#50PRECIOUSWORDS 2021 is Officially OPEN!

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Art by Vicky Fang

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

  1. Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, that has a total word count of 50 or less.
  2. It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
  3. Title does not count towards the word count.
  4. No illustrations or illustration notes please.
  5. The contest officially opens today, Tuesday, March 2.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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.
  9. If you have any questions or have trouble posting your story, please email me and I will be happy to help: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
  10. Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Sunday, March 7th, at 11:59pm EST.
  11. Winners will be announced in a blog post on the first day of Spring, Saturday, March 20.
  12. 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

HMH editor Ann River
  1. 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.
Little Bee editor Courtney Fahy

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

Logo by Lori Nawyn

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.

WoCCover01

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.

Fritilalry Burrterflies on Columbines, nature print
Fritilalry Burrterflies on Columbines, nature print

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.

  1. RUMBLY-TUMMY by Paul Kurtz
  2. CANNONBALL SPLASH by George Neeb
  3. MY FRIEND by Ha Dinh
  4. BABY’S BALL by Katrina Tangen
  5. MOLE-LOVES-VOLE by Donna Kurtz
  6. A NEW MISSION by Brittany Pomales
  7. MY SETTING SUN by Amy Leskowski
  8. LOVE BY THE SEA by Jyothi Nookala
  9. AN ENTIRE LIFE by David McMullin
  10. MOVING by Natasha Khan
  11. PRESCHOOL RULES by Maria D’Alessandro
  12. A PERFECT FIT by Becky Kimbrough
  13. A GIANT COLD by Sarah Mohammadi
  14. THE NIGHT THAT MOMMY LEFT by Erin Rew
  15. THE BEARD GARDEN by Rachel Scott
  16. FUZZY WUZZY by Angel Steiert
  17. HATS by Kirsty
  18. LEONARD AND ARCHIE by Michelle Ramirez
  19. THE SEED by Marty Findley
  20. DANCING AFTER DROUGHT by Sarah K. Rose
  21. THE UNLIKELY HERO by Priya Kumar
  22. LAUGHTER IS by Kimberly Lee
  23. LOVE by Nadine Holland
  24. THE KINDERGARTEN TRAIN by Christine Marie Alemshah
  25. CUPCAKE WANTS SPACE PLEASE by Catherine Catcho
  26. MY HEART-SHAPED CAKE by Deborah Holt Williams
  27. WHAT’S ON YOUR HEAD? by Sheila Schmotzer
  28. RAIN by Debra Daugherty
  29. NO PEAS PLEASE! by Marzieh Abbas
  30. BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT by Kathleen Latlip
  31. FOOD FAIRE by Gennie Gorback
  32. ROSE THE RED BLOOD CELL by Natalie Morales
  33. STORY TREES by Catherine Friess
  34. DAY OFF by Mindy SK
  35. CATS by Sarah Dollar
  36. SAYING GOODBYE by Valerie Bates
  37. MAYOR BOODLER THE SNOLLYGOSTER by Carrie Karnes-Fannin
  38. MOUSE IS SCARED by Catherine L. Owen
  39. WAITING IN THE CAR by Constantia Manoli
  40. POLLY’S PERFECT PICNIC by Sarah McDermott
  41. THE KEEPER OF THE CLOCK by Stacey Miller
  42. A SWISH FISH WISH by Kim Hart
  43. A LITTLE BIT OF CHEESE by Trunky Tree
  44. ADOPT A WHALE by Markie Hayes
  45. CHRIS NIKIC, IRONMAN by Summer Cox
  46. TENDU, TENDU, KICK BALL CHANGE by Ashley Chalmers
  47. BLAST OFF! by Richard Stonebridge
  48. A NEW PERSPECTIVE by Brenda Whitehead
  49. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SPEED OF A SNAIL by Sue Lancaster
  50. DON’T BITE THE HAT by Megan France
  51. OPENING NIGHT by Sara Ackerman
  52. FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD by Lori D. Housley
  53. TICKLE TORMENT by Emily Chibwana
  54. HEART SONG FOR POP-POP by Patricia Nozell
  55. THE GREAT BALL PIT ESCAPE by Sarah Woods
  56. CLASS STAR by Sarah Heaton
  57. MY OLDEST FRIEND by Cassie Hoyt
  58. ICE CREAM ADVENTURES by Meg King-Sloan
  59. CAMELS IN THE SNOW by Erin Rounds
  60. MARGARET UNDERGROUND by Jonathan Pelley
  61. BEE IN MR. BONNET’S CLASS by Michael Karg
  62. SHANTY THE SEASICK SHIP’S CAT by Suzie Moone
  63. FIRE HYDRANT by Krista Legge
  64. WET PANTS by Jennifer Linville
  65. NIGHT NINJA by Danielle L. DeFauw
  66. ICE CREAM ON TOP by A J Grzesiak
  67. STELLA LOOKED UP by Nicole Loos Miller
  68. BIRDER by Katy Tanis
  69. JOY by Ramona Persaud
  70. THAT HURTS! by Debbie J. Arnn
  71. THE SECRET PLACE by Andrew Hackett
  72. MAMA ROO by Lindsey Hobson
  73. NOT TODAY! by Katherine Scarim
  74. FOX AND MOLE by Marye Elmlinger
  75. POODLE PUDDLE by Emma Jenkins
  76. THE STORY OF SNOW by Amy Olsen
  77. BUDDHA BABY by Ellie Grey
  78. MOONSTRUCK by Monique L Waechter
  79. WHERE DOES MY WILD DOG GO by Juli Caveny
  80. SPOT THE GNOME by Jaclyn Crawford
  81. COUNTDOWN TO MARS by Jessica Fries-Gaither
  82. FRIENDSHIP ROCK by Diane Tulloch
  83. CAT-DOG RAIN by Shannon Jade
  84. HE SAID I SAID by Charlie Bown
  85. FERGUS MCHAIRY: T-REX TOOTH FAIRY by Ashlee Hashman
  86. ALONE A RAINDROP, TOGETHER A CLOUD by Molly Ippolito
  87. TALL TIA by Neesa Bally
  88. MUDBATH AFTERMATH by Allison Strick
  89. THE ANT PROBLEM PROBLEM by Christina Frigo
  90. SNIFF by Paulette Sharkey
  91. THE FIRST GIRL ON MARS by Kristin Mangin
  92. DREAMER BALLERINA by Keren Dibbens
  93. ENDANGERED – PERDIDO KEY BEACH MOUSE by Colleen Murphy
  94. ANCHORLESS by Jodie Parachini
  95. TINY TOY by Hannah Hudson
  96. LITTLE RED PUDDLE OF ICE POP by Jin Hee Ahn
  97. BREATHE LIKE A BREEZE by Rachel Thomas
  98. AVA AND THE DRAGON by Clara MacCarald
  99. A SPRING MEMORY by Chris Garcia-Halenar
  100. GRIFF THE GRUMPY GLUMPHUMP by Dawn Doig
  101. THE PIRATES’ PLAYGROUND by Kimiko Wadriski
  102. HIDE, SEEK by Chelsea Tornetto
  103. NEW BACKPACK by Aimee Satterlee
  104. ONE TATTOOED DUCK by Jany Campana
  105. LITTLE SNAIL IN A BIG WORLD by Geri Imler
  106. ROLLER COASTER by Kelly Conroy
  107. LEAVES by Lisa Khan
  108. BIRTHDAY TEA by Amy R. Kohen
  109. HIDDEN HUG by Kathy Shanahan
  110. A SNOWFLAKE’S JOURNEY by Leah Moser
  111. BEDTIME ON THE FARM by Anna Vosburgh
  112. LAST YEAR by Sarah Meade
  113. BIRTHDAY BASH by Sherri Jones Rivers
  114. THE UNFORGETTABLE FATE OF THE FAMOUS FROG by Rich Shea
  115. PIGEON DANCES by Aileen Stewart
  116. FIRST DAY by Jacqueline Johnson
  117. THE GREEDY DOGGY by Jozee Cornfield
  118. TREASURES by Claire Freeland
  119. GLOW FACE by Allison Rozo
  120. GRIPPING AND SLIPPING ALL OVER THE ZOO by Jamie Bills
  121. MISUNDERSTOOD by Stephanie Rondeau
  122. SNOWY DAY by Lisa Varchol Perron
  123. HELPY CAT (OR WHY KARYN GETS SO LITTLE WRITING DONE) by Karyn Curtis
  124. GOODNIGHT KITE by Jessica Hinricks
  125. DEPLOYMENT BLUES by Jessica Stremer
  126. A GOOD FRIEND by Christy LeJeune
  127. FELIX FLANNIGAN AND CASE 499: THE CASE OF THE HORRIBLE HUBBUB by DJ Christie
  128. DRAGON’S FIRST HAIRCUT by Carole A. Cole
  129. FOREST RACE by Martina Palkovicova
  130. SWITCHED by Stacy Burch
  131. LE BLEU CHAPEAU: A TRILIGUAL RHYME by Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
  132. THE CRINKLE CRUMPET PALACE by Laurie Carmody
  133. FUNERAL FOR A GOLDFISH by Jo Dearden
  134. PREEMIES PREMIERE by Ellen Seal
  135. NICKY AND THE NIGHT TERRORS by Mona Woods Voelkel
  136. A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH by Maryann Wohlwend
  137. SKY HI by Marty Bellis
  138. WE ARE SISTERS by Kate Rietema
  139. THE NEW GIRL AT IRISH DANCE by Jessica Whipple
  140. FRANKIE’S FIERY FART by Dana Marie Miroballi
  141. BEST FRIEND by Ellie Langford
  142. BABIES ON STRIKE by Elizabeth Bogart
  143. BIG BUBBLES by Katie Fischer
  144. BEAR’S RAINY DAY by Cynthia HM
  145. NOT QUITE LEFT BEHIND by Claire Smith
  146. LULLABY OF LIGHT by Hollie Wolverton
  147. CAROLINE’S DREAM by Erica Sharifzadeh
  148. MY BABY SQUIRREL by Jeannette Lee
  149. THE SKIPPING STONES by Kelly Swemba
  150. ESPERANZA by Randi Lynn Mrvos
  151. SCHOOL LUNCH by Leah Kelley
  152. WE’LL WEATHER TOGETHER by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
  153. PATCH RACED ANYWAY by Kim Peterson
  154. PETALS OF FRIENDSHIP by Terri Michels
  155. VISITING THE FLOWER FIELD by Drew Arnold
  156. WHIRLIGIGS by Les Degnan
  157. BEDTIME STORIES by Amy M Miller
  158. SNOW UNICORN by Nina Snyder
  159. GRANDPA HAD A MISSION by S J Little
  160. ROBOT VS ROBIN by Heather Morris
  161. CLOWN FROWN by Monica Freeman
  162. HONK! by Kelsey Gross
  163. IMI & URU by Debbie Wanninknof
  164. SURFING THE GREEN WAVE by Danielle Sharkan
  165. THE HAIRCUT by Paula K Obering
  166. MOON SOCKS by Claire Bobrow
  167. SUMMER NIGHTS, SUMMER LIGHTS by Julianna Helt
  168. NUMBER CRUNCHING by Kristen Fouts
  169. UP AND DOWN by Thushanthi Ponweer
  170. MIAOW SAID COW! by Sue Newton
  171. I CAN EXPLAIN by Jana Mattern
  172. TITAN’S BIG PAWS by Meredith Flory
  173. TROUBLE by Arlene Schenker
  174. JUST ADD WATER – A LAKE RECIPE by Diane Bradley
  175. LOVE IS MORE THAN A STRAIGHT LINE by Ashley Bray
  176. NESTING BY THE SEA by Kate Carroll
  177. COMFORT by Nicole Sharkey
  178. HEART-SHAPED GIRL by Anne Lipton
  179. C SAILED THE SEA by Abby N Wooldridge
  180. WINNIE THE TWO-WART WITCH by Shelbey Davis
  181. LIGHTS OUT! by Rebecca Cordey
  182. BUTTERFLY LIFE CYCLE by Debbie Evelyn
  183. HUGS FOR TREE by Ambrielle Butler
  184. CLOUDY VISIONS by Virginia Howard
  185. LITTLE MAN AND MARGARET by Marcia Dalphin Williams
  186. NINJAS DON’T DANCE by Jessica Shaw
  187. ONE RAINDROP by Nancy Ferguson
  188. THEY BELONG by Tina Mowrey
  189. GIRLS CAN’T FLY by Carys Brown
  190. HELLO SNOW by Shannon Howarth Nelson
  191. THEY ALL FOLLOWED SUIT by Becky Walker
  192. SANDCASTLE FUN: WELCOME ALL by Melanie Wick Singer
  193. OUR TREE by Amy Barry
  194. THE PENGUIN’S ALFRED by Marty Lapointe-Malchik
  195. PUPPY PLANTS A TREE by Andrea Kiehle Jones
  196. BELL-WORK by C.E. King
  197. LATE FOR SCHOOL by Michelle S. Kennedy
  198. HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER by Melissa Lasher
  199. FOOT, MEET FOOT by Tom Sebanc
  200. O – L – D TONA by Isabel Estrada O’Hagin
  201. DIRT BIKE DANGER by Cedar Pruitt
  202. WORDS TO CARRY by Patty J Cooper
  203. LUNARAY by Michele Ziemke
  204. DRAGONFISH by Robin Brett Wechsler
  205. SNOWFLAKES ON THE LOOSE by Emrah Guter
  206. HIDDEN SPROUTS by Janelle Harper
  207. PUFF AND GROOP by Bonnie Kelso
  208. WHOOOO KNEW? by Cheryl Johnson
  209. KATHERINE’S DOG by The Writing Adventure Blog
  210. FIRE ALARM by M A Cortez
  211. FAIRY GRUNGE-MOTHER by Searra Simpson
  212. THE SHOW by Roxanne Troup
  213. JUST JUNK by Courtney Ryan
  214. THE MOUSE by Susan E Schipper
  215. SCHOOL STARTS SOON by Danielle Hammelef
  216. A MOMENT by Traci Van Wagoner
  217. MY DOGGY ANGEL by Andrea Gonzalez
  218. PAJAMA LOVE by Jennifer Wagh
  219. SORRY, SNOWMAN by Elizabeth Muster
  220. SUMMER TREATS by Lynn Baldwin
  221. GORILLA IN THE GARDEN by Jennifer Buchet
  222. HEART-STONE by Jenny Bowman
  223. GOING HOME AFTER SCHOOL by Anjali Amit
  224. TOP BANANA by Sarah Gowayed
  225. NEW BABY by Elyse Travers
  226. FUNNY BUNNY by Dawn Young
  227. TRICK CANDLES by Jef Zitch
  228. TOT-WIRED! by Kathryn Stowe Powell
  229. NO FEELINGS TOO BIG by Bri Baranowski
  230. THE WEENTEAM by Dedra Davis
  231. SOON by Conie Bergstein Dow
  232. BLACK, WHITE, OR SHEER by Laksmi Davaloor
  233. PUPPY LOVE by Eva Kaman
  234. THIS IS HOW I COPE by Sarah Atherton
  235. THE GAME by Susan Andrews
  236. INSECT INSTEAD by Katherin Hunton
  237. NEW POINT OF VIEW by Alicia Curley
  238. VACUUM MONSTER by Larissa Elliott
  239. TEACHERS ARE PEOPLE, TOO by J.E. Seuk
  240. THE AMAZING SUPER CHICKENS by Jennifer Ann Richter
  241. LOVE YOU BLUE by Holly Vagley
  242. JAGUAR TRAINING by Brenna Jeanneret
  243. THE WIND HAD MY CAUTION by Federico Erebia
  244. AN ALPHABETICAL TALE by Sara Kruger
  245. A TACO FOR SAM by Gina Coffin Smith
  246. HIDDEN TREASURES by Kara Sibilia
  247. THE HILL by Krista Harrington
  248. SNEAK ATTACK by Sandhya Acharya
  249. HUNGRY BUNNY MEETS THE SNOWMAN by Anna Lazowski
  250. CROUTON CAVEAT by Kalee Gwarjanski
  251. SLOTH WANTS A MANGO by Aundra Tomlins
  252. MAKE DO AND MEND MOUSE by Melanie Adkins
  253. ZOO’S KNEES by Gaynor Andrews
  254. ARMOR UP by Marie Ryall
  255. SPRINGTIME WISHES by Buffy Silverman
  256. THE GLOB by Aline Pusecker Taylor
  257. THE HUNT by Kaitlin Sikes
  258. HUNTING by Susan Drew
  259. ACORN BOWLING by Dena Davis
  260. MORNING ZOO by Marla Yablon
  261. ONLY WEEDS by Emily Ramquist
  262. YAWN TAG by Megan McNamara
  263. THE PERFECT NEST by Susan Summers
  264. WITCHWINTER by Katie Frendreis
  265. OFF A FRACTION by Cathy Stenquist
  266. THE BIRD by Rose Cappelli
  267. RACCOON’S DAYTIME ADVENTURE by Cara Krenn
  268. IDDY by Words On Parade
  269. CUPS, SAUCERS, SCREENS by Catrine Kyster
  270. IN MY HEART by Chloe Emilie Ward
  271. TWO SPROUTS by Victoria Marble
  272. LATER by McKelle Anderson
  273. MY GRANDPA IS NOT A PIRATE by Jillian M Barber
  274. SUN, MOON, AND REVOLUTION by Mary Catherin Amadu
  275. PURPLE PIRATE by Mary Ellen Marnholtz
  276. MOONBEAN LULLABY by Sarah Lynn John
  277. BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR SAILING by Diana Aleksandraova
  278. BLUE HOUSE, YELLOW HOUSE by Jennifer Conepcion McLennan
  279. THE OTHER SIDE OF MAD by Jassyel Gomez
  280. COMMUNITY GARDEN by Armineh Manookian
  281. A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING: ROBERT MILLS, AMERICA’S FORGOTTEN ARCHITECT by M M Baker
  282. TO MY DEAR CHILD by Katie Walsh
  283. FIRST SNOFALL by Mary Rudzinski
  284. LAYLA BUG by Cindy L. Jeklin
  285. MESSAGE FROM THE PAST by Glenda Roberson
  286. TUMBLEWEEDS by Penny Merritt
  287. RECITAL by Charles Suddeth
  288. HOW TO MAKE A ROCKET SHIP by Han O’Reilly
  289. THE NIGHT KNIGHT by Ashley B. Pedigo
  290. UGLY IS BEAUTY by Diana Z
  291. SNAIL TRAIL by Megan Ray Durkin
  292. HI, COO! by STephanie Owen
  293. SPRING BLUSHES GREEN by Amy Hillman
  294. HANNAH THE HYPHEN by Freda Lewkowixz
  295. ONE OCTOBER EVENING by Melody Wang
  296. SADIE’S REGRETS by Betsy Parkinson
  297. GRANDMA’S WINDOW by Tara Cerven
  298. TAKE TURNS by Stephanie Wildman
  299. WHO’S MAKING THAT SOUND by Karen Rostoker-Gruber
  300. DOUBLE YOU by Jodie Finney
  301. ALL ABOARD by Barbara Renner
  302. SWADDLE AND TUCK, MAMA AND BABY BAT by Lisa Boeglin
  303. FIRE SEEDS by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
  304. ABUELITA’S GARDEN by KT MAE
  305. SILLY HORSES by Hannah Roy LaGrone
  306. WARM AND COSY by Mahrukh McDonald
  307. MOHAMMAD’S PIZZA DREAMS by Laura Osuri
  308. DANCING DOTTIE by Kristi Newsome
  309. LET’S GO CLIMB A KITE by Erin Gallagher
  310. LOST by Samantha Sinclair
  311. DEEP DOWN, UNDERGROUND: A CAVE STORY by Callie Dean
  312. A SWEATER FOR PENGUIN by Lori Himmel
  313. THE LONELY SANDWICH by Kristina Campbell
  314. AN APPETIZING ARGUMENT by CK Malone
  315. TOOTH’S DREAM by Sue Sutherland
  316. SHELL SHOCK by Elayne Crain
  317. PUPPY CHAOS by Guitar Hanna
  318. BAD IS BAD by Barbara DiMarco
  319. FROG STORM by Emily Durant
  320. LESSONS LEARNED FROM SEEDS by Sandy Brehl
  321. BIRTH DAYS by Karen Keeling
  322. PICK YOUR BATTLES by Cathy Lee
  323. ADVENTURES WITH GRANDMA by Beth Winslow
  324. SALISH SEA by Natasha Zimmers
  325. FARMER FRED NEEDS A SCARECROW by Jane Smart
  326. TO THE MOON by Brittany MacBeth
  327. SLEEPYTIME SEA by Anita Crawford Clark
  328. SHERRY THE SHARK by Rachell Abalos
  329. SMALL WORDS MATTER by Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell
  330. GAP NEEDS SPACE by Alicia Meyers
  331. DANDELION MOON by Angela Calabrese
  332. TOMORROW by Kristen Kiesling
  333. LAYLAH FINDS AN UNEXPECTED TEAM PLAYER by Tracy D. Carlson
  334. JUST GET IN THE CAR ALREADY by Felicia Dixon
  335. HI! COYOTE by Stephen Ehrmann
  336. THREE LITTLE RHINOS; ONE BIG FIB-IBBLE by Toni Miller
  337. SPLAT! by Darcee A Freier
  338. SO READY FOR SUMMER by Laura De La Cruz
  339. MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE by Aimee Larke
  340. FUN WITH FOX by Melissa Flinn
  341. ALPHABETTER by Sarah Hirsch
  342. TO BE A PEA by Krystia Basil
  343. ANATOMY OF A FRIENDSHIP by Rozana Rajkumari
  344. I LIKE ME FOR ME by Jumana OA
  345. MARY’S TURN TO BRING HOME ROGER by Anna Brooks
  346. BOLTS by Erik Ammon
  347. FISH DISH by Jenna Waldman
  348. ONE LION OR TWO by Adrea Theodore
  349. A FRIEND FOUND by Melissa-Jane Nguyen
  350. THE LAST MATCH by Sheri Murphy
  351. WINTER’S WARDROBE by Judy Cooper
  352. SEEING A GHOST by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan
  353. LET’S HUG AGAIN by Christina McCauley Fernanadez
  354. FOREVER FRIENDS by Mary Ann Featherston
  355. TIDAL WAVE by Laura Roettiger
  356. HANUKKAH! cHRISTMAS! by Marcia Berneger
  357. CAN ISN’T BETTER THAN CAN’T by Jenni Leinweber
  358. RAISINS REDEMPTION by Del B Owen
  359. GOOD-BYE TIME by Yesica Hurd
  360. BUNNYPILLAR’S BOAT by Justin Teerlinck
  361. PAPER MACHE by Dazzle T Ng
  362. LILI AND THE PURPLE DOVE by Carmen Castillo Gilbert
  363. IF I HAD ONE WISH by Maria Marshall
  364. HOORAY FOR HANNAH by Donna O’Donnell Figurski
  365. PERFECTLY IMPERFECT by Janette Springer Willms
  366. JOE’S WORLD by Sharon Moschopoulou
  367. THE WANDERING WISH by Katie Grant Watson
  368. LOST by Laura Howard
  369. GALAX-SEA by Sarah Hetu
  370. HOME ALONE by Amanda Perry
  371. THE TERRIFYING TWO-MONTH TANTRUM: HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP NEARLY DESTROYED OUR DEMOCRACY by Erin Treacy Siska
  372. A TRAVELING FRIEND by Janet Reece
  373. THE GREAT PENGUIN RACE by Cristina Rayner
  374. NO BALL by Becky Stretton
  375. HUNGRY PUP by Lyn Jekowsky
  376. I SEE YOU by Erin Gunti
  377. WORD GAME by Mel Rosenberg
  378. AYATE IS THE MOON AND STARS by Beth Gallagher
  379. DIGGER by Jennifer Kennedy
  380. A RED TALE by Amber Lane
  381. THAT IS YOU by Sofia Caessa
  382. THE COLLECTOR by Krtisty Rose Nuttail
  383. ROSE’S SPECIAL THING by Laura Elizabeth Baukol
  384. SQUISHY GARDEN by Ranessa Doucet
  385. LEFT BEHIND by Maria Powell
  386. SNAIL GOES TO SCHOOL by Katrina Avia Munichiello
  387. PLAYGROUND BABY by Susan Hughes
  388. THE EGGMAN COMETH by Lizzie Maxwell
  389. FREE DELIVERY by Samantha Gassman
  390. TWO DOGS – ONE MIND by Eva Kaman
  391. THE SUN DID NOT RISE by C Stone Medina
  392. A DRAGON GUARDS MY SCHOOL by Abbi Lee
  393. CHICKEN’S FIRST SNOW by Renee Neubauer
  394. NO PARTY? SNOW PARTY by Shelley Isaacson
  395. GRANDMAS by Jo Renfro
  396. MY (GOOD) GIRL by Erin Lepore
  397. BRAVE SADIE by Sara Whittles
  398. COYOTE SAYS SORRY by Maryan Doughty
  399. WHAT’S A FORT FOR? by Counsel Langley
  400. FAIRYTALE FISHING BY THE POND: A HAIKU by RL Brown
  401. DUNG BEETLE BATTLE by Tracy Smith Schmidt
  402. PLAYGROUND DECISONS: A REVERSO STORY by Joyce Schriebman
  403. WHERE HAVE ALL THE HUMANS GONE by Delia Black
  404. PAYING HOMAGE: A STORY TOLD WITH THIRTEEN PICTURE BOOK TITLES by Tamara Girardi
  405. COUNTING COWS by Bridget Magee
  406. SO MANY WAYS by Dea Lenihan
  407. PILLOW KINGDOM by Sheri Dillard
  408. POP TUNES by Annette L. Murray
  409. ALPACA NEEDS A FRIEND by Wanda Sobota
  410. PEARS AND BEARS by Stephanie R. Kotara
  411. OUT THE WINDOW by Theresa Anacker Wohlers
  412. PEAS – NO by Nancy Landau
  413. READ ME A STORY by Marie Prins
  414. THINGS TO DO ON A SNOWY DAY by B.J. Lee
  415. COUNTING BACKWARDS by Tannis Curls
  416. OLD TALE NEW TALE by Brown Sugar Jay
  417. NOT SO SWEET by Lana Montalban
  418. WELCOME SPRING AND OTHER THINGS by Mona Pease
  419. FRACTIONS by Janet K Crane
  420. HOT CRUSTY ROLLS by Judy Abelove Shemtob
  421. UNDERSEA CAROUSEL by Tonnye Fletcher
  422. HAIRY AS A BEAR by Rita Orrell
  423. AUGUST AFTERNOON by Katie McEnaney
  424. I HEARD SOMETHING OUT MY WINDOW by Deborah Wise
  425. EARLY BIRD by Diane Harrington
  426. FOREVER WAVES TRUE by Amy LaMae Brewer
  427. REALLY by Steve Jankousky
  428. THE MUD MONSTER by Linda Staszak
  429. DOGS SMELL BUTTS by Thomas Norton
  430. MY FAVORITE THINGS OUTSIDE by Jennifer Preston Chushcoff
  431. LET’S LOOK UP by Kristina Gilberto
  432. THE TINY SPARK by Katie Brandyberry
  433. WINTER WHITE WORLD by Robin Buttars
  434. HELLO, SUNFLOWER by Suzy Leopold
  435. MY BEST FRIEND GWEN by Elizabeth Barrett
  436. SPLASH! by Robin Jordan
  437. SAM BUNCH AND THE PERFECTLY NORMAL ELEVATOR by Jen MacGregor
  438. GOOD MORNING by S.E. Cottrill
  439. FINNEGAN MOO AND THE MESSY MEAL by Stacy Jago
  440. THE BINKY FAIRY by Madawn Traxel
  441. FROG CHORUS by Lori C. Evans
  442. GATOR GOLF by Carrines Clifton
  443. FLOATING BUBBLES AND DANCING POPCORN by Linda Elliott Long
  444. THIS DOG IS A DUD by Kathy Crable
  445. MARCH MADNESS by Jennifer Weingardt
  446. ZOOM by Lori Dubbin
  447. STRAY PET by Carrie Charley Brown
  448. JULIA CHASE-BRAND: WOMEN’S DISTANCE RUNNING TRAILBLAZER by Stefanie Razler
  449. BELLY BUTTON WANTS A FRIEND by Tony Tong
  450. BLACK CAT by Dorothy Glen
  451. (WITH JAM ON TOP) by Jessica Lawson
  452. WILDFLOWERS by Paul Schofield
  453. MY MOTHER’S WHISPER by K. Tarapolsi
  454. MOTORCYCLE MAMA by K.J. Mordacque
  455. ITCHY by Erin Cleary
  456. FLAMINGO FLAMENCO by Rebecca Woodall
  457. 50 WORDS IS NOT ENOUGH by Cara Matheson
  458. SQUISHY SPOTS by Jacqui Boulter
  459. THE HIGHEST JUMPER by Marta Cutler
  460. NOCTURNE by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
  461. MY FIRST GARDEN by Amanda Flinn
  462. NAPTIME by Judy Sobanski
  463. THE CITY T. Ruth
  464. DAILY DIARIES OF THE MASK by Lesa Jackson
  465. AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY by Ken Major
  466. MY CAR by Marci Whitehurst
  467. I FOUND SPRING by Penelope McNally
  468. A DOG FOR HENRY by Lisa M. Clewner-Newman
  469. RUNNY HONEY by Patti Richards
  470. FANCY EATER by Jennifer Kaap
  471. STRAWBERRY by Danielle Arndt
  472. BUG-A-BALOO by Chambrae Griffith
  473. GAMBREL’S QUAIL by Patricia Franz
  474. FREDDY & THE FREAKY FROGS by J.R. Reynolds
  475. ALL KINDS OF STUCK by Jennifer Reinharz
  476. THE PUFFIN by Brian Gonsar
  477. THE WINTER GIANT by Vicky Langdobn
  478. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Marcia Matalon-Nass
  479. KIND MOLE by Georgette Kaftan
  480. AARON ABBOT LIKES HIS NAME by Mike Vreeland
  481. CLUB MISCHIEF by Carol Bloom Levin
  482. MY PLANT IS SAD by Hollie Michaels
  483. THE CHEERIOS WAR by Connie Parker Harrison
  484. BABY STEPS by Barbara Kimmel
  485. AGOGE by Rachel Ashworth
  486. FARTHER AWAY FROM FAMILIAR by Amanda David
  487. TRUCKS NEW DAY by Laura Bower
  488. I AM NOT A FROG by Madeleine McLaughlin
  489. POLLY MELANCHOLY AND THE CLOUD THAT WOULDN’T GO AWAY by A. Kidd
  490. BIRTHDAY COUNTDOWN by Mirka Hokkanen
  491. SUPERHEROES FIRST FLIGHT by Jessica Reed
  492. BUILDING BRIDGES by Sharon McCarthy
  493. WORTH THE WAIT by Geoggrey Hyatt
  494. ROCKS DON’T EAT COOKIES by Suzie Olsen
  495. HUG IN A CARD by Bev Baird
  496. THE SPELL by Jessica Hope
  497. THE MOVIE IN MY EYES by Morgan Metcalf
  498. LANEY SPEAKS UP by Cassi Pietz
  499. PEE-YEW by Aly Kenna
  500. JESUS by Kristie Drake
  501. THE AFTER BEDTIME SECRET by Amy Flynn
  502. MOTTY FINDS A WAY by Cecilia Safirstein
  503. QUIETUDE by Molly Blaisdell
  504. WHO’S CUTER by Tarsia Rhyne
  505. THE GIFT by Liz Kehrli
  506. THE COURTSHIP by Sherri T Mercer
  507. A BRIEF VISIT by Jill Richards Proctor
  508. TURTLE’S LATE by Leah Koetting Block
  509. MY SHOES ARE… by Eva Felder
  510. IT STARTED WITH A BRANCH: A CHI CHI RODRIGUEZ STORY by Melissa Mwai
  511. CHOOKIE AND FOXIE by Julia Wakefield
  512. SUMMERS WITH PAATI (GRANDMA) by Lakshmi Thamizhmani
  513. THE HOLIDAY OF THE SACRIFICE (MUSLIMS’ EID-AL-ADHA) by Zainab Khan
  514. BEACH DAY by Nicola Thackery
  515. REMEMBER THE TIMES OF OLD by A. Fischer
  516. BRAVE JACKIE ZACK AND THE BRICKETY BRACK by Rhett Trull
  517. NEW BEGINNING by Susie Sawyer
  518. LEAVES by Jane Serpa
  519. SPRING PEEPERS’ LULLABY by Brenda Robert
  520. LIZZIE AND TEDDY BUILD A SNOWMAN by Julie Maria
  521. SNODDBOGGLET’S BURPDAY by Clair Lewis
  522. LOSE MY HEAD by Christina Shawn
  523. MY SANDWICH IS BROKEN by Rebecca Rennard-Tattitch
  524. BEST FRIENDS THINK ALIKE by C Verde
  525. I FOUND A SEED by Katherine Rahoy
  526. METEOR! by Audrey Dan-Williams
  527. SOCKS ON STRIKE! by Joannie Duris
  528. DUSTBUNNY by Audrey Perrott
  529. BIRDS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST by Keely Leim
  530. GARDEN MYSTERY STORIES: #11 THE MISSING CHUNK OF CANTALOUPE by Paula Puckett
  531. LOVE IN THE WALLS by Carol Bullman
  532. TEARS by Jenny Boyd
  533. PETTING ZOO by Amy Watia
  534. WINGS OF HOPE by Jill Lambert
  535. BILINGUAL FOWL by Aixa Perez-Prado
  536. MY JUNGLE HOME by Blanca Manzanilla
  537. A FLOATING ZOO by PJ Lyons
  538. SOUPER BREAKFAST by Denise Seidman
  539. MY SUPER-POWER by Amber M. Bouchard
  540. THIS IS THE EGG by Angie Quantrell
  541. A MUDDY MIX-UP by Mary Ann Blair
  542. WINGS by Elizabeth Volkmann
  543. FORREST OF THE FOREST by Robin Hann-Leon
  544. FIRST DAY SCHOOL BUS BLUES by Mia Geiger
  545. PINT-SIZE PRODIGIES by Heidi Bee Roemer
  546. MOUNTAIN LION by Helen Kampion
  547. TWO AFRIAD by Cindy Handley Goodeaux
  548. EAGLE by Brigid Finucane
  549. WE BELIEVE by Michele Meleen
  550. FOODIE BABY by Rina Singh
  551. RAINMAKER by Susan Twiggs
  552. LOVE BUNS by Lindsey Aduskevich
  553. WILL BEAGLE CATCH IT? BY Linda Hofke
  554. A BIRDY LUNCH by Ellen Leventhal
  555. MY CROCODILE MOMMY by Lauri Meyers
  556. MORNING CHORES by Deb Robertson
  557. THE GYROS JOURNEY by Ciara N M Greenwalt
  558. ALMOST TWINS by Brenda Brokke
  559. A SPROUT STORY by Shay Fan
  560. DON’T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF by Melissa Rutigliano
  561. WHERE DO I SEE LOVE by Erin Will
  562. BILLY GOAT AND THE FENCE THAT FARMER KATE BUILT by Rosanna Mantanaro Ricchetti
  563. A HALLOWEEN WELCOME by Russell Wolff
  564. GIFT FOR GIVER: FROM THE TRUE STORY OF GABI MANN by Janie Reinart
  565. MOM BECKONS by Charlotte Dixon
  566. THE CHILDREN’S HOME by Jaclyn S. Miller
  567. THE SPIRIT OF SPORT by Josh Cohen
  568. GIANT LEAP FOR A SQUIRREL by Carol Samuelson-Woodson
  569. PEACE FULL HEARTS by Laura Hale
  570. VOLCANO TANTRUM by Sarah Hawklyn
  571. LILIANNE’S DISAPPEARING ACT-CADEMY by Kristen Nielsen Schrass
  572. GROW ME by Susan Pivero
  573. GOLDEN EAGLE by Jennifer Watson
  574. BASEBALL IS BACK by Jon Blauvelt
  575. PAROLE by Maureen Egan
  576. STORIES by Meredith Adams
  577. IMAGINING TREATS by Erik Asborn
  578. IF YOU WANT TO WRITE A STORY by Tootie Nienow
  579. MAIL DAY by Marykate Smith Despres
  580. FORT OF DREAMS by Robin Blasberg
  581. SARA’S SCARED by Brian Saa
  582. FROG ON A LOG by Vanessa Del Fabbro
  583. WHAT’S FOR DINNER by Sophia Evans
  584. RACE DAY by Jodie Ticer
  585. TWINSIES by Beth Charles
  586. KITE TROUBLE by Christine Van Zandt
  587. DOGGONE DANCE BY THE SEA by Joel Chalmers
  588. ANIMAL RIDES by Ashely Sierra
  589. THE MOON FOLLOWS ME HOME by Lexi Donahue
  590. THE CROWNING OF THE KING by Lois Thompson Bartholomew
  591. BOBBY AND ROBOT by Ruth Solitario
  592. BILBY AND BULLDOZER by Maria Parenti
  593. TWILIGHT by Corine Timmer
  594. THE BEST OF US by Martin Wodehouse
  595. CHILLI CHICKEN by Sandhya Parappukkaran
  596. A SWEET REWARD by Sheri-Ann O’Shea
  597. MOVIE NIGHT by Elenore Byrne
  598. HOW MANY CAKES? by Jim Chaize
  599. THE FLY ON THE WALL by Pat Trattles
  600. HUSH by Patricia Miller
  601. BUSH FIRES by Jenny Catalano
  602. EL VOLCAN PILON by Elisa Cantro Moreiras
  603. NAP TIME by Rochelle Melander
  604. THE TERMITE QUEEN by Karen Ansberry
  605. NO MORE BORING BATHS FOR ME! by Jenna Aery
  606. THE LEAF THAT WOULDN’T LEAVE by Melanie Aldridge
  607. UNLOVED by Shannon Chadwick
  608. LLAMA BEANS by Mary Arkiszewski
  609. DRIVEWAY HOOPS by Bill Canterbury
  610. E THE LETTER THAT FINALLY MADE THE GRADE by Lori Sheroan
  611. FIRST DAY AT SPY SCHOOL by Beth Green
  612. PRE-TEENS ON THE SCREENS by Meli Glickman
  613. PUPPY SMELLS SOMETHING YUMMY by Deborah Dolan Hunt
  614. DIBBLES & WISCOWSKI: GOING TO BUY COOKIES by Bru Benson
  615. MY TEAM by Suzy Sedivec
  616. A GOAT, A BOAT, AND A MOAT by Meredith Wesley
  617. PAPA’S HAMMER by Susan Burdorf
  618. THE LAST COOKIE by Simon Yeend
  619. HUGS FOR BUGS by Aminta Quintero-Jackson
  620. WE’RE HUMAN by Mary Vander Plas
  621. POCKET FUZZ by Mary Jo French
  622. BULL-ONEY! by Amy Benoit
  623. A FORTUITOUS FRIEND by Julie Fruitticher
  624. H-O-LES by Emmie R. Werner
  625. A RACCOON WHO TRIED TO CATCH A FISH by Alisha Riaz
  626. HEY, HAY by Lisa M. Acuff
  627. WATCH OUT FOR CARS by limakat
  628. PRECIOUS WORDS, PRECIOUS DAY by Jeannette Suhr
  629. MY FAVORITE SEASON BY iSLANCY
  630. ONE PLUS ONE by S. K. Wenger
  631. THE SENTRY LEARNS TO SHARE by Karen McCallister
  632. KINDNESS CHAIN by AJ Irving
  633. MOONCHEESE by Robert Schechter
  634. DOG CANDY by Phyllis Hemann
  635. BUMFUZZLE by Jyn Hall
  636. MISMATCHED MADDIE by Mary Warth
  637. PACKING THE ESSENTIALS by Becky Goodman
  638. BECAUSE HE EXISTED by Serge Smagarinsky
  639. BATH TIME by Alex Steward
  640. GRANDMA’S FIRST VISIT by Sondra Zalewski
  641. THE JAM & THE JAMMY JAM JAR by John Imura
  642. ME IS ENOUGH by Lisa Honeycutt
  643. THE BOX by Melissa Abraham
  644. UNLIKELY FRIENDS by Jen Subra
  645. CATERPILLAR by Mary Jo Huff
  646. FRIENDS CAN BE DIFFERENT by SDeviWrites
  647. KIND HEART…IS A START! by Lisa Pilkington
  648. A GRACKLE THANSGIVING by Phil D’Agostino
  649. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT by Masha Sapron
  650. PAT THE PEAS by Bonni Goldberg
  651. HOW TO RIDE A PONY IN A TUTU by Deborah Bruss
  652. KITTY by Patricia Brown
  653. EMPERORS OF THE FROZEN SEA by Beth Stewart
  654. OH, NO! NOT AUNT JOSIE! by Connie Jameson
  655. THE STUFFY FRIEND CIRCLE by Ayren Jackson-Cannady
  656. WE LOVE READING STORIES by Mimi Bond
  657. TO FLY by Laura Perdew
  658. RAIN PLAY by Rebecca Chester
  659. FALLING IN LOVE ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE by Maureen McCabe
  660. CRISTINA ZENATO DANCES WITH SHARKES by Jill Burns
  661. LOVING EYES by April Holiday
  662. TAKE ME HOME by Annette Burger
  663. RAINY DAY RHYTHM by Annette Bethers
  664. TIDY UP! by Kerry Gittins
  665. YOU CAN’T CALL SPHINX NOSY! by Rebecca Loescher
  666. MUSIC CLASS by Kelly Coutsoubos
  667. THE OLD MAGNOLIA TREE by Sherry Roberts
  668. A PEACEFUL PLACE by Alaka Skinner
  669. THE GINGERBREAD LADY by Nicola Parkhouse
  670. DEAR SKY by syorkevney
  671. THE RULES AND WHAT IFS by Holly Niner
  672. HOW TEACHER CAME TO FIND A RAISIN BEHIND ANDRE’S EAR by Angela H. Dale
  673. THE CRITIC by Elizabeth F. Hill
  674. GRANDPA’S CLOSET by Jennifer Phillips
  675. A BALLAD OF SPRING by Jillian R. Rockey
  676. TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE by Samantha Haas
  677. PLANTING THE SEED by Melissa Struzzi
  678. MAD AS A HORNET by Aisha J. Esfahani
  679. SYMMETRY by Mandy Yokim
  680. MY MISSING HISTORY REPORT by Bruce C. Rule
  681. TODAY, YOU ARE A WRITER by Gabrielle Nidas
  682. A LION MOVES IN by Stephen Cravak
  683. A BOOK IS… by Natascha Biebow
  684. A MATTER OF TIME by Lorrie Oshatz
  685. OPEN SAILS by Kristin Saito
  686. LOLA’S JOURNEY by Desi Vee
  687. MOMENT OF SLIENCE by Hilary Echols
  688. DAY AFTER DAY by Marla Wilson
  689. CROW AND SPARROW by Darina Decheva
  690. MOON SHINE by Mary Ann van Beuren
  691. JACK’S TUMBLING TROUBLE by Nadia Ali
  692. BESTING THE BIG BAD WOLF by Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
  693. FISHWISH by Kerry Ferguson
  694. WHAT’S IN A NAME? by Thelia Hutchinson
  695. HOME by Natalie Lynn Tanner
  696. UNFAVORITE THINGS by Dea Brayden and Lindsay Brayden Ellis
  697. TUCK SEEDS by Hilary Horder Hippely
  698. SHOWer TIME by Helen Ishmurzin
  699. THE DOG WHO NEEDS A WALK by Denise Nicole
  700. DANCE by Tracy Schuldt Helixon
  701. BEETLE SMALL TALK by Roberta Gibson
  702. THE BALL by Cathy Bendix
  703. GOODBYE DAY by L L Treacy
  704. ALFIE SONGS by Phyllis Mignard
  705. DARYL THE POSSESSED MOUSE by That Burnt Writer
  706. WHEN MOLLIE LEFT MEMPHIS: The Life and Times of Mary Church Terrell by Alice Faye Duncan
  707. BATH TROUBLE by Ingrid Boydston
  708. MR. STINK WEASEL SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT by Sara Harrison
  709. A TWEET BY ANY OTHER NAME by Colleen Dougherty
  710. TEA TIME by Sue Kralovic
  711. DRIP by Abraham Schroeder
  712. BYE BYE, BUG! by Diane Kaye
  713. LIGHTS OUT DYLAN by Shell LeDrew
  714. THE ANNOUNCEMENT by Amy Heath
  715. MOOSE DINES OUT by Patricia Todisc
  716. PLAYBROUND EARTH by Becky Falkum
  717. THE LEAP by Jenny Caddy
  718. THE CHOICE by Rena Epstein
  719. DREAM GIVER by Ron Anthony
  720. FIFTY WORDS by Brad Weinberg
  721. SAFE AND WARM by Rinda Beach
  722. POSEY GNOME FAR FROM HOME by Laken Slate
  723. PLAYTIME by Deb Sullivan
  724. THE SONG OF RATTLESNAKE GRASS by Judith Jango-Cohen
  725. SUMMER SURPRISE by Kelly Rice Schmitt
  726. OUR TOGETHER TRAIN by Leslie Goodman
  727. GARDEN’S DANCE PARTY by Rosalba Ruiz
  728. WITH YOU by Angelina Phelan
  729. BALLOON’S DREAM FLIGHT by Grace Donnell
  730. BUMBERELLA by Marsha Elyn Wright
  731. COTTONWOOD STARS by Mary Beth Rice
  732. FIZZ THE FIRELESS DRAGON by Stephanie Fitzpatrick
  733. ROLLING SPIDER by Melanie Bryce
  734. TO BE THE WAY MY DOG SEES ME by Ellen Crosby
  735. IT HAS POCKETS by Kristen Leestma
  736. THE TOOTHWORM by Migs
  737. THE GREAT ESCAPE by Dina Towbin
  738. MY WORDS by Erin Matzen
  739. GOOFALOTOPUSS by Mia Writes
  740. GO FIGURE by Rita Russell
  741. MAC AND CHEESE by Trupti Ramball
  742. THE CONE CURE by Sara Gentry
  743. THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL by Heather Fisher
  744. CHOP SUEY SAVES A FRIEND by Kristen Kirwan Browning
  745. MORNING ROUTINE by Amy Firestone
  746. YARD SALE DAY! by Savannah Rogers
  747. THE FLY-BY-NITE FLU by Tovi Glasner
  748. MAGIC BUBBLES by Lori Kempf Busko
  749. COCONAUT by Kathy Fork
  750. A LITTLE SEED by Catherine J. Lee
  751. GOODNIGHT by Rathi Munukur
  752. SNAIL MAIL by J L Park
  753. A CAT AND MOUSE TALE by William Peery
  754. THE PECULIAR STORY OF THE STRAWBERRY by Michael Burdick
  755. HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN by Amelia Shearer
  756. LIKE A GANNET by Kirsten Ealand
  757. ODE TO SUMMER by Sylvia Winsby
  758. THE GIRL WHO CRIED by Melissa Sheperd
  759. TIGER by Marietta Apollonio
  760. FINDING ME by Donna Arlynn Frisinger
  761. TIDES by Katie Munday Williams
  762. THE FENCE by Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo
  763. TODAY, I AM A PRINCESS by Robin Currie
  764. OH THE SOCIALS YOU’LL MEET by Pamela Courney
  765. THE BEACH WALK by Emily Siwek
  766. BOOGERS IN A BOX by Lu Pierro
  767. MISSING by Jo
  768. THE ADVENTURES OF COW AND RABBIT by Marlena Leach
  769. TAKE A HIKE by Diane McBee
  770. HELP SAVE THE WORLD’S TEETH by Jenny Harp
  771. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!

10,952 thoughts on “#50PRECIOUSWORDS 2021 is Officially OPEN!”

  1. Dancing After Drought (50 words)
    By Sarah K. Rose

    Grandpa waits for rain.
    Grandma prays.
    A drought is hard.
    Grandpa checks the crops. All wilting.
    Farming is never easy.
    Grandma and I slip on swimsuits.
    “Have faith,” Grandma says.
    Clouds appear. Rain comes.
    Together, we spin through showers, prance in puddles.
    Grandpa watches and smiles.
    Grandma is always right.

    Liked by 20 people

  2. The Unlikely Hero

    by Priya Kumar

    Tiddlytoes, the cockroach, longed to be a pet.

    One look at him made people double back in disgust.

    He was heartbroken until the day Leyla chose him with heartfelt love.

    As an aspiring biologist, she knew that cockroach legs were the inspiration behind her wonderfully light and flexible prosthetic hand!

    Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

    Liked by 14 people

      • Thank you so much! Yes, it is a mini version of a 1000+ words story that I am working on! 🙂

        Like

    • A cockroach as a pet for a budding biologist is brilliant and ripe for adventures.

      Like

      • Thank you! Actually the biologist choosing him is the end of his adventure- he tries many ideas to reach that point, with humourous results 😉 – Maybe, his next adventure as a loyal sidekick is just around the corner!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Leyla choosing him is the end of his pet mission adventure! He tries many ideas with unexpected results! Maybe, his next adventure (as a loyal sidekick) is just around the corner 😃

        Like

    • It clearly takes an educated individual to appreciate the beauty of a cockroach! Thank you for the education!

      Like

      • Thank you 🙂 – actually this idea struck when I encountered a cockroach in my backyard. I was afraid of him and looked like he was afraid of me – suddenly a question formed “do people keep cockroaches as pets?” Did a cursory Google search and I was hooked! Cockroaches are truly amazing 🙂 – writing a full length story about them now.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you! But, this is just one dimension. From assisting in disaster relief, to scientific breakthroughs, cockroaches are truly multi-faceted! 🙂

        Like

    • This is so clever, Priya! You’re making me feel something besides hatred toward these critters that find their way into our apartment, no matter how hard I try to get rid of them, ha!

      Like

      • I don’t blame you! Household cockroaches are actually pests and you are justified in hating them! We think that they are dirty, but the fun fact I learnt is that they clean themselves frequently, especially if humans touch them 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you! It was such a revelation to learn this fact 🙂

        I am a commerce graduate…not too fond of science. But, sat through hours of science documentaries, just to gather facts for this story 🙄😂

        Like

    • Oh my gosh – I chuckled ad “Tiddlytoes”! What a great mash-up idea of “wanting to be chosen/adopted and a cockroach. As well as a child with a prosthetic hand viewing a cockroach as a hero. … I hope you think about expanding this into an informational fiction picture book. It’s fascinating! Best of Luck.

      Like

      • Thank you so much Maria! Yes, I have plans to change it into a full length story 🙂

        About ‘Tiddlytoes’ – that name flashed in my mind when I encountered a cockroach in my backyard. Then found it literally translates to ‘small legs’ 😉

        Like

    • Hi Priya,
      So unexpected and an interesting idea for a story. You showed me with your words that even the smallest living things are important and can make a difference.

      Like

      • Thank you 🙂 – Every living thing is worthy, but it has taken me years to realise that! I am from India and we have a proverb ‘even a tiny speck has its use’

        Like

  3. LAUGHTER IS
    by Kimberly Lee
    (50 words)

    Laughter is young.
    Laughter is old.
    Laughter is nervous.
    Laughter is bold!

    Laughter is silent.
    Laughter is shared.
    Laughter is loud
    (but sometimes, it’s scared).

    Laughter can hurt.
    Laughter can heal.
    Laughter needs no words to feel.

    Laughter is frantic!
    Laughter is fun!

    Laughter grows quiet once nighttime has come.

    Liked by 33 people

  4. Love (50 words)
    by Nadine Holland

    “What is love?” Asked the Brain.

    “Love is laughter,” said the Lips.

    “Love is excitement,” said the Eyes.

    “Love is holding,” said the Hands.

    “Love is softness,” said the Skin.

    “Love is hope,” said the Heart.

    “So, love is anything?” Asked the Brain.

    “No,” said the Soul, “it is EVERYTHING.”

    Liked by 35 people

  5. The Kindergarten Train
    By
    Christine Marie Alemshah

    When the kindergarten train whistle sounds — Choo! Choo!
    Will you be ready?

    “All aboard!”

    Along the way, you’ll pick up new friends. They’ll have lunch boxes, backpacks, and smiles – just like you.

    Finally, you reach your destination.

    “Choo-Choo!” your teacher will say. “Your kindergarten adventure is about to begin.”

    Liked by 17 people

  6. CUPCAKE WANTS SPACE PLEASE! | (48 Words)
    By Catherine Catcho

    Overheated from the oven.

    Space please!

    Outrageously dressed.

    Space please!

    The event’s main attraction.

    Space please!

    So when aliens crashed the party, Cupcake found a ride to a cold, quiet and roomy place.

    Space please!

    Her outfit was snug, warm and ridiculous.

    But she was over the moon.

    Liked by 19 people

  7. My Heart-Shaped Cake by Deborah Holt Williams
    No heart-shaped pan. But–what’s that there?
    One pan round, one pan square…
    I know exactly what to do!
    I cut the circle cake in two.
    Turn square to diamond, then with love
    Arrange half-circle cakes above.
    When frosting covers every part,
    My cake will be a perfect heart!

    Liked by 22 people

  8. WHAT’S ON YOUR HEAD?
    By Sheila Schmotzer

    Ian has a backpack.

    Ferryman asks, What’s in your backpack?

    Ian doesn’t tell him.

    But… inside’s a crab.

    Doorman asks, What’s in your backpack?

    Ian doesn’t tell him.

    But… inside’s a goat.

    Florist asks, What’s in your backpack?

    Ian shows her a monkey.

    Ian asks,

    Hey, what’s on your head?

    Liked by 14 people

  9. RAIN
    by Debra Daugherty

    “The rain frightens me,” said Duck.

    “Rain makes puddles,” said Hen.

    “Rain sounds loud and scary.”

    Splash!

    “Make it stop!” shrieked Duck.

    “Without the rain, there’d be no flowers or rainbows.”

    “No puddles? No flowers or rainbows?” asked Duck.

    “Yes,” said Hen.

    “Rain brings wonderful gifts. I’m not afraid anymore.”

    Liked by 14 people

  10. ‘No peas, please!’ (50 words)
    By Marzieh Abbas

    Fish pie! Yum-yum-yummy.
    Crust all crunchy,
    potatoes all silky,
    cheese all stringy.

    But peas, why peas?
    What to do with these?

    One pea here, one pea there
    peas more peas, make a square.
    Mama shoots me a glare.
    Buddy snorts, under my chair.
    Why yes! Of course, I can share.

    Liked by 24 people

  11. BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
    by Kathleen Latlip

    “It’s a Girl!” they all cheered on the day I was born.
    Wrapped so tightly in pink, much too small to forewarn. 
    And with each passing month, my first word coming fast.
    Then I smiled, it was time that they knew me at last.
    “Boy!”

    Liked by 16 people

  12. Foodie Faire (49 Words)
    By Gennie Gorback

    Fish flop,
    Knives chop.

    Doughs tumble,
    Tummies rumble.

    Hello, Foodie Faire.

    Chefs grin,
    Shawarmas spin.

    Sauces ooze,
    What to choose?

    Exciting, Foodie Faire.

    Eggs crack,
    Tortillas smack.

    Find a chair,
    Let’s all share!

    Yummy, Foodie Faire.

    Noodles slurp,
    Excuse the burp.

    Eating’s done,
    That was fun!

    Bye-bye, Foodie Faire.

    Liked by 29 people

  13. ROSE THE RED BLOOD CELL (50 Words)
    By Natalie Morales

    Rose Beatrice Celli is a red blood cell lady boss.
    She zooms through an OUCH.
    It’s swollen, red and painful.
    Rose is a warrior…
    Go germs Go!
    Heal cells Heal!
    “OUCH!”
    The pain makes Rose shiver.
    Go germs Go!
    Heal cells Heal!
    ZAM!
    See that hard, red layer?
    “Phew …Done!”

    Liked by 16 people

  15. DAY OFF
    By Mindy SK
    (48 Words)

    Zebras and elephants
    carried the poles.
    Monkeys and lions
    carried two moles.

    Warthogs carried buckets.
    Giraffes carried bait.
    Gator had the watch,
    so they weren’t late.

    “Gone fishing!” Read a note.
    Now, what is there to do?
    Let’s see who’s at the beach.
    No animals at the zoo.

    Liked by 18 people

  16. CAT (25 words)
    by Sarah Dollar

    Every day at half past three
    I have to feed my cat his tea.

    Today I didn’t feed my cat.
    My pet fish regretted that.

    Liked by 21 people

  17. I stroked Grandma’s hands the last time I saw her. They felt cold so I put my woolly gloves on them. She moved her fingers a bit I think. And when I whispered ‘I love you’ in her ear, I saw a little smile so I’m sure she heard me .

    Liked by 13 people

  18. Vivian–how is it time for 50 Precious Words already?!? This is one of my favorite yearly contests. Thank you to the judges, prize contributors, and especially you for making the magic happen once again. – Carrie

    MAYOR BOODLER THE SNOLLYGOSTER
    by Carrie Karnes-Fannin

    Half-snake, half-bird, all politician—
    Mayor Boodler had his claws full.

    Niceville’s do-gooders
    were impossible.

    Pockets picked?
    “Fun magic tricks, Mayor!”

    Bank holdup? Hands in the air,
    their disco went for days.

    “Ugh, enough!”
    Packing his bamboozles, Boodler slithered away.

    Niceville’s do-gooders high-fived and cheered.

    “One more snollygoster
    out of here!”

    Blog post link:
    https://www.carriekarnesfannin.com/the-endpapers/50preciouswords-2020

    Liked by 13 people

  19. Mouse is Scared, Catherine L Owen

    Mouse woke up, scared
    Darkness
    Her heart beat loudly
    Darkness
    Mouse struck a match
    The match flared
    Darkness shrank back
    Mouse lit her tiny candle stub
    Blew out the match
    The candle flame stretched upwards
    Flickering
    The warm glow filled the tiny room
    Darkness fled
    Mouse took up her book

    Liked by 15 people

  20. WAITING IN THE CAR (50 words)
    By Costantia Manoli

    At first it was all good.
    We sang songs – mom too!
    We played ‘I-Spy’!
    Mollie cheated, so I cried.
    Then Molly cried.
    Mom nearly cried too.
    Mom pulled her shoe off and snaked her socked foot.
    Something beginning with ‘S’!
    We sniggered at our snake feet till dad came back!

    Liked by 9 people

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