WELCOME TO ALL! Whether you have participated in previous years or you are just dipping your toes in for the first time – whether you are a pre-published author or you have multiple books out there already – I am so very glad you are here!
The #50PreciousWords 2021 International Writing Contest is OVER and the 51 finalists will be announced March 31. If you have trouble accessing the entries, you are not alone. We had so many comments (over 10,000), I think we broke WordPress, but the tech gurus are at work trying to resolve the issue. Thank you so much for your patience.
Congratulations to all who participated! We had a record 763 entries! The linky list is complete. You can find your story or a particular story by scrolling down and clicking on the link. PLEASE NOTE: THE LINKY LIST IS NOT WORKING RIGHT NOW. But you can read many of the entries by scrolling through.
I hope you will visit many of the stories.- getting positive comments is a great validation for writers – and reading other stories is a wonderful learning tool for all of us!
I’ll be reading all of these amazing stories…and so will my assistant judges. There are going to be some very difficult decisions to make…so many of the stories are top-notch – several feel like they should be on shelves already! But right now, please celebrate your courage and hard work! YOU DID IT! And, if you didn’t participate this year with a story, I hope you will next year! Because we all have a story to tell – and I’d love to read your precious words.
Study the guidelines (they are easy-peasy), scroll through the prizes (they are extraordinary), and share your #50PreciousWords story in the comment section (we are all here to support and encourage you on your writing journey).
A bit of the back story: In 2016, I had an idea for a contest that would exercise our writing muscles and force us to make every work count. Over the years, several entries have become books, many participants have signed with agents…but what I love the most is the enthusiasm and the positive energy that this contest generates.
Here’s the 50-word story I wrote as a sample for the 2017 #50PreciousWords Contest – I had fun with it and that’s what I hope you will discover during this adventure – to find joy in what you are doing.
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.
##
GUIDELINES FOR #50PRECIOUSWORDS
- Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, that has a total word count of 50 or less.
- It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
- Title does not count towards the word count.
- No illustrations or illustration notes please.
- The contest officially opens today, Tuesday, March 2.
- Between March 2 and March 7, you must post your story in the comments of this special contest blog post. If you have a blog of your own and want to post it there also, that is terrific…you can add the link to your comment so we can all go and visit you there. Also, please make sure you put your name in the post.
- Only ONE entry per person, please. I know…it’s hard to choose. But we had 392 entries last year – that’s a lot of stories for me and my assistants to read and comment on. Just think, if everyone had submitted two, that would have been almost 800 entries.
- If you have children who are inspired to write a story, please let them know that in May, we do have the #50PreciousWordsforKids Challenge and I would LOVE to have them enter their stories then.
- If you have any questions or have trouble posting your story, please email me and I will be happy to help: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
- Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Sunday, March 7th, at 11:59pm EST.
- Winners will be announced in a blog post on the first day of Spring, Saturday, March 20.
- First place winner will choose a prize first. Second place winner goes next and can choose from the remaining prizes. And so on. There are 51 prizes – critiques with EDITORS and AGENTS and PUBLISHED AUTHORS, seats in WRITING CLASSES, a PORTFOLIO REVIEW, SIGNED PICTURE BOOKS…and more. The book prizes are limited to USA addresses, please.
PRIZES FOR #50PRECIOUSWORDS – I started out organizing the list, but as prizes were added, that became impossible. Please look through the list carefully. There are critiques with editors, critiques with agents, critiques with authors, seats in picture book writing classes, original art, signed books – please join me in thanking all of these generous donors.
Prize A: A Picture Book Critique with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt executive editor ANN RIDER. Ann was my editor for FROM HERE TO THERE – and working with her was an awesome experience! HMH is closed to un-agented/unsolicited submissions – this is a life-changing golden opportunity for one of the participants of #50PreciousWords. Here is a link to a fab interview she did with Michelle Barnes: https://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/2016/11/spotlight-on-ann-rider-dmc-challenge.html

- Picture Book Critique with Little Bee editor COURTNEY FAHY. Courtney was my editor for MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD – she was a joy to work with.

Courtney Fahy is the Editorial Assistant at Little Bee Books and Yellow Jacket, where she acquires and edits board books, picture books, and middle grade novels. Some of Courtney’s picture books include Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit by Linda Marshall, Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Vivian Kirkfield, Mootilda’s Bad Mood by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call, as well as Moonbeams: A Lullaby of the Phases of the Moon by Ann Bausum. Prior to joining Little Bee Books, Courtney interned at Macmillan at Roaring Brook Press and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for Young Readers, as well as W.W. Norton. Originally from New Jersey, Courtney graduated from Pace University with a Master in Science in publishing. You can find Courtney on Twitter @courtneyfahy.
2. A Critique with my amazing agent Essie White, founder of Storm Literary

There isn’t enough room on this page to detail how amazing my beloved agent, Essie White is. This is an unbelievable opportunity to get your manuscript in front of a stellar agent who is currently closed to submission.
3, A Critique with the fabulous Vicki Selvaggio, agent and partner at Storm Literary

Victoria Selvaggio, previously with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency was drawn to the publishing scene first as an author. She is a prior Regional Advisor for SCBWI: Northern Ohio, where her desire to help writers and illustrators reach their publications goals inspired her to become an agent.
As a frequent presenter at conferences, library events, contests, etc., Victoria is always interested in meeting writers and illustrators, and hearing about unique projects! This is a life-changing opportunity for some writer because Vicki is currently closed to submissions.
4. Critique from Callie Metler-Smith, publisher of Spork/&mg

I’ve never met Callie in person, but I have shared a webinar stage with her – she’s an amazing woman – generous and kind and a crackerjack editor! It’s a gift just to know her – and someone is going to have the opportunity to connect with her over their manuscript.
5. Seat in Callie Metler Smith’s NEW course on MARKETING for AUTHORS
Callie Metler-Smith is the CEO and founder of Clear Fork Publishing in Stamford, Texas. She answers to the following titles: Publisher of Books, Newspaper Chick, Bookstore Owner, Writer, Illustrator, Wife, Mom, and Friend.She’s a savvy businesswoman…this is a stellar opportunity to work with and learn from her.
6. A PB Manuscript Critique (650 words or less – non-rhyming) from the amazing Art Director and CBA Founder MIRA REISBERG. https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/

I finally got to meet Mira at the Sydney SCBWI Conference where she was a keynote speaker and I was on the program also. Mira has definitely helped many writers and artists realize their dreams by becoming published authors and illustrators
7. Critique with Melissa Richeson – Associate Agent at Storm Literary

Melissa Richeson comes to Storm with prior experience as an associate literary agent and a growing list of clients. To build her client list, Melissa is drawn to witty wording and whimsical design for picture books, humor and quick pacing for chapter books, charming mysteries or magic in middle grade, and fresh, character-driven stories in young adult. She’s not the best fit for horror, high fantasy, paranormal, or graphic violence of any kind.
8. A Critique with Lisa Amstutz – Associate Agent with Storm Literary

Lisa Amstutz fell in love with reading at an early age, devouring stacks of books from the library each week. While she never stopped reading, she earned degrees in Biology and Environmental Science and worked as a lab technician, outdoor educator, and small-scale farmer before returning to her first love: books.
With sixteen years of experience as an author and freelance editor, Lisa comes to Storm Literary Agency as an Associate Literary Agent. She has written more than 140 books for the educational and trade markets as well as numerous magazine and newspaper articles. As an editor and mentor, she worked with writers to shape and polish their manuscripts, many of which went on to land agents or book contracts. She also edited materials for several publishing companies.
9. Seat in Making Picture Book Writing Magic course from the founder of Perfect Picture Book Friday, NYTimes Best-selling author Susanna Leonard Hill. https://susannahill.com/for-writers/making-picture-book-magic/



What can I say about Susanna? Her class was the first picture book writing course I took – and it provided an amazing foundation for me. She is a mentor to all, providing challenges and contests to keep us motivated and inspired!
10. Picture Book Editor-in-a-Box Package from author, editor, and arts educator Emma Walton Hamilton. Editor in a Box is a complete 6-step revision system that empowers writers to be their own best editors … to make the most of every submission opportunity, and to become the professional author they dream of being.


Emma Walton Hamilton definitely knows what she is talking about! I took one of her JustWrite4Kids courses early on in my writing career – she is smart, generous, and she knows what she is talking about!
11. A seat in the ART OF ARC writing course and a set of webinars on the craft of writing from author and Blue Whale Editor ALAYNE CHRISTIAN.



Alayne Kay Christian is the acquisitions editor for Blue Whale Press, an award-winning children’s book author, and the creator and teacher of a picture book writing course Art of Arc. In addition, she shares her knowledge with writers through free and affordable webinars at Writing for Children Webinars.
https://alaynekaychristianauthor.com/
https://www.bluewhalepress.com/
Art of Arc http://www.alaynekaychristian.com/contact.html
Webinars https://alaynekaychristianauthor.com/webinars
12. Seat in Master Class in Picture Book Writing from author Karla Valenti



Karla was born and grew up in Mexico City. Since then, she has had the great privilege and opportunity to live in a number of places: the U.S., Japan, France, and most recently Germany. She currently lives in the Chicagoland area where she keeps herself busy with lots of words and big ideas (both in her job as a lawyer and author).
Her writerly self focuses on picture books and middle grade novels. She also offers a Master Course on Picture Book Writing and Editing and Picture Book critique services.
She is rep’ed by the inimitable Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
Find her on Facebook or Twitter
13. A 60-minute Zoom manuscript consultation OR a Seat in the Lyrical Language Lab Rhyme and MeterSelf-Study Course from the incredible Renee LaTulippe

I took Renee’s regular Lyrical Language Lab course and it really helped me become a better writer. This self-study class is perfect for those who like to pace themselves.
14. Membership in New Hampshire Writers Project

The New Hampshire Writers’ Project (NHWP) supports the development of individual writers and encourages an audience for literature in our state. The membership provides a member’s rate on all webinars, workshops, and the 603 conference. There is also access to a members-only resources section on the website that offers discounts on software, PR services, editing and publishing services, book cover design, access to our webinars, archives, and the opportunity to participate and win prizes in exclusive events such as the Three-Minute Fiction Slam, the 603 conference Pitch Party, and the new monthly Writing Prompt Challenge. This is open to anyone – you don’t need to live in New Hampshire:
https://nhwritersproject.org/resources/
15. Illustrator Portfolio Review or 30-minute Zoom chat with Erika Meza



Erika Meza is an author and illustrator from Mexico. After studying graphic design back home, she moved to Paris to attend the Illustration (Image Imprimée) program at ENSAD. She now lives with a French cat in London and works with ink, gouaches, watercolor pencils and Photoshop, fueled by chocolate and incessant cups of coffee. Her newest book, BALLOONS FOR PAPA, written by Liz Bedia, launches in April of this year.
16. Rhyming PB Critique from author Lori Degman



Lori Degman is the author of the award-winning picture books, 1 Zany Zoo (illus. by Colin Jack) – 2010 Winner of the Cheerios New Author Contest and 2013 Illinois Reads featured title; Cock-a-Doodle Oops!(illus. by Deborah Zemke) – 2014 International Literacy Association Honor Book, and Just Read (illus. by Victoria Tentler-Krylov) – 2020/21 Illinois Reads featured title. Other titles include Norbert’s Big Dream (illus. by Marco Bucci), Like a Girl (illus. by Mara Penny, and Travel Guide For Monsters (illus. by Dave Szalay). Lori enjoys helping fellow rhymers by doing critiques and mentoring. Visit her at www.Loridegman.com.
17. PB Critique plus a copy of her latest picture book from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler



Patricia Keeler is the author/illustrator of SCOOP THE ICE CREAM TRUCK and LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL, both of Sky Pony Press. Patricia received the Christopher Medal in 2011 for her illustrations in WOULD YOU STILL LOVE ME IF. Patricia won the children’s book category for the New York Book Festival 2013. Her work has been a selection of the Junior Library Guild and the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club. Find out more about her and her books at www.patriciakeeler-author-illustrator.com and follow her on Instagram @patricia.keeler.books.
18. PB Critique and copy of Nova the Star Eater from author Lindsay Leslie.



Lindsay likes to bring her unique outlook on life, quirky humor, and play with words to the page in picture books. She is the author of THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS, NOVA THE STAR EATER, and DUSK EXPLORERS. Lindsay lives with her husband, two boys, two dogs, a guinea pig, and a tortoise in Austin.
19. PB Critique from author Keila V. Dawson



Before becoming a children’s book author, Keila Dawson worked as a teacher, school administrator, and educational consultant in the U.S., the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt.
A native of New Orleans, Keila is the author of THE KING CAKE BABY which celebrates one of the unique cultural traditions in her hometown – eating King Cake during the Mardi Gras season, NO VOICE TOO SMALL: Fourteen Young Americans Making History, co-edited with Jeanette Bradley and Lindsay H. Metcalf, and OPENING THE ROAD: Victor Hugo Green and the Green Book.
Keila is a member of SCBWI, writes monthly author studies for the Reading for Research Month (ReFoReMo) blog, and reviews books for Multicultural Children’s Book Day. When Keila isn’t reading, writing, and visiting schools, she’s traveling, playing tennis, or digging in genealogical archives.
Twitter: @keila_dawson Website: http://www.keiladawson.com
Facebook author page: @keilavdawson
20. Non-Rhyming Picture Book 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 2020); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming picture books include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2020). 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. In other chapters of her life, 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 Temple Shaaray Tefila, and a past trustee at The Hewitt School. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy.
www.MelissaSoller.com http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissastoller/ http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller
21. Picture Book Critique or Query Letter Critique from author Laura Roettiger


Laura Roettiger is the author of ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON and has enjoyed working with children ever since she was no longer considered a child herself. She was a reading specialist and elementary teacher in Chicago, IL before moving to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado where she worked in Environmental Education and as a new teacher mentor for two years at a STEM school. She is a judge for Rate Your Story, an active member of SCBWI and 12x12PictureBook Challenge. Laura works with third grade classrooms through #KidsNeedMentors, tutors adults in the Boulder Reads Literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and works with BookstoKids, a Colorado based literacy nonprofit. Her superpower is encouraging curiosity in children and her students, letting them know she believes in them. She has three children of her own whose curiosity and creativity led all of them into STEM related professions.
Aliana Reaches for the Moon
Website: LauraRoettigerBooks.co
Twitter: @ljrwritenow
22. Picture Book Critique from author Maria Marshall

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She’s a Cybils Awards judge ( http://www.cybils.com/) and a contributing blogger for STEM Tuesday – From the Mixed-up Files of MG Authors ( https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/stem-tuesday/). She interviews authors & illustrators and reviews books on -The Picture Book Buzz ( www.mariacmarshall.com/blog). Her poems are published in The Best Of Today’s Little Ditty 2017-2018, 2016, & 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes.
23. Awesome bundle #1 of THREE brand-new picture books from Maria Marshall.

- 24, Awesome bundle #2 of THREE brand-new picture books from Maria Marshall.

- 25. Awesome bundle #3 of THREE brand new picture books from Maria Marshall.

- 26. Picture Book Critique from author Katey Howes



Katey Howes is thrilled to be making books for children. She also makes bad jokes, great apple crisp, and messy mistakes. Katey lives in Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania (really!) with her husband and three adventurous daughters-makers. A former physical therapist specializing in brain injury, Katey now divides her time between writing award-winning stories and raising kids with a love of books. She also contributes to parenting, literacy and STEM websites including All the Wonders, The Nerdy Bookclub, STEAM Powered Family and Imagination Soup. Find Katey on Twitter @kateywrites and on Instagram @kidlitlove.
27. A PB Critique from Kirsti Call.



Kirsti Call loves putting words together. She co-runs Reading for Research month, has judged for the Cybil’s award since 2014, blogs for Writer’s Rumpus, and her second picture book, Mootilda’s Bad Mood (Little Bee) came out in 2020 while Cow Says Meow (HMH) and Cold Turkey (Little Brown) release in 2021!
Instagram @kirsticall Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsti.call
Twitter: @kirsticall Websites: www.kirsticall.com, www.writersrumpus.com, www.reforemo.com
28. Picture Book Critique from author Ellen Leventhal or a signed copy of one of her books.


Ellen Leventhal is an educator and writer in Houston, TX. Her writing usually contains universal themes to which children can relate–even if the thoughts occasionally come from talking cows or lambs. She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing in some capacity. Ellen is the co-author of Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets and the author of Lola Can’t Leap. Her newest picture book based on the many flood disasters she and her family endured, launches this year, Flood of Kindness. She has been published in magazines and newspapers as well as in short story and poetry anthologies. Ellen loves school visits! When visiting schools, she coordinates with and supports literacy programs as well as diversity and anti-bullying programs. Ellen’s best days are when she can interact directly with the students and spread her love of literacy and kindness. To find out more about Ellen’s books and writing projects, please go to www.Ellenleventhal.com
29. 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 2018), Korean Celebrations (Tuttle 2019), My Breakfast with Jesus: Worshipping God around the World (Harvest House 2020), and The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story (Kokila/Penguin Random House Aug. 2020). Her lyrical middle grade graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow, debuts from Harper Alley in 2023. After living in South Korea for ten years, Tina, her husband, and two teenagers reside in Iowa where Tina also teaches kindergarten.
Twitter: @TinaMCho
IG: @TinaMCho
website: http://www.tinamcho.com
30. Picture Book Critique or Signed Picture Books from author Amber Hendricks



Amber Hendricks is the author of Sophie and Little Star (Clear Fork/Spork, 2018), Extraordinary Ordinary Ella (Amicus Ink, 2020), Superheroes Don’t Babysit (Beaming Books, 2020), and the Little Nature Explorers board book series (Amicus Ink, 2020/21). The first two titles in the Little Nature Explorers series, Wildflowers Grow and Butterflies Soar, got their start as entries in the 50 Precious Words Contest!
31.Picture Book Critique from author Beth Anderson



Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. With linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and a penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, ponders, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. She’s the award-winning author of TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE (10/2021), “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES, LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, and AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET. Beth has more historical gems on the way.
@Bandersonwriter (Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/beth.anderson.3367174
32. Picture Book Critique from author Liz Bedia



Elizabeth (Liz) Gilbert Bedia grew up in the rural Midwest surrounded by fields, blue sky, and a multitude of animals, where she became a keen observer with a big imagination. Liz loved creating stories about the world around her and turned to books to learn more. After college she worked as a researcher, educator, and audiologist. While raising her own children, she returned to her creative roots and started writing books for children. She loves creating heartfelt stories for children about our amazing world.
She is the author of Bess the Barn Stands Strong (Page Street Kids), Arthur Wants a Balloon (Trigger Publishing, UK), and the forthcoming Balloons for Papa (HarperCollins). Liz lives in central Iowa with her husband, two children, and two dogs. For more information, visit: elizabethgilbertbedia.com.
33. Signed copy of one of her books from author Nancy Churnin

A native New Yorker, Nancy is a graduate of Harvard University, with a master’s from Columbia University. She lives in North Texas with her husband, a dog named Dog and two cantankerous cats. Learn more about Nancy at www.nancychurnin.com
34. Picture Book Critique (fiction) from author Lisa Katzenberger.



Lisa Katzenberger lives in La Grange, IL in a hundred-year-old Victorian house with sloping hardwood floors, glass doorknobs, and the tiniest bathroom you’ve ever seen. She has a great husband and amazing boy-girl twins. She’s an active member of SCBWI, where she volunteer as the Social Media Coordinator for the SCBWI-Illinois region. Lisa works part-time as a technical writing consultant to fund her writing conference habit. She is represented by Wendi Gu of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
35. Picture Book Critique from author Jenna Grodzicki



Jenna is the author of both fiction and nonfiction picture books, including Finn Finds a Friend (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017), I See Sea Food: Sea Creatures That Look Like Food (Millbrook Press, 2019), Harmony Humbolt: Perfect Pets Queen (Clear Fork Publishing, Fall 2020), and Wild Style: Amazing Animal Adornments (Millbrook Press, September 2020). She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two crazy awesome kids. At all hours of the day (and night) she can be found at her desk, drinking iced coffee and working on her next story. Jenna is represented by Victoria Selvaggio of Storm Literary Agency.
- 36. Picture Book Critique from Lydia Lukidis



Lydia Lukidis writes for children aged 3-12, and her artistic mandate is to inspire and enlighten. She’s the author of three trade picture books, thirty educational books, thirty-two eBooks, as well as numerous articles and stories. Her latest STEM book, THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST(Boyds Mills & Kane, 2019), was nominated for a CYBILS Award, and she’s a two-time finalist for the #PBParty contest. Her background is multi-disciplinary and spans the fields of literature, science, and puppetry.
Lydia is an active member of SCBWI, CANSCAIP, 12 x 12, The Authors Guild and QWF. She’s very involved in the kidlit community through her blog and newsletters, as well as on social media. She’s also a judge on Rate your Story. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for literacy with children through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools.
Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
37. Picture Book Critique from Carrie Charley Brown


Carrie Charley Brown is the founder and co-coordinator of ReFoReMo. She eats, sleeps, and breathes picture books as an elementary school librarian, writer, and professional critique mentor. Carrie serves as a 12 x 12 Critique Ninja and contributed as a CYBILS fiction picture book panelist and regional advisor for SCBWI North Texas. She enjoys blogging, reviewing books, and spreading mentor text love. Her publications include ghostwritten projects and teacher resources. Carrie has a Masters of Education in School Library Media, and an endorsement in Literacy. She loves motivating people of all ages to discover the joy of reading by connecting personal interests.
Twitter https://twitter.com/carriebrowntx @carriebrowntx
ReFoReMo Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1574236042820744
Personal FB page https://www.facebook.com/carrie.brown.56614
- 38. Picture Book Critique from author Rosie J. Pova


Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children’s author, poet, speaker, and writing coach. She’s a Writing Instructor for the Dallas Independent School District through The Writer’s Garret, an instructor with Writing Workshops Dallas, teaching online picture book courses to children’s writers, and also serves as a judge for Rate Your Story.
Rosie speaks on many women’s topics as well and has appeared on radio and print media.
Her upcoming picture book,Sunday Rain, celebrates imagination, the love of books, and new friendships. Her other upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in spring of 2022. Visit Rosie at www.rosiejpova.com.
Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram
39. Signed Copy of LAILA AND THE SANDS OF TIME from author Shirin Shamsi


Shirin was born and raised in the U.K. and now resides in the US. Laila and The Sands of Time is her debut Middle-grade novel
40. A 30-minute Zoom chat with me – about writing, the path to publication, or whatever you’d like to talk about.



41. Two Beautiful Board Books from Rina Singh



Writer for children, Own Voices author and Spoken Word coach. Rina has an MFA in creative writing and is the author of many critically acclaimed picture books for children. Her most recent publications are A MEETING IN THE SKY (Creative Editions); Holi Colors & Diwali Lights (Orca Books); Grandmother School (Orca Books); 111 Trees (Kids Can Press); A Garden of Grenades (Greystone Kids) coming out in 2022. Her daughter is a professional photographer in Toronto and her son works in finance in San Francisco. She lives with her husband in a blue house in Toronto, Canada. It’s surrounded by tall trees and it feels like she is living in a forest. There are birds, squirrels, even a rabbit and a fish pond with Japanese koi in it. She likes writing amongst the trees.
You can connect with her on her website www.rinasingh.com or on Instagram & Twitter @storiesbysingh
42. The Writer’s Weekly Planner from Judy Cooper and Dea Lenihan
A planner that is designed specifically for writers that gives you a place to organize all your brilliant story ideas, record important writing related appointments and establish your writing focus for each week with plenty of room to capture all those notes that used to end up on scraps of paper and napkins. Also included are inspiring quotes to let you know you’re not alone on this journey.



Judy Cooper is an award recipient of the 2021 SCBWI FL Rising Kite contest for her picture book manuscript, You Might Be an Artist. With her passion for inspiring and nurturing creativity in young children, she has designed a curriculum for and taught arts enrichment classes to children in grades PreK-4th. She has intensively studied the craft of picture book writing for the past 3 years with membership in SCBWI, Rate Your Story and 12×12, and has worked as a booking agent for kidlit authors. Judy has lived in many places including Miami, New York, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Poland. Fulfilling a 20-year goal, she now lives near the happiest place on earth and works joyfully with her cowriter and dear friend, Dea Lenihan.
Dea Lenihan is an artist and writer whose drawings have been featured at The Eric Carle Museum of Storybook Art. Her designs can be found in children’s books, the cover of a history book, and a series of best-selling adult coloring books. Dea is currently an active member of SCBWI, Rate Your Story, and a past Picture Book Summiteer. She is enchanted by the unusual: living things that glow, lavender-colored eyes, and the many forms of ice. In her past life she was an editorial makeup artist and undercover short-story writer. She feels lucky to now spend her days drawing and writing near the sea, often exchanging ideas with her favorite writing partner and friend, Judy Cooper.
Listing link for ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/listing/951715772/i-am-a-writer-28-week-writers-planner?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1
Website link: https://www.dealenihan.com
43. A Teacher’s DREAM prize! Are you a writer who teaches? Award-winning author Darlene Jacobson is offering a 30-minute Skype/Zoom classroom visit PLUS a copy of each of her middle grade books: Wheels of Change AND Wishes, Dares, & How To Stand Up To A Bully.



Darlene Beck Jacobson, a 2021 recipient of the Notable Verse Novels Award by the NCTE for her novel WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY (Creston), is a former teacher and speech therapist who has loved writing ever since she can remember. She is also a lover of history and can often be found mining skeletons from her past to incorporate bits of her ancestry into her award winning books. She lives in New Jersey and tries to be careful what she wishes for. Her blog features interviews with children’s book authors and illustrators, recipes, activities, crafts, articles on nature, and book reviews. www.darlenebeckjacobson.com
Twitter: @DBeckJacobson
44. A Manuscript Critique or a 30-minute Zoom chat with debut picture book author Anna Lazowski.


Anna Lazowski wrote her first picture book for a class assignment in the sixth grade and has been creating stories ever since. Now an award-winning radio producer, Anna got back into writing picture books after searching for a new creative outlet. She has an MA (Journalism) from the University of Western Ontario and a BFA (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba and is a member of SCBWI. Anna’s debut picture book, T. REXES CAN’T TIE THEIR SHOES (Doubleday Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Steph Laberis, is launching June 29, 2021.
Website: https://www.annalazowskibooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_lazowski
45. An Author Showcase Premium book marketing package to gain visibility and publicity for your children’s book on The Children’s Book Review – or A signed copy of both Don’t Wake the Dragon and Who Loves the Dragon? from author Bianca Schulze.



Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Book Review – a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. Bianca is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (an Amazon “Book of the Month” in 2016) and the highly enjoyable and interactive picture book Don’t Wake the Dragon. She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children’s book lover. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado. To learn more, visit https://www.biancaschulze.com/ and https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/
46. A Picture Book Manuscript Critique with a 20-minutes phone chat from author Zeena Pliska.


Zeena M. Pliska spends her days immersed in the joy of 5-year-olds. She is a kindergarten teacher by day and a children’s book author by night in Los Angeles, California. A progressive public school educator, she believes that the most important aspect of teaching is listening to children. A social justice activist and organizer for over 30 years, she brings race, class, and gender analysis to everything she does. A lifetime storyteller, she has facilitated stories as a theater director, visual artist, photographer and journalist. Her debut picture book, Hello Little One: A Monarch Butterfly Story from Page Street Kids came out May 12, 2020. Her second picture book Egyptian Lullaby from Roaring Brook Press is due out in 2022. Find out more about Zeena at Teaching Authors – and connect with her at www.zeenamar.comInstagram @zeenamarTwitter @zeenamar1013Facebook zeenamarFacebook Zeena M. Pliska author
47. A Writer’s Dream Bundle: Cool canvas tote/mug with tea/copy of Jumpstart Your Writing in 30 Days by Heather Kelly



Cathy Stenquist won second place in the 2020 Boston Author’s Club Picture Book Discovery Award for her MS “I Wish I Were” and had the chance to work with Peter H. Reynolds, who called her a “Magical wordsmith.” Her debut picture book Forever Home (which began as a 50 Precious Words entry!), is a story about two orphaned kittens searching for a place to be loved. It will be published this spring. Cathy is delighted to have her talented daughter @ericaleighart illustrating it. Cathy is a longtime member of SCBWI, The Writer’s Loft in Sherborn, Mass. and Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Challenge. You can find her at: Instagram @cathystenquist, Facebook: www.facebook.com/cathy.stenquist and on Twitter: @cathystenquist. Her website: www.cathystenquist.com will be launching soon.
48. A Picture Book Manuscript (non-rhyming) Critique with author Lisa Rogers.



Lisa Rogers is an elementary school librarian and former newspaper reporter and editor. Her picture book, 16 WORDS: WILLIAM CARLOS AND “THE RED WHEELBARROW,” illustrated by Chuck Groenink (Schwartz & Wade Books, 2019), received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, is a Bank Street Best Children’s Book, a Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice, a Junior Library Guild selection, an ALSC Notable Books shortlist book, and the winner of the Boston Authors Club Julia Ward Howe award for young readers. HOUND WON’T GO, a rhyming picture book illustrated by Meg Ishihara (Albert Whitman, 2020), was inspired by her rescue dog, Tucker. Her poems are included in FRIENDS AND ANEMONES: OCEAN POEMS FOR CHILDREN (Writers’ Loft Press, 2020). LOOK AT HER ART, coauthored with Jean Wiecha, is forthcoming from Chicago Review Press in 2022.
Lisa lives outside Boston with her family and is a four-time runner of the Boston Marathon. lisarogerswrites.com
49. A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction, nonrhyming) with a Zoom Chat from author Ana Siqueira.


Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher, an award-winning Brazilian children’s author, and a published author in the Foreign Language educational market. Her forthcoming picture books include BELLA’S RECIPE FOR DISASTER/SUCCESS (Beaming Books, 2021) IF YOUR BABYSITTER IS A BRUJA/ CUANDO TU NIÑERA ES UNA BRUJA (SimonKids,2022), and other books that can’t be announced yet. Ana is represented by Andrea Walker.
Ana is a member of SCBWI, Las Musas Book and co-founder of LatinxPitch
Besides writing, Ana loves to read, teach, and play with her Cuban-Brazilian-American grandchildren.
https://anafiction.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ana.luisduran
https://www.instagram.com/asiqueira1307/
https://twitter.com/SraSiqueira1307
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20267025.Ana_Siqueira
50. One of Mirka Hokkanen’s amazing HAND-PRINTED ORIGINAL Nature prints from FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN: An Animal Counting Story – suitable for framing.
Mirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American author, illustrator, and printmaker, who creates nature centric art and household goods, with a mission to bring joy to wherever you call home. Her work is often inspired by retro and Scandinavian patterns and colors, made to be timeless and enjoyed by animal lovers everywhere.



Mirka is a versatile illustrator due to her background in fine art. She works comfortably with watercolors, digital and printmaking media. Her love for line and drawing underlies her style no matter which media or style she is working in. Her favorite subjects to illustrate are quirky animal characters.
Website http://www.mirkah.comInstagram http://www.Instagram.com/mirkadrawsTwitter http://www.twitter.com/mirkahokkanen This is a link to the prize: https://www.etsy.com/listing/102550201/butterfly-and-floral-woodcut-original
Dear friends – If you are popping in to visit, I hope you will read and comment on as many stories as you can. This is so important. Writing can be an isolating profession, and especially with Covid, connections are crucial. If you stop by near the end of the contest, why not start reading from the bottom up – so that everyone receives positive feedback and encouragement for their efforts. If you are able to, please share this post on your social media (Facebook is still blocking my WordPress url, but you can share to Twitter and then share that link to FB. And if you are submitting a story, I CAN’T WAIT TO READ YOUR PRECIOUS WORDS.
And here is the linky list in order of how the stories are being posted. It will help you find your own entry so that you can read any comments and respond. It will also help if you want to send someone over to read your story – they can just click on the title in this list and it will take them directly to your story, without having to scroll through hundreds of entries and comments – but please remember that I’m the one creating this linky – it will take me a while to do it and if I’m sleeping or away from my computer when you post, your entry isn’t automatically added to the linky list…I will do it as soon as I am able to. However, if you have trouble posting your story to the comment section or you post it twice – please just reach out via email and I am happy to help: viviankirkfield@gmail.com. And make sure you don’t click the box that says ‘notify me when there are comments’ – unless you want to get thousands of notifications in your email.
- RUMBLY-TUMMY by Paul Kurtz
- CANNONBALL SPLASH by George Neeb
- MY FRIEND by Ha Dinh
- BABY’S BALL by Katrina Tangen
- MOLE-LOVES-VOLE by Donna Kurtz
- A NEW MISSION by Brittany Pomales
- MY SETTING SUN by Amy Leskowski
- LOVE BY THE SEA by Jyothi Nookala
- AN ENTIRE LIFE by David McMullin
- MOVING by Natasha Khan
- PRESCHOOL RULES by Maria D’Alessandro
- A PERFECT FIT by Becky Kimbrough
- A GIANT COLD by Sarah Mohammadi
- THE NIGHT THAT MOMMY LEFT by Erin Rew
- THE BEARD GARDEN by Rachel Scott
- FUZZY WUZZY by Angel Steiert
- HATS by Kirsty
- LEONARD AND ARCHIE by Michelle Ramirez
- THE SEED by Marty Findley
- DANCING AFTER DROUGHT by Sarah K. Rose
- THE UNLIKELY HERO by Priya Kumar
- LAUGHTER IS by Kimberly Lee
- LOVE by Nadine Holland
- THE KINDERGARTEN TRAIN by Christine Marie Alemshah
- CUPCAKE WANTS SPACE PLEASE by Catherine Catcho
- MY HEART-SHAPED CAKE by Deborah Holt Williams
- WHAT’S ON YOUR HEAD? by Sheila Schmotzer
- RAIN by Debra Daugherty
- NO PEAS PLEASE! by Marzieh Abbas
- BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT by Kathleen Latlip
- FOOD FAIRE by Gennie Gorback
- ROSE THE RED BLOOD CELL by Natalie Morales
- STORY TREES by Catherine Friess
- DAY OFF by Mindy SK
- CATS by Sarah Dollar
- SAYING GOODBYE by Valerie Bates
- MAYOR BOODLER THE SNOLLYGOSTER by Carrie Karnes-Fannin
- MOUSE IS SCARED by Catherine L. Owen
- WAITING IN THE CAR by Constantia Manoli
- POLLY’S PERFECT PICNIC by Sarah McDermott
- THE KEEPER OF THE CLOCK by Stacey Miller
- A SWISH FISH WISH by Kim Hart
- A LITTLE BIT OF CHEESE by Trunky Tree
- ADOPT A WHALE by Markie Hayes
- CHRIS NIKIC, IRONMAN by Summer Cox
- TENDU, TENDU, KICK BALL CHANGE by Ashley Chalmers
- BLAST OFF! by Richard Stonebridge
- A NEW PERSPECTIVE by Brenda Whitehead
- NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SPEED OF A SNAIL by Sue Lancaster
- DON’T BITE THE HAT by Megan France
- OPENING NIGHT by Sara Ackerman
- FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD by Lori D. Housley
- TICKLE TORMENT by Emily Chibwana
- HEART SONG FOR POP-POP by Patricia Nozell
- THE GREAT BALL PIT ESCAPE by Sarah Woods
- CLASS STAR by Sarah Heaton
- MY OLDEST FRIEND by Cassie Hoyt
- ICE CREAM ADVENTURES by Meg King-Sloan
- CAMELS IN THE SNOW by Erin Rounds
- MARGARET UNDERGROUND by Jonathan Pelley
- BEE IN MR. BONNET’S CLASS by Michael Karg
- SHANTY THE SEASICK SHIP’S CAT by Suzie Moone
- FIRE HYDRANT by Krista Legge
- WET PANTS by Jennifer Linville
- NIGHT NINJA by Danielle L. DeFauw
- ICE CREAM ON TOP by A J Grzesiak
- STELLA LOOKED UP by Nicole Loos Miller
- BIRDER by Katy Tanis
- JOY by Ramona Persaud
- THAT HURTS! by Debbie J. Arnn
- THE SECRET PLACE by Andrew Hackett
- MAMA ROO by Lindsey Hobson
- NOT TODAY! by Katherine Scarim
- FOX AND MOLE by Marye Elmlinger
- POODLE PUDDLE by Emma Jenkins
- THE STORY OF SNOW by Amy Olsen
- BUDDHA BABY by Ellie Grey
- MOONSTRUCK by Monique L Waechter
- WHERE DOES MY WILD DOG GO by Juli Caveny
- SPOT THE GNOME by Jaclyn Crawford
- COUNTDOWN TO MARS by Jessica Fries-Gaither
- FRIENDSHIP ROCK by Diane Tulloch
- CAT-DOG RAIN by Shannon Jade
- HE SAID I SAID by Charlie Bown
- FERGUS MCHAIRY: T-REX TOOTH FAIRY by Ashlee Hashman
- ALONE A RAINDROP, TOGETHER A CLOUD by Molly Ippolito
- TALL TIA by Neesa Bally
- MUDBATH AFTERMATH by Allison Strick
- THE ANT PROBLEM PROBLEM by Christina Frigo
- SNIFF by Paulette Sharkey
- THE FIRST GIRL ON MARS by Kristin Mangin
- DREAMER BALLERINA by Keren Dibbens
- ENDANGERED – PERDIDO KEY BEACH MOUSE by Colleen Murphy
- ANCHORLESS by Jodie Parachini
- TINY TOY by Hannah Hudson
- LITTLE RED PUDDLE OF ICE POP by Jin Hee Ahn
- BREATHE LIKE A BREEZE by Rachel Thomas
- AVA AND THE DRAGON by Clara MacCarald
- A SPRING MEMORY by Chris Garcia-Halenar
- GRIFF THE GRUMPY GLUMPHUMP by Dawn Doig
- THE PIRATES’ PLAYGROUND by Kimiko Wadriski
- HIDE, SEEK by Chelsea Tornetto
- NEW BACKPACK by Aimee Satterlee
- ONE TATTOOED DUCK by Jany Campana
- LITTLE SNAIL IN A BIG WORLD by Geri Imler
- ROLLER COASTER by Kelly Conroy
- LEAVES by Lisa Khan
- BIRTHDAY TEA by Amy R. Kohen
- HIDDEN HUG by Kathy Shanahan
- A SNOWFLAKE’S JOURNEY by Leah Moser
- BEDTIME ON THE FARM by Anna Vosburgh
- LAST YEAR by Sarah Meade
- BIRTHDAY BASH by Sherri Jones Rivers
- THE UNFORGETTABLE FATE OF THE FAMOUS FROG by Rich Shea
- PIGEON DANCES by Aileen Stewart
- FIRST DAY by Jacqueline Johnson
- THE GREEDY DOGGY by Jozee Cornfield
- TREASURES by Claire Freeland
- GLOW FACE by Allison Rozo
- GRIPPING AND SLIPPING ALL OVER THE ZOO by Jamie Bills
- MISUNDERSTOOD by Stephanie Rondeau
- SNOWY DAY by Lisa Varchol Perron
- HELPY CAT (OR WHY KARYN GETS SO LITTLE WRITING DONE) by Karyn Curtis
- GOODNIGHT KITE by Jessica Hinricks
- DEPLOYMENT BLUES by Jessica Stremer
- A GOOD FRIEND by Christy LeJeune
- FELIX FLANNIGAN AND CASE 499: THE CASE OF THE HORRIBLE HUBBUB by DJ Christie
- DRAGON’S FIRST HAIRCUT by Carole A. Cole
- FOREST RACE by Martina Palkovicova
- SWITCHED by Stacy Burch
- LE BLEU CHAPEAU: A TRILIGUAL RHYME by Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
- THE CRINKLE CRUMPET PALACE by Laurie Carmody
- FUNERAL FOR A GOLDFISH by Jo Dearden
- PREEMIES PREMIERE by Ellen Seal
- NICKY AND THE NIGHT TERRORS by Mona Woods Voelkel
- A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH by Maryann Wohlwend
- SKY HI by Marty Bellis
- WE ARE SISTERS by Kate Rietema
- THE NEW GIRL AT IRISH DANCE by Jessica Whipple
- FRANKIE’S FIERY FART by Dana Marie Miroballi
- BEST FRIEND by Ellie Langford
- BABIES ON STRIKE by Elizabeth Bogart
- BIG BUBBLES by Katie Fischer
- BEAR’S RAINY DAY by Cynthia HM
- NOT QUITE LEFT BEHIND by Claire Smith
- LULLABY OF LIGHT by Hollie Wolverton
- CAROLINE’S DREAM by Erica Sharifzadeh
- MY BABY SQUIRREL by Jeannette Lee
- THE SKIPPING STONES by Kelly Swemba
- ESPERANZA by Randi Lynn Mrvos
- SCHOOL LUNCH by Leah Kelley
- WE’LL WEATHER TOGETHER by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
- PATCH RACED ANYWAY by Kim Peterson
- PETALS OF FRIENDSHIP by Terri Michels
- VISITING THE FLOWER FIELD by Drew Arnold
- WHIRLIGIGS by Les Degnan
- BEDTIME STORIES by Amy M Miller
- SNOW UNICORN by Nina Snyder
- GRANDPA HAD A MISSION by S J Little
- ROBOT VS ROBIN by Heather Morris
- CLOWN FROWN by Monica Freeman
- HONK! by Kelsey Gross
- IMI & URU by Debbie Wanninknof
- SURFING THE GREEN WAVE by Danielle Sharkan
- THE HAIRCUT by Paula K Obering
- MOON SOCKS by Claire Bobrow
- SUMMER NIGHTS, SUMMER LIGHTS by Julianna Helt
- NUMBER CRUNCHING by Kristen Fouts
- UP AND DOWN by Thushanthi Ponweer
- MIAOW SAID COW! by Sue Newton
- I CAN EXPLAIN by Jana Mattern
- TITAN’S BIG PAWS by Meredith Flory
- TROUBLE by Arlene Schenker
- JUST ADD WATER – A LAKE RECIPE by Diane Bradley
- LOVE IS MORE THAN A STRAIGHT LINE by Ashley Bray
- NESTING BY THE SEA by Kate Carroll
- COMFORT by Nicole Sharkey
- HEART-SHAPED GIRL by Anne Lipton
- C SAILED THE SEA by Abby N Wooldridge
- WINNIE THE TWO-WART WITCH by Shelbey Davis
- LIGHTS OUT! by Rebecca Cordey
- BUTTERFLY LIFE CYCLE by Debbie Evelyn
- HUGS FOR TREE by Ambrielle Butler
- CLOUDY VISIONS by Virginia Howard
- LITTLE MAN AND MARGARET by Marcia Dalphin Williams
- NINJAS DON’T DANCE by Jessica Shaw
- ONE RAINDROP by Nancy Ferguson
- THEY BELONG by Tina Mowrey
- GIRLS CAN’T FLY by Carys Brown
- HELLO SNOW by Shannon Howarth Nelson
- THEY ALL FOLLOWED SUIT by Becky Walker
- SANDCASTLE FUN: WELCOME ALL by Melanie Wick Singer
- OUR TREE by Amy Barry
- THE PENGUIN’S ALFRED by Marty Lapointe-Malchik
- PUPPY PLANTS A TREE by Andrea Kiehle Jones
- BELL-WORK by C.E. King
- LATE FOR SCHOOL by Michelle S. Kennedy
- HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER by Melissa Lasher
- FOOT, MEET FOOT by Tom Sebanc
- O – L – D TONA by Isabel Estrada O’Hagin
- DIRT BIKE DANGER by Cedar Pruitt
- WORDS TO CARRY by Patty J Cooper
- LUNARAY by Michele Ziemke
- DRAGONFISH by Robin Brett Wechsler
- SNOWFLAKES ON THE LOOSE by Emrah Guter
- HIDDEN SPROUTS by Janelle Harper
- PUFF AND GROOP by Bonnie Kelso
- WHOOOO KNEW? by Cheryl Johnson
- KATHERINE’S DOG by The Writing Adventure Blog
- FIRE ALARM by M A Cortez
- FAIRY GRUNGE-MOTHER by Searra Simpson
- THE SHOW by Roxanne Troup
- JUST JUNK by Courtney Ryan
- THE MOUSE by Susan E Schipper
- SCHOOL STARTS SOON by Danielle Hammelef
- A MOMENT by Traci Van Wagoner
- MY DOGGY ANGEL by Andrea Gonzalez
- PAJAMA LOVE by Jennifer Wagh
- SORRY, SNOWMAN by Elizabeth Muster
- SUMMER TREATS by Lynn Baldwin
- GORILLA IN THE GARDEN by Jennifer Buchet
- HEART-STONE by Jenny Bowman
- GOING HOME AFTER SCHOOL by Anjali Amit
- TOP BANANA by Sarah Gowayed
- NEW BABY by Elyse Travers
- FUNNY BUNNY by Dawn Young
- TRICK CANDLES by Jef Zitch
- TOT-WIRED! by Kathryn Stowe Powell
- NO FEELINGS TOO BIG by Bri Baranowski
- THE WEENTEAM by Dedra Davis
- SOON by Conie Bergstein Dow
- BLACK, WHITE, OR SHEER by Laksmi Davaloor
- PUPPY LOVE by Eva Kaman
- THIS IS HOW I COPE by Sarah Atherton
- THE GAME by Susan Andrews
- INSECT INSTEAD by Katherin Hunton
- NEW POINT OF VIEW by Alicia Curley
- VACUUM MONSTER by Larissa Elliott
- TEACHERS ARE PEOPLE, TOO by J.E. Seuk
- THE AMAZING SUPER CHICKENS by Jennifer Ann Richter
- LOVE YOU BLUE by Holly Vagley
- JAGUAR TRAINING by Brenna Jeanneret
- THE WIND HAD MY CAUTION by Federico Erebia
- AN ALPHABETICAL TALE by Sara Kruger
- A TACO FOR SAM by Gina Coffin Smith
- HIDDEN TREASURES by Kara Sibilia
- THE HILL by Krista Harrington
- SNEAK ATTACK by Sandhya Acharya
- HUNGRY BUNNY MEETS THE SNOWMAN by Anna Lazowski
- CROUTON CAVEAT by Kalee Gwarjanski
- SLOTH WANTS A MANGO by Aundra Tomlins
- MAKE DO AND MEND MOUSE by Melanie Adkins
- ZOO’S KNEES by Gaynor Andrews
- ARMOR UP by Marie Ryall
- SPRINGTIME WISHES by Buffy Silverman
- THE GLOB by Aline Pusecker Taylor
- THE HUNT by Kaitlin Sikes
- HUNTING by Susan Drew
- ACORN BOWLING by Dena Davis
- MORNING ZOO by Marla Yablon
- ONLY WEEDS by Emily Ramquist
- YAWN TAG by Megan McNamara
- THE PERFECT NEST by Susan Summers
- WITCHWINTER by Katie Frendreis
- OFF A FRACTION by Cathy Stenquist
- THE BIRD by Rose Cappelli
- RACCOON’S DAYTIME ADVENTURE by Cara Krenn
- IDDY by Words On Parade
- CUPS, SAUCERS, SCREENS by Catrine Kyster
- IN MY HEART by Chloe Emilie Ward
- TWO SPROUTS by Victoria Marble
- LATER by McKelle Anderson
- MY GRANDPA IS NOT A PIRATE by Jillian M Barber
- SUN, MOON, AND REVOLUTION by Mary Catherin Amadu
- PURPLE PIRATE by Mary Ellen Marnholtz
- MOONBEAN LULLABY by Sarah Lynn John
- BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR SAILING by Diana Aleksandraova
- BLUE HOUSE, YELLOW HOUSE by Jennifer Conepcion McLennan
- THE OTHER SIDE OF MAD by Jassyel Gomez
- COMMUNITY GARDEN by Armineh Manookian
- A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING: ROBERT MILLS, AMERICA’S FORGOTTEN ARCHITECT by M M Baker
- TO MY DEAR CHILD by Katie Walsh
- FIRST SNOFALL by Mary Rudzinski
- LAYLA BUG by Cindy L. Jeklin
- MESSAGE FROM THE PAST by Glenda Roberson
- TUMBLEWEEDS by Penny Merritt
- RECITAL by Charles Suddeth
- HOW TO MAKE A ROCKET SHIP by Han O’Reilly
- THE NIGHT KNIGHT by Ashley B. Pedigo
- UGLY IS BEAUTY by Diana Z
- SNAIL TRAIL by Megan Ray Durkin
- HI, COO! by STephanie Owen
- SPRING BLUSHES GREEN by Amy Hillman
- HANNAH THE HYPHEN by Freda Lewkowixz
- ONE OCTOBER EVENING by Melody Wang
- SADIE’S REGRETS by Betsy Parkinson
- GRANDMA’S WINDOW by Tara Cerven
- TAKE TURNS by Stephanie Wildman
- WHO’S MAKING THAT SOUND by Karen Rostoker-Gruber
- DOUBLE YOU by Jodie Finney
- ALL ABOARD by Barbara Renner
- SWADDLE AND TUCK, MAMA AND BABY BAT by Lisa Boeglin
- FIRE SEEDS by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
- ABUELITA’S GARDEN by KT MAE
- SILLY HORSES by Hannah Roy LaGrone
- WARM AND COSY by Mahrukh McDonald
- MOHAMMAD’S PIZZA DREAMS by Laura Osuri
- DANCING DOTTIE by Kristi Newsome
- LET’S GO CLIMB A KITE by Erin Gallagher
- LOST by Samantha Sinclair
- DEEP DOWN, UNDERGROUND: A CAVE STORY by Callie Dean
- A SWEATER FOR PENGUIN by Lori Himmel
- THE LONELY SANDWICH by Kristina Campbell
- AN APPETIZING ARGUMENT by CK Malone
- TOOTH’S DREAM by Sue Sutherland
- SHELL SHOCK by Elayne Crain
- PUPPY CHAOS by Guitar Hanna
- BAD IS BAD by Barbara DiMarco
- FROG STORM by Emily Durant
- LESSONS LEARNED FROM SEEDS by Sandy Brehl
- BIRTH DAYS by Karen Keeling
- PICK YOUR BATTLES by Cathy Lee
- ADVENTURES WITH GRANDMA by Beth Winslow
- SALISH SEA by Natasha Zimmers
- FARMER FRED NEEDS A SCARECROW by Jane Smart
- TO THE MOON by Brittany MacBeth
- SLEEPYTIME SEA by Anita Crawford Clark
- SHERRY THE SHARK by Rachell Abalos
- SMALL WORDS MATTER by Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell
- GAP NEEDS SPACE by Alicia Meyers
- DANDELION MOON by Angela Calabrese
- TOMORROW by Kristen Kiesling
- LAYLAH FINDS AN UNEXPECTED TEAM PLAYER by Tracy D. Carlson
- JUST GET IN THE CAR ALREADY by Felicia Dixon
- HI! COYOTE by Stephen Ehrmann
- THREE LITTLE RHINOS; ONE BIG FIB-IBBLE by Toni Miller
- SPLAT! by Darcee A Freier
- SO READY FOR SUMMER by Laura De La Cruz
- MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE by Aimee Larke
- FUN WITH FOX by Melissa Flinn
- ALPHABETTER by Sarah Hirsch
- TO BE A PEA by Krystia Basil
- ANATOMY OF A FRIENDSHIP by Rozana Rajkumari
- I LIKE ME FOR ME by Jumana OA
- MARY’S TURN TO BRING HOME ROGER by Anna Brooks
- BOLTS by Erik Ammon
- FISH DISH by Jenna Waldman
- ONE LION OR TWO by Adrea Theodore
- A FRIEND FOUND by Melissa-Jane Nguyen
- THE LAST MATCH by Sheri Murphy
- WINTER’S WARDROBE by Judy Cooper
- SEEING A GHOST by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan
- LET’S HUG AGAIN by Christina McCauley Fernanadez
- FOREVER FRIENDS by Mary Ann Featherston
- TIDAL WAVE by Laura Roettiger
- HANUKKAH! cHRISTMAS! by Marcia Berneger
- CAN ISN’T BETTER THAN CAN’T by Jenni Leinweber
- RAISINS REDEMPTION by Del B Owen
- GOOD-BYE TIME by Yesica Hurd
- BUNNYPILLAR’S BOAT by Justin Teerlinck
- PAPER MACHE by Dazzle T Ng
- LILI AND THE PURPLE DOVE by Carmen Castillo Gilbert
- IF I HAD ONE WISH by Maria Marshall
- HOORAY FOR HANNAH by Donna O’Donnell Figurski
- PERFECTLY IMPERFECT by Janette Springer Willms
- JOE’S WORLD by Sharon Moschopoulou
- THE WANDERING WISH by Katie Grant Watson
- LOST by Laura Howard
- GALAX-SEA by Sarah Hetu
- HOME ALONE by Amanda Perry
- THE TERRIFYING TWO-MONTH TANTRUM: HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP NEARLY DESTROYED OUR DEMOCRACY by Erin Treacy Siska
- A TRAVELING FRIEND by Janet Reece
- THE GREAT PENGUIN RACE by Cristina Rayner
- NO BALL by Becky Stretton
- HUNGRY PUP by Lyn Jekowsky
- I SEE YOU by Erin Gunti
- WORD GAME by Mel Rosenberg
- AYATE IS THE MOON AND STARS by Beth Gallagher
- DIGGER by Jennifer Kennedy
- A RED TALE by Amber Lane
- THAT IS YOU by Sofia Caessa
- THE COLLECTOR by Krtisty Rose Nuttail
- ROSE’S SPECIAL THING by Laura Elizabeth Baukol
- SQUISHY GARDEN by Ranessa Doucet
- LEFT BEHIND by Maria Powell
- SNAIL GOES TO SCHOOL by Katrina Avia Munichiello
- PLAYGROUND BABY by Susan Hughes
- THE EGGMAN COMETH by Lizzie Maxwell
- FREE DELIVERY by Samantha Gassman
- TWO DOGS – ONE MIND by Eva Kaman
- THE SUN DID NOT RISE by C Stone Medina
- A DRAGON GUARDS MY SCHOOL by Abbi Lee
- CHICKEN’S FIRST SNOW by Renee Neubauer
- NO PARTY? SNOW PARTY by Shelley Isaacson
- GRANDMAS by Jo Renfro
- MY (GOOD) GIRL by Erin Lepore
- BRAVE SADIE by Sara Whittles
- COYOTE SAYS SORRY by Maryan Doughty
- WHAT’S A FORT FOR? by Counsel Langley
- FAIRYTALE FISHING BY THE POND: A HAIKU by RL Brown
- DUNG BEETLE BATTLE by Tracy Smith Schmidt
- PLAYGROUND DECISONS: A REVERSO STORY by Joyce Schriebman
- WHERE HAVE ALL THE HUMANS GONE by Delia Black
- PAYING HOMAGE: A STORY TOLD WITH THIRTEEN PICTURE BOOK TITLES by Tamara Girardi
- COUNTING COWS by Bridget Magee
- SO MANY WAYS by Dea Lenihan
- PILLOW KINGDOM by Sheri Dillard
- POP TUNES by Annette L. Murray
- ALPACA NEEDS A FRIEND by Wanda Sobota
- PEARS AND BEARS by Stephanie R. Kotara
- OUT THE WINDOW by Theresa Anacker Wohlers
- PEAS – NO by Nancy Landau
- READ ME A STORY by Marie Prins
- THINGS TO DO ON A SNOWY DAY by B.J. Lee
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- ROLLING SPIDER by Melanie Bryce
- TO BE THE WAY MY DOG SEES ME by Ellen Crosby
- IT HAS POCKETS by Kristen Leestma
- THE TOOTHWORM by Migs
- THE GREAT ESCAPE by Dina Towbin
- MY WORDS by Erin Matzen
- GOOFALOTOPUSS by Mia Writes
- GO FIGURE by Rita Russell
- MAC AND CHEESE by Trupti Ramball
- THE CONE CURE by Sara Gentry
- THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL by Heather Fisher
- CHOP SUEY SAVES A FRIEND by Kristen Kirwan Browning
- MORNING ROUTINE by Amy Firestone
- YARD SALE DAY! by Savannah Rogers
- THE FLY-BY-NITE FLU by Tovi Glasner
- MAGIC BUBBLES by Lori Kempf Busko
- COCONAUT by Kathy Fork
- A LITTLE SEED by Catherine J. Lee
- GOODNIGHT by Rathi Munukur
- SNAIL MAIL by J L Park
- A CAT AND MOUSE TALE by William Peery
- THE PECULIAR STORY OF THE STRAWBERRY by Michael Burdick
- HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN by Amelia Shearer
- LIKE A GANNET by Kirsten Ealand
- ODE TO SUMMER by Sylvia Winsby
- THE GIRL WHO CRIED by Melissa Sheperd
- TIGER by Marietta Apollonio
- FINDING ME by Donna Arlynn Frisinger
- TIDES by Katie Munday Williams
- THE FENCE by Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo
- TODAY, I AM A PRINCESS by Robin Currie
- OH THE SOCIALS YOU’LL MEET by Pamela Courney
- THE BEACH WALK by Emily Siwek
- BOOGERS IN A BOX by Lu Pierro
- MISSING by Jo
- THE ADVENTURES OF COW AND RABBIT by Marlena Leach
- TAKE A HIKE by Diane McBee
- HELP SAVE THE WORLD’S TEETH by Jenny Harp
- CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!

Cute!
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Hunting
(50 words)
By Susan Drew
susan.drew@comcast.net
Tiger Kitty squinted.
Something hopped by the oak tree.
She crawled through the grass.
Closer… Closer.
It hopped again!
Tiger Kitty’s head shot up.
What was it?!
Tiger Kitty wanted a better look.
Closer…
It hopped on her head!
Oh… her friend Julia Grasshopper.
Good thing she didn’t eat her!
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A close call for lucky Grasshopper! Love the idea of Kitty and Grasshopper’s friendship.
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A good thing indeed!
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Aww an unusual friendship. Love it.
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So glad Tiger Kitty didn’t eat Julia. Their friendship remains intact! 🙂
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Great storytelling here with vivid visuals and building tension to a satisfying ending. Good luck in the contest Susan.
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Cute story! Glad things worked out for Julia Grasshopper.
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I’m sure that Julia Grasshopper is glad her friend didn’t eat her. The ending was a fun surprise.
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So cute. I like the twist at the end. Always good not to eat one’s friends. Good Luck.
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ACORN BOWLING
By Dena Davis
I close my eyes.
Not for long.
Scritch scratch, scritch scratch
over my head.
Rodents are ready to play.
Acorns roll across the attic floor.
Bowling begins.
Mice mayhem!
Rat ruckus!
Strike!
Scurry away.
Search for snacks in the pantry.
Make a cozy corner bed.
Quiet now.
Sweet dreams.
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Love the image of acorns rolling while mice go bowling!
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Thanks! 🙂
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This is way too positive an image of attic critters haha but I love the idea of acorn bowling!
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Fun to imagine what they’re up to up there!
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Clever imagery, a fun read. Good luck in the contest Dena.
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Thank you, Diane!
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Mice bowling acorns! What a fun image 🙂
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Thank you, Sandhya!
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I love that the rodents are bowling up in the attic. With acorns! Good luck in the contest.
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Thanks, Jenny!
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I guess this explains all of those sounds I’ve been hearing in our attic. Those mice are bowling! This was a fun story. Good luck in the contest.
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I had a feeling I wasn’t alone. 🙂 Thank you!
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You really capture the ruckus (BTW, I love that line) of rodents scurrying around in the attic. Great job and good luck!
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Thank you!
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Great visuals! Good luck, Dena!
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Thanks!
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Fun! In so few words, you make it easy to imagine rodents scurrying around and bowling with acorns.
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Thanks!
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This is so clever & would make lovely illustrations for a book!
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Very cute, Dena!
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Very cute story, Dena! Love it! Mice mayhem!
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One of my all time favorite characters in a story are mice. Love their mayhem and this story.
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this is fun Dena!
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Wonderful, Dena. I love this playful scene.
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Ruckus. How imaginative. Good Luck Dena!
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Marla Yablon 49 words
Morning Zoo
Wake up my little kangaroo,
Pretend we’re at the morning zoo.
We’ll stretch just like flamingos do.
Like leopards, snarl a yawn or two.
As pandas munch their green bamboo,
And elephants eat hay and chew,
It’s time for animals like you,
To dress and eat their breakfast too.
LikeLiked by 7 people
I can picture a little one acting this out in the morning–great fun!
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Thanks so much!
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Such a sweet story! Love the ending.
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I love this one! Great job!
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This is so fun. I love the picture of a child doing these zoo animal actions.
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Cute clever writing here with great imagery. Fun read. Good luck in the contest Maria.
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So cute and creative! And fun.
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Awwww! What a fun rhyme to start off a child’s day.
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The illustrations would be beautiful to match your story! Best of lucky on the contest, Marla!
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I really like the active, visual nature of this story!
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Thank you!
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Really fun imagery.
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Only Weeds By Emily Ramquist (50 Words)
Mia longed to see Mrs. Crump’s garden, hiding on the other side of the fence.
“Hmmmrph!” Crump would grumble as she watered, pulled, and complained.
Finally sneaking a peak, Mia’s eyes opened wide. “Your garden is beautiful!”
“Hmmmrph! Only weeds,” Crump complained.
Mia shrugged, “I guess nobody told the weeds!”
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Love that Mia sees the beauty in the “weeds.”
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Love the paradox of a grumpy person dedicated to maintaining beauty.
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Lovely story with great visuals. Good luck with the contest Emily.
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So very sweet! Kids often have the most optimistic perspective.
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Yes, many weeds are beautiful. This was fun to read.
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YAWN TAG
By: Megan McNamara
YAWN.
No! I won’t go to bed.
I don’t want to count sheep.
YAWN.
It’s time to play yawn tag.
You’re it! You go to sleep!
YAWN.
I’m really not worn out.
This yawn is a mistake.
YAWN.
I’m passing it back! Tag!
Because I’m wide awake.
YAWN.
I’m –
ZZZzzzZZZ.
[50 Words]
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This is great! Wonderful bedtime story!
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Thank you!!
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Ha–this story is as contagious as a yawn! Fun.
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I love this description of my story. Thanks, Buffy!
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Clever! My husband and I play yawn tag 🙂
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Haha- what a smart way to get everyone to bed! I love this.
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This story made me yawn for all the right reasons! Love it! YAWN! ZZZZ!!!
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So true! Yawn Tag… love it!
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That last triplet–Ha! Love it.
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Fun read and can imagine a kid acting out the yawn each time and eventually falling to sleep. Great choice of words. Good luck in the contest Megan.
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Such a cute and fun bedtime story.
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So true… I think many kids will see themselves in this. 🙂
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This reminds me of when my boys were young and how they used to tell us that when it was nearly nap time or bed time. We’d often find them asleep in their toy box and one time I found my son asleep on his bunk bed shelf just as happy as can be! That’s for bringing back that memory for me!
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The Perfect Nest
By: Susan Summers
WC:50
“A spider’s web?” Asked Robin.
“You’ll see,” said Hummingbird.
“Grass is better!” Robin harrumphed.
“Moss?” Asked Mockingbird.
“You’ll see,” said Hummingbird.
“Leaves are better!” Mockingbird shouted.
“Is she done?” Asked Mockingbird.
“Let’s see,” said Robin.
Hummingbird was sitting in her soft nest.
“Just right. You see?”
“We see!” They replied.
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Very sweet–nice way to show each bird’s nesting preference through story.
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Thank you. 🙂
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I appreciate the patience of Hummingbird, just doing her thing.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Birds in conversation, love it and the repetition of see. Well done, Susan!
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Thanks Jill! 🙂
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A sweet story with lovely visuals and action. Kids will love this. Good luck in the contest Susan.
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Very cute! Thanks for sharing.
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Hummingbirds do love soft padding in their nests for their little ones. I enjoyed reading your story.
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Witchwinter by Katie Frendreis
The Witch wished to write to her friend.
But winter froze her ink and nose and pen.
She mixed a spell, fearsome, warm, and hot.
The sun rose, melting snow for miles and miles.
She smiled and threw her paper down.
And she laughed, skipping all the way to town.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Love that the witch’s spell ends up with a better way to visit her friend!
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Love the image of her laughing and skipping to see her friend.
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Lovely story with great visuals and action. Good luck with the contest Katie.
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Cute story! Best of luck in the contest.
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With the snow melted and her frozen nose thawed, a visit does sound better. This was sweet.
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OFF A FRACTION
By: Cathy Stenquist
WC: 50
Numerals were divided,
Nine, Ten – a mighty fight.
Two analyzed the radius.
Five’s angle wasn’t right.
Six added, “Check proportions!”
“Not even,” Seven cried.
Zero had no solution.
Eight, his hands were tied.
“Subtracting negativity,” Three offered,
“Makes kindness multiply.”
Four and One, now satisfied,
Shared their cherry Pi.
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love it!
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Clever!
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Thanks so much!
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I appreciate it. Thank you!
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Thank you! Good luck with your story too.
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Math puns! So much fun!
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Thank you Connie! I love puns to a fault 😉 Good luck with your story too.
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I love this number story! “Zero had no solution” — fave line. So clever. You should definitely try to expand this for a picture book.
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Thank you so much. Your words have got me thinking. I just may have to do that 🙂 Good luck with your story too.
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This is so clever! Great ending.
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Thank you so much. Good luck with your story!
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Cleverly structured,, layered, great visuals Good luck in the contest Cathy.
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Thank you Diane. I appreciate the kind comment. Good luck with your story too!
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So cute! I especially love that last line.
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Thank you Jenny! I was looking through math terms and when I saw “Pi” I knew I had found my ending. Such fun. Good luck with your story too 🙂
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A story with characters, a problem, a resolution with a twist, and STEM appeal all in 50 words. Yay!
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It made my night! Good luck with your story!
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These are the types of stories children need to make learning fun! Really nice, Cathy!
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Ww, Colleen. Thank you so much for your kinds words. I am inspired! Good luck with your story too!
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The Bird (46 Words)
by Rose Cappelli
She whooshed
through the open doorway.
Swooped round and round,
up and down.
Crouched in a corner, eyes met.
Hearts raced.
Cupped hands scooped her warm body.
Felt the flutter.
Hugged the wonder.
Outside, hands unfolded.
Stillness in a moment’s pause.
Eyes met.
Hearts slowed.
Whoosh!
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Hi Rose, I love this story, Especially the ending!
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What beautiful imagery: “Crouched in an corner, eyes met.” Lovely.
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Very visual with lots of action. I like how you circled back with Whoosh. Charming.
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Lovely, Rose!
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“Hugged the wonder.” I love this line, Rose! Ahhhh… sweet imagery!
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Beautiful story with heart and lovely visuals . Good luck Rose.
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Very sweet story! Thanks for sharing it.
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I love this and can relate! I enjoyed how your story unfolded and Whoosh! Flew away. Good luck in the contest.
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Beautiful and lyrical. I could just picture this little bird caught and released!
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We have several birds who insist on making their nests above over pool each year which means we rescue at least one baby bird a year from the pool. This was such a lovely telling of that type of moment. Beautifully written!
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Thank you so much!
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Raccoon’s Daytime Adventure
By: Cara Krenn
(50 words)
Raccoon loved night –
Dark sky,
Twinkling stars,
Comforting moon.
But what about DAY?
When dawn came, she explored…
Raccoon joined Squirrel, but tree racing made her dizzy!
Then Woodpecker, but pecking hurt!
Then Snake, but sunbathing was hot!
Raccoon returned to her cozy den, fell asleep…and dreamed of night.
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I love this Rose :o)
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Beautiful. Well done. Love your description of night.
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Lovely story and visuals. Good luck in the contest Cara.
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Cute story! Thanks for sharing, Cara.
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I love that Racoon tried to see if she would like to play during the day. Finding out what you like best often requires stepping outside of your space. This was fun to read.
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Gotta love Raccoon for trying!
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Iddy
@WordsOnParade
50 words
Iddy
Protects the city.
She flys.
Stops bad guys.
And holds stop sings.
What’s so bright?
Oh no a meteorite!!!
Iddy took to the sky.
And used her electric eyes.
To her surprise it…
AMPLIFIED!!!
She pushed and pulled.
But nothing improved.
One final move.
SUUUPPPPERRR PUNNCHHH!!
“Lunchtime.”
“Okay, coming!”
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Lunchtime always interrupts the most incredible adventures!
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Great imaginative adventure. Love the “electric eyes.”
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Great pacing and action! And wonderful rhyme.
Could you let us know your name? I’d like to be able to call you something other than Words on Parade. 😉
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Love this. Interesting how food can always interrupt what kids are doing. Good luck with this in the contest Words on Parade.
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Fun and imaginative! Good luck.
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Wow! This is quite the adventure! Lunchtime should help refuel Iddy so she can continue with her exciting day.
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CUPS, SAUCERS, SCREENS
by Catrine Kyster
(49 words)
If I could
I would
move the countries
a little bit.
If Denmark was right next to South Carolina,
my grandma could join us with royal china
for a picnic
in the park.
Look at the map,
I think it could fit.
But until then,
I’ll Zoom her again.
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This is great!
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This is fantastic. “Look at the map. I think it could fit.” The logic of kids!
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You have a beautiful voice in this poem & I really like the echo of how the cups & saucers fit together with how Denmark could fit next to SC.
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Love it! The logic of kids. Great visuals. Good luck with this in the contest Catrine.
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So cute! Thank you for sharing.
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I imagine many of us would LOVE to rearrange the map to be closer to loved ones. This was sweet to read.
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Very sweet. I can picture the child looking at a map!
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I liked the wording of “bubble bath aftermath”…fun to say!
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In My Heart
By Chloe Emiko Ward
Memories of you are hidden,
In a box in the attic.
I shake out your shirts,
Pressing my face against them,
Until they no longer smell like you.
Remembering when,
I stood on your feet,
And we danced in the kitchen.
Memories of you are hidden,
In my heart.
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This is gorgeous. Love the image of the child standing on the feet of the loved one to dance.
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Thank you! I loved standing on my father’s toes as a little girl dancing. One of my favorite memories.
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This is so sweet. I remember standing on my dad’s feet and dancing as we hummed. I enjoyed reading this story.
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This gave me chills. So beautiful!
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Awww thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words 🙂
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Oh, this touches my heart! Today is my dad’s birthday — he passed away 4/19/20 and you’ve captured the “missing you” feeling. Very well done!
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I’m glad it touches your heart. I am so sorry for your loss, sending you a virtual hug on this difficult day.
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Very sweet! I like the circular structure.
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Thank you!
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So much heart and emotion in so few words!
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Thank you! 50 words is so little, I had to cut a significant amount out- as I’m sure many others had to do as well!
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So beautiful! I especially love “pressing my face against” the shirts “until they no longer smell” like the parent. Such a powerful visual of what it feels like to miss someone.
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Thank you! I wrote this based on my experience when my grandfather passed.
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I love the repeated lines at the beginning and end! Beautiful!
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Thank you! Life comes full circle 🙂
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This is very touching and beautifully done.
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Thank you Cindy, I really appreciate that.
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I love the way you evoke so much imagery
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Thank you, I try to replay the good memories in my head 🙂
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Oh, Chloe. This reminds me of cleaning out my grandparents’ house in college. I smelled my grandpa’s shirts for such a long time. Best of luck to you. This is beautiful!
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Thank you Sarah! I did the same. Cleaning out a loved one’s house is such a difficult, yet cathartic process. Good luck to you too!
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Such a sweet story!
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Thank you Rose!
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What a beautiful, warm, fuzzy story. Great visions!
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Thanks Susan, I’m glad you like it!
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This makes me miss my grandpa!
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Such a beautiful story of grief, Chloe ❤
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This is so moving, I can feel the longing in your beautiful words. Well done!
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Beautiful sweet story. Lovely visuals. Good luck in the contest Chloe.
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This is a really lovely bittersweet celebration of remembering. Beautiful.
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Sweet, sad, and beautiful all rolled into one story. Very nice!
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I love the repeated phrase “Memories of you are hidden” – in the attic and in the heart. Beautiful.
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Beautiful
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Wow, this story overflows with emotion.
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Such a heart-felt tender story of missing and preserving memories. I like the refrain and open-endedness of dancing on (Dad’s/Grandpa’s/or even Mom’s) feet. It reaches everyone. Best of Luck!
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Pajama Love by Jennifer Wagh
(50 Words)
P.J. loves pajamas.
They wear pajamas,
every day,
everywhere.
The park.
The zoo.
Family pictures.
Oatmeal swiped on the sleeve.
Sucker stuck to the pants.
P.J.’s pajamas need a scrub.
What is P.J. to wear?
Swimsuit?
Cape?
Rainboots?
What is P.J. to wear?
Biking.
Somersaulting.
Gardening.
OVERALLS!
P.J. loves overalls.
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So sweet! Very kid.
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Cute!
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Very kid relatable!
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“Stucker stuck to the pants.” LOL yup definitely an accurate image.
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Two Sprouts
Victoria Marble
Rose and Weed grew side by side.
Rose lived surrounded by admirers.
Weed lived alone, and Rose felt sad for her.
With time, Rose’s petals fell.
One day, a robin borrowed some of the Weed to line her nest.
“We all will find a purpose, even if it takes time.”
https://www.victoriamarbleart.com/50-precious-words
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Love Weed’s purpose of providing warmth for a home =)
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This is excellent. Everyone has a purpose, even if not immediately apparent… and even if it takes time. Hits me in the feels.
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Beautiful topic great visuals. Good luck in the contest Victoria.
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Nice contrast between Rose and Weed. I like that Weed found her purpose.
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Lovely way to present this message. Good luck.
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LATER
by McKelle Anderson
“Put your bike away.”
“Later.”
Later
it rained.
“Not yet. Too wet.”
When it dried,
“Tomorrow.”
When tomorrow was today
it snowed.
And
a bear sat on the snow.
“Definitely tomorrow!”
Then a pedal poked the bear.
Roooaaaarrr!
And the bear broke the bike.
Kerrr-clunk!
“Put that rubble away.”
“Later.”
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Funny! And true! Reminds me of my daughter.
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Parents will love this, too!
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Fun story about the consequences of procrastination!
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I love this story so much! My kids ALWAYS respond with LATER, every time! Please expand this and make it into a picture book!
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LOL! “When tomorrow was today”—> so true to life.
You have a nice rhythm and pace here, which is quite impressive given the tiny number of words. Great job.
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Lovely writing. Kids and parents will relate to this. Great choice of words. Good luck in the contest McKelle.
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Ha! So fun! Good luck in the contest.
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If only I had a penny for every time I hear the word later. This was a fun story.
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So fun. Definitely a story kids and adults will identify. I’ve put off things for a bear in the yard. I really liked “when tomorrow was today.” Best of Luck!
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I am posting this entry for Jillian M. Barber
My Grandpa is NOT a Pirate
Grandpa was a pirate once— so he says.
He has a boat— rinky-dink thing, probably doesn’t float.
He claims he sails by the stars— doubt it.
He calls me Matey by accident.
Still.
I know he’s not.
Except.
Under the crickety stair, I found something. Lots of somethings.
And, maybe…?
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This fun story has a tantalizing ending!
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This is so silly and sweet at the same time! Love the ending. Also, the voice is really strong. 🙂
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Maybe he WAS a pirate! Love this.
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Rinky dink is so much fun to say–love your word play and the open ending. I can see this as a hit with grandparents.
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Cleverly creative. Intriguing ending. Fun read. Good luck in the contest Jillian.
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Very intriguing and imaginative!
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Ooooo! I wonder what pirate treasure he found under those crickety stairs!
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So maybe Grandpa wasn’t just telling stories! Nice!
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Title: Sun, Moon, and Revolution
Author: Mary Catherine Amadu
Word Count: 50 words
Sun was always the center of everything.
“Why should the system
revolve around YOU?”
Moon asked Sun.
The answer was nebulous.
It dawned on Sun
the galaxy held many stars:
unique,
brilliant,
equally deserving.
So Sun beamed at Moon,
and all revolutionaries,
who blessed the universe
with their full beauty.
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Great wordplay, and a lovely story!
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Thanks so much Connie!
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LOVE the word choices! How cute and clever!
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Thanks Dj Christie!
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Love your wordplay. “So Sun beamed at Moon” — beautiful!
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Aww, thanks! I appreciate your feedback 🙂
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Lots of layers of meaning packed into a few handfuls of words–well done. Love the message & the opening to explore more STEM info.
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Thanks Carrie! Writing it was a fun refresher course on some of my elementary and middle school science classes, in fact! Appreciate your feedback.
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Lovely writing and wordplay Great visuals. Good luck in the contest Mary.
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Thanks so much Diane!
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So poetic and beautiful! Best of luck.
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Thanks Jenny! Back at you!
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Revolved, nebulous, dawned, and beamed… Perfect word choices for this ‘stellar’ entry. 🙂
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Thanks Leslie! I enjoyed your word choices for that comment :). A good word play makes me so happy :). Good luck to you!
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I loved your use of nebulous and revolutionaries within the story.
I really like the contrast of whimsical stars/beams to Moon’s question of Sun’s “center of the universe” status 🙂 Buena suerte !
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Awww, gracias!
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This is great. Love the wordplay!
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Thanks so much Lynn!
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