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.

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

  1. 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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  4. 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

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    • 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!

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  5. 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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  6. 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

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    • 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. 😉

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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!

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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!!!!

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  10. 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

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    • 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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  11. 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. 🙂

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  12. 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!

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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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

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  16. 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. 😉

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  17. 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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  18. 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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  20. 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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