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 18th…that gives you two weeks.
- Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 19th, 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.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
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.
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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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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!
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Love your LOVE HUGS, Keila! And I love that you shared the challenge on your blog…thanks so much for playing and joining in on the fun. 😉
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Interesting book! I’ve never heard of Clara Lemlich before. I must rectify this! I am catching up on my emails and now can commence to writing my 50 words. ;o)
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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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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
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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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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
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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.
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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.
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I love a happy ending, Aileen! What a fun story! I’m so glad you found the contest and entered…the more the merrier…and I’m thrilled with the turnout so far. 🙂 Thank you for entering!
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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.
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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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Sounds like a great contest! I’m not sure if I will have time at the moment, but you never know. 🙂 Thanks for mentioning ReFoReMo and I’m happy to hear that it is helping. Happy research!
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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. 😉
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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.
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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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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
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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?
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Aww, thanks Vivian! I’m not great with titles, so the only one I can think of right now is: Hug. If I come up with something better I’ll let you know. So fun reading the entries!
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I am really curious about the mug shot 🙂
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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.
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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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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!
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Ole indeed! We all need to do Silly Dances more often. Thank you so much, Dawna, for your happy entry. I’m thrilled you came to participate in the challenge.
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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.
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Super kid appeal for sure, Nina! Cars and trucks and vroom, vroom, vroom…this story is lots of fun. Thanks so much for joining in the fun…I am having a ball reading all of these entries!
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Thank you!
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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.
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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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Sweet Katy- this is sickeningly fabulous.
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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.
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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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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!
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I smiled as soon as I read ‘baby Boo’…one of the characters in my entry for Susanna HIll’s Holiday Contest was a baby Boo….I absolutely love that name! And I love your story, Angelique…a perfect bedtime board book for little ones. Great job!
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Thank you 🙂
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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.
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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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With pen in hand, i must say
This contest is getting more exciting every day! This is not my entry, just wanted to let you know that I’d better get writing!!!
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Yes! Please please do, Mona! I am excited to read your entry. I’m having the best of times, reading all of these wonderful stories…people are really putting their heart into the challenge. 😉
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Wowie! Love the 50-word stories people have offered up here! Not sure I can come up with an entry, but will give it some thought.
BTW, great book rec, Vivian! It’s quite an engaging story! Thanks!
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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. 😉
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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!
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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. 😉
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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!
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Aha…yes…that’s right, Debbie! And things are really buzzing around here…it’s totally fantastic! I am so so so happy that people are enjoying this challenge. 😉
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