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 
Oops, I meant, an inspiring post, not comment, although the comments are also inspiring 🙂
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I agree with you, Nadine…many of the comments are lovely…and I appreciate your kind words about the post. This has been such a thrill for me. 😉
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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.
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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. 😉
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Thanks Vivian! It felt like magic managing to make a 50 word story!! Thanks for hosting a fun challenge.
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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!
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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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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!
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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. 😉
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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!?
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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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Thanks, Vivian. He coulda left some gold–snapped his fingers and tapped his toes — he coulda been dressed in fancy clothes and where he came from, nobody knows—but, that was way too predictable :>)
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True, true…I love the magical cat, Patricia…wish I had one. 🙂
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For Vivian,
I found you a magical cat.
From under his cloak,
He pulled out a note,
Wishing you a Happy St. Pats!
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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. 😉
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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. 😉
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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 😦
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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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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!
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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!
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PERFECT! I just love the animal actions…and your rhyme and meter are spot on, Delfina. What a pleasure to have you add your story to the contest. Thank you for joining in the fun!
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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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So nice to meet you, Vivian! Today’s nonfiction is incredible. Michelle Markel has also written some beautiful NF about Marc Chagall and Henri Rousseau–swoon!
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Guard dog
Bark!
It is midnight
And I see a ghost!
No, wait
Raccoon! It is a raccoon!
And I hear a ghost!
No, wait
Cat! It is a cat!
Bark!
It is midnight
And there is a scary thing
But don’t worry
Go back to sleep
I will protect you
Bark!
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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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This is really great, Morgan!
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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.
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Oh Deborah! This is fabulous! And I love the surprise at the end. Well done! Do you want to grab your story and post it here also? I don’t want anyone to miss reading it…but it is up to you. 😉 Thank you for hopping on board.
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I love your story, Deborah!
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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!
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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!
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I can so relate to your story Elisabeth, it made me laugh out loud!!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Thanks so much, Vivian. I am amazed at how you are responding to each and every entry individually. You are a gem!
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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.
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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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Sue, I love this story. Sounds like a perfect day to me. I can see this as a picture book for sure. Excellent!
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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.
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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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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.
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what fun! I see you “trapped” an ending
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Hello Marie…so nice to meet you. 😉 And I loved your story…it made me laugh. I think that would happen to me as well…I LOVE carrots! Great rhyme and I love the surprise twist at the end. Thank you so much for joining in the fun!
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