TA-DA!
THE 2nd ANNUAL #50PRECIOUSWORDS WRITING CHALLENGE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!
I am so very excited to read all of the #50PreciousWords entries. For those of you who are visiting here the first time, please let me give you a sentence or two or three about how this all came about.
March 2nd is the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Last year I put together a little contest based on Bennet Cerf’s challenge to 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.
I thought it would be fun to try 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 then I opened the challenge to everyone. Much to my surprise and amazement, there were 128 entries! Ayear has past…and it’s time to DO IT AGAIN.
Please put on your thinking caps and get busy writing. You have until March 6th at 11:59pm to post your story. Here are the guidelines:
#50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CHALLENGE GUIDELINES
- 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 of 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.
- Between March 2nd and March 6th, post your story on your blog if you have one and want to and put the link in the comments of this post. Or copy and paste the entire story in the comments of this post. I ask for the link so that people will visit each other and find new friends in the kid lit community. Please make sure you put your name in the post. If you have any trouble at all posting the link or the story, please email me and I will be happy to do it for you: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
- Deadline for posting the story or the link in the comments is Monday, March 6, at 11:59pm.
- Winners will be announced in a special blog post on Thursday, March 9.
- Winners? Of course, there will be winners…and prizes, too!
21 winners…21 prizes…1st place takes whichever prize she/he wants, then 2nd place gets to pick, and so on. I will reach out to
- . A critique from my beloved agent, Essie White (some of you may remember that the winner of last year’s contest chose Essie’s critique as her prize…and she subsequently signed with Storm Literary Agency!)
- A seat in author and mentor Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing Making Picture Book Magic online writing class (the first writing class I ever took and it set me on the path of writing wonderful picture book manuscripts).
3. A seat in author and nonfiction writing guru Kristen Fulton’s incredible Nonfiction Archaeology online writing class (that was the class that opened the door for me to discover the joy of writing nonfiction picture books).
4. Coupon for 50% off author Alayne Kay Christian’s ART OF THE ARC online writing class (this is the next class I would love to take).
5. Or, if you have already taken Alayne’s wonderful class, you can choose a coupon for 50% off an in-depth critique from her (when Alayne says it is an in-depth critique, she isn’t kidding. I had one of those…it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious).
6. A seat in one of the KidLitCollege webinars (I’ve attended a few and they are FABULOUS!) OR $19.99 off a critique, donated by Jodell Sadler, JCLA Editorial Agent and Founder of KidLitCollege. Winner choses one and will get a special code.
7. A manuscript or query letter critique from author Rebecca Colby.
8. A picture book manuscript critique from author Lori Degman.
9. A picture book critique from author Anna Forrester.
10. A fiction picture book critique from author Ariel Bernstein
11. A picture book critique from author Rosie Pova
12. A book on the craft of writing from Rosie Pova.
13. A copy of Bunny’s Book Club from Annie Silvestro.
14. A book on the craft of writing from author Maria Marshall.
15. A copy of Hello, My Name is Tiger from author/illustrator Jennifer P. Goldfinger.
16. A copy of LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL plus an adorable SEAL NECKLACE from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler.
17. A copy of CLAMS ALL YEAR by author/illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler.
18. A SUPER HAPPY book prize package from author Marcie Colleen with copies of Super Happy Party Bears Gnawing Around and Super Happy Party Bears Knock Knock on Wood.
19. A copy of Mutt’s Promise, a middle grade dog adventure written by Julie Salomen…donated by author/illustrator Jill Weber.
20. A signed copy of Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite from author Stacy McAnulty.
21. A picture book critique from me and a signed copy of my parent-teacher book, Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.
WOW! That is some list of prizes! What a generous Kid Lit community we have! I’m grateful to the prize donors…I hope you all visit their websites, buy their books, and review them on Amazon. Did you know that when a book gets 50 reviews, Amazon helps promote it?
And now, before I invite you to post your stories, I wanted to share my #50PreciousWords with you. Hopefully, my story is a good enough example…with a beginning, a middle, and an end (and what an end!)…that is kid-friendly (well, remember those Grimm’s Fairy Tales)…that is 50 words or less. I hope it makes you smile.
WHY PIGS LOVE THEIR LITTLE FEET (50 words)
Everyone made fun of Pig’s little feet.
An invitation arrived.
Please come to Coyote’s feast.
Rooster knew the invitation was for him.
Cow disagreed.
They hurried to Coyote’s den.
Pig followed.
By the time his little feet got him there, the feast was finished.
And so were Rooster and Cow.
I always loved Aesop’s Fables and folktale type stories when I was a kid…I guess I was inspired by those.
Dear friends, please share this around your social media…the more the merrier… #50PreciousWords.
If you have any questions or need clarification, just email me: viviankirkfield@gmail.com
.Are you excited? I am!
Remember…THE MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT!
And I just can’t wait to read all of your precious words.
When Little One Awoke
By
Meli Glickman
The glowing wings revealed the angel, as Little One awoke and reached out a hand to touch the bright light.
Angel said, “Even when you cannot see me, feel me with your heart. My light will guide you till the end, just like now from your start.”
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You gave us #50PreciousWords full of hope and love, Meli…I thank you for that. So happy you joined us in the challenge and shared your sweet story. 😉
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I could feel the light of the angel. A beautiful story for little ones and us to know that angels are all around. Great job!
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Pingback: #50PreciousWords Writing Challenge | Thoughts on writing for children
Fun and challenging contest, Vivian! Here’s the link to my entry: https://writingtoconnect.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/50preciouswords-writing-challenge/
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Very imaginative! I don’t think I would be so daring as your swimmer!
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Gabi…your #50PreciousWords are full of imagination…hope your feisty swimmer is a match for those gators. So glad you played along with your story…great tension and word play. 😉
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Thanks for the fun challenge Vivian! I was inspired by the great entries to give it a try.
The Play
by Mary Warth
Pitcher Mikey threw a zinger,
But the hitter was a swinger.
Coach yelled, “Keep on running kid, they haven’t got the ball!”
As the fielder’s catch was fumbled,
Rounding third, the hitter stumbled.
The Ump ran down the third base line in time to make the call.
“You’re out!”
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This is exciting! Great story. 🙂
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I really enjoyed this! I fondly remember the thrill of a good play at a Little League game.
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I can feel the movement and see the story in my mind.
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Kudos, Mary…your #50PreciousWords have rhythm, rhyme, tension, and heart. your cadence was quite Poeish…kind of like The Raven. So glad you gave the challenge a try…well done!
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very nice, Mary
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Excellent job with this, Mary. Gave me a great imagine, and flashbacks to my own playing days.
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Mary…please email me…I don’t have your contact info and it is time to pick your prize…viviankirkfield@gmail.com
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KITTEN
by Ginger Rock Weddle
Kitten
slinks out
unseen.
Skittish,
she scampers up a tree.
Up,
at the top,
a new view
over rooftops.
Sunshine
warms her back.
Breezes
ruffle her fur.
Until…
raindrops.
Paws reaching,
searching.
Twigs snapping.
Twist,
peek down.
How to return?
A few steps to
her human’s
outstretched hands.
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I really like your entry I can imagine Kitten at the top of the tree and I can feel her anguish when it starts to drizzle.
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Very nice, Ginger! I can feel the kitten’s anxiety about how to climb down.
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I love Kitten. Excellent story.
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Great pacing and tension, Ginger. You took us on a journey with Kitten…I really enjoyed it. Thanks for joining in the #50PreciousWords fun. 😉
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very nice. I can see the scenes play out in my mind.
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So many awesome prizes and talented writers! At first, I didn’t think I’d submit my piece but here is my 47-word entry:
Wendell’s Adventure
Breathless, Wendell said, “I just flew in a flying saucer. We ate pizza!”
I laughed and said, “No way.”
“It’s true!” Wendell said, running outside.
Later, I saw a flying saucer soar over the house. Wendell waved from a porthole.
“Come back!” I yelled, “It’s trash night!”
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Haha, this was cute! I especially liked the image of Wendell waving from the porthole of the flying saucer.
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Full of humor, Sally…and I’m so glad you decided to join in the fun with your #50PreciousWords. Now I want to find out what happens to Wendell…and WHO is going to take out the trash? 😉 😉
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Thank you for the contest, Vivian. I’m a bit intimidated after reading such worthy entries, but I’m delighted to be a part of the fun.
It was a task to whittle my story down to 50 words, but here is my entry.
SLED PARADE by Lisa Morgan
Monster Hill grinned threateningly.
You first?
Nope!
You?
OK.
Jordan climbed.
Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z Z
Z O O M- BOOM!
Peyton Climbed.
Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z I P
FLIP!
Dylan Climbed.
Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z
Z Z Z
Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z
Z Z Z Z
ZING!
FLING!
OUCH!
I have an Idea.
Gather
Fasten
Twist
Tie
Decorate!
Ready?
The fancy sleds paraded to Monster Hill.
Monster’s grin changed.
Up the hill.
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
O
O
M !
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
I
P !
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
I
N
G !
All afternoon!
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^^^By Lisa Morgan
Well, the formatting didn’t quite turn out the way I set it before I pressed post comment. The ZZZZZZ’s are supposed to form a hill as they cascade down. Treacherous at the beginning and then a nice and smooth descent at the end. Hoping you get the idea. Thanks again!
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I definitely get the z’s. Very clever and this made me laugh.
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What fun, Morgan! I can just see the illustrations…lots of great imagery here! And awesome use of sound words that also give us motion. Thanks for sharing your #50PreciousWords. 😉
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here’s a real short one:
The Race
sun falls
night calls
owl hoots
mouse scoots
snake hisses
strikes
misses
mouse flees
owl sees
WHOOOOSH!
faint squeak
mouse in beak
GULP!
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Oh dear…I feel like I’ve led you down the path of darkness with my slightly on the edge sample, Linda. But I LOVE this…great rhyme and movement…mouse just wasn’t quick enough. 😉 Well done…and thank you so much for joining in the #50PreciousWord fun. 🙂
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LOL. the idea of you leading me down “the path of darkness” made me laugh. You’d never lead me astray. Right?
oh, and this one is only 23 words long. I wanted to expand it but didn’t come up with anything. And since it has a beginning, middle, and end, I just left it this way.
Thanks for challenging me.
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Mommy? What Will I Be?
50 Precious Words
By Ingrid Boydston
“Mommy? What will I be when I grow up?”
“You can be anything!”
“Anything?”
“A doctor,
a chef,
a teacher,
maybe a great leader!”
“Thanks Mommy, I know what I’ll be!”
“What?”
“All those things!”
“I’m afraid you can’t be ALL of them.”
“Sure I can. I’ll be a mommy!”
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WOW…what a tribute to every mother, Ingrid…thank you for joining in with your #50PreciousWords. A real mighty girl story!
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So happy you enjoyed it! ☺️
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Ingrid, this was so sweet! Smart little girl! She knows moms wear many different hats, and being a mommy is a wonderful aspiration! Well done!
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Thanks you Sandy!
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Aww, what a beautiful little story. It gave me chills. So happy to be a mother!! Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks so much Hope!
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I found you! It’s so hard to finally press the post button! I’m glad we critiqued each others entries. Good luck!
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Your #50PreciousWords are just that, Shirin…precious! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful inner journey with us. I’m so glad you joined the challenge.
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DIVERSITEA
Fancy hats,
tasty treats-
sandwiches,
trays of sweets.
Sugar cubes,
porcelain cups,
etiquette-
pinky up!
Tea for two-
Mom and me.
Formal bow,
bamboo whisks,
tatami,
matcha mix.
Mini cup
in-between
two warm hands-
powdered green!
Tea for two-
Grandma and me.
Little lady
growing up,
Diversitea
within my cups!
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Hello Cheryl…you packed so much into your #50PreciousWords. I love the diversitea within my cups…a meeting of many cultures for this little lady. 😉 Well done! Thank you for playing along with the challenge. It amazes me how many different stories there are here…we are a diversitea of children’s writers…hurray!
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Thanks Vivian-
I’m really amazed by how you’ve taken the time to respond to each and every writer and post. Thanks for creating this- it’s the first online writing challenge I’ve done!
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A Meal For Pangolin
By: Christina Rowe
Pangolin was hungry.
His tummy rumbled out a warning.
Bright moonlight caused his gooseberry eyes to squint.
True he had slept through the day curled up in the hollow of a log.
Now, he wanted his evening meal.
He rolled over and saw a twig covered with writhing ants.
Yum.
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I love the name of your mc…Pangolin…how perfect! Glad Pangolin found something yummy to eat within reach. 😉 So happy you joined in the #50PreciousWord fun, Christine. Lovely language with the gooseberry eyes.
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Vivian, if I might add something…
Christina didnt just name the main character Pangolin, it IS a pangolin. It is an endangered species. And it has very tiny eyes. Her description of “gooseberry eyes” is perfect.
A video about pangolins can be found here:
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Wow Linda! Great video! Thank you for the post on Pangolins.
They are amazing creatures!
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Thank you Vivian! I loved reading all of your responses to each entry-that is a craft in itself.
I had fun with this. Thank you for putting it all together!
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Are you familiar with MSWL (manuscript wishlist)? Agents and editors post what they wish to see. Not too long ago I saw a MSWL posting from someone interested in a story with a pangolin as the main character. If you expand this and add some more plot/struggle, you could have a picture book.
I don’t remember which agent it was but you could do a search on the site.
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This is an entry for Sherry Alexander
Moth Dance by Sherry Alexander
It’s twilight. The moths gather. Is the coast clear?
Shadows flicker dangerously close, but they edge into the open.
Unfolded wings are flittering and fluttering as they angle toward the light.
The dance has begun, but someone else sees something different.
“Dinner,” says the bat. Slurp! The dance is over.
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Well done, Sherry! It seems like there is a lot of gory stuff going on in nature tonight .Linda Hofke an unfortunate meeting between a mouse and an owl. I’m going to have to keep an eye on your kidlit writers. Oh, wait a minute. Wasn’t I the one who had an unfortunate meeting of a cow, a rooster, and a coyote?
Thanks so much for joining in the fun with your #50PreciousWords! Very lyrical and lots of action!
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OPEN ME
Did I catch your eye? But that’s just my cover. Please, open me, and look inside. Hold me gently in your hands. We can spend many calm, wonderful hours together. In me you will discover friendship, adventure, humor, mystery, and love. Stay with me until the end.
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Oh…what a lovely tribute to a book…brilliant! Very heartfelt, Geoffrey. I’m so glad you joined us with your #50PreciousWords. 😉
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This was certainly a challenge – I’ve really been enjoying reading the entries. So much diversity in the topics and styles of writing. This is my first time doing a writing challenge but I just signed up for 12 x 12 and am embracing the spirit of waving my shy writer’s hand from over here! 🙂
Cow and Chicken Babysitting by Yvonne Klinksick
Cow says Moo
Chick says Coo
Baby hides, peak-a-boo!
Hungry baby, mud pie goo
Flowers tickle nose Ah-CHOO!
Wah-wah! Baby’s blue
What is that? Sniff-sniff…peee-ew!
Not my turn Cow,
must be you!
Night night baby, Moo Coo you
Day is done, phew!
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Hurray for being brave, Yvonne! Thank you for trusting us with your #50PreciousWords. I’m so glad you joined in the fun. Your story has so much humor…and some nice rhyme. Well done!
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This is an entry for Shirin Shamsi
The Boy who Soared (50 words) by Shirin Shamsi
Sumi wished for the stars, but would not fly.
He wished for the sun, but would not try.
He wished for the moon.
Striving at last,
He flew high in his rocket ship to space and beyond.
Past the moon and stars and sun.
His journey had only just begun.
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What a lovely story about a boy who dreamed and did something about it. What an adventure he will have. And you even worked in a nice rhyming pattern! Well done. And thank you for sharing your #50PreciousWords with us. 😉
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Now you have quite a challenge, Vivian, reading all these great entries. 🙂 Thanks for the fun prompt!
Green Peas
Conner, eat your peas, please.
Greeny, weeny peas.
Bouncy, wouncy peas.
Peas line up. Choo-choo train.
Peas run off. Roll back again.
Smashy, wasshy peas.
Gooshy, wooshy peas.
Doggy, eat my peas. Please.
Good job, Conner!
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This is so funny, Sydney! I totally remember my kids trying to pawn off their broccoli to the dog. Love the authentic sing song rhyme of your little mc. So happy you hopped aboard this #50PreciousWord train…woo-hoo!
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Hahaha, Peas get such a bad wrap. I enjoy ’em. Not nearly as much as I enjoyed reading this offering. Smiles.
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Haha! Super cute story!
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Sydney. Your story made me smile 🙂 I hated peas (and most other vegetables) They often ended up under the table with the dog or under the corner cabinet. I can picture Conner playing with his peas, smashing them up, and feeding them to the dog. Mummy pretending she didn´t notice . . . or did she?
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Good work, Sydney. Many kids prefer to play with peas than to eat them. But dogs… well, they’ll eat just about anything.
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The Playground
By Jane Dippold
Maybe friends?
Don’t be shy.
Maybe friends?
Might be.
Deep breath.
Could be.
Say something.
Be brave.
Nope.
Look away.
Quick.
Keep walking.
Well…maybe.
Look again.
Say hey.
What’s your name?
Hey
What’s yours?
Smile.
Throw the ball.
Catch the ball.
Oops!
Smile
Best buddies?
Maybe.
Friends?
Yes.
Friends.
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Love this, Jane! Way to go!!
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Thanks Hope! It was fun to work with just 50 words!
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Just how kids are at the playground when they meet new people. You captured the awkward steps towards building a friendship perfectly, Jane. Thank you for sharing your #50PreciousWords!
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Thanks Vivian for your kind remarks! I am enjoying reading the entries-50 words is a great way to spark new ideas. Thanks to you!
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Yay Jane! Love this!
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Children act like this in Australia, too. Good luck, Jane.
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Hi Vivian, Here is one I have been editing lately — Way out of season, but within the word count, so I thought I’d join the fun. Teresa
Orange orbs
Scattered far
Fields full
Families frolic
Wagons roll
Sneakers streak
Leaves lilt
Vines twist
Stems snap
Children chuckle
Hands gather
Fall fun
Tops tumble
Fingers tickle
Seeds spill
Flames flicker
Eyes dance
Shadows stretch
Ding dong
Sacks full
Vampires visit
Orange orbs
Warmly lit
Happy Halloween!
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Family fun is always in season, Teresa. Love your short descriptive lines…and you went from pumpkins in the field to jack-o-lanterns lighting the way for trick-or-treaters…well done! So happy you joined in the #50PreciousWord fun. 😉
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This is beautiful. Great work!
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Love the images this brings up!
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This is an entry for Judy Bruns
Grandma’s Electric Reading Chair
by Judy Bruns
Grandma DeeDee reads to me
In her big, electric chair,
Her walker propped beside it
While words and pictures take us everywhere.
We climb the Eiffel Tower.
We ski down a mountain peak.
We ride the range on bucking horses.
Then, tired, we nap,
My sleepy head by Grandma’s cheek.
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What a lovely picture these words paint.
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Great job, Judy! It brings back very fond memories of my grandma. Thank you!
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This is lovely – such beautiful contrast.
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I can’t believe I’m doing this. Yes, I’m doing this. Vivian you’ve created tons of Kidlit fun. Here’s my entry:
An Epicurean Delight?
by Pamela Courtney
Flabbergast Forest,
Cool and green.
Lizard spies a scary scene.
Venus stre-e-e-etches,
Opens, closes.
Snaps up Beetle as he dozes.
“En garde Flytrap, you carnivorous barbarian!”
Venus gasped, “But I’m vegetarian.”
Venus trips her trap.
Beetle’s awake.
“Settle your mettle Lizard. You’ve made a mistake.”
“Beetle?”
“Yes, Lizard.”
“Let’s eat.”
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Woo-hoo! Pamela’s in the house!
So happy you are playing along with your #50PreciousWords.
Love the word play and the rhyme…and the subject…oh my! Seems like several of us had the consumption of living things on our minds. 😉 Well done!
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Very creative. Great work!
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Pamela. Great idea. Wonderful beginning 🙂
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“Go outside and feel the rain,” says mother.
I go outside, and get wet.
I come back inside
Grab my umbrella,
Go back out in the rain,
And get wet again.
The sun peeks through,
A rainbow in sight.
I smile,
Feeling the rain on my skin.
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Just lovely, Kristen. Way to go!!
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Very pretty. Great use of 50 words!!
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My mom used to send us out to play in the rain, Kristen. What a lovely moment you gave us with your #50PreciousWords. Thanks for joining in the fun. 😉
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Here’s my entry, based on my elementary school cafeteria monitoring days. 😀
SKIPPY FEET
By Rene` Diane Aube
Joey stomp-stomped back to his seat.
“What’s wrong with skippy feet?”
He glared at the lunch lady.
She was making Lily walk to the trash cans and back again, too.
Joey grinned, then skippity-hop…bee-bop…FLOP!
Lily walked by saying, “Glad I’m not you.”
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Awww…sorry he fell…a boy filled with a happy spirit. Your story has heart, Rene…and I love the skippity-hop…bee-bop..FLOP! Nice job! So glad you played along with your #50PreciousWords. 🙂
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Okay, Vivian, here is my entry. Thanks for the nudge. Posted it just in the nick of time.
Caterpillar Snack
by Pia Garneau
Caterpillar, caterpillar
Munching underneath the frond
Hungry critter, leaflet-splitter
Crunching bundles by the pond
Starving sparrow, spying sparrow
Eyeing for a yummy snack
Aiming narrow like an arrow
Diving, ready to attack
Nibble nibble, dribble dribble
Noshing on a juicy treat
Savoring every drop and morsel
Caterpillar’s good to eat
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I can’t believe it…another story of nature’s creatures feasting on one another. This is fabulous, Pia…so glad you joined in the fun with your #50PreciousWords! Love the lyrical language, rhyme, and strong verbs! And satisfying ending…for sparrow anyway. 😉 Well done!
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Pia. Loved your perfect little story! A Clear beginning, middle, and end. Nice setting too. There is a lot going on by the pond. Great rhythm, choice of words and imagery. Beautiful.
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nice work, Pia
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Poor Caterpillar. Eaten by the Sparrow. But I like how sparrow catches Caterpillar. 🙂
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Vivian Thanks for sponsoring this challenge. Here’s my entry.
Bubble Blizzard
By Angela Verges
Flubble, bubble gas and air,
Sparkle foam lands here and there.
Crazy bubbles, blow through straws,
Pop a bubble, use your claws.
Bubbles swirl, bubbles twirl
Streams of bubbles begin to hurl.
Bubble blizzard starts to land
Floating quietly onto a hand.
Flubble bubble gone astray,
Just until another day.
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What fun, Angela! My grandson loves when we go out and blow bubbles…he loves to stomp on them. 😉 Your #50PreciousWords brought me right there to the Bubble Blizzard that sometimes happens when you wave the wand. Thanks for joining in the fun. 🙂
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This is a fun poem. I like all the things that happen to bubbles.
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Angela, I love your Bubble Blizzard, I can feel and see each bubble. Good luck!
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Such a fun (and not so easy!) challenge! Here goes!
Porcupine Hug
By Heidi Gingerella
Sadie the porcupine
overflowed with love.
Everyone she met
she tried to give a hug.
“Ouch!” shrieked her friends.
“Your spines are prickly!”
This made Sadie sad,
which her friends could see.
So they stitched her a sweater
out of cozy fleece.
Now Sadie’s hugs
feel as cuddlesome as she.
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Yay for Sadie and her good friends! So glad you joined in the fun with your #50PreciousWords, Heidi. A prickly porcupine makes a great mc. 😉 And they came up with a clever solution to the problem. 😉
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Sadie is a cute porcupine. I love how her friends help her out. 🙂
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A.M. Booms
by Shelley Kinder
BOOM! “Mama!”
CRASH! “Papa!”
Thunder in the night.
LOUD sounds, ALL around, givin’ me a fright.
Reachin’ for my teddy bear,
Blanket pulled up past my hair.
“Mama, Mama…is that you?”
“What’s the matter, little boo?”
“I want the sounds to go away.”
“They will, my love. It’s garbage day.”
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Shelley…what a sweet and clever rhyme…I love it! Very lyrical…and authentic…and a great twist at theend. So glad you joined in the fun with your #50PreciousWords. 😉
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Thanks,Vivian! I hope you are having fun reading AND JUDGING all of these! Geesh…lots of work, I’m sure. Thanks so much for doing this!
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clever and funny
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Fun, fun ending. Actaullymy dog has those same reactions to loud sounds. i enjoyed this.
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This is fun! I like the twist. 🙂
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Loved it Shelley, you have a way of getting the attention of the reader and ending in a way that’s unexpected. So cute.
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This is an entry for Marlene Sommer. She sent it to me on Monday morning, but we had trouble posting it. She said it mirrors the life of her daughter.
Lyssa the Lemur by Marlene Sommer
My sister was a boring baby.
Not for long!
She became a kitty. “Here’s your milk, Bluebelle.”
A princess!
A chef!
“I’m a lemur from Madagascar!” she squeaked.
Next a ballerina… actress… and cheerleader.
Off to college.
Lyssa became a bride.
Then a mother.
Her very favorite role of all.
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Thanks for hanging in there, Marlene. I love that your story is really about your daughter…you’ve portrayed how many kids wish/hope/dream they will become many things as they grow up. Well done!
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Vivian, thank you so much for posting my story!
Some readers may relate to Lyssa the Lemur either in the life of a child or their very own life. I hope readers will be entertained by this child’s vivid imagination and the many delightful characters she pretends to become. Lyssa’s comical yet endearing antics may have you remembering your own dreams of what you wanted “to be when I grow up” as you turn each page watching Lyssa grow up. It’s never too late to become what you always wanted to be! “Lyssa the Lemur” is the true story of my imaginative daughter, minus the fire department rescue in the tree climbing scene. Alyssa was all of these characters except the bride and the mother. I am still waiting for that part of the story.
Even though Alyssa pretended to be a lemur as a little child, and I knew a little bit about this creature, I did learn after research that they “squeak” and cannot hang by their tails like a monkey.
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Great job, Marlene! I love how you captured your daughter’s imagination. 🙂
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Spring
Rhonda Leet
My winter coat is finally off, I am lighter.
I graze a newly green pasture.
I will grow a new coat for the coming winter.
My wool is spun to warm others.
Mittens, hats, and scarves it will make.
I share my wool with the world.
Who am I?
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Little Frog Free
by Angelique Pacheco
“Woe is me!”
Cried little frog.
I cannot flounce,
Or jump about.
“Look down, Silly!”
Turtle said dryly.
Your leg is caught,
No need to squawk.
You need to flounce,
To find your bounce.
Little frog flounced,
And jumped about.
SNAP!
The reed broke,
“Yay!” the happy frog croaked.
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A Day in the Woods (43 words)
Morning air; crisp, smoky scent,
Daddy, please, unzip the tent!
Let’s canoe and ride our bikes,
Then let’s go on nature hikes.
We’ll see squirrels, owls, and deer
And when evening’s drawing near,
Build ourselves a roaring fire,
Then to sleeping bags retire.
http://www.traylorillo.com/50-precious-words-2018/
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Pingback: A Challenge! Vivien Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words Contest Vivien Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words Contest
Thanks for running this fun contest, Vivian! My entry is also posted on my blog at https://www.joanmaher.net/single-post/2018/03/06/50PreciousWords-Contest.
THE LIVING BOUQUET (44 words)
by Joan Maher
She picked a flower for her mother.
It wilted.
She picked another.
It wilted.
So she led her mother to the garden.
There they stood, hand in hand, watching flowers bend, bumblebees bumble, a hawk circle above, and clouds transform from rabbits into sailboats.
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Don’t know how this ended up in the 2017 thread! I’ve reposted in 2018 – oops!!
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Pingback: Tami Traylor Studio » 50 Precious Words 2018
Here is the house.
In this house
there is a room
In this room
there is a bed
In this bed
there is a child
In her sadness
there is hope
In this hope
there is healing
in this house
in this room
in this bed
a child can sleep.
50 words
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Loggerhead’s Journey by Mary Arkiszewski
An Ocean in Motion
Pushing, Pulling
Transporting life
Salty waters warming
Fast currents moving
Great conveyer belt
Gulf floating
Ocean drifting
Finally arriving
Sargasso Sea
Churning water
Protecting me
Floating nursery
Food and refuge
Time to grow
Good-bye friends
I’m big now
Off I go!
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Pingback: 50 Precious Words Entry – Therese Kay Creative
Pingback: Author Vivian Kirkfield Takes Us From Here to There With Her New Picture Book + Zoom Visit Give-away. | Darlene Beck-Jacobson
The Day She Broke The House.
Bessica was amazing. She built a plane in her living room. It was fabulous, but Bessica couldn’t get it out of her house. Could she fly it out? Could she float it out? Use a magic wand? Nope! That was the day she broke the house, and flew into history.
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