PPBF: Brave Girl PLUS 50 Precious Words Contest

Posted on March 4, 2016 by viviankirkfield

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

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.
It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
Title is not included in the word count.
No illustration notes please.
Post the story on your blog if you have one and put the link in the comments OR post the story in the comments.
Deadline for posting the story or the link in the comments is Friday, March 18^th…that gives you two weeks.
Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 19^th, in our Will Write for Cookies post.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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: 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

Photo 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.

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

setwiggs on March 4, 2016 at 1:21 am said:

Oh a contest how fun! and you reminded me to read brave Girl: Clara and the shirtwaist Maker’s Strike of 1909.

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:52 am said:
  
  Reading BRAVE GIRL was fascinating, Sue…what a fabulous way to make hisory come alive, not only for young kids! Will you give the contest a try? I hope so!!!!
  
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Jodi McKay on March 4, 2016 at 7:24 am said:

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😊

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:53 am said:
  
  Glad I uncovered a treasure for you, Jodi! And I’m looking forward to reading your story…this is going to be fun!!!
  
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ptnozell on March 4, 2016 at 7:25 am said:

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!

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:55 am said:
  
  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. 😉
  
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Sue Heavenrich on March 4, 2016 at 8:42 am said:

I just read Brave Girl – what an awesome book (adding it to my mentor book list)! She was a brave girl, for sure. Now to go find 50 perfect words….

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:58 am said:
  
  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. 😉
  
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ManjuBeth on March 4, 2016 at 10:25 am said:

Hi, Vivian! Brave Girl is on my TBR list. And I love the idea of your 50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CONTEST.

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 12:00 pm said:
  
  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. 😉
  
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Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on March 4, 2016 at 10:27 am said:

The opening sentence of Brave Girl has me completely curious what surprise is in store for New York. Yup! I’m going to check this one out to find out. And I’ve already got the wheels spinning for a 50-word entry to your contest!

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 12:02 pm said:
  
  I know…I know…wasn’t that one of the most perfect turn-the-page sentences ever? Glad you are not afraid of ‘spinning wheels’, Leslie…can’t wait to read what you come up with.:)
  
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Wendy Greenley on March 4, 2016 at 11:01 am said:

You are clever-and succinct! Thanks for sharing Brave Girl. I’m reading books every day, but haven’t gotten all the REFO ones.

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 12:04 pm said:
  
  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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Gabi Snyder on March 4, 2016 at 11:06 am said:

I checked out Brave Girl yesterday. Now I’m very excited to read it!

I’ll see if I can meet the 50-word story challenge! Fun!

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 12:05 pm said:
  
  I think you will love it, Gabi! And I will love it if you are able to join in the fun with this challenge…looking forward to reading what you come up with. 😉
  
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Patricia Tilton on March 4, 2016 at 11:35 am said:

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.

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 12:09 pm said:
  
  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. 😉
  
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Janie Reinart on March 4, 2016 at 2:07 pm said:

Hi Vivian, Thank you for your great review. Looking forward to reading Brave Girl. Where do we post our story if we don’t have a blog?

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 4:52 pm said:
  
  So happy to see you here, Janie! Glad you enjoyed the review…it’s such a fabulous story. And you can post your 50 Precious Word story right here in the comment section. 😉 I’m excited to read it!!!
  
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  - Janie Reinart on March 4, 2016 at 10:08 pm said:
    
    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.
    
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    - viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:23 pm said:
      
      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. 😉
      
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Jess Townes on March 4, 2016 at 5:02 pm said:

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!

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 5:29 pm said:
  
  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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tinamcho on March 4, 2016 at 7:40 pm said:

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!

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 8:36 pm said:
  
  Green eggs and ham…how did the students like it, Tina?
  Brave Girl seems to be a hit with everyone who reads it. And I’d LOVE you to participate…hope you are able to squeeze out that story. 😉
  
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  - tinamcho on March 6, 2016 at 1:10 am said:
    
    My kids loved the green eggs & ham. One student said he doesn’t like eggs at home, but he likes green eggs!
    
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Hannah Holt on March 4, 2016 at 7:47 pm said:

I also like Brave Girl! Also the writing challenge sounds fun. I’m not sure my 50 words will be very precious, but I’ll give it a go. 🙂

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 8:38 pm said:
  
  Well, Hannah…you are a precious critique buddy, so I’m thrilled you are going to give the challenge a go. 😉
  
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  - Hannah Holt on March 9, 2016 at 12:18 am said:
    
    Here it goes:
    
    ECHO & SHADOW
    
    A shadow stood outside a cave.
    An echo called. The shadow waved.
    “Hello, hello,” the echo said.
    The shadow nodded, hi, instead.
    “Come on. Come in. Be brave, brave, brave,”
    said Echo, stepping from the cave.
    Two shadows clasp hands in the sun.
    They ducked inside. Now there are none.
    
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    - deborahholtwilliams on March 16, 2016 at 10:03 am said:
      
      Love this, Hannah! Unusual characters, and fun rhymes!
      
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    - viviankirkfield on March 18, 2016 at 1:39 pm said:
      
      Hannah…it’s a good thing I am going back over ALL of the entries…somehow, I missed reading this amazing one that you did. I love everything about it! Two fabulous characters…echo and shadow! Thank you so much for playing along. 😉
      
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Stephanie Shaw on March 4, 2016 at 10:08 pm said:

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.

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:16 pm said:
  
  Oh my goodness…Stephanie..this is absolutely lovely! Thank you so much for participating…now i am REALLY getting excited. And I think you are the first!!!! Maybe there needs to be a prize for that also. 😉
  
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- Linda Hofke on March 9, 2016 at 3:57 pm said:
  
  nice work
  
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Carol Samuelson-Woodson on March 4, 2016 at 10:45 pm said:

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.

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- viviankirkfield on March 4, 2016 at 11:31 pm said:
  
  Hello Carol…so lovely to meet you…and thank you so much for playing along with my challenge. I love your 50 words…and you know what….so far, almost all the entries are about dogs. 🙂
  
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dpasiczniak on March 5, 2016 at 1:56 pm said:

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

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- viviankirkfield on March 5, 2016 at 2:52 pm said:
  
  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. 😉
  
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Lauri Fortino on March 5, 2016 at 2:10 pm said:

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.

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- viviankirkfield on March 5, 2016 at 2:54 pm said:
  
  Beginning…check! Middle…check! Satisfying ending…check! Great job, Lauri…yes, another dog story…the universe is telling me something, I think. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun!!!!
  
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Lori Grusin Degman on March 5, 2016 at 3:45 pm said:

Vivian – I love this challenge and I love the stories people have already posted! I can’t wait to read the rest! I have to thank you too, because your contest got me to post on my blog – something I haven’t done in almost 2 years!! I wrote my 50-word story and just posted it there. Here’s a link: http://loridegman.blogspot.com/. Hope you like it!!

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- viviankirkfield on March 5, 2016 at 4:35 pm said:
  
  Like it? I totally LOVE it. How hilarious…but totally UNTRUE…you are one of the least quitter person I know….but it made a GREAT entry for the contest! I’m so happy you played along with me. 😉
  
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  - Lori Grusin Degman on March 6, 2016 at 8:57 am said:
    
    Thanks, Vivian – it was fun to write! I can’t wait to read the rest of the entries!!
    
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- Carol Samuelson-Woodson on March 6, 2016 at 3:44 pm said:
  
  Wow! Very impressive, Lori! Worth the visit to your post.
  
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  - Lori Grusin Degman on March 6, 2016 at 6:11 pm said:
    
    Thanks, Carol!
    
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- Lori Grusin Degman on March 8, 2016 at 2:47 pm said:
  
  My little story was feeling lonely over on my blog, all by itself – so I’ve decided to put it here with all the others. I think the other bloggers should do the same!
  
  I Quit
  
  My friend put forth a challenge that I thought was pretty nifty.
  To write a story, using words – and limit it to 50.
  But, now I’ve had a change of heart. This contest is absurd!
  There’s just no way to wrap things up with only two more words.
  I quit!
  
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Keila Dawson on March 6, 2016 at 3:21 pm said:

Perfect pick for Women’s History Month. Oh and I do love a challenge. Going to give it a whirl!

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- viviankirkfield on March 6, 2016 at 3:31 pm said:
  
  Woo-hoo…that is terrific, Keila…I’m looking forward to reading your story! And guess what? Kristen Fulton is donating a place in her April Nonfiction Archaeology class as a PRIZE…that is so generous of her! And I’m going to offer a mini-critique of a picture book manuscript as another prize. And a couple of mini-books as well. 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in!
  
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  - Carol Samuelson-Woodson on March 6, 2016 at 3:46 pm said:
    
    Contest gets more exciting by the second. Thanks!
    
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    - viviankirkfield on March 6, 2016 at 4:20 pm said:
      
      Oh my goodness…I agree, Carol. I’m so thrilled with the response. 😉
      
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jodimckay on March 6, 2016 at 4:42 pm said:

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!

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- viviankirkfield on March 6, 2016 at 4:58 pm said:
  
  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!
  
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