can travel with only 50 Precious Words. 😉

      Like

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  110. Okay, one more entry. I promise, this is it!

    GOOD-BYE, ZOO

    It’s time to leave the zoo.
    Before we go, there’s something I must do.
    See you later, alligator.
    After a while, crocodile.
    Farewell, gazelle.
    Gotta go, buffalo.
    Aloha, boa.
    Mañana, iguaña.
    Ta-ta, macaw.
    Adieu, cuckoo.
    Toot-a-loo, cockatoo.
    Tally-ho, ole rhino.
    Cheerio, vireo.
    Ciao, sow.
    Good-bye, zoo.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

      • Vivian, it started out as a picture book. I have revised it and honed it and worked on it for some time. The PB version is 200 words long, so I had to trim it down considerably for this contest. I haven’t had any luck finding a publisher for the full-length version, though. 😦

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

    • Thank you for stopping by, Marylin…this has been so much fun. The contest was a last minute thought when I heard it was Dr.Seuss’ birthday…and it has become so much more than I could have ever imagined…I’m thrilled with the turnout. 😉 And I’m definitely going to be asking our local Girl Scout cookie sellers if they have any Thanks-a-lot boxes. 😉

      Like

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  112. Of course, I had to play along, Vivian. At first I thought only 50 words!! Well, I’ve got 49, including the title…wooohooo! I did it.

    Warm Farewell

    Three white balls stacked up high.
    One fiery circle in the sky.
    Giant snowman shrinks.

    Carrot nose droops then drops.
    Twiggy arms turn down then PLOP!
    Button eyes fall down.

    Scarf and hat on melting mound.
    No more snowman to be found.
    And the sun shines on.

    Linda

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hurray for the sun! Thank you, thank you, Linda, for joining in the fun. Great images here…I love the fiery circle in the sky…a portend of things to come for our dear snowman. And I LOVE your title!!!!!

      Like

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  113. What fun! Thank you Vivian!

    Daring Amelia (46 words)
    By Lynda Pflueger

    Amelia Earhart was a tomboy. She dared to jump fences, climb trees, and ride horses bareback. When she grew up and took her first plane ride, she knew she had to learn how to fly. When other women were looking for husbands, Amelia took flying lessons.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Amelia Earhart has always been one of my favorite heroines! She’s a wonderful subject for a story. And you really gave me a sense of who she was in less than 50 words…Good job!!! Thank you so much for joining in the fun here, Lynda…it’s lovely to meet you. 😉

      Like

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  114. Vivian, Wow what a lot of great 50 word stories! Congrats on the overwhelmingly amazing response that you received with your debut challenge. I almost hesitate to post…. such amazing talent. Well, here goes –

    Catch A Bird
    by Maria Marshall

    Waiting,
    birds bob on a branch,
    a boy wiggles at the window.

    Finally,
    the feeder is full.

    An excited bounce,
    birds flee.
    Still as stone,
    birds return.

    Click, click, click.

    The first – blurry.
    The second – just wing-tips.
    The third – “Look Mom, I caught my first bird.”

    “ Can we frame it?”

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

    • Oh, I do LOVE this story, Maria! Perfect for spring, you’ve got a great setting, action, plot, sweet mc, and even tension. 😉 GREAT JOB! Thank you so much for entering the #50PreciousWords Contest, dear friend. 😉

      Like

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      • Thanks Vivian for the encouragement to join in. It was great fun. Here is a second one – Like Julie, Christine, Johnell (and others) I think I am addicted too! Oops, did I say one more? It would be fun to collect them into an anthology! 🙂 [You have 80 + entries]

        Here are few more – for fun – now back to work (I mean it!)…..

        MARGARET KNIGHT

        He stole her invention and patent.
        She sued.
        “She’s just a woman,” he told the jury. “How could she invent this?”
        With two years of plans in notebooks,
        a wooden sample machine, and
        her roommate’s testimony;
        she SHOWED how a woman invented the paper bag.
        And won back her patent.

        WHO ARE THEY?

        Do you know what …
        Aida Lovelace,
        Georgia O’Keefe, Sarah Goode,
        Jocelyn Burnell, Maya Angelo, Ann Tsukamoto,
        Carrie Catt, Esther Ledetberg, Grandma Moses, Maria Telkes,
        Chien Wu, Rosalind Franklin, Grace Hopper,
        Maria Beasley, Nancy Johnson, and
        Stephanie Kwolek,
        invented, created, solved, or discovered to make life better for us?

        OUR MARCH LION

        March roared in like a lion,
        flooding the yard and
        painting Easter basket flower beds.
        Yellow, purple, pink, crimson, and white
        colors dance in the breeze.
        The big question –
        will it be a lamb and bring back the sun,
        for our Easter egg hunt,
        or continue drooling and huffing?

        Liked by 3 people

        Reply ↓

        • Hello dear Maria…you are showing the depth and breath of your writing skills…three wonderful entries. I love how you managed to tell the entire story of Margaret Knight in 50 words or less. And I see my SARAH mentioned in your tribute to women inventors. And I am ready for that lamb of Spring to be frolicking, that’s for sure. 😉 Awesome job, Maria…thank you so much for supporting my challenge so enthusiastically. 😉

          Like

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  115. Hi Vivian, I am addicted….had to post a second one! Am loving these 50 word stories!

    A Little Birdie Told Me
    by Julie Abery

    Grandma has a little bird
    Who always tells on me.
    She knows I picked her favourite flowers
    And climbed the apple tree.
    She knows I painted on the wall,
    That’s why I’m in my bed.
    But as the birds can’t see me here,
    I’ll climb the shelves instead!

    Liked by 3 people

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  116. This is my fourth Vivian. Not much of a kids’ story, but I needed to write it and share after a whole day of learning about script writing.

    How To Be A Writer by Rita Antoinette Borg

    A writer has a dream
    Writer walks in shoes of her character.
    Writes.
    Story’s bad.
    Rewrites.
    Struggles?
    Draft #54.
    Twists?
    Draft #55.
    Submit.
    No.
    Sorry.
    Draft #56
    Good, but…
    Dreamers cry.
    Resend. Praying.
    Excellent…rewrite it!
    Better?
    Rewrite.
    Better?
    I’m no good.
    Rewrite.
    Better?
    YES!
    Writer faints.
    A writer dreams on.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Rita…I know that EVERYONE here is going to identify with your story! We do have to keep chugging along…that’s for sure. Thank you so much for participating with such enthusiasm and effort..I truly appreciate you! And I love the story, even if it is not geared for children…although, in a way, it is…they, too, deal with revision and the need to try try again. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  118. Thanks so much Vivian. re story. You’re right. don’t we all have to learn to write our best story called life and that takes a dream and lots of trail and error. Never thought of this like that before you said it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  119. Hi Vivian this is my fifth story.

    IN THE COLD
    by Rita Antoinette Borg

    Rita trembled with cold.
    She wore sweaters, coats, hats, scarfs, mittens, quilts, blankets.
    Until Rita heard a yelp from a hole.
    She couldn’t fit.
    She threw off the blankets, quilts, mittens, scarfs, hats, coats, sweaters.
    She squeezed in.
    She tucked the puppy in blankets.
    Puppy found home.
    Rita found warmth.

    thanks

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Nadine…how lovely to meet you…I went over to your blog and read your entry. It is brilliant! Thank you so much for joining in he fun! I shared it on Facebook and Twitter. Do you want to copy and paste it here…or would you rather keep it on your blog so people will come and visit you there?

      Like

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      • Hi Vivian, very nice to meet you too! Thanks for popping by my blog and for your lovely comment. I’ve pasted my story below too.

        Big

        ‘Why aren’t I big?’

        ‘Growing takes time.’ Mum passed me black teardrop seeds. I pushed them into the soil.

        Heart-shaped leaves appeared, then stalks.

        They grew tall, with flowers as wide and bright as the sun.

        I picked a tiny seed and whispered: ‘You’ll grow big, like me.’

        Liked by 2 people

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  122. That was a fun challenge, Vivian! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂 Here is my blog post- http://artonthepage.blogspot.com/2016/03/50-precious-words-writing-contest.html
    And here’s my story:

    Remodeling the Castle

    The new dishwasher squeezed into the kitchen.
    We got the box.
    Mae and I magicked it into a castle.
    We added rooms,
    windows,
    and towers.
    We grew gardens,
    forests,
    and oceans.
    We sailed to the edge of the world,
    and into the stars.
    Then the truck brought our new REFRIGERATOR.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • WOW! I can remember playing in the big appliances boxes…and my kids loved to do it…and my grandson as well. I’ve always said that when people spend a lot of money on gadgets and toys, the kids would rather have the box. What a splendid entry into the contest, Jill. Great use of language and the element of three! And I love the twist at the end…who knows what they will magic that into. 😉 Thank you so much for playing along. 😉

      Like

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  123. Hi, Vivian. A few years ago I wrote a poem in honor of Dr. Seuss. It was shorter than 50 words! I changed a few words and added a few more lines – which I think helped qualify it as a picture book for little ones in addition to being a poem. I am far from being a Dr. Seuss, but here goes. Thanks for the fun challenge.

    TOES!

    Little toes,
    Big toes,
    Five toes,
    Ten toes.

    Soft toes,
    Rough toes,
    Wriggly little
    Baby toes.

    Mom’s toes,
    Dad’s toes,
    Sister’s tip-tapping
    Toes.

    Hot toes,
    Cold toes,
    Little brother’s
    Dirty toes.

    Here come
    More toes,
    Skipping-down-the-road
    Toes.

    My toes,
    Your toes.
    All around the world
    Toes!

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Oh Janet…what great fun! What a perfect pb/board book for little kids. I love the rhythm…I can just feel those toes tip-tapping. Thank you for joining in and playing along with my challenge. I’m having a ball, reading all of these wonderful stories. 😉

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  124. Vivian, Thanks for the fun opportunity to write something new . . . and a little bit Irish 🙂
    Ann

    THE LEGEND OF THE LUCKY CLOVER
    The wee fairies watched as their clever princess hid beneath the clover, lying in wait.
    “Ribbit, ribbit,” croaked Prince Brendan, hopping into the patch of green.
    Quick as lightning, Princess Bridget flitted out of hiding, landed on his nose, and kissed him.
    Magic swirled, and love and luck win again!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Sure and begorrah! So happy to see your story here, Ann! Thank you for jumping in to participate with #50PreciousWords…just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. I love your happy ending…hurray for Princess Bridget and Prince Brendan. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  125. Vivian! This has been fun, but mercy what a challenge!

    I’m thinking St. Patrick’s Day

    Yickity Yak (Patricia Saunders)

    I found a magical pot.
    In it, I wondered,
    in it, was what?

    I yelled into its belly.
    babbles bounced back.
    A leprechaun snickered,
    “yickity, yak”.

    Poof!

    He vanished,
    along with his pot.
    I no longer wonder,
    in it, was what.

    I found a magical cat,
    Snickering,
    yickity, yickity, yak!?

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Thank you so much for playing along, Patricia…and with such a fun St. Patrick’s Day inspired story, no less!!!! I love your yickety yickety yak refrain…very kid friendly. 😉 Too bad he didn’t leave the gold behind…but at least you got a magical cat…wonder what will happen now? 🙂 😉

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  127. Hello Vivian, I’m a little late to your party because I just discovered your blog! This contest was so tantalizing but…the shorter = the simpler = the harder to write! (And I thought the last 214-word story contest I tried was hard, LOL!!!) Many thanks for the wonderful challenge! Here’s my goofy attempt, which comes out at 46 words (49 if you count the note).

    Story removed at request of the author – out on submission. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hurray! Hello Kate…so lovely to meet you! And I’m leaving this one up because your comment is so lovely…and I do understand about the illustration note that you didn’t want to have there. 😉 I LOVE your story! Will write more in my next comment. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  128. P.S. I’m not sure why the “Note” posted itself in the middle of my story…I had put it off to the side and now it really interrupts the flow of the reading…Sorry, cannot edit the post it seems 😦

    Liked by 1 person

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    • No worries, Kate…I think my blog is set up so that only me, the admin, can edit comments. I’m thrilled you found me and the #50PreciousWords Contest…pass the word…there are still a few more days for others to enter. 😉

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  129. Hi Vivian – thanks for the great challenge.

    If I Found a Little Monkey

    If I found a little monkey I would take him home to play.

    We’d shimmy up an old oak tree and swing from branch to branch.

    We’d scamper down, run about then walk on top a fence.

    Then we’d eat bananas with our feet and sing a monkey song.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • I’m so happy you joined in with my challenge, Nancy! I’m also a fan of little monkeys and I love all the action in your story…shimmy, swing, scamper, and sing…lots of fun!!! Thank you so much for playing along.

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  130. Hi again, Kate! YES! I love your story…and I truly think you have a gem of an idea here for a great picture book. The Silverware family…perfect. And how many times have I tried to rescue a spoon that fell down into the garbage disposal? Too many to count! Thank you, thank you…for joining in and playing along.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Oh thank you for understanding! The rhyme’s meter just didn’t read right without the correct line breaks…Phew. Thank you for your graciousness.

      Liked by 1 person

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  131. Vivian, I think I’m finally ready to post my story for your contest. And, in time for Easter, I would like to submit, Dear Easter Bunny along with the link to it on my blog.
    https://leslieleibhardtgoodman.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/an-easter-tale-for-the-50-precious-words-contest/

    DEAR EASTER BUNNY

    By Leslie L Goodman

    Dear Easter Bunny, thank you for
    the many treats you left me.
    I love the chewy caramel eggs
    and cream-filled, chocolate chickie.
    I’m only sorry that I missed
    the pink marshmallow bunny.
    I found it stuck to Grandpa’s pants…
    to him, it’s not so funny.

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Oh my goodness…how many times has that happened to me…sit down on something soft and squishy and it sticks to you! I love your story, Leslie…and I’m so happy you joined in the #50PreciousWords fun…love the rhyme at the end…and what a perfect story for Easter. I also like the format of a letter to the Easter Bunny! Only problem is…now I am hungry for chocolate…gotta go and get me some. 😉

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  132. I had the pleasure of hearing Michelle Markel speak at SCBWI-LA Writer’s Days last year. Her work is wonderful, and she is so engaging. Thank you for sharing BRAVE GIRL and your fun challenge!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • And here’s my answer to your (very challenging!) challenge:

      WILD

      By Delfina Salimbene

      Zebra gallops.
      Lion roars.
      Jackal circles.
      Vulture soars.

      Rhino charges.
      Tortoise strokes.
      Python slithers.
      Hippo soaks.

      Tetra swishes.
      Jaguar baits.
      Monkey dances.
      Gator waits.

      Warthog waddles.
      Heron flaps.
      Water splashes.
      Gator SNAPS!

      Liked by 5 people

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    • Hello Delfina…how lovely to meet you! I always loved nonfiction and biographies…but nonfiction these days is nothing like it was when I was a kid. Now I love writing it also. 🙂 And Brave Girl is such a great story…lucky you to have gotten to hear the author speak. 😉 And hurray…I see you have entered my little challenge. 🙂

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    • This is awesome, Morgan….I love that Dog is watching out for his family even though he is afraid…now we can all sleep soundly. 😉 Great tension and pacing! Thank you so much for participating in my little challenge. I am so amazed at the depth and breath of the entries. It’s lovely to meet you…and I’m thrilled you joined in the fun. 😉

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  134. What a fun idea for a contest! My story is on my blog at http://deborahholtwilliams.blogspot.com/ and it’s called The Lonely Egg,
    Deborah..I’m pasting the story here so no one will miss it:

    The Lonely Egg
    by Deborah Holt Williams

    Jackrabbit found the egg under the cactus.
    “It looks so lonely!” he thought.
    “I’ll protect it.”
    Along came a rattlesnake!
    “Stay away!”
    The snake came closer.
    “Leave this egg alone!”
    The snake came closer.
    Then–crack! Out came a baby…
    rattlesnake!
    “Thanksss for keeping my baby sssafe!”
    said mama snake.

    Liked by 1 person

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  135. Hi Vivian! I have arrived at your awesome post twice, once through 12X12 and again through Reforemo. (I love the book Brave Girl, btw.) So, I thought I’d give your contest the old college try. I love a challenge, sometimes. As I am currently skiing with my kiddos, this is what came to mind…

    HOW TO SKI IN THREE EASY LESSONS(50 words)

    The first lesson of skiing: start easy.
    You never want to just…ooops!
    All right. Time for lesson two: how to…
    SLOW DOWN!
    Uh-oh! We’d better get right to lesson three: stopping.
    Or, you can just sit down. That works, too.
    Hey! Where are you going?
    Hot chocolate?
    Wait for me!

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Hello Elisabeth…I’m so happy you stopped by again…and this time with a wonderful entry into the challenge.
      Yes, they say we should write what we know…how perfect you are skiing with your kids and used that experience to come up with a GREAT story. I love it. I, too, have been skiing with my kids…and for me, the hot chocolate was definitely something to look forward to. 😉
      I enjoyed the humor of the story…and the super words: ooops, SLOW DOWN, uh-oh! So happy you joined in!

      Liked by 1 person

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  136. I happened to visit Angie Karcher’s RhyPiBoMo FB group today and noticed Stuart Carruthers had posted his story there in the comments. Here is Stuart’s entry to #50PreciousWords. Thank you so much, Stuart! This seems like it will be quite sad and gloomy…and then…oh my goodness…hilarious! Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

    Silent and Deadly
    by Stuart Carruthers

    Death arrived in early morning,
    Giving Henry little warning.
    A skeletal figure in deep black cowl
    Came through the wall with a smell so fowl.
    “Pe-ew!”he cried, “What’s so odorous?”
    “SORRY MATE, I’M REALLY NERVEROUS.”
    So Henry died and became a ghost,
    With fingers stuffed tight up his nose.

    Liked by 4 people

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  137. Thank you for creating and hosting #50PreciousWords, Vivian! What a fantastic idea for a contest. (I found out about it from Angie Karcher’s RhyPiBoMo Facebook group.) Here’s my entry:

    Let Me Call You Sunshine

    Let me call you Sunshine

    and Sweet Pea

    and Silly

    and Snug.

    Hey, Puddin’

    and Pumpkin

    and Peanut.

    My Dumplin’,

    Daredevil,

    and Duck.

    I’ll always call you for breakfast

    And never too late for hugs.

    Let’s call it a day, my Angel,

    Goodnight, my little Love Bug.

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Howdy Anne…I’m so happy you stopped by with your wonderful story for the contest! And what a clever idea…don’t we all have those favorite little nicknames/love names for our kids or partners. 😉 My husband called our daughter ‘Pooch’…you’ve got some classics here in your story. Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

      Liked by 1 person

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  138. Hi Vivian – I found it! the place to enter my “Rainy Day” story… by Sue Heavenrich

    Pit, pat. Split, splat.
    Wear galoshes, coat and hat.
    Slooshy, gooshy, rainy day
    Perfect for mud puddle play.
    Skip, jump, splash, slide
    Now it’s time to go inside.
    Warm bath, dry socks,
    Build a fort with books and blocks.
    Rain stops, moon bright
    Supper, stories, hugs goodnight.

    Liked by 4 people

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    • You go, girl! Great job, Sue…I love the rhyme…and you’ve got a great beginning, a fun middle, and a VERY satisfying ending. 😉 The perfect day for a little kid! Thank you so much for joining the fun and participating in the contest!

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  139. What a fun way to spend a rainy day in Indiana. Thanks for the opportunity.

    http://dianebradleywriter.com/BlogPage.html

    Sailing Sailors

    On a windy day,
    Teddy’s sailing with me.
    He comes along,
    So I don’t stray.
    Jumping from the docks,
    Monkey swings by.
    Giraffe and Hippo join in,
    As the boat… rocks.
    Elephant leaps, Teddy cries “nay.”
    The boat tilts… water sprays.
    Now we’re loving a swim,
    On a windy day.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Oh goodness…did everyone fall in? Oh well, sounds like they are having a great time…as will everyone who reads your lovely story, Diane! Thank you so much for hopping on board and writing an entry for the contest. I love all the animals who are joining in the fun also. 😉

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  140. What a fun challenge! Here’s my story:

    Hey! A rabbit in the yard.
    Catching him will not be hard.
    Carrot for bait.
    Lie down to wait.
    I wait.
    And wait.
    And wait some more.
    I wait until my wait-er’s sore.
    Lunchtime comes.
    I eat the carrot.
    If he shows up I will share it.

    Liked by 4 people

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  141. I’m posting another story from one of my dear writer friends. Thank you so much, Sherri, for playing along. With all of these wonderful entries, #50PreciousWords is getting better and better! And I love your idea of a correspondence between cat and dog. 😉 And I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the image of the dog bed posted…readers will just have to use their imagination, I guess. 😉

    DOG AND CAT LETTERS by Sherri Jones Rivers

    Dear Cat:
    A friendly furry reminder that the new pet bed is mine.

    Dear Dog:
    I found it first, and besides, it matches my blue collar.

    Dear Cat:
    I am traveling to visit cousins Fido and Milo. It goes with me.

    Dear Dog:
    I’ve hidden it. Too bad. Have fun!

    Liked by 2 people

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  142. Hi Vivian,

    I love that book, and indeed any book, about a Brave Girl.

    My first reaction to your challenge, when I ran across it in 12 x 12 was — Ahhh! I can’t ever write anything that short! And then, this unfurled in my mind. So thanks for the inspiration and the gauntlet thrown. Here is my tiny tome:

    Arden’s Garden

    Snip.
    I cut with scissors.
    Rip.
    Trees.
    Flowers and a bench.
    Bees.
    I paint the sky blue and grass green.
    I cut string beans. Nineteen!
    I arrange.
    Snick, a statue.
    I rearrange.
    I paste.
    Sticky fingers.
    I taste.
    Ick!
    I layer, more paste.
    Next, glitter glue.
    Here, there.
    I’m through.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hello Brenda…I am getting to meet the most wonderful people through this challenge. Thank you so much for picking up the gauntlet and coming up with this lovely story! I really enjoyed the inner rhyme and the images were fantastic. So happy you joined in the fun!

      Liked by 1 person

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        • Yes…50 words is not a lot…but obviously it is enough to tell some pretty lovely stories! I’m truly humbled by the response to the contest, Brenda…and everyone who knows me, knows my dearest joy is connecting with others…so this has actually been so much fun for me. I had set the deadline at 6pm Friday, March 18…so I guess there could be some coming in until then. Tomorrow night is DEFINITELY going to be a long night…I want to post the winners on Saturday’s Will Write for Cookies interview with Nancy Churnin. 😉

          Liked by 1 person

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  143. In at the wire! 🙂 So glad I got to take part in the lovely Vivian’s 50-word story challenge. Here’s my entry…

    THE SPIDER

    Morning sun stretches over the treetops.

    For hours already Spider has been spinning

    a lacy net of glistening threads.

    Gentle breezes ripple

    but Spider toils on.

    Velvet night falls and Spider finally rests.

    Rain sprinkles softly,

    decorating Spider’s work.

    Dawn’s pink light reveals

    Spider’s masterpiece,

    sparkling with liquid jewels.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hurray…I’m so happy to see an entry from my dear Beth…thank you for joining in the fun! I absolutely love the lyricism…your words took me to another realm of beauty where Spider’s masterpiece is a precious gem in Mother Nature’s treasure chest. BEAUTIFUL! And I’m so glad Spider was able to finish her work and get some rest…hope you do as well. 🙂

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  144. Wow! I just saw a link to this site from kidlit411. What an interesting contest. Here’s my story.

    Charlie likes to eat colors.
    He eats yellow.
    Bananas, pineapples
    He eats orange.
    Carrots, oranges
    He eats red.
    Tomatoes, apples
    He eats green. (It is his favorite.)
    Broccoli, celery, pears, peas
    Charlie likes eating colors.
    He likes it so much, he asks his mom,
    “May I have more colors please?”

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Hello Sherry Lynn…thank you so much for participating in #50PreciousWords. And your story is precious! I love all the color words…I can see this as a really cute board book that teaches colors to little ones. Maybe with flaps. 😉
      I really appreciate you joining in the fun…glad you saw it on KidLit411. 😉

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        • You are so welcome,Sherry Lynn…my whole life has been about reaching out and connecting and letting others know how much I appreciate them. The response to the contest has been AMAZING…I am thrilled to respond to each and every person who took up the challenge. 😉

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    • Fabulous, Linda! I’m so glad you entered…and I love your story about friendship. And I love the idea of a book that two friends share. 🙂 Do you want to copy and paste it into the comments to make sure everyone gets to read it?

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      • Thanks so much, Vivian. And here’s the story:

        Friends with Imagination

        Cam was moving.
        “I know,” Annie said. “Let’s share an imaginary friend.”
        “Annie, we’ll hardly play with each other anymore.”
        “But Cam…we can have a book where we write about our imaginary friend’s adventures.”
        “You get the book first. When we see each other again, I’ll get it.”
        “Yay!”

        Liked by 1 person

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  146. Here’s my entry Vivian. Enjoy. 🙂

    FUDGE

    Oooooo. Eyes widen.

    Smooth milky fudge woos and waits.

    “Yes please!” Are the words for a slice.

    Mmmm! Taste buds revel in the richness.

    Yummm! Tummy rumbles filled with gobbled goodness.

    Ahhh. Heart flutters with fulfillment.

    Fudge rules.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Not fair! Not fair! Now I need CHOCOLATE!!!
      What fun, Traci…you captured all of the wonderful sensations from first look to last bite. Well done! I’m so glad you hopped on board the challenge.

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      • Thank you Vivian! I was inspired by the various pounds of fudge I have sitting here from ‘The Fudgery’ shop in St. Louis. Was there this past weekend with hubby.

        Liked by 1 person

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  147. Thank you for the contest and for recommending Brave Girl. I haven’t seen or read it, so will have to check it out! Here is my entry:

    Hailey chose her favorite red crayon and drew a circle on the wall. Around that, she drew five more. With her the yellow crayon, she filled in the circles.
    Mommy walked in. “Hailey!”
    Hailey dropped her hand. She was in big trouble.
    “That’s the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen!”

    Liked by 2 people

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  148. Here is my entry, inspired by one of my two neighborhood bread shops, where we buy *drumroll* bread.

    Bread Shop Blues

    We live by a bread shop.
    We buy bread at the bread shop.
    That’s why I have the bread shop blues.

    There are cookies at the bread shop.
    Raisin. Chocolate. Almond.
    But we buy bread.
    That’s why I have the bread shop blues.

    There are cakes at the bread shop.
    Banana, butter, and chocolate swirl.
    But we buy bread.
    That’s why I have the bread shop blues.

    There are tarts at the bread shop.
    There are meringues at the bread shop.
    But we buy bread.
    That’s why I have the bread shop blues.

    We live by a bread shop.
    We buy bread at the bread shop.
    But I’m saving my money,
    To beat the bread shop blues.

    Liked by 2 people

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  149. Hi Vivian.

    Me again. My sixth story and my last. Do this again next year. It was a blast and gave me a break from other responsibilities. I ordered Brave Girl, too. Can’t wait to receive it.

    Grandma’s Sweater
    By Rita Antoinette Borg

    Meghan unwrapped her present.
    “Ugh! another sweater from Grandma with a purple-pink purse motif!”
    “I want it” said Becky.
    “It’s yours.”
    Meghan giggles.
    “Look,the purse really opens,” said Becky. “and there’s money in it.”
    Meghan grabbed the sweater and ran.
    “Give it back, Meghan or I’ll tell Grandma everything.”

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • There totally has to be a special prize for you, Rita! The girl with the mostest entries into the contest! I am so so so happy you’ve had such a good time with it. And I’ve had the best time, reading all of your stores.This one is so clever…and so true…I have an older sister and this is EXACTLY what would have happened. Thank you, friend, for your support of the #50PreciousWords Contest. 😉

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  150. LOL! if you knew how little I am , you’d know why I try so hard.but really it was just plain FUN! After a whole week( and more coming) of a scriptwriting course where all the films and scripts were made for adult movies, except mine, where I was SO embarrased and felt SO uncool by youngsters 30 down. I’ve truly never seen so many depressing movies in my life.And the scenes… I even closed my eyes in some and people saw me and laughed. Such a different world from children’s writing especially children’s books. Hand on my heart, Thank God for KIDLIT and its community.

    Liked by 1 person

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  153. Contest Entry:

    Minty the Mermaid’s Burger Binge

    Minty the mermaid loved burgers. One day, she took off her fin and went up to human land. There, she ate many, many burgers. But when she was ready to go home, she could no longer fit into her fin.
    “I should have eaten fruits and vegetables instead!” Minty cried.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sheilane…what a fun story you’ve given us! I think I know just how Minty feels..sometimes my clothes feel a bit too tight after I’ve eaten a bit too much. 😉 I really appreciate you coming over to the contest…thank you for playing along. 😉

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  154. WOW! What wonderful stories in so few words. Here’s my humble attempt.

    A Castle for Princess and Dragon

    Let’s go find a castle!

    So messy, so clean

    So plain, so grand

    So gloomy, so charming

    So dark, so bright

    So snug, so sprawling

    So smelly, so sweet

    So stiff, so comfortable

    So simple, so fancy

    So ordinary, so unique

    So wrong, so RIGHT

    So. . . we are home!

    Liked by 2 people

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    • I wanted to click my sparkly red heels together and say, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” And isn’t that true, Charlene. 🙂 Thank you so much for posting a story for the contest. I love all of your opposites…great way for kids to learn them and it also make it an interactive story…even kids who can’t read yet can guess what the matching word will be. Well done!

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  155. Hi Vivian, Thank you for doing this 50 words or less stories. I love it! I enjoy reading the stories already shared. It has got me working and thinking. I am an illustrator and love adding words to the stories my paintings show. I do not have a blog yet. Here is my story.

    Sunflower

    “Pssst! Up here!”
    Dahna stops. She glances around.
    “Who’s talking?” she wonders.
    Up here!” the voice demands. “Look up!”
    Dahna slowly tilts her head back. She gazes up at a towering sunflower peering over her.
    “Curious,” muses Dahna. “Hello-o, Sunflower!”
    Suddenly a long, gentle grin appears filling the sunflower’s face.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • WOW…how did you know that sunflowers are my favorite flowers, Jennifer? No joke!
      I love your story…what a mystery…good tension…and a miracle for Dahna.
      Thank you so much for entering the contest…it’s a joy to see so many lovely stories. 😉

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  156. Brave Girl sounds interesting, Vivian. Putting it on my to-read list. I’m enjoying reading all the 50 Precious Words submissions. What a great response! Here’s mine:

    Shadowman

    Shadowman stalks my steps.
    I stop, but he waits for me.
    He out-sprints me uphill.
    Tumbles down on my heels.
    Together, we crouch, jump, and spin.
    My light sabre drawn, Be Gone, I say.
    But he aims his sabre uphill.
    A Martian invader!
    We must defend.
    Ready, set, CHARGE, Shadowman!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • EXCELLENT! I love the entire incident between child and shadow…I can remember running alongside mine. 😉 I think I see a picture book in this, Sydney…thank you so much for joining in the fun!

      Like

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  157. Hopefully following the rules this time:

    Kiki and the Disappearance of Apple

    Until the day Apple disappeared, Kiki seemed to be an ordinary little girl. Something about Apple’s disappearance changed her. She zinged with special powers. They did not help her find Apple. So she lounged about zapping flowers, blasting carrots. After a particularly large display Apple returned, but as a Fizzawumpapottamus.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Tara! I am SO GLAD you wrote another entry. I love your title…it makes me want to read more. And I am dying to see what a Fizzawumpapottamus looks like. Lots of fun, Tara…and I do thank you for playing along with the challenge. 😉

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  158. Noah’s Treasures

    Noah loved the sea
    treasures washed ashore
    pockets full
    of wrinkled shells
    polished glass
    and more

    beneath the curling waves
    silent shadows rise
    surface breaking
    humpbacks breach
    a treasure
    for his eyes!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • How lovely, Suzy! Great rhyme and terrific subject…and I’m so glad Noah is finding lots of beach treasures…I remember pockets bulging with shells…along with lots of sand that my mom had to clean out before she put the shorts in the wash. 😉 Thank you so much for joining the fun!

      Like

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      • Thank you for the contest! It’s always fun to take on a challenge and to explore the work of others. I am a retired fourth grade teacher and I love writing for middle grade readers as well as young children. Most of all, I love teaching kids to write. I’m in the process of creating a middle grade writers’ group as an outlet for those kids who LOVE to write.

        Liked by 1 person

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  160. Tina…I absolutely love this…a pb biography in 50 words or less…that is impressive. And I’m so glad you did a tribute to Nancy Reagan. First Ladies don’t often get the recognition they deserve…it must be an extremely difficult job. Your story was informative AND engaging…great job! I’m thrilled you played along with the challenge. 😉

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  161. The Masterpiece, by Shelley Kinder

    Deep blue canvas.

    Passionate Painter.

    Splashes of pink,

    Yellow,

    Orange.

    Will they love His sunrise,

    As He loves them?

    More pink…

    Yellow…

    Orange…

    A punch of purple!

    It is finished.

    People point,

    Cheer,

    Dance,

    Admiring the masterpiece.

    The Painter is pleased.

    God rests his brush,

    Excited for sunset…

    The possibilities!

    Liked by 2 people

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      • Thanks so much, Vivian! I had so much fun writing it. I was inspired by the morning sky a few days ago. Amazing how the sky changes so much throughout the day. My favorite is when it’s dark and sunny at the same time…and then it rains! So cool! I hope you have fun reading and judging all these phenomenal stories. Thanks so much for this challenge! Talk about cutting words!

        Liked by 1 person

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  162. Hi Vivian! Here’s my story for your fun 50 word challenge (50 words plus one-word title)! What a cool contest. You inspire me 🙂

    LEAP!

    Time to leap, the leaves whoosh out
    Bursts of color spray and spout.

    Goodbye, Fall, I’m moving south
    Salty tears drip ‘round my mouth.

    New house, new town, and sticky heat…
    Kids splash and laugh across the street.

    Time to leap and soar again,
    Spouts spray further with a friend.

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Lori, Lori, Lori!!! Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and putting up your wonderful story. It’s a thrill to have so many critique buddies and friends supporting this challenge! I really engaged with your mc…and I’m so happy that she, too, is going to leap and soar, reaching out to make new friends. 😉

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  163. Vivian, I love your review of BRAVE GIRL. It’s on my reading list. You highlighted so many great points about the book that will inspire today’s readers, while also inspiring me to be a “Brave Girl” and enter your 50 Precious Words Contest.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the review, Lori. I knew this story…the ‘real’ story about the Shirtwaist Factory Fire…and I was amazed at how beautifully the author and illustrator captured Clara’s spirit and determination. And yes…I’m really pleased that you entered the contest…WELL DONE!

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  164. Nothing like waiting till the last day! *Phew*
    Here is my 50 word story!
    Thank you, Vivian, for this fabulous contest! What an amazing exercise for any writer! :O) Enjoy!

    Nancy’s Ants

    Nancy loved her new ant farm.
    Nancy’s parents loved that bugs were contained.
    They went to breakfast, on the bus, to school, to the playground, to ballet, dinner, movie and popcorn, and slept on the couch with Nancy.
    The next morning, Nancy’s parents sat and ate breakfast.
    With Nancy’s ants.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • Your story brought back so many memories, Monica. I LOVED watching ants when I was a kid and wanted one of those ant farms…of course, we lived in the city and my mom said NO. What a fun entry into the contest…thank you so much for playing along. 😉

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      • Vivian,
        I love that you could relate! My parents never let me have an ant farm either! This is all about my days at as a mom- when my girls bring in bugs- in jars … Then minutes later… ??? The search is on… ☺️ Here’s to a fabulous contest! 🌟

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  165. Here is mine

    MORE
    More jokes
    More laughter
    More hugs
    More books
    More smiles
    More listening
    More sleep
    More peace
    More dancing
    More music
    More kisses
    More nature
    More play
    More walks
    More wonder
    More wandering
    Less fear
    Less fighting
    Less hunger
    Fewer tears
    Cuddling up for a story at night
    Just right

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • I love your sentiments, Lindsey…yes, more of the good stuff and less of the bad. I’m voting for that! Thank you so much for joining in the fun…I’m so thrilled with all of the wonderful entries…it’s absolutely amazing!

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  166. Homeless. Hungry. Help.

    Homeless. Hungry. Help.
    Mom, who is that man?
    Why is he hungry?
    I don’t know.

    Did he get food yesterday?
    Where is his family?
    I don’t know.

    Homeless. Hungry. Help.
    Why is the man still there ?
    He needs a little help.

    I found a quarter!
    Clink.
    Bless you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • What a great topic, Robin. I think we do need to help kids learn to reach out to others and be sensitive to their needs. And I love that your mc really SEES the man…and wants to help. Thank you so much…I’m so happy to meet you…and really appreciate your participation in my little (as in..very little) challenge of only 50 words.

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  167. I look forward to reading Brave Girl!
    In the meantime, here’s my 50 word story (a very abbreviated version of a longer WIP). You can supply your own ending because I ran out of words before I could 🙂 Thanks Vivian for this great contest!

    Jay’s Dilemma

    A hungry jay cries “hooray!”
    He sees peanuts on a windowsill.
    Jay dives from his tree. He picks up one peanut with his beak…
    Hey, hey, hey, Jay can pick up two!
    Jay wants three peanuts to eat in his tree, but his beak is full…
    What would you do?

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hey, hey…I would eat one right then and there! What a fun story, Linda. It reminds me of when I used to go to a restaurant for their buffet meal…my eyes were bigger than my stomach, for sure. 😉 Thank you so much for hopping over and playing along with the challenge.

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  168. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T THINK ABOUT A DRAGON

    Whatever you do,
    Do not think about a dragon.
    This story is about a pig.
    Aaaah! You were still thinking…
    Dragon.
    Poor pig.
    What did you say?
    The pig has what?
    And she’s brave?
    Good bye dragon!
    See? This story is about a pig.
    What?
    You’re right. And a dragon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Oh, this is funny, Stefanie…it makes me think of The Stinky Cheese Man book. I think that would be a great story with a dragon and a pig…quite an unusual pairing. 😉 I’m so glad you put up a story for the contest…thank you for joining in. 😉

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  169. And one last entry…an email came in at 5pm…I just saw it…from a dear friend who is a world musician. She travels around the globe, sharing music,making instruments, and spreading joy to children everywhere. Daria posted the entry on her blog: http://www.tinytappingtoes.com/uncategorized/50-precious-words-i-wished-for-a-washboard-a-musical-picture-book/

    And I am posting the story right here also:

    I Wished For A Washboard by: Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou

    I wished for a washboard
    So that I could play
    Some music with mom
    or my friends, everyday

    I’d make lots of rhythms
    Then guess what I’d do?
    I’ll give you my washboard
    And you could play, too!

    I wished for a washboard
    To make music my own
    And today I am happy

    Mom brought one home!

    Thank you so very much, dear Daria! I’m thrilled you got this story to me intime…and more than that, I’m just so happy you played along! I love your rhyme and the message of sharing music…which is what you are all about. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  170. Pingback: My entry for 50 Precious Words writing Contest! | Agatha Rodi Books

  171. Pingback: 50 Word Story | Jena Benton's Blog:

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  173. Birthday with Friends

    Minh would miss celebrating his birthday in Vietnam.
    He used to decorate his toy elephant with yellow and red ribbons.
    Grandmother made moon-shaped cakes, yummy fruits, and coconut candy.
    Now playing with his new friends would be the best treat.

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