***Update November 12th***
We’re pretty close to having the finalist list, but even if it was ready in a couple hours, that wouldn’t give enough time to vote today and I have previously scheduled blog posts for Tuesday Debut tomorrow and Would You Read It Wednesday on Wednesday, so the finalist list will be posted on Thursday November 15th. Apologies for the delay, but there were a LOT of good entries and the judging process has been harrowing! 🙂
***Update November 5th***
So sorry everyone but the other judges and I need more time – my fault not their’s. Work deadlines, family needs, and 234 wonderful entries from you guys that all deserve careful and thoughtful consideration mean that I’m just not able to post finalists today. I will get them up as soon as I possibly can but I think Wednesday or Thursday is likely. Sorry for the delay!
Wool of bat and howlet’s wing! It’s time for . . .
The 8th Annual Halloweensie Contest!!!!!
~ for children’s writers ~
aahhhrrrooooOOOOO!!!!!
The Contest: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in the 100 words), using the words shiver, cauldron, and howl. Your story can be scary, funny, or anything in between, poetry or prose, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!) Get it? Halloweensie – because it’s not very long and it’s for little people 🙂 (And yes, I know 100 words is short, but that’s part of the fun and the challenge! We got 235 fantastic entries last year, so I know you can do it!) Also, you may use the words in any form – e.g. shivery, cauldrons, howling, whathaveyou 🙂 NO ILLUSTRATION NOTES PLEASE! (And yes, you may submit more than one entry if you’re so inclined 🙂 )
Post: your story on your blog between right now this very second and Wednesday October 31st by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list below. There will be no Perfect Picture Book or Would You Read It posts for the duration of the contest so the links will stay up for everyone to visit and enjoy. If you don’t have a blog and would like to enter, you can simply copy and paste your entry in the comments section below (please include your byline, especially if your posting handle is something like AwesomeWriter92 so I can identify you.) If you have difficulty posting in the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com and I’ll post it for you. Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title and byline at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS!
Please Note: although you are welcome to submit more than one entry, please only post each entry ONCE! If you post it on your blog (preferred method) everyone will come visit you and you’ll make new friends! 🙂 If you don’t have a blog, post it in the comment section below. If you’re unable to post, please email me with your entry and byline in the body of the email. Please DO NOT post on your blog, and in the comments, and send me an email to post. It makes things confusing!
P.S. Although I try to stay glued to my computer 24/7 I am sometimes forced to leave my desk. If you haven’t commented on my blog before, your comment won’t show up until I approve it. It may take a little while if I’m away from my desk. Likewise, if you send me an entry to post, I promise I will do it as soon as I can!
The Judging: in a grueling marathon over the following days, my devoted assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 top choices (hee hee hee – you know how much trouble I have with only 3, so we’ll see) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Monday November 5th (sooner if possible, later if necessary!) The winner will be announced on Thursday November 8th, good lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise 🙂 If we get more than 25 entries, I will post 6 finalists and give prizes for 1st – 3rd. If by some chance we get the kind of turnout we’ve had the past couple years, I may post as many as 10-12 finalists and I’ll probably end up giving everyone a prize 🙂 But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it!
Judging criteria will be as follows:
- 1. Kid-appeal! – These stories are intended for a young audience (ages 12 and under), so we’re looking for stories that children will enjoy and relate to.
- 2. Halloweeniness – the rules state a Halloween story, so it must be crystal clear that the story is about Halloween, not just some random spooky night.
- 3. Quality of story – entries must tell a story, including a main character of some kind and a true story arc even if it’s tiny 🙂 Entries must not be merely descriptions or mood pieces.
- 4. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best 🙂 Overall writing quality and use of language are also important.
- 5. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another.
The Prizes: (it is currently 1:40AM and I’m at the stage where I’m going to make mistakes, so I will finish posting the prize list properly in the morning. Apologies for the delay!)
First, the amazingly awesome prize I promised!
– Skip The Slushpile with Editor Hannah Lambert of Little Simon!!!
The lucky winner of this prize will get to place the picture book manuscript of his/her choice directly into editor Hannah Lambert’s hands! (In case you are wondering, Hannah is the editor of all 4 of my books in the WHEN YOUR… series.) Hannah will read the manuscript and then send you an email to let you know she’s read your story. She will include a brief mention of something she likes, and something you can work on. (Not a full critique.) Of course what makes this prize so incredible is that if you send her a really, really good manuscript the dream could come true! 🙂 So good luck to whoever wins this! Hannah is particularly interested in mss with a very low word count, and always has an eye out for excellent holiday stories.
(with thanks to Tania Guarino for thinking up the idea of skipping the slush pile!)
– several picture book manuscript critiques from amazing critiquers (details to come – I need to spread my generous volunteers out over 3 contests, so, planning…)
– a personalized signed copy of NOT SO SCARY JERRY by the wonderful and gifted Shelley Kinder
– Bundle Of Books – assorted PBs, MGs, YAs (details to come) – generously donated by KidLit411
– an e-pub or PDF copy (winner’s choice) of Linda Ashman‘s Nuts And Bolts Guide To Writing Picture Books. OR paperback of Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication.
Please join me again in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N or anywhere else if you like them, or supporting them in any other way you can dream up 🙂
Now then. Time for my sample entry which I finished at 1:30 AM and provide because I would never ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. Also, in case anyone is worried about the quality of their entry they have only to read my truly horrific attempt to be filled with confidence that their’s is MUCH better!
Tricky Witches (100 words)
On a dark All Hallow’s night,
Shivering with cold and fright,
Tiny trick-or-treaters dare
To approach the witches’ lair.
Past the lighted edge of town
Black-cloaked witches stand around.
Something sticky, thick, and hot
Bubbles in their potion pot.
“Come and get it!” witches lure.
“It’ll warm you up for sure!”
Ghostly howls warn, “Stay away!
Don’t be fooled by the bouquet!
Cauldron’s contents might smell sweet,
But that’s trickery, not treat!”
Little candy-hunters flee!
Plan has worked out perfectly.
Witches cackle gleefully,
“Now there’s more for you and me!”
Final check, the brew is done.
“Fresh hot chocolate anyone?”
Now then, darlings! Is everyone feeling better about their way-better-than-that! stories? I certainly HOPE so! 🙂
I can’t wait to read all of your entries! I’m so looking forward to them! I hope there will be a lot – the more the merrier! And there are still nearly 5 days to write, so you have time if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!
Contest Entrants, remember to add your post-specific link to the google form below so we can all come read your awesome stories! (Post-specific means not your main blog url, but the actual url of the post that has your story in it – otherwise if you post again before the contest ends, your link will take readers… and judges!… to the wrong place!)
Eager Readers – just go along the list of links, click on them, and enjoy the stories!
Happy Writing and Happy Halloween!!! 🙂 🎃
Susanna Leonard Hill 
STAGE FRIGHT (98 words)
By: Michelle Klump
With a shriek of delight,
Ghost was ready to go.
It was Halloween night,
nearly time for the show.
Werewolf tested his howl.
Cauldron bubbled and boiled.
Goblin practiced her prowl.
Mummy’s wrappings were coiled.
A slight breeze in the air
made little Ghost shiver.
The harvest moon’s glare
caused his poor nerves to quiver.
He’d forgotten his line,
didn’t know what to say
to send chills up the spine
of those passing his way.
Was it ‘Hey,’ or ‘Hello’?
Ghost knew those wouldn’t do.
How ‘bout you? Do you know
what a ghost should say? … BOO!
Interactive and fun. Good luck!
Oh, the pressure of getting it right on the big night! I’m sure little Ghost rose to the occasion! Thanks for another great entry, Michelle!
Nice bouncy rhythm, Michelle…I felt like I was marching out to go trick or treating!
Wish I had time to read and comment on all of these! These entries are great! Way to go everyone! And Susanna, writing a 100 word story was SUPER challenging. I hope you are sitting back with some popcorn cackling at your own cleverness!
Dusty Bones Has No Guts
100 words
By: Andrea Walker
Every 31st of October, Dusty Bones digs out of his grave and clips a bow-tie atop his sternum, dressing for the Halloween bash. His spine shivers with excitement. Or was it nerves? Dusty stiffens, barely holding his bones together. Cauldron drums boom and the howling wind sings a jumpy tune. His kneecaps wobble. Not from the music, but three ghosts heading towards him. No spirits or apparitions haunted here. Worse-his biggest fear, children in costume. “Trick-or-treat,” the tiny beings say, locking eye sockets with Dusty. His bones betray him, jumping apart and tumbling back into his grave until next Halloween.
Poor Dusty…maybe next year?? Really a fun story!
Cute. And I love the name.
Maybe next Halloween, Dusty Bones will find some ‘guts’ to give him courage to enjoy the festivities. Poor Dusty Bones. Cute story!
Fun story, great name, nice creative use of the words, Andrea! And you made me feel sorry for poor Dusty :). Well done in such a tight word count! Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
Very unique…this is good…hope he get to go trick or treating next year. 🙂
Who’s The Scariest
by Mona Pease 97 words
Cauldrons were steaming
that black spooky night
when goblins slipped out
determined to fright.
First said, “I’m scary. What do you think?”
He dangled three eyeballs and made those things blink.
Second one said, “I’m scarier than you.”
He dangled six eyeballs,
made those things blink,
then hollered his eeriest Bibiliboooooooooooooooooo.
Third said I’m scariest. I’ll make you shiver
She dangled nine eyeballs,
made those things blink,
hollered an eerie Bibiliboooooooooooooooooo.
Her brains bubbled over but nobody quivered.
Then out of the darkness
came howls, echoes and Hooooo.
Goblins froze like mummies!
What else could they do?
Hard to say who is the scariest…they’re all pretty scary! Nice job!
Love that you chose goblins to write about; they are often misunderstood. Great story
Great job writing a cumulative story in such a tight space, Mona! Love how they all try to outdo each other…only to be freaked out by something else! Perfectly spooky and Halloween-y! Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
Oh my gosh, Mona…all those dangling eyeballs…great job!!!
Chef Crone
Diana Lynn Gibson
98 Words
The famous Chef Crone must make dinner tonight.
But what could she brew that would fright, yet delight?
“A shivery stew will be perfect!” she howled.
She zoomed to her cauldron, stopped short and then growled.
The snakes, frogs and lizards sat where they should sit.
But gone was the thing needed most – every bit!
This nebulous froth was both relished and prized.
Her “Dead Dragon Drool” had been filched, she surmised.
And WHO might have pilfered this savory slobber?
She knew right away the true name of the robber.
How could this be true?
The hoodwinker’s – YOU!
Love that you make the reader the robber! Clever twist!
Thanks Judy!
Great poem! Love that you bring in the reader at the end. Good luck!
Love that you involve the reader as the culprit! Good luck!
Ah! A mystery in 98 words! Well done Diana! And I love that you make the culprit the reader – nicely done! Thanks for another great entry!
Calling All Witches!
Anne Sawan
Calling all witches! Something must be done!
Halloween has become all about fun!
The witch from the North brought frost. The South, weeds from the sea.
West threw in bags of litter, then East poured in a cup of black tea.
The evil crones cackled as they stirred round their stew,
eager to see the horror that would surely come from their brew.
The cauldron suddenly shivered and up rose a great cloud,
raining chocolate candy down onto the crowd.
“Oh no!” Howled the witches. “What are these horrible sweets?
It seems our wicked trick has turned into Halloween treats!”
What a bad surprise for a witch!!!
Serves those nasty witches right! Fun rhyming story!
Jokes on the witches! This is a fun poem to read. Good luck!
Oh, the poor witches! Foiled in their attempts to return Halloween to spookiness! Creative and fun, Anne! Thanks for joining in the contest!
Thanks for another fun contest, Susanna! These are becoming one of my favorite Halloween traditions 🙂
HALLOWEEN DINNER (100 words)
By Sara Gentry
The wind howled outside, rattling the window panes.
I finished putting on my Frankenstein makeup.
A little wind couldn’t stop me from Trick-or-Treating.
Whooooo – ooooooo – ssssshhhhhh.
I shivered.
“Dinner!” Mom called.
I entered the kitchen. Mom stirred a pot on the stove – like a witch with her cauldron.
She handed me a bowl of slop.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“It’ll keep you warm tonight,” she said.
I examined my dinner, poking the shapeless mass.
I didn’t know what it was, yet it seemed familiar.
Then the horror of it hit me.
Mom made the spookiest Halloween dinner – last night’s leftovers.
Love it, Sara. Leftovers can get pretty spooky at our house!
Haha! Love this leftover story. My mom did the same thing to me as a kid. Sometimes the concoction was a hit but often, it was a miss. and I carried on the same tradition with my kids. 🙂 Good luck, Sara!
Hahaha, Sara! You made me laugh! I was not expecting left-overs – something scarier or more disgusting – but…is there anything scarier or more disgusting? You nailed it 🙂 Thanks for a fun entry!
Hahaha…but I LOVE leftovers…although probably didn’t when I was a kid. Great job, Sara!
Tis the Season(ing)
by Judy Sobanski
94 words
The cauldron steamed with witchy brew,
an eye of newt and bat-winged stew.
The cold outside crept through her bones.
As she stirred the old witch groaned,
“I’ll drink this stew to calm my pains,
and send some warmth throughout my veins.
I rode upon my broom tonight,
sent shivers of horrific fright.
Now I need to laze, unwind—
escape from all of humankind.”
She gulped the stinking stew so foul,
but soon let forth a tortured howl.
She grabbed her throat, gasped for air,
Yanked her long, black, stringy hair…
“Hmm…needs more salt!”
The unexpected ending made me laugh out loud:-)
The ending made me laugh 😂 Good luck!
Love it!
Fantastic witchy poem Judy! And the ending was perfect. 🙂
Haha – really fun Judy! Well done!
Hahaha! Great surprise ending, Judy! Poor witch – after her hard night, she shouldn’t have to suffer with under-salted stew :). Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
Judy…this is awesome…love your rhyme and the story concept is so cute…and the surprise ending is perfect!!
Cute – It’s all in the seasoning!
Itchy, Ditchy, and Twitch
(100 words)
by
Pat Finnegan
One Halloween night, with no candy in sight,
Itchy witch itched,
Twitchy witch twitched,
and Ditchy witch fell in a ditch.
Then,
Ditchy Witch howled, “We’re rich!”
“Why?” asked Itchy and Twitch.
“Come see,” howled Ditchy the Witch.
So,
In jumped Itchy and Twitch,
Who shivered and shimmied around the ditch,
For the ditch wasn’t really a ditch,
But
A cauldron that looked like a ditch.
“Halloween candy!” howled each witch,
“In a cauldron that looks like a ditch!”
So,
Before you knew which witch was which,
Three witches became candy-rich,
Thanks to a cauldron that looked like a ditch.
Such fun language and wordplay! Great job!
Fun tongue twister! Oh, the imagery I visualized as I read this story. Good luck!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Judy and Traci!
What a fun, circular, tongue-twister, Pat! And how nice for the witches that they became candy-rich in spite of earlier indications that they’d get none! Thanks for another fun entry!
I used to hate it when I forgot my lines!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JEANNIE
A Witch is in the Kitchen!
By Jeannie Angelos
One Halloween night I heard a sound that made my legs quiver.
It was clear as day, a witch’s cackle, that made my whole-body shiver.
I saw a cauldron stirring from the shadow on the wall.
Is there a witch in my kitchen? Who should I call?
Next, I heard a howl, a squeak, and a boo.
What on earth was a scared little boy to do?
It was then I dared to be so brave, and peer around the wall.
Phew! It was just my Grandma making soup after all!
Isn’t is it amazing how commonplace things can suddenly take on an aura of spookiness when it’s Halloween! I’m glad it was only Grandma! Thanks for joining in the contest fun, Jeannie!
Avocado and Toast
by Rebecca Thill
In the Kingdom of Kitcherona, the Breads and Fruits did not get along.
Avocado couldn’t resist going to King Brioche’s Halloween bash.
White, orange and yellow paint gave him the perfect costume.
“Candy Corn, come play with me,” yelled a square-shaped Monster.
They howled at the moon and bobbed for apples in a cauldron.
Paint dripped everywhere.
Avocado shivered.
“Please don’t tell the King. He’ll turn me into guacamole!”
The Monster removed its mask.
It was Toast, the daughter of King Brioche!
She grabbed Avocado and . . .
gave him her mask.
“Some friends are destined to be together.”
This is hilarious!
Very funny and original!
Aye aye that be gut-bustin’ funny
Very creative! Good luck!
Original, funny, and creative, Rebecca! So believably typical that one might forget the water in the apple bobbing tub would wreak havoc with a painted face! And Avocado and Toast were certainly destined to be friends! Thanks for a joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KAREN
The Scary Costume
by Karen Carson
“I will not wear that costume. It’s too scary.”
“Stop howling and put on your costume.”
“No, it’s making me shiver.”
“I’ll warm up the cauldron and brew you some soothing tea. Now put on your costume.”
“Too scary.”
“If you don’t put on your costume, we can’t go trick-or-treating.”
“Trick-or-treating? You mean it’s Halloween! That’s different. Halloween is supposed to be scary. I’ll put on my costume.”
“There, I’m all ready to go. What’s the matter? Why aren’t you coming? Why are you shivering?
“Your costume’s too scary!”
What a clever switch at the end!
Karen, This cracked me up. I’ve known children who only wore non-scary costumes and this child was brave enough to try it! Love the ending too.
Cute story with a great turn-around ending, Karen! Plus you surprised me – I was expecting your MC to turn out to be a little goblin or ghoul dressing up as a fairy princess or something that kids wouldn’t think scary, but a goblin would! So nice job!
Trick-or-Treat
(written by, Amy Bryant)
I waved my wand into the air, howling, “Begone goblin, you will not scare!”
The goblin laughed in glee, singing, “Your spells won’t work on me.
I’ve put a wrench into your plans, your cauldron now is filled with cans!”
Looking into my cauldron I saw, there was no candy in there at all.
“You, naughty goblin with shivery grin. Naughty goblin, you will not win!”
The goblin just winked at me and said, “Go look behind that tree.”
Doing as the goblin bid, around the tree my candy hid.
“Trick-or-Treat!” he said to me. “Now, let’s get more candy!”
What a tricky little goblin! So glad to read, the goblin was also planning a treat.
Thank you! As I was writing it, my little DD kept asking me – “And then what happened? And then what happened?” She was happy with the outcome too.
Clever goblin! He knew just what to do to get more candy. Wish I had him for a friend when I was a kid an trick-or-treated.
Thank you!!
What a tricky little goblin! Can’t trust them for a second! And what a way to get more candy! Thanks for another fun entry, Amy!
Thank you again! Love reading all these entries.
Lots of fun, Amy! I need to stop reading these…I’m getting hungry for candy!!
Thank you! All of these entries are so wonderful and really help put one into the spirit of things! 🙂
ENTRY #2 POSTED FOR KAREN
Three Little Pumpkins
by Karen Carson
Three little pumpkins sat on their heads.
Mama Pumpkin told them, “Go to your beds.”
“Not tonight,” said the first little pumpkin. “I’m shivering with fright.”
“It’ll be dark soon,” said the second. “I’ll howl at the moon.”
“It’s Halloween,” said the third. “And I’m a scary queen.”
“Burrrr!” said the first little pumpkin.
“Awooo!” said the second.
“Booo!” said the third.
Mama Pumpkin filled the cauldron with bubbly water and gave them each a bath.
And the three little pumpkins went to their beds and fell asleep at last.
A sweet story, Karen. I enjoyed it. I love the cauldron being used as a warm bath.
AW! Cute and sweet, Karen! A warm bath is just the thing for getting little pumpkins to settle down :). And I bet the first one (the shivery one) was extra glad of it 🙂 Thanks for another fun entry!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KATHY
OH DRAT!
Tabitha’s cauldron is full to the brim.
A spell to be cast at her spirited whim.
She stirs as she chants with uncanny howls.
“Snake skin, bat wings and beak of an owl!”
With a high pitched cackle and shiver of glee,
“It’s now time to be the beautiful me!”
She scoops up some potion , takes a slog of green glog,..
When she looks in the mirror there she sees a big frog!
OH DRAT!
Funny! Happy Halloween!
Hahaha! Brilliant story! And I love, ‘slog of green glog…’.
OH DRAT! 🐸 A fun story!
Oh, dear! Poor Tabitha! No one likes a back-firing potion! On the other hand, maybe a frog is more beautiful than she started out 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun, Kathy!
Ha…so funny…sometimes things don’t turn out the way we hope. 😉 Well done, Kathy!
ENTRY #3 POSTED FOR KAREN
Witchy, the Transylvanian Sheepdog
by Karen Carson
Witchy, the Transylvanian Sheepdog, moved into the neighborhood last year—into the house people said was haunted.
She had green fur, red eyes, and a wart on her nose.
She did not bark, but went “Cackle, Cackle, Cackle” and howled at the moon.
The kids on the block shivered and ran away when they saw her.
But on Halloween, all of that changed.
Witchy was waiting on the front porch with a giant cauldron filled with candy.
And she greeted every trick-or-treater with a swish-swish-swish of her broomstick-like tail.
Nothing like a giant cauldron of candy to overcome the shivers! Love that Witchy appears to be a mixed breed critter – part witch, part werewolf, with the personality (at least on Halloween) of a plain old sheepdog 🙂 Thanks for another fun entry, Karen!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LUCRETIA
Fright School
by Lucretia Schafroth
(word count: 100)
Monster Academy vibrated with excitement—werewolves howled, zombies lumbered and witches muttered spells. Eyre couldn’t wait to go spooking on Halloween—if the little ghost could finally pass her levitation test during Fright Finals. Each year, she’d hovered closer to—but couldn’t reach—the minimum altitude requirement.
Eyre shivered with anticipation. Next to her, a little witch practiced her incantation:
Teeny-weeny Halloweenies,
Monsters, ghouls and creepy meanies…
Some are big but I’m so small,
Make this witch a lot more tall!
Her cauldron brewed, potion spewed…Eyre got splashed. POOF!
Next! Eyre floated forward—and easily passed the test…
TRICK-OR-TREAT!
Nice job, Lucretia! Very cute!
Cute, Lucretia! Sounds like everyone needs a little work on their skills 🙂 Love Eyre’s name – perfect for a little ghost who wants to get up in the air 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR AMY
Amy Arguello Richardson
Ghosts, Witches and Wolves, Oh No!
One night we were walking, then a ghost said, “Boo!”.
Run! Run! I said to my brother.
We ran to a house, but would never go in!
But we saw the door open, it was a witch leaving, her cauldron boiling behind her.
Run! Run! I said to my brother.
Now near a street light, we look toward a field.
Are those wolves? Suddenly, howling!
Run! Run! I said to my brother.
Finally home and panting. Mom says, “Are you two too tired for trick or treating?”
Wwwwwwhhhhaaattt?!
Oh yeah! See brother! I told you it was Halloween!
🎃
Hahaha! Halloween is spooky enough when you KNOW it’s Halloween! Imagine how much scarier when you don’t! Love this tale – the opposite of one of the others where the trick-or-treaters were a week early! Thanks for joining in the fun, Amy!
GRANDMA’S SECRET
By Susie Sawyer
“Don’t do it!” Anna shouted.
Elliot jumped and yanked his hand off the doorknob.
“Why? What does Grandma keep in there?”
“You don’t want to know,” Anna warned. “Spooooooky things.”
“No. This time, you’re not scaring me,” said Elliot.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Anna strolled away, laughing.
A twist, a push, the door creaked open.
“Halloween night. No big deal. Not scared.”
Stale air howled through the opening. Shivering, Elliot peeked in.
In the moonlight, Elliot saw the silhouette of a witch next to a steaming cauldron.
“Come in, child,” said a familiar voice.
“Grandma!? . . . Is that you?”
I like the tension in your story. Spooky! I´m glad the witch turned out to be grandma.
Thank you!!
Ooh! Suspenseful and spooky, Susie! I thought the door was going to reveal Grandma’s spa facials or something that a boy would fine revolting 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
Oh thank you, Susanna! How cool would it be to have your Grandma be a (secret) witch!? 🙂
Extremely cool! 🙂
Oh my goodness…lots of drama…I wondered who it would be, susie. 😉
Hi Vivian! Thanks for reading my story! 🙂
TRANSYLBIRDIA
By Debbie Lee
(word count: 92)
Tucked in a tree high on a branch
a cauldron starts to bubble
And one by one birds dip their beaks
into this brewing trouble
Chickens who once clucked all day
begin to howl and shiver
And eggs that once were white and smooth
turn black and smell like liver
Hummingbirds that once were tiny
grow to three feet tall
And robins glow an eerie green
Hunting worms to maul
But as the end of Halloween
begins to creep so near
Once again the beasts are birds
At least until next year…
Wow, Debbie! Very original, creative and CREEPY! 🙂 I don’t think I want to meet a 3 foot hummingbird or get anywhere near a black egg that smells like liver! You gave me the shivers! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LINDA
Little Bat’s First Halloween Journey
by Linda Kuhn
Howling wind! Prowling ghosts!
Yowling black cats! It is Halloween night!
Little Bat shivered as she and Mama Bat swooped down along the tree-lined sidewalk in the light of the full moon.
Witches on brooms, a mummy, and a pirate were going from house to house.
The little bat flew after a skeleton and a scarecrow to a spooky house hidden behind some pines at the end of the street. Glowing jack-o’-lanterns lined the porch, where a cackling witch was dumping apples into a cauldron of water.
“You’re funny, Grandma,” said Little Bat as she began bobbing for an apple!
Hahaha, Linda! All that spooky set-up for a funny ending – nicely done! Cute story! Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
Tania Guarino
100 Word Halloween Contest Entry
MISCHIEF NIGHT
by
Tania Guarino
It’s Mischief Night, and leaves start to stir…
near a yard, by the gate, waits a skeleton chauffeur.
Google-eyed gremlins and goblins appear,
in ghoul shades of green, bringing Halloween cheer.
Decked in the finest of party attire,
comes a witch, a warlock, and then…a vampire!
They cruise through town, when it’s just after dark,
with a cauldron of treats, for fun at the park.
Zombies and mummies and every last ghost,
drink from the fountain and play leap-the-post!
A werewolf howls! I shiver in fright,
while they dance and shriek in the moon’s glowing light.
Tania, I enjoyed your story. It’s original. I like the title and the opening of your story. I can picture the skeleton chauffeur and his mischievous friends cruising through town. It sounds like they are having fun in the park 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks a bunch, Corine!
Halloween is certainly a night of mischief, Tania, and you’ve described it perfectly, evoking a mood of spookiness (and fun!) 🙂 Thanks for joining in on Halloweensie!
Thank you so much, Susanna, then I’ve accomplished my goal, of mischief, spookiness, and FUN! So many fabulous entries! Good luck to all!
Well done, Tania…lots of great visuals to keep us on the edge of our seats. 😉
Thank you very much, Vivian!!
THE SCARIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
by Susie Sawyer
Painted faces.
Heartbeat races.
Trick-or-treat at spooky places.
Vampires,
villains,
ghosts galore –
follow me from door to door.
Cauldrons bubble.
Werewolves howl.
Ghouls and goblins stalk and prowl.
Caught in cobwebs,
swooping bats,
monsters, mummies, creepy cats!
Shivering!
Quivering!
What’s that slithering?
Witchy fingers, gnarled and withering.
All this spooky, scary, stuff –
Maybe I’m not brave enough!
Hold on.
STOP.
I’ll be just fine.
These spooks are all just friends of mine!
We’re dressed in costumes,
having fun.
Back to normal when we’re done.
I say good bye to all my fright
(but I’m still glad it’s just one night.)
Susie, nice job with your rhyming. Good luck in the contest!
Thank you so much!
Love it Susie! Nice job!
Thanks Jen!
Nice rhyme and not too spooky! Good luck!
Thank you!!
This is great! Halloween can be scary. I’m glad I can say goodbye to all my fright 🙂 Good luck!
Hee hee! Thanks Corine!
It is so easy on Halloween to let our imaginations run away with us! Luckily your little MC was able to remind herself that it’s all pretend and only for one night 🙂 Thanks for another fun entry, Susie!
Right! Thank you Susanna! I remember being more than a little freaked out by some of the costumes I’d run into on the streets as a kid. I remember my brother lifting his mask and reminding me they were all kids just like me. 🙂
Love your story, Susanna! Happy Halloweensie!
ENTRY POSTED FOR CASSANDRA
Pumpkin Sky
By Cassandra Clarcq
Pumpkin sky
Pumpkin moon
Flitting bats
Sing squeaky tunes
Hooting owl
Crooked tree
Shrieking sounds
Of the great banshee
Cackling witch
Cauldron’s brew
Curling tail
Cat’s midnight blue
Zombies roam
Monsters growl
Vampire
In his red-black cowl
Wafting ghosts
Graveyard’s stones
Mummies rise
To give a moan
Shivered bones
Rattled dance
Skeletons
Begin to prance
Werewolf’s howl
Their nighttime’s croon
To the pumpkin sky
And the pumpkin moon.
69 words
Very poetic, Cassandra! You did lovely job of evoking the mood of Halloween! Thanks for joining in the contest!
ENTRY POSTED FOR GYEONG
Halloween Punch
By Gyeong Moon
Ghosts and ghouls abound,
When Halloween comes round.
Creepy crawlies shout,
While witches prance about.
Goblins cackle, black cats hiss,
But werewolves are coughing— what’s amiss?
Too much howling, too much fun,
Chasing demons as they run.
Vampires suggest some Halloween punch.
But isn’t it too early? It’s almost lunch.
“Oh no,” says a mummy with delight.
“It’s never too early, the time’s just right!
Everyone knows that Halloween punch
Is the perfect drink for a spooky brunch.”
They pull out the cauldron, and each gets a cup.
Then they shiver with chills, as they all drink up.
Sounds like Halloween Punch is just the right thing for a bunch of busy little spooks, Gyeong! I think you’ll need to give us all the recipe 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR GAIL
Winifred Waited
On Halloween morning, Winifred Witch’s mama gave her a cauldron of her very own. Winifred vowed to carry it with her wherever she went.
That night at the witches’ annual Halloween meeting, the sign outside read:
LEAVE ALL CAULDRONS AT THE DOOR.
“No!” howled Winifred. Mama marched her inside.
Winifred shivered with rage. The witches paid her no mind.
Winifred held her breath and turned blue. The witches didn’t notice.
So Winifred watched a wooly worm.
She whistled a wistful tune.
She waited. Mama smiled.
“Meeting adjourned!”
Mama hugged Winifred.
Winifred hugged her cauldron — and carried it home.
How awful for Winifred to be separated from her new and very own cauldron. Luckily the break-up did not last very long and she managed to calm herself down. An original and sweet story.
Oh my goodness, Gail! It IS hard to part with something precious, especially when it’s new! Your story reminds me a little of Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse! Poor Winifred! I’m glad she didn’t have to wait too long to get it back! Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTD FOR JENNIFER
The Night of the Candy
It’s the night of the candy,
And I start to shiver.
Am I ready for this?
Can I deliver?
All year I sit on the shelf
And I wait for my chance.
Will I be able to howl?
Will I start to dance?
You see, I’m a cauldron
Owned by a witch!
I want to cast spells –
To help her bewitch.
But, this year’s no different,
As I guess I’m quite handy,
To do what I do –
And hold all the candy.
By Jennifer Hron
Ha! Poor cauldron 🙂 Very cute!
Clever to write from the cauldron’s POV, Jennifer! Poor guy – filled with self-doubt! But I think he’ll do the job just fine 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun, and for encouraging your girls to do it too!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ANNA
By Anna, age 11:
I shivered as the werewolf howled when he jumped out of the cauldron.
Nice job, Anna! I would shiver, too, if I saw a werewolf jump out of a cauldron!
A little scary story in few words. Well done, Anna.
Anna, I think you win the prize for telling a spooky story and meeting all the requirement in a mere 13 words! Well done 🙂
Awesome job getting all three required words in one sentence. Well done, Jennifer! And I hope you enter the #50PreciousWordsforKids challenge next May…you already know that magic happens when you make every word count!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELLA
By Ella, age 9:
One night I was going to a Halloween party. I started walking down a damp path through the woods to my friend’s house. I then heard a distant howl that sent a shiver down my spine. But, I kept on walking. Finally I reached my friend’s house. I tried to ignore the fact that there was a skeleton jumping out of a cauldron, so I walked into the house. Her mom led me to the back and then it happened…
Oh, Ella – You really know how to build suspense – Well done!
Ooh! Nice scene and mood setting, Ella! Good and spooky! And what a suspenseful ending! Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
Oh no! Then WHAT happened! I need to find out! Well done leaving us in suspense, Ella. Great job!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JANE
THE QUESTION OF THE CAT ON THE PUMPKIN AT HALLOWE’EN
Mitsy stared at Simon with witch-like eyes.
‘I’m in charge!’ she meowed.
‘I’m going to frighten you’ Simon shouted spookily.
Mitsy shivered.
‘Hah, I got you, I won.’
‘Oh no you didn’t. I’m going to live in that cauldron in the kitchen. Every time I jump out you will shiver. Meowhowl howl…’
‘Mum, come here. Mitsy’s turned into a witch’s cat.’ Mum came in, picked up Mitsy and put her in the garden.
Now who’s in charge? Who’s won? Mitsy, for frightening Simon, Simon for getting his mum involved, or his mum for dividing them up?
Funny and engaging. Nice story.
Original and thought provoking.
Good question, Jane! Who IS in charge?! Knowing cats as I do, I’m guessing it’s Mitsy… she’s just biding her time :). Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
THE HALLOWEEN SCHEME
By: Susan Schade (100 words)
The Halloween party was hopping.
Decorations draped the kitchen.
The cauldron contained a bubbling brew.
The sandwiches sat on a platter, plotting their escape.
The guests would be gobbling soon.
The thunder of footsteps shook the kitchen.
They heard hungry howls and the sandwiches shivered.
Huge hands hovered around them.
Salami screamed, “Don’t eat us, we’re WICHES!”
Laughter laced the air.
“Nice try, you’re SANDWICHES!”
Fingertips surrounded them.
Salami shouted, “WAIT! Do you know what kind of sandwiches we are?”
The costumed crowd was confused.
“We’re finger sandwiches.”
Guests groaned, “I don’t like fingers!”
And the smart sandwiches snuck away.
Love it Susan! Very clever! 🙂
Fun, creative, and original. My favourite sentence: Salami screamed, “Don’t eat us, we’re WICHES!”
Haha! What a clever bunch of sandwiches not to be thwarted! If Plan A doesn’t work, there’s always Plan B! :). Thanks for an original, creative and fun entry, Susan!
Really funny, Susan…clever and I love the ending!
ENTRY POSTED FOR NANCY
A Witch can Switch
I don’t like when people stare.
I don’t always like to scare.
People shiver and they howl
When they spot me with my owl.
Each Halloween I cry boo-hoo…
So this year I’ll try something new!
I’ll dress fluffy, with a plume,
And give free rides on my broom.
As we zoom across the night—
All will howl with delight.
And with my cauldron as a pot
I’ll serve treats that aren’t hot.
Then when the cold night finally ends
I’ll shiver with my brand new friends.
by Nancy Alpert
What a sweet ending, sharing shivers with new friends. I like this clever story and the title. Good luck!
Smart witch, Nancy! If at first you don’t like how things turn out, try Plan B! I think her new plan will work and she’ll have friends 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie high jinx!
ENTRY POSTED FOR BETH
Little Wolfs Howlween
Little wolf,it’s your big day!
Your friends are here to practice and play.
Howling to the moon, getting it just right.
It’s very important on this special night.
Little wolf just shut his eyes , tilted his head back,to his surprise,
A howl so long, and loud, and clear, came pouring out for all to hear!
All the witches gathered round, shivered and cheered to the sound.
Stirring their cauldron all bubbling hot, it smells so foul, what’s in that pot?
The full moon beamed a great big smile,
Howlweens now complete in witchy style!
Sounds like little wolf has his howl down to perfection, Beth! Thanks for sharing this cute story and for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
GORDIE GOBLIN’S POTION
by Jen Bagan
On Halloween morning Gordie Goblin awoke with an ACHOO!
“No!” he moaned. “I must do my fierce and frightening tricks tonight!”
Gordie headed out into the howling wind.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
“Winni Witch!” he shouted. “I need a healing potion!”
Winni ushered him in and did a quick examination.
“You need a strong brew indeed.”
Winni lit her cauldron while Gordie studied her shelves.
Cyclops lashes
Bat fur
Werewolf toenails
“Yuck!” he thought with a shiver.
Finally, Winni brought him a steaming goblet.
Gordie braced himself and took a sip.
“It’s … yummy!”
Winni smiled. “Chicken soup works every time!”
Winni to the rescue…with a secret soup. Love it!
I like the twist at the end. Chicken soup is always the best medicine! Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy!
Ahhhh – Chicken soup! It always makes me fee better, too:-)
Right? Thanks for stopping by, Patricia!
Haha! Great unexpected ending! Chicken soup does indeed cure all ills – no werewolf toenails required 🙂 Thanks for a creative, entertaining story, Jen!
Nice job, Jen. Everything’s better with chicken soup, right?
BUBBLE BUBBLE
by Jen Bagan
It was Halloween night and Winni Witch peered into her cauldron.
“No bubbles?!” she howled. “Not again!”
Winni tried a spell.
“Bubble, bubble, toil and … and what?”
She couldn’t remember.
Winni worked a hex.
“Eye of newt and toe of frog … wait is that right?”
She felt all mixed up.
Suddenly the doorknob started to rattle and turn.
Winni shivered with fright.
“Auntie, it’s Jimmy,” called a familiar voice. “Just checking on you.”
“Oh Jimmy,” she said. “My cauldron’s a dud.”
Jimmy took a look and smiled.
“Auntie,” he said. “Remember, you have to light it first?”
Poor Winni! She’s having a rough night! Thanks goodness Jimmy came to point out the obvious 🙂 Nicely written, kid-friendly and fun, Jen!
Nice job, Jen! Original and fun to read!
The Missing Treat (100 words)
by Cheryl Secomb
Thunder rattled the house.
Raccoon shivered. “What a delightfully spooky night!”
Soon costumed critters would be howling at his door.
Raccoon scanned the creepy-shaped sweets.
“Skeletons, spiders, bats . . . where’s the cauldron?”
Raccoon spotted a chocolate trail to Mouse’s small door. “Ah ha!”
Knock! Knock!
Mouse appeared. “Raccoon! Thank you for your thoughtful treat!”
Raccoon realized that the thunder had shaken the cauldron off the counter.
“It was for me, wasn’t it?”
“Of course, Neighbor!”
That night, Raccoon passed out creepy sweet treats.
Skeletons, spiders, bats . . .
but he kept a special cheese cauldron
from Mouse.
Aw! So sweet of Raccoon to play along with the accidental treat giving… or taking… Mouse might be more clever than his innocence makes him appear 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun, Cheryl! It’s lovely to hear from you!
Thanks for doing this—so much fun!
STIR THE POT 99 words
By Linda Staszak
“Gee Mom, can’t I do this inside on the stove?” grumbled Athena. “The rain keeps putting out the fire under your stupid caldron, and I’m cold.” She shivered but kept on stirring the bubbling pot.
Mom sighed. “On Halloween we have to use traditional methods.”
“Can you at least quiet the ghosts and goblins? I can’t hear my music with all that howling.”
“Double, double, toil and trouble…”
“Mom, don’t embarrass me.”
“Eye of newt and toe of frog…”
“Mo-o-o-m!”
Mom grumbled. “This younger generation has no appreciation for tradition.”
“Poisoned apples aren’t popular anymore. People give out candy.”
Love this, Linda! What a perfect interchange between daughter and mom! Love the eye-rolling and mom you’re embarrassing 🙂 GAH! The younger generation! Thanks for another fun entry!