Strike up the band! Sharpen your pencils! It’s time to show the world that:
MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT
Today is the day, dear friends! Ready! Set! Go!
The #50PreciousWords 2019 Writing Contest is now OPEN!
For those of you who have not participated before, let me give you a bit of back story. March 2nd is the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. For the last three years, I’ve hosted a little contest based on Bennet Cerf’s challenge to Seuss to write a children’s book using only 50 words. To answer that challenge, Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham. It’s true that the story has over 700 words…but only 50 unique words.
In 2016, 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! The next year, there were 253 entries. And last year, there were 298.
To backtrack a bit, in 2012 I had a dream. I wanted to write picture books. And I wanted to be traditionally published.
And one of the most important things I did was to participate in writing challenges like Susanna Hill’s contests.
Why was that important?
Because it got me writing. It got me revising. It got me submitting.
Hmmm….writing/revising/submitting. I believe that if we do those three things enough times, our writing improves and agents and editors get a chance to see our work. And as much as I am thrilled with my own success, nothing makes me happier than to hear about the success of others in our kidlit community.
So, please sharpen your pencils. Fire up your computers. And share your #50PreciousWords with us.
#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.
- IMPORTANT: Post your story in the comment section below. If you have your own blog and want to post your story there also, please do. And let us know your post link. I ask for the link so that people will visit each other and find new friends in the kid lit community. But no matter how many other places you want to post your story, make sure at least one of those places is in the comment section of this blog post…and please make sure you put your name in the post because some of you have very creative emails/avatar names and I won’t know who you are. If you have any trouble at all posting the story, please email me and I will be happy to do it for you: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
- Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Wednesday, March 6, at 11:59pm. And if you plan to ask me to post it for you, please send it at least the day before.
- As many of you know, I am in New Zealand right at this moment on a round the world trip of a life-time. I am hoping to announce the winners on March 16th, but I ask for your patience and understanding in case something comes up and it doesn’t happen that day. Also, although I will be posting the winners on March 16th, I won’t start awarding the prizes until after I return home, on April 8th. But believe me, these prizes will be worth the wait!
- When I do start contacting the winners, 1st place will choose whichever prize he/she wants. Then I will contact 2nd place with the remaining prizes to choose from. And so on down the line. And here, for your dining and dancing pleasure are the wonderful prizes.
- A critique from Storm Literary Agency partner Vicki Selvaggio who is one of the finest agents and loveliest people I know.
- A picture book or chapter book or MG critique with Clear Fork editor Callie Metler-Smith.
- A seat in Susanna Leonard Hill’s MAKING PICTURE BOOK MAGIC: This is the first picture book writing class I took in February 2014..it was a stellar foundation and it has served me well. Susanna is an amazing mentor and a seat in her class can be life-changing!
- A seat in Mira Reisberg’s Children’s Book Academy class on HUMOR – how to find it in your heart and how to write it into your picture books. I have not taken this class yet…but I know I should: https://childrensbookacademy.teachable.com/p/let-s-get-funny-writing-humor-for-kids1
- A complimentary viewing of Alayne Kaye Christan’s latest webinar: Top Ten Reason’s for Rejections.
If you want tips on some corrective action that you might take to improve your chances of submission success, and/or if you would like to deepen your understanding of plot and arc, this webinar is for you.
Alayne Kay Christian is the content and developmental editor for Blue Whale Press and an award-winning children’s book author. She is the creator and teacher of a picture book writing course, Art of Arc. She has been a professional picture book and chapter book critique writer since 2014. And worked as a critique ninja for Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12 for three years. Alayne is a graduate of the Institute for Children’s Literature and she has spent the last eleven years studying under some of the top names in children’s literature.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Lindsay Metcalf
Photo courtesy: Anna Jackson Photography
Lindsay H. Metcalf is a children’s author, poet, reporter, and former editor for The Kansas City Star. She will debut with two nonfiction picture books in 2020. In the fall of that year, Charlesbridge will release Taking the Mic: Fourteen Young Americans Making History, a poetic anthology co-edited by Lindsay, Jeanette Bradley, and Keila V. Dawson, and illustrated by Bradley. It features fourteen contemporary young activists, each spotlighted by a well-known poet. Subjects include literacy activist Marley Dias, water protector Jasilyn Charger, Scout for Equality founder Zach Wahls, and immigration reformer Viridiana Sanchez Santos. Contributors include Nikki Grimes, Joseph Bruchac, Lesléa Newman, and Guadalupe García McCall. Details about Lindsay’s second nonfiction picture book will be forthcoming. To learn more about her books and paid critique services, please reach out on lindsayhmetcalf.com or on Twitter @lindsayhmetcalf.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Melissa Stoller.
Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection – Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2019); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming releases include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2019). She is also the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is an Assistant and Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MetroNY. Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy.
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Amber Hendricks.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Sherry Howard.
Sherry Howard lives in Middletown, Kentucky, in a household busy with kids and pets. She worked as an educator, and now has the luxury of writing full time. Her debut picture, Rock and Roll Woods, released in October, 2018. And her middle grade NF, Deep Sea Divers, just released. She has quite a few books in the pipeline for publication soon.
Sherry Howard | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Meet Kuda and Rock and Roll Woods here.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Julie Abery.
Mother. Writer. Teacher of the very young. I live in Switzerland with my partner and Tilly, the Springer Spaniel.
I ❤️ my job (it’s not every day you get to be an honorary five year old!)
I ❤️ chocolate (I live in Switzerland after all!)
I ❤️ walking the dog (well, I did eat all the chocolate!)
I ❤️ picture books!
If you would like to learn more about me, please visit
http://www.stormliteraryagency.com/our-authors-and-artists/
- Picture book critique from author Tina Cho.
Tina Cho is the author of four picture books– Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans (Little Bee Books/Bonnier Publishing August 2018), Korean Celebrations (forthcoming Tuttle 2019), Breakfast with Jesus (forthcoming Harvest House 2020), and a new sale yet to be announced. Although she grew up and taught in the United States, she currently lives in South Korea with her husband and two children while teaching at an international school.
- Picture book critique from author Carrie Finison.
Carrie Finison began her literary career at the age of seven with an idea, a box of markers, and her father’s typewriter. She has been writing off and on ever since, though she has (somewhat regretfully) traded in the typewriter for a laptop. Her poems and stories for children have appeared in Babybug, Ladybug, High Five, and Highlights magazines, and her debut picture book,DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS, illustrated by Brianne Farley, will be published by Putnam in 2020. She lives outside Boston with her husband, son, daughter, and two cats who permit her to write in their cozy attic office. Find her online atwww.carriefinison.com or on Twitter @CarrieFinson.
- Picture book critique from Maria Marshall
Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet passionate about making nature fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the 2018 & 2017 Cybils Awards. And a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best Of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. She is the parent of two amazing adults and lives in the Pacific Northwest with two Pixie Bob cats. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. The Picture Book Buzz
Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
- Signed copy of book by Laura Sassi
Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme. Her picture books include GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, 2015), GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, 2014), DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling, 2018) and LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018). She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. She is represented by Lara Perkins of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and you can learn more about her and her books at https://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/
- Signed copy of THE MASTERPIECE by Shelley Kinder
Shelley lives in Indiana with her family and loves writing for little people. Not So Scary Jerry (2017) was her first picture book. The Masterpiece (2018) is her second. Its original version got eleventh place in Vivian’s #50PreciousWords Contest in 2016
A big thank you to all of our amazing prize donors! Much appreciation to illustrator Vicky Fang whose awesome logo graces our challenge! And a grateful thank you to my dear friends and critique buddies, Maria Marshall, Julie Abery, and Diane Tulloch who will be helping me read and comment.
Last year there were almost 2000 comments – ALL OF THEM POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING! I am so proud to be a part of this amazing kidlit community. Our news stations and politicians could definitely learn something from us.
And before I leave you to post your stories and comment on those you have a chance to read, I thought it would only be fair if I posted my sample of a 50-word story. I hang my head in shame because I am using the same story I wrote for last year’s post. I hope you will forgive me, preparations for my book launches and trip did not allow me time to write a new one, but I did want to put up an example for those who haven’t participated before. And maybe it will be new to them!
WHY THE STARS TWINKLE (49 words)
It was Sun’s birthday.
Moon gathered paper, paint,
glitter and glue to make a card.
But Wind blew.
Glitter and glue covered the stars.
“Now I have no gift for Sun,” cried Moon.
“Twinkling stars are the best present of all,” said Sun.
And Moon glowed all night long.
##
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me at: viviankirkfield@gmail
I ask for your patience and understanding if I don’t get back to you right away…but please don’t stress…if you write a story and have trouble posting it, just email me. As long as your email gets to me time stamped before the contest closes, I will make sure your story is entered. Right at this moment, I am in Auckland, New Zealand, participating in library and school story times, reading FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN: AN ANIMAL COUNTING BOOK, PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE, and SWEET DREAMS, SARAH! How lucky can aa girl get???
And I am so looking forward to reading all of your precious words!
CANNONBALL (word count 50)
by Penny McNally
Sarah’s finally old enough to take the deep water test.
She must swim across the bay and back before she’s allowed to jump off the dock
(and splash her older brothers.)
Grandpa rows beside Sarah as she swims.
Breathe, kick, breathe, kick…keep going, almost there.
Breathe, kick…
Made it!
Cannonball!!
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whoops, did not mean to post this twice! Please excuse
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GROWING A TREAT (46 words)
Patch of weeds
What to do?
Pull them out
Until we’re through
Prepare soil
Plant seeds
Water and sun
are what they need
Up come sprouts
Soft and green
Vines twist ‘round
Leaves are seen
Flowers bloom
Fruits appear
Time to eat,
Watermelon!
Our juicy treat!
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Lovely job, Claire.
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I love garden stories. Nicely done!
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Fun story. I love that the “treat’ they grow is a watermelon. “Fruits appear” is such a perfect set up (combined with the title) for the reader to envisioning their favorite berries, not . . . surprise – a watermelon. Well done.
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Can’t wait for the summer and watermelon, Claire….I haven’t had much success growing watermelon…or any of the vine plants. Thanks for joining in the fun and sharing your precious words with us.
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Lovely story with great visuals and action. Nice job.
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Thank you, Vivian, for the opportunity to submit and to read so many amazing entries.
My story is inspired by the historic quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, whose creators–usually poor women of color–transformed fabric scraps from worn clothing into bright quilt-tops whose beautiful abstract designs predated the abstract art movement.
50 words
CAT ON A QUILT
New pants,
new dress,
new shirt,
new skirt.
Pap’s bandana,
flour sack,
hobo’s bag
from across the track.
Mud
and ink,
fur
and stink.
Ain’t no such thing
as good clean fun.
“You still growin?
Ain’t choo done?”
Soap and wind
Snippin’, stitch.
New quilt,
Sunshine warm,
Makes us rich.
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Second posting of this one. Commented above.
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Yup…this one appears a bit above…great story!
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A Cakey Caper Murder Mystery: The sad unfinished tale of Ms. Chocolate
Debbie Vidovich/ 48 words
Charlotte Russe and Strawberry cake, ached
to find Ms. Chocolate congealed and half-baked.
“Who could do such a dastardly thing?”
A broken timer and an apple ring,
led them to Ms Apple Pie…but, “Why?”
“I’m plain! No silken layers standing high!”
Sargent Moonpie snaps the cuffs, Bye-bye!
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What a cast of confectionary characters! Delightful, Debbie!
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I love the characters and the straightforward ending. “Bye-bye!” Makes me giggle!
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Super cute, Debbie, and I adore the title!
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“Congealed and half-baked” made me laugh. Love all the food word play! Nicely done!
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Fun food wordplay and such great desert characters. I enjoyed “Sargent Moonpie.”
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What a clever cast of characters, Debbie. Great word choices and lots of fun!
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Love all the delicious characters. This is a fun read and I can see it as a very popular pb if you expand on it. Nice job.
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KUNG FU GIRL
by Jen Bagan
I tried gymnastics – not for me.
And dance tutus were too itchy.
In soccer, never scored a goal.
And figured out I couldn’t bowl.
Defeated – what’s a girl to do?
And then it hit me – Yes! Kung Fu!
Kicking, blocking – I am strong.
I could do this all day long.
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Love the rhythm of your poem and nice story in it.
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Thanks so much!
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Yaay Jen, so glad she found a sport that she loved!
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Inspired by my daughter 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
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That’s such a great feeling when you find the thing you could do all day long. Nicely done!
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I love that she finds her perfect sport, one that makes her feel strong and just clicks. Nicely done.
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I love how empowered your mc is at the end…no longer defeated, but strong. YAY! Thanks for joining in the fun, Jen.
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Very kid relatable. Nice choice of words lots of action and visuals. Nice job.
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The School Talent Show
by Mona Pease 49 words
My friends dance.
I fall!
My sister sings.
I squeal!
I can swim.
No pool!
I can climb.
No wall!
But, I…
glide
my
brush
across
a
blue
sky.
Blend yellow to swish swaying grass.
Paint millions of dandelion seeds floating high.
I make a wish.
Applause!!!
I bow.
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This is so well done. I love the imagery here.
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Thank you.The one line that says,
glide
my
brush
across
a
blue
sky
should have been horizontal instead of vertical. Let’s see how this shows up!
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This so captures the moment!
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Lovely Mona. A great little vignette in so few words.
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Oh Mona, it’s such a beautiful story! Love the imagery.
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Love this! The imagery at the end is so beautiful. Nicely done!
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How unusual. Love the imagery of the MC painting at the talent show. What a great idea. The stress to find and display a talent is palpable. Wonderful job.
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Nicely done, Mona. I love the pace of the story…and the free verse lyrical style is perfect for her talent – painting!
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This is beautiful Mona. Wistful and engaging. A universal feel in lyrical verse. Nice job.
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Pingback: Let’s Play! by Keila V. Dawson – Keila V. Dawson
This contest is probably the most delightful thing of all times and places. Thank you all for your generosity and the opportunity to have a bit of fun, connect with the great online world that is kidlit, and win some exceptional prizes. Here’s my entry (Lindsay Maeve Schubert):
WHY THE LAMP IS BROKEN
Raccoon Pip raced his rocket ship over the bookcase.
Neerrroom, under the table.
Wooosh, over the sofa.
Weeeoooh weeeoooh!
Oh no! Engine overheat!
Brave Pip tightened his helmet and seat belt.
Mayday, mayday!
Crash! Bang! Boom!
But from the rubble, Pip rose, triumphant!
…and that, mom, is exactly what happened.
Will be cross posted at https://lindsaymaeveschubert.wordpress.com/
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well, of course, that’s what happened!
What a fun poem.
Good luck!
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I WONDERED what happened. That explains it. : ) Fun!
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Haha! Glad I could clear things up! (; Thanks for the kind words, Dawn.
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I can’t figure out how to “like” your comment … You are very welcome! ; )
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Thanks, Linda. Happy you enjoyed reading it. 🙂
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Ha ha! This is hilarious and pitch-perfect.
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Thank you so!
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I love that ending! This would be so fun to read out loud. Good luck.
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Thank youuuuuu, Stephanie!
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Lol! Love it!
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Thanks, CJ–glad you got a laugh!
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I love it! I’m always enthralled by a good tall (or even just very animated) tale from creative kiddos. 🙂
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Agreed! Little imaginative minds make the best storytellers!
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Happened just that way in my house, too!
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Nice to know I’m, er, not the only one who made up stories… 🙂
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Great fun, Lindsay. 🙂
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Thank you, Julie! Loving your Book Babies story, too!
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I love this! The onomatopoeia and action are fantastic – I could imagine reading it out loud to my kids! They would love this, haha. I really enjoyed the way your last line connects to the title – made me laugh!
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Wow! Thank you so much, Danielle–what encouraging compliments.
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This is fun and imaginative, with such great images. I think you could work this into a fun PB. What a perfect tie in of the title and last line. Beautiful.
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Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Maria! It’s great to see that you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Ha…this is precious, Lindsay…well done sound words and pacing…and the ending is priceless.
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Thank you for your encouraging words, Vivian, and thank you for holding this fun contest (in the midst of all your travel adventures!)
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Of course. Duh! Such a fun read and so much action and wonderful visuals. Kids will relate and enjoy this. Great job.
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Thanks, Diane! What a kind thing to say. Glad you enjoyed reading it. 🙂
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SNOW DAY by Elizabeth Curry
(WC 50)
Outside a fresh white blanket awaits!
Put on layers, topped with hats and gloves
Soon untouched hills become slippery streets to climb and slide
Again and again
Until pink cheeks and chilly toes
Need a toasty fire and steamy mugs
Still watching falling flakes
Hoping tomorrow is another snow day.
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This is lovely! I’m reading it while (wet) snow falls outside my Pacific NW window.
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Sounds like a wonderful snow day, Elizabeth. I love pink cheeks and chilly toes 🙂
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Love this, Elizabeth! So much imagery and loved the alliteration of slippery streets! Well done!
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Nice alliteration and imagery!
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There is nothing that compares to a snow day, especially for a kid. Great capture of this joy. A treat for the senses. Nice job.
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Loved your setting, Elizabeth…but I’m so happy the snows will be gone in New England by the time I return from my trip. Although a steamy mug of hot chocolate is something I enjoy in every season. Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
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Lovely setting. For someone who never gets snow in winter this sounds absolutely wonderful. Lovely images. Nice job.
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COUNTING SLEEP
Once a girl
lived in a cabin with two doors,
and three windows covered in paper.
Four oaks guarded it,
keeping out five winds.
Six times the girl woke,
To see her seven brothers,
and eight dogs,
snuggled under nine quilts.
Ten times the house said “sleep.”
So she did.
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Ooooh, I love this bedtime counting story!
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Love the idea of “counting sleep.” Really creative piece. It has a nice lyricism to it. Love the line “Ten times the house said ‘sleep’.” Nicely done!
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Fun counting story of trying to get to sleep. Nicely done.
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I really like the folktale quality of this piece, Carrie. Very creative counting story…nicely done!
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Love this. Such a unique counting story. Lovely images and word choice. Nice job.
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Pingback: #50PreciousWords 2019 Writing Challenge Entry – Lindsay Maeve Schubert
Impressed you are doing this while traveling around the world Vivian! Here’s my entry with exactly #50PreciousWords. I love a challenge. Good luck everyone! See the formatted version on my website: http://www.keiladawson.com/lets-play/
LET’S PLAY! (50 words)
By Keila V. Dawson
Sun. Stretch. Door. WOOF!
Open. Out. Close.
WOOF!
Open. In. Close.
Food. Sniff. Door. WOOF!
Open. Out. Close.
WOOF!
Open. In. Close.
Carpet. Roll.
Toy. Squeak.
Ball. Drop.
Leash. Jump. Door. WOOF!
Open. Out. Close.
WOOF!
Open. In. Close.
Car. Drive. Door. WOOF!
Open. Out. Close.
Park. Run.
Let’s play!
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This is REALLY fun. Nicely done!
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This is so absolutely dog-like! It made me giggle…because it is exactly what happens around here!! Well done, Keila!
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Love this!!!
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So cute!
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Spot on capture of “a day with a dog.” They always seems to be on the wrong side of every door. Fun story.
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When you’ve got dogs, there is a lot of that open and close doors, right…but the best time is when they can run and play in the park. It’s definitely been a challenge to read and comment while on this adventure, Keila…but you know me…I love challenges. Thanks for joining in the fun!
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Interesting concept and a fun read aloud. Nice job
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What a fun event, Vivian…and I loved hearing the backstory of what prompted you to do this.
Here is my #50PreciousWords story:
Vacation! (by Dawn Prochovnic, 48 Words)
Climb the stairs to the attic.
Find my suitcase.
Clunk, clunk, clunk back down the stairs.
Make a pile of socks, shirts, and shorts.
Fill my suitcase.
Zip, zip, zip until it’s closed tight.
Load the van.
Wave goodbye to the neighbors.
Vroom, vroom, vroom. Away we go.
(I’ve posted about the #50PreciousWords Writing Contest on my blog, here: https://www.dawnprochovnic.com/2019/03/the-writing-community-part-of-writing.html AND I’ll be featuring Vivian’s path to publication story in April. You’ll be able to find the post at this link once it goes live: https://www.dawnprochovnic.com/2018/11/birth-stories-for-books-posts-about.html)
I will share my story and link to the contest on Twitter and FB as soon as I get out of a meeting … that started without me five minutes ago! ; )
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Cute story. I enjoyed the sounds – Clunk, zip, vroom – and how “away we go” ties into your title. Nicely done.
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Great sound words, Dawn…they were actually very familiar…as I tentatively packed three times before I left in order to try to see what I could fit in. And I’ve unpacked and packed up again several times. The trip is winding down…1 more day in Switzerland and then Julie and I train to Bologna.
And thank you so much…I need to get you my post…I appreciate the opportunity to be on your blog!
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Lovely visuals, as you drag that suitcase down the stairs to the car. Nice job.
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Watch Where You’re Going (50 words)
Left foot, right foot.
My eyes are glued on each step.
BAM!
Neck snaps, ears ring. Did my head make a dent in that poll?
“Watch where you’re going,” an adult barks.
“I was,” I think and look back at my feet to watch where they go.
Step, step, BAM!
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Well, wouldn’t you know it, I added my post too soon. Realized after the fact I had a word spelled wrong. Extra points for those who caught it 😉
Here is the corrected version:
Watch Where You’re Going (50 words)
Left foot, right foot.
My eyes are glued on each step.
BAM!
Neck snaps, ears ring. Did my head make a dent in that pole?
“Watch where you’re going,” an adult barks.
“I was,” I think and look back at my feet to watch where they go.
Step, step, BAM!
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Sara this is such a super fun read. We ALL can identify with this! haha
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So fun. Poor kid, just doing exactly what its told – watching where the feet go. Nice job.
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Ha…totally understand walking into a pole…thanks for joining in the fun, Sara! I like the Step, step, Bam!
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Ouch! I bet that hurt. Ummm kind of reminds me of when I walked into a glass door when out with Vivian down country. That hurt. Nice imagery, and kid appeal. Just doing as he’s told.. lol. Nice job.
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Haha, I love this. Kids are very literal, and I can absolutely see how your MC would be puzzled – she WAS watching where she was going! Nicely done!
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Thumb War (50 Words)
By Katrina Swenson
“En garde!”
Handleton R. Thumb glared at his cousin Palmeroy.
“HaHA, my opposable friend! I shall vanquish thee!” Handleton shouted.
“You mean opposing fiend, you feeble-minded nose-thumber!” Palmeroy countered.
“This means war!”
Lunge! Bend! Twist!
Pant.
“It appears we are evenly matched.”
“Quite.”
“Wanna play ‘Handshake’ now?”
“Hello!” Handleton hallooed.
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This is so funny! Love your wordplay.
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Thank you!
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This has such great voice, Katrina!
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Thanks!
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Love the names you came up with, Katrina! Great action in so few words!
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I agree with others here, you have captured great action in this story and dialogue too!
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Ah! Found it….at the end. Very Cute!!
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Great voice in this piece. Made me laugh!
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An entire battle and friendship in 50 words! Love the dialect and the names, as well as the word play. What a fun read!
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Fun names and great action, Katrina…and very unique to have the mcs be thumbs. Thanks for sharing your precious words.
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I enjoyed this. Fun word play. Nice job.
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Very fun naming and character development. In such a short format. Cool.
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Enough! By Darcee A. Freier
Night after night,
we eat chicken for dinner.
Roasted, stewed, casseroled.
“Enough already!”
I snatch the foul leftovers.
The dog runs to hide.
The junk drawer can’t hold any more.
The neighbors say, “No, thanks.”
I shove the fowl way back in the fridge.
SCIENCE FAIR. DON’T DISTURB.
Problem solved.
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HA! Sounds like a useful strategy. (:
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It has got to be bad when the dog says no 😉
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Love the humorous solution to the problem! Very cute. Nicely done!
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Gross – but funny – that the “junk drawer can’t hold any more”! Lots of emotion and humor in this story. Nicely done.
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Ha…very funny, Darcee…although I love chicken…but there are definitely other things I’d like to shove in the back of the fridge. Thanks for sharing your precious words.
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Yeah I agree with Julie it must be bad if the dog says no. Nice imagery…or not. Good job.
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SHY SPIDER by Ranessa Doucet (50 words)
There was a spider named Al
Who wished for a pal
He was too shy
too even say “hi”
He sat on his web one day
Watching the others play
He decided to be brave
And gave them a wave
They said, “join in!”
Al scurried over, with a grin.
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I’m glad spider Al found some mates! 🙂
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Sweet friendship story. Glad Al got a happy ending.
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Nice friendship story about overcomingshyness and fears. Thanks for joining in, Renessa!
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I can relate to his shyness. Lovely that he found some friends. Nice job.
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COOKING WITH SISTERS
by Sara Ackerman
Sifted flour,
Sammy scattered it.
Measured milk,
Sammy splattered it,
Searched for sugar,
Sammy hid it.
Eggs are smashed.
Guess who did it?
“Sammy!
You’re a pest!”
“I don’t like pancakes,”
She confessed.
“Go watch TV
Until I’m through.”
“But it’s more fun
To be with you.”
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Awwww sisters! Can’t be together, can’t be apart! 🙂
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I like the rising tension and the sweet ending in your story. Nicely done!
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The interaction of the sisters is adorable. I really like the action and rhythm of your story. And that ending…awww. Little sisters can be annoyingly cute.
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I love the interaction…and the determination of the younger sister to be doing things with the older one…very authentic, Sara!
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I would love to have had a sister. Look at all the fun and mess I could get into. lol. Love it. Nice imagery.
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TREE HORSE by Amanda Sincavage
Lulu couldn’t wait to ride the carousel.
“I want to ride the horse!”
But there was only one, and it was taken.
“A striped horse!”
But the zebra had a rider too.
“Seahorse?”
There wasn’t one.
The giraffe was the only animal left.
“It’s a tree horse!”
Lulu climbed aboard.
Thanks Vivian!
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This is super cute!! A tree horse! Lovely.
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This is so creative! Love all the different “horses” the MC finds with her imagination. Nicely done!
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I love her determination to ride a horse and her imagination of naming it a “tree horse.” So creative, nicely done.
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Lovw how adaptable your mc is, Amanda. Very creative story…thanks for joining in the fun!
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Aww so lovely and great imagination. Nice job.
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WAY TO GROW by Beth Stewart
Root said, I’ll dig in.
Stem said, I’ll hold us up.
Leaf said, I’ll face the Sun.
I’ll catch light till day is done.
Flower stretched, pink and wide.
Bee took Pollen for a ride.
Fruit hugged Seed, then let her go.
Wind carried her away so she could grow.
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This is PERFECT! I’m an early childhood educator and I would certainly read this to my students. Great job, Beth! I really love that fruit hugged the seed, then let her go, and wind carried her away so she could grow. We teach about the different ways seeds travel and this has beautiful imagery.
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Very beautiful. Great imagery taking us right through the life from seed to fruit. Nice job.
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Beautifully crafted.
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Very nice. It is a great description, with such nice rhythm.
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This is beautifully done! Succinct and yet takes us on the journey. This could make a lovely board book text. Love ‘bee took pollen for a ride’! Good luck, Beth.
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I’m with everyone else on this one. It’s so beautiful, and I can see it being a lovely board book as is or further developed into a picture book. Excellent work!
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What an ingenious way to show the growth cycle of plants through the POV of the respective parts. The last three lines are amazing. Very lyrical. I agree that this could make a beautiful board book.
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Beth…this is so rhythmical and the rhyme is spot on…and the voice is totally authentic…I can see this as a board book or picture book. Lovely images you’ve created with your #50PreciousWords.
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Thank you so much for your kind words! I LOVE #50PreciousWords and am so grateful a friend gave me a push (several, actually) to try this. I’m inspired!
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BIRTHDAY (46 words)
by Jill Lambert
A secret is growing
without a sound,
A mother is watching
above the ground.
The shell begins cracking
bit by bit,
The baby can’t stay in,
it just won’t fit.
The silence is broken,
the voice is clear,
“Today is my birthday,
I’m here! I’m here!”
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This is sweet. I have two Easter-ish babies, so I think that makes me like this even more. 🙂 (The meter and rhyme is great, too!)
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Thank you, Katrina for your kind feedback. I have an Easter-ish baby as well. 🙂
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This rings of spring. 🙂 Lovely rhythm and rhyme.
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Thanks so much!
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I love this!!!
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Thank you, Beth!
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This is very lovely and sweet. Great title! Nicely done!
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Thank you, Danielle!
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What a sweet, lyrical story. Definitely feels like Spring.
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I appreciate that, Maria!
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Lovely call to spring, Jill! I love your last stanza…the silence is broken – the voice is clear – today is my birthday – I’m here! I’m here! The cycle of life continues…with great rhythm and rhyme. Well done.
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I really appreciate your kind comments, Vivian. Thank you for a challenging, fun contest!
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Lovely imagery and language. Nice job.
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Thank you, Diane!
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PENGUIN’S PLAN (49 words)
by Leslie Leibhardt Goodman
Penguin shivers.
Too much ocean.
Too much ice.
Too much cold to migrate.
“Time to swim,” his parents call.
Penguin has a plan.
“I will stay,” he says.
“We’ll miss you,” friends call.
Penguin stands on shore.
Alone.
He has a better plan.
Penguin builds a raft and
sails.
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Great job at conveying the cold! That’s a very smart, and crafty, penguin in my book. Hope he catches up with family and friends. 🙂
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love the arc here. I laughed when I got to the end of your story. haha
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Cute visual of a penguin on a raft! Well done, Leslie.
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Haha, I’m with Penguin. Love the contrast between your arc and what we usually expect from a penguin. Nicely done!
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Great job. I like your use of “Alone”; one word to capture so much emotion, doubt, and need. Such an ingenious penguin, reminds me of Salina Yoon’s rafting penguin. Hope he catches up to everyone.
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So glad that penguin decided to join his friends and family…and I”m totally with him about avoiding the cold, Leslie. This was fun…with good pacing and tension. Well done.
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Love it. Nice imagery, he’s a smart penguin. Nice job.
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Painting a Rainbow
It was Cloudy’s first rainbow. She picked colors and started to paint. But orange disappeared! It wasn’t on her poofy table. Not behind her floofy Mama. Oh no, the sun started to shine! She peeked under her fluff. There it was. She splashed a dash and the rainbow was glorious.
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Where is th”My Goodness” button? I enjoyed reading this.
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Lovely lyrical language, Rachel. Nicely done.
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Love the image of the little cloud painting rainbows. Lots of fun language and personality. Nicely done.
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I love that Cloud persevered and managed to make her rainbow, Rachel. Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
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Lovely lyrical piece. Great visuals. Nice job.
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I posted my contest entry a couple days ago. This is just silly nonsense for anybody who happens to be reading.
WHAT WORDS? 50 words
By Linda Staszak
50 words? You can’t expect me to tell a riveting story in only 50 words.
You’ve already used up 15. Better get busy.
Ok, how about ‘she didn’t get a Valentine card and went home crying’?
Not Valentiny words. Precious words.
Ok. And then she hugged her dog.
That’ll do.
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hahaha Oh this is so funny. So incredibly wonderful. Fun read.
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Thanks!
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Haha, oh I can definitely relate to this. So funny! Thank you for sharing, Linda!
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Great blast of humor as we near the end of a lot of entries. Thanks for the smile!
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So much fun, Linda…thanks so much for playing along…I enjoyed Up The HIll also!
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That was so funny. Something I would do but thought I better not…lol. Nice one!
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Thanks for the opportunity Vivian! I’m not sure if the down-under time zones got muddled, because March 6 is a Wednesday. (Did you get to my home-town, Christchurch?)
Here is my offering, compiled of 48 words: and, be, bears, bees, birds, brothers, charge, dads, dare, day, do, earthquakes, everyone, everything, fish, flavours, for, forests, I, ice-cream, if, in, it, little, making, mums, nicer, of, one, or, pesky, rain, schools, skyscrapers, stores, sunshine, the, tornadoes, truth, volcanoes, were, what, whole, wind, world, would, yes, you.
In Charge, by Stuart Fleming
Truth or dare?
Truth.
If you were in charge of the whole world for one day, what would you do?
In charge?
Yes.
Of the whole, wide world?
Yes.
Of everyone?
Yes.
And everything?
Yes.
In charge of making it rain?
Yes.
In charge of sunshine, and wind?
Yes.
In charge of forests, and fish?
Yes.
In charge of birds, and bears, and bees?
Yes.
In charge of volcanoes, tornadoes, and earthquakes?
Yes.
In charge of stores, and schools, and skyscrapers?
Yes.
In charge of ice-cream flavours?
Yes.
In charge of mums and dads?
Yes.
In charge of pesky little brothers?
Yes.
I would be nicer.
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This kept me reading, Stuart! Loved the twist at the end too! Nicely done.
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Great repetition, and I love the ending!
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Sounds just like a kid – millions of questions and an absolute answer. Nicely done.
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A perfect view of life from the eyes of a young child…well done, Stuart. And yes, I did get to visit Christchurch…the day before the horrible shootings. I hope you are okay. I was so impressed with how beautifully the city is rebuilding after the earthquake…it seems to be a city of people who come together when there is crisis.
I know that I confused many who entered the contest, my friend…the stories were supposed to be no more than 50 words total…but because I shared that Dr. Seuss did the challenge with 50 unique words, I think I threw everyone off. So no worries. All the entries are valid. And next year I will do better and be clearer. 🙂
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Hi Stuart, Didn’t realise you were from Christchurch we could have hooked up when I took Vivian down there. Next time! Love this it is very engaging. Nice job. Good luck in the competition.
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Bunnies Beat Bongos
by Kim Erickson
(50 words)
Hungry bunnies want to fill their tummies.
So bunnies play bongos at midnight,
while Farmer snores.
Bum, Bum, Ba, Bum.
Farmer wakes.
“QUIET!”
Bunnies beat louder.
Farmer tosses a pillow.
Bunnies bounce faster.
Farmer throws a boot.
Bunnies bang bongos.
Farmer hurls old fruit.
Quiet.
Nibbling bunnies aren’t hungry anymore.
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Haha! Bunnies get what they wanted. Sneaky rascals. Fun read..
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Thank you!
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I’m a sucker for any and all stories where insistent farm animals find silly ways to get their cranky farmers to meet their needs! Love it 🙂
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I’m a sucker too! I love the book, Click, Clack, Moo.
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Me too! That was my instant comparison! 🙂
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I immediately thought of this book too. Love your story, Kim! Clever bunnies!
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What cheeky bunnies! 😉
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Yes they are!
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Hungry bunnies can be so insistent. Really enjoyed this story. Great word choice and action.
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Thank you!
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Those are very clever bunnies, Kim. I like the build up of drama as the bunnies get louder and louder. Nicely done!
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Thank you! I’ve enjoyed keeping up with your travels on Facebook!
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Fun read. Nice job.
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Hi Vivian 🙂 Funny thing. I just went to post my entry, so I went to your page and re-read the guidelines and noticed it said deadline is “Tuesday, March 6” so I was like…oops! Missed the deadline! Today is Wednesday! But then I realized it’s the 6th. So, I guess I can still post? Welp, here goes 🙂
Something Special About Summer (50 words)
By Shelley Kinder
Sifting sand
Skipping stones
Sizzling summer
Twisty cones
Sunflower shade
Picnics, books
Wriggly fish
Silver hooks
Star-spangled songs
Stadium seating
Cotton candy
Teams competing
Sunshine, clouds
A rainbow sky
Puppies, leashes
Passersby
Smoky sparklers
Sky ablaze
Impressive night
Blanket, gaze
Summertime
Speeding past
Goodbye, My Love
I had a blast!
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Perfect description of my teacher feelings about summer! Love this, great descriptions.
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Thank you, Lisa 🙂
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OH wow! This is such a visual engagement. Well done.
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Thanks so much, Pamela 🙂
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Lovely Shelley. Great visual word choices and the rhythm is wonderful. Nicely done. Are we all dreaming of summer…?
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Thanks so much, Little Red Story Shed 🙂 I’m definitely dreaming of spring! I could live in spring and fall all year round. Summer is a little hot for me at times, but I still love it. And winter…way too cold!
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You painted a lovely picture with your words. Now I’m wishing for summer too!
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Thank you, Danielle 🙂 We’re getting a touch of summer this week (in northern Indiana)…high of 70 on Thursday! Can’t wait!
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What a beautiful ode to summer. Your word choice and rhythm capture the feel and emotions so well. Very nicely done.
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Thank you so much, Maria!
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It was my error, Shelley…it was definitely Wednesday, the 6th…and actually, because I’m on this trip and wasn’t able to post stories in a timely manner for people who needed help, I did post a few after the 6th. But you are totally fine! And thank you…this is a lovely ode to summer. I’ve been lucky to have experienced summer in Australia and NZ this year…and when I return home in a little less than two weeks, I’ll be arriving on the heels of spring in New England…having missed some of the worst of the winter there.
Love your story…great imagery with your word choices.
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Thank you, Vivian. Your contest is so wonderful, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation. It sounds like you are having a blast!
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Lovely imagery and choice of words. Nicely done.
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THE SALMON RUN by Pamela Courtney
Brrrrrr
Breezes beat against the battered bark.
Trees lean low
Icy waters surge.
Salmon stop their journey.
Bears search.
Eagles circle . . . waiting.
Hunger pangs.
WHOOSH!
Warmer waters wash in gifts,
dimpling streams.
pLiP PLIPITY pLOP,
SALMON!
Trees stretch.
Bears gorge.
Eagles circle . . . DIVE!
Forest Feast.
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Love! Painterly scene setting.
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love the word “painterly.” thanks Sara!
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Perfect way to describe this piece! The word choices really do paint the setting so well. Nicely done!
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Thank you so much Danielle. I had a ball with this. There are some amazing works posted.
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Gorgeous writing sets the scene, and what a scene! “Warmer waters wash in gifts, dimpling streams” is my favorite line. Masterful!
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Thank you so much Jolene.
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Beautiful vignette Pamela. Lovely lyrical language setting this scene.
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thank you so much for your comment. I almost did not post. When I visited here and saw all of the amazing entries, I did retreat. So glad my crit partners encouraged me to have fun and post. AND IT WAS ALL SORTS OF FUN!!
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Pamela, Love the sound words and alliteration. You painted a beautiful scene.❤️
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Oh Pamela, I am so glad your CPs encouraged you to enter. In addition to the beautiful lyricism and images you present, I really like the anticipation/suspense that you built; where even the trees seem to be waiting. This is really well done!
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What can I say, Pamela? This is a feast of beautiful imagery and enthralling action…wonderful story…I can already see the illustrations for this picture book.
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Yes I can see how everyone thinks its a scene from out of a painting. Beautiful. Nice job.
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Playground Legends
Players race up and down the court
Like gazelles in an open field
Flat out runnin’ and gunnin’
Long passes,
No look passes
Fade away
Jump shot
Count it!
Beyond the arc – SWISH!
Take it to the hole
(And one)
Alley oop pass above the rim
Ferocious dunk
Game over…
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OH wow This reminds me of Kwame Alexander’s, THE CROSSOVER! This is filled with action packed visuals. Surely to keep any reader engaged.
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Nicely done, Robert. The limited punctuation really keeps the text/action moving fast. Good luck in the contest.
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Great action throughout! Nicely done!
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Great pace and your images are intriguing. I like the “gazelles in an open field.” Alone it’s very lyrical and fun, but together with the title, it’s amazing. Good luck.
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You brought us right onto the court, Robert…amidst all of the action! Great language…and you gave us a beginning, a middle and an end…well done!
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Lots of action in this piece, great read aloud. Nice job.
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Felt like I was there! Wish I could be.
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Hi – My name is Kimberly Marcus and this was so much fun!! Here is my entry:
June Bell Baby couldn’t find her bear.
Sad tears fell from her eyes.
“I don’t know where I lost my bear.”
June Bell Baby cried.
June Bell Baby looked high and low
and much to her surprise
She found Bear in the bathtub
Bear was dry just like her eyes.
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Hi – I changed my last line so please use this version:
June Bell Baby couldn’t find her bear.
Sad tears fell from her eyes.
“I don’t know where I lost my bear.”
June Bell Baby cried.
June Bell Baby looked high and low
and much to her surprise
She found Bear in the bathtub
Bear got dry so did her eyes.
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So happy she found her bear. Very sweet. 🙂
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So sweet!
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Sweet story with a happy ending. Nice job.
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Oh, so glad that June Bell Baby found her Bear…no more tears! Thank you so much for sharing your precious words with us, Kimberly.
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Very sweet and so glad everything worked out ok. Lovely name btw. Nice job.
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So glad you enjoyed the challenge, Kimberly!
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MY SECRET NOOK
By Astghik Kamalyan
I’m losing my sleep –
My dragon’s leap
Shutters the attic.
“No more magic!”
“Sorry, mommy!”
A tsunami –
My dancing broom
Illuminates the room!
My cat-o-pillows purr,
Shine with neon fur!
I’ll hide my secrets in a nook –
Will keep them all in my own book.
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Oh wow! Cat o pillows purr? How did you come up with that?? My goodness that’s wonderful writing. I so enjoyed reading this.
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Thank you for the kind words! Cat-o-pillows are very independent creatures, I am not even sure how they sneaked into my head!
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This feels very magical. Lovely lyrical language. 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
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Love how this captures a child’s imagination. Nicely done!
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Thank you, Danielle!
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The magic of stories indeed. Very fun story. I love the magical elements and your “cat-o-pillows” with neon fur are ingenious. Nicely done.
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Thank you so much for the kind words!
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Lots of magic going on…but I guess your mc is keeping his powers under wraps. Great possibilities for illustrations, Astghik.
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Thank you for this contest, Vivian. Lots of learning from everyone and so much fun!
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Lovely to read and very magical. Great visuals. Nice job.
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Thank you ❤
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LULU BUNNY’S MAGIC TRICK by Ann Kelley
Lonely Lulu Bunny waved her magic wand at the dirt.
Pop!
A tulip.
Nope.
She waved again.
Pop!
A worm.
Still not right.
Pop!
A roly-poly.
Try again.
Pop!
A toad.
Nope.
One more time.
Crackle! Crackle!
Oh, no!
Pop!
Oh, yes!
Finally!
“Benny Bunny! I’ve been waiting for you!”
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There’s nothing as wonderful as magic in a story.
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Thank you!!
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Nicely done, Ann. Glad that Lulu got the wand wiggle right in the end! 🙂
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Thank you very much!
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I’m glad Lulu won’t be lonely anymore! Very cute story!
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Thank you, Danielle!
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So fun to see what she conjures and try to figure out what she’s really after. A carrot? Nice little surprise for it to be Benny Bunny (and not a carrot). Nicely done.
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Thank you very much! !
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What fun…I often wish I had a magic wand to conjure up a friend or relative who I’d like to see. Nicely done, Ann!
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Thank you so much for hosting this challenge, Vivian! It’s so fun and inspiring! And thank you for your thoughts! I wish I had a magic wand to do the laundry. 😊
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This was very sweet. Poor Bunny finally created her friend from magic. Loved the visuals and lyrical language. Nice one.
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Wow what great stories! Thanks, Vivian, for another really wonderful chance to see so many talented writers’ work.
Here’s my entry, based on a real incident with my new daughter’s first experience with a cherished pink frosted Dunkin Donut! 😀
Red Squirrel’s Delight
By Beth Gallagher
Tiny hands clutch their treasure,
Tongue licks lips; future pleasure.
Save to eat after the beach.
On the counter, out of reach.
Squirrel sees the screen is bent.
Through a hole, he follows scent.
Grabs and gobbles;
Belly wobbles.
Where donuts were,
Only crumbs and fur.
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Oh my…what a naughty squirrel! Cute story, Beth.
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Haha, this is cute! Reminds me of when a raccoon stole our entire bag of snickerdoodles, right off the picnic table. Love your ending lines!
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Aww, poor kiddo. Those sneaky, crafty squirrels! One stole an orange slice from my mom’s hand when we took a break along a trail. I really like your rhythm and those last few lines! Very nicely done.
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This is lots of fun, Beth! And I love the ending…although your daughter probably did not. 😉
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Oh no! Naughty squirrel. Beautiful language and great visuals. Nicely done.
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Saltwater Kisses
by JC Kelly
(50 Words)
Tickling my toes
Swirling my knees
Splashing my nose
Saltwater kisses cover my eyes
Upon foam bubbles
Up, I rise
Till it pushes me down
Tumbling, choking
Will I drown?
I feel Dad’s hand
Grab mine and
Pull me upon the sand
We share a grin
And…
Race back in
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Some lovely lyrical language here, describing a run in with a wave! I love ‘saltwater kisses’ Nicely done, JC.
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This is wonderful writing. Sounds autobiographical. Love the lovely twist at the end.
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I agree with Julie – “saltwater kisses” is a beautiful image that drew me right into your story. Love that I felt like I was there with the character. Nicely done!
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Waves and riptides are so fun to play in, until you get tossed and tumbled. I like the feeling that Dad is always there, so it’s safe to jump in again. I too like your “saltwater kisses.” Nicely done.
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Great child/parent bonding moment, JC…thanks for sharing your precious words.
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Lovely imagery in this story. Beautiful use of language. Nicely done.
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BOSCO
by Jose Cruz
The box holds memories of magic:
Rusted bullhorn.
Sawdust smell.
Greasy rainbow paints.
Laughter bubbling from a peppermint tent.
Me: front row. Your biggest fan.
The show is over, but I’m still here.
And I’m learning to smile again.
Bosco: greatest clown that ever lived.
Greatest grandpa who ever was.
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Magical. I love the imagery.
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I agree with Katrina. This does feel very magical. Beautiful word choices!
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Such a tender ode to a grandfather. Melancholy, yet full of beautiful images. Nicely done.
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What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather, Jose…your words create wonderful images for us…powerful! Well done!
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Aww so cute. Love the visuals and the memories. Lovely job.
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Such a well crafted poem. Well done!
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I, FUEL
by Kelly Rice Schmitt
Out I gush,
seeking purpose.
Filling pipes, lots of pipes.
Into boats, trucks, trains, traversing.
Boil me up, refine me.
Now I’m feeling helpful.
People keep warm.
Planes fly.
Cars zoom.
Boats glide.
And though it will end me,
I fuel,
hoping to empower you
to find a better way.
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This would be a nonfiction story about the journey of unrefined oil products and their later transformation into the ones that fuel our lives with hope that we continue to search for a greener way. Thanks again Vivian for this wonderful challenge.
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Powerful ending lines. I really like your concept! Nicely done, Kelly!
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Interesting to have the story told from the fuel’s POV. Very strong ending lines. Nice job.
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This is one of the most creative POV’s I’ve ever seen, Kelly. I love your opening and closing lines…yes, I can see this as a nonfiction about fuel…well done.
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Wow! I like this. Great concept. Nice job.
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The BOT BUILDER
by Janie Reinart
I build bots
From bodkins, braces, and bits.
Bitty-bots for bitsy chores,
Biggest-bots for BIG.
Busy bots bustle about.
But bots start bothering
each other.
When
Bots start breaking belongings
I banish bad bots
with a bop on their bottom
to the basement.
Back to the drawing board.
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Oh this is such a clever story. “Bop on the bottom,” love it. Good job Janie.
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Nice alliteration!
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Thank you❤️
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Fun story. Even Bots can’t help but pester each other & get sent to time out. I really like the “bodkins” and bits. Like the persistence of the MC. Nicely done.
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Thank you. ❤️
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Lots of great alliteration, Janie…and I love: back to the drawing board. 🙂
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What a fun read. Very clever. Nice job.
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WEATHER REPORT
By Stephanie Shaw
Sprinkle
splatter
A rat-a-tat patter
Drip
drop
An echoing plop
Splisher
splasher
A taxi-cab dasher
Cloudburst
Chaser
A picnic-eraser
Soaker
Slosher
A fine-feather washer
Drizzle
Downpour
Put-pots-on-the-floor-for
Douser
Chiller
A puddle-refiller
On plains, peaks or coastly
Partly to…
moistly.
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I love this, Stephanie! You have such a wonderful, wonderful way with words!
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Nice musicality!
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This is lovely.
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Love the unique descriptions of different kinds of rain like “taxi-cab dasher” and “picnic eraser.” Nicely done!
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Fun story of types of rain it’s sound and effects. I like a “picnic eraser.” Nicely done.
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Great word choices, Stephanie…and you created that rainy day for us so well!
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Lovely choice of words. Nice job.
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In Dreams (50)
“He’s waking up.”
The boy looked around, confused. Had he not been awake all this time they spent together?
“Don’t you forget us,” someone told him.
“I won’t.” He felt himself getting tired. He closed his eyes.
He woke up in bed trying to remember what he had been dreaming.
*It’s still March 6th where I am and I don’t understand time zones so I thought I’d give this a try. What a fun exercise!*
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I love seeing your work here, Earl! Very fun.
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This is very intriguing, Earl…I wondered if he was coming back from the dead…or being reborn into a new life. Well done!
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Sometimes those dreams seem so real. Glad you joined the fun. Nicely done.
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Interesting concept. Nicely done.
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Posted around 9PM EST Mar. 6, but now can’t see my entry anywhere in the thread, so I’m taking the liberty of posting it again ~
A SLED FOR KALA
“Baby Kala, it’s your first big snow!”
But Cousin Mishi’s sled is WAY too big. Uh oh.
“Try this pot?”
Maybe not.
“The puppy’s dish?”
I wish…
“My old orange frisbee!”
Oopsie. Whoopsie!
“Maybe just on your bum.”
Hmmm. Umm…
“Never mind,” Mishi sighs,
Hugs Baby Kala close. They SLIDE!
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Very cute! I enjoyed the different ideas for sleds.
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Such great sled ideas. I know university students who’ve used food trays, when all else fails. Glad Mishi finally figured it out. Nicely done.
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Thank you! Mishi & her sisters actually used cardboard boxes & duct tape to finally make a sled for Kala – but then that’s another, longer story 🙂
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Sweet friendship story, Annaliese…I love that Mishi wants to give Baby Kala a chance to enjoy the snow.
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Thank you ~ Story within the story: This was 28 years ago, Cousin Mishi has her own new baby now, and Cousin/Uncle Kala will have to make a sled for him! 🙂
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Very cute. loved all the ideas for using as a sled. Great visuals. Nice job.
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Posting this entry for Jennifer Ennion!!! Thank you for your patience, Jennifer…I’ve only just got back from four days without internet access in Rotorua.
THE BOY WHO IS WILD by Jennifer Ennion (Australia) (Word count: 50)
Waves crash.
Bubbles rush.
Skating through puddles.
“You’re so wild.”
Waves tumble.
Bluebottles rush.
Jumping over jellies.
“You’re so wild.”
Dripping.
Stomping.
“I’m not wild.”
Mum squeezes tight.
“Wild is wonderful.”
Waves wash.
Cuttlefish rush.
The boy disappears…
He grabs Mum’s hand.
Diving deep.
Together.
Wild.
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This has such a nice cadence. I love that wild is wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Katrina. Inspired by my son : )
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Some lovely alliteration use in this lovely vignette.
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Thank you very much. It’s a nice little challenge.
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This is beautiful. Love the repetition, ending, and message. Nicely done!
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Thanks, Danielle. It’s a message I’m trying to teach my son, who is the very best kind of wild.
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Such fun images – “jumping over jellies.” I really love that wild is wonderful and they get to be wild together. What a great ending. Very nicely done.
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Thanks so much, Maria. I adore my wild boy and our ocean life. He does keep me on my toes though.
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Wonderful images you’ve created, Jennifer! Thank you for sharing your precious words.
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Thank you, Vivian. This competition has inspired me to expand on this little piece.
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beautiful images and language. Nice job.
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Thanks very much, Diane. It’s been fun to craft.
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Posting this entry for Kimberly Marcus.
June Bell Baby couldn’t find her bear.
Sad tears fell from her eyes.
“I don’t know where I lost my bear.”
June Bell Baby cried.
June Bell Baby looked high and low
and much to her surprise
She found Bear in the bathtub
Bear was dry so were her eyes.
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Vivian – this one is posted just above. 🙂
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Posting this entry for Sara Ackerman:
Cooking with Sisters
by Sara Ackerman
Sifted flour,
Sammy scattered it.
Measured milk,
Sammy splattered it,
Searched for sugar,
Sammy hid it.
Eggs are smashed.
Guess who did it?
“Sammy!
You’re a pest!”
“I don’t like pancakes,”
She confessed.
“Go watch TV
Until I’m through.”
“But it’s more fun
To be with you.”
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This is so sweet and on point!
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This one is posted above too.
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This is adorable. Has a soft spot in my hear because my littles love cooking with my husband and me.
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This is adorable. It has a soft spot in my hear because my littles love cooking with my husband and me.
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Posting an entry for Susan Valli:
Sheepish
‘Mum!
There’s a sheep in my bed,
Right next to my head!’
‘Jess!
Go to sleep! It can’t be a sheep!’
‘Mum!
I’ll move over a bit,
So the sheep can fit.’
‘Jess!
Turn off the light! Goodnight!’
Morning.
‘Mum!
There’s no sheep on my bed!
Just my sweater instead……
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Cute title, Susan. Fun that Jess moved over to leave some room for the sheep. Great twist at the end. 🙂
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So hard to get them to sleep sometimes, but I think a sheep in my bed would keep me awake, too. Your twist is great fun. Nicely done.
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Nighttime can definitely play tricks on us and we think we see something that isn’t there. Well done, Susan.
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Very cute. Loved the twist at the end. Nice images too. Nice job.
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Posting an entry for Michelle Kennedy:
Dracula’s Devastating Dinner (WC- 30)
by Michelle Kennedy
Wackula Quackula
Stoker’s Count Dracula!
Blood on his fangs- a treat.
Tasty like wine.
Seeking out victims nigh.
Gastrointestinal
problems arose when he
dined on a duck and a swine.
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Love the dactylic meter, Michelle…and gastrointestinal! Your story of overindulging Dracula made me smile!
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This is a fun poem. These can be tough. Fun use of “gastrointestinal.” I also really liked the silly words – “wackula quackula.” Nice job.
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Great words, Michelle…I remember doing something like this a few years ago for Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab. 😉
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Oh my! Great use of amazing words. Reminds me of something I did years ago and it ended up in an anthology for charity. Nice job.
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Posting this entry for Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield
Little Bird’s dream
Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield (50 words)
Squawwwk! Squawwwk!
I dream of singing opera on the stage in the south of France.
My family says keep dreaming you just don’t stand a chance.
I’ll wow the audience with my voice; high octaves I’ll attain.
I’ll hold onto those high notes until the audience complains.
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This one’s posted above as well.
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Wacky Week
By Heidi Vance (49 Words)
Sally sang silly songs on Sunday
Maddie made mini muffins on Monday
Tom tasted twisted twizzlers on Tuesday
Wendy washed wide windows on Wednesday
Terri tickled two turtles on Thursday
Fred fed five funny fish on Friday
Sam sipped a sour soda on Saturday
What a Wacky Week
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What fun alliteration. Quite a wild and wacky week indeed.
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This is a wacky week and quite a tongue twister! Tickling turtles was probably my favorite day. Fun entry.
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Lots of fun, Heidi…that was hard work, getting the alliteration right…now you need to take Sunday to rest. 😉
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Great tongue twister and fun images. Nice job.
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Posting this entry for Nina Nolan.
The Shy Peacock
by Nina Nolan
The shy peacock didn’t like showing off.
But his friend loved bright colors so much.
And he loved seeing her happy.
So he fanned out his tail feathers as far as he could.
And shook them.
“Fun!” she said.
“It actually kinda was,” said the shy peacoc
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Fun story of friendship and stretching a bit outside your comfort zone. Sometimes those pesky extroverts can offer a little bit of fun. I like your shy peacock. Nice job.
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Lovely idea to show how we can push past our comfort zone! So glad shy peacock took the chance.
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Really lovely. Stepping outside your comfort zone. Nice job.
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Dear Vivian,
I am amazed at the number of well-written stories and poems people have written and the encouraging responses made by yourself and others which help us see the features more clearly. Your contribution to the world of children’s writing is awesome! Thank you for inspiring creativeness in all of us.
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Thanks so much, Judy…I am blown away at the quality of the stories…and honored to have the opportunity to showcase them!
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Posting this entry for Rachel Hobbs:
https://rachelhobbswrites.home.blog/2019/03/06/50-precious-words-writing-contest/
Painting a Rainbow by Rachel Hobbs
It was Cloudy’s first rainbow. She picked colors and started to paint. But orange disappeared! It wasn’t on her poofy table. Not behind her floofy Mama. Oh no, the sun started to shine! She peeked under her fluff. There it was. She splashed a dash and the rainbow was glorious.
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This one is also posted above.
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