Good morning, my little chickens!
Are things feeling a wee bit humdrum?
Is daily routine getting you down?
Does this look familiar?
Just as I suspected!
It seems we’ve all got a case of the I Haven’t Gone Anywhere Done Anything Seen Anyone For A Year So What The Heck Can I Write About Blues!
But don’t worry.
I can fix that! 😊
All that’s required is a little tomfoolery! A few high jinx and shenanigans to knock the K off of FUNK and get us back to good old F-U-N!
Who’s with me?
Give me a woo!
WOO!
Give me a hoo!
HOO!
What does that spell?
Well. . . technically it doesn’t actually spell anything, since neither woo nor hoo is a letter, but one way or another it comes out
WOOHOO!
Now! Let’s have some fun!
And fun in this instance is. . .
another round of the ever-popular, practically world famous
(Not a contest exactly… no room in the blog calendar, no time for judging, no gigantic prizes on offer…but still (hopefully!) tons of fun!)
Here’s how it works:
Starting today, each Monday until June 21st (which makes 7 Mondays total and will get us to the end of the school term) I will post a Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt for a 100 word story. Post your story in the comment section for that week’s challenge (or if you have trouble posting it, email it to me and I’ll post it for you.) At the end of the 7 weeks, everyone who has posted one story for each week’s prompt will
A) have 7 brand new stories to play with! (Who knows? Your next picture book or even chapter book or longer might be sparked by something you write for the Challenge!)
B) be able to take credit for entertaining lots of fellow writers and their kids (not to mention you’ll entertain yourself and your own kids!)
and
C) qualify to win a prize from the Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Mystery Bag of Marvelous Prizes for Writers! (Last year we managed to scare up enough prizes that all of the approximately 40 people who completed the challenge got something, but we’ll have to see how the available prizes stack up this year – if there aren’t enough for everyone who completes the challenge we’ll have to randomly draw winners until we run out of prizes, but you will still win A and B above!)
You can compete with yourself to see if you can write all 7 stories! You can compete with your writing friends to see if you can write more than they do! And if you want to get really competitive, you can all read the stories that are posted and “like” the ones you think are best and see who gets the most “likes” 😊 (If you do that there might be some special prizes…who can tell??? 😊)
When the going get’s humdrum, children’s writers beat the blues by playing writing games and creating new stories to keep themselves and everyone around them entertained!
So here we go!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #1 for Week of May 10:
Choose a character from Column A and something the character needs from Column B and write a 100 word story for children entitled _____Column A_____ Needs A _____Column B_____ If you wish, you may also select a random item from Column C to include in your story.
For example: Hermit Crab Needs A Home. (And perhaps you’d include a harmonica somewhere in the story.)
Or, if something in Column C strikes your fancy you can use that as the thing your character needs, e.g. Hummingbird Needs Help.
Get the idea?
Here are the options:
| Column A – Character | Column B – Something Needed | Column C – random item |
| Hedgehog | Home | Hockey Stick (or Hockey Puck) |
| Hammerhead | Hug | Horse (or Sea Horse) |
| Hermit Crab | Hint | Harmonica |
| Hummingbird | Hobby | Hero |
| Hare | Holiday | Help |
| Henry or Hilary | Hat | Helicopter |
If a central idea would be helpful to you in your writing, you can focus your story on Mother’s Day, since that is fresh in all our minds this morning 😊, but that is NOT required.
In an attempt to answer possible questions I will say:
- you can write as many stories as you want each week
- you can post them at any time during the week (just make sure they’re on the Monday Mix ‘n’ Match Mini post for the week you’re entering – e.g. below for Week #1))
- you can play catch up (so if you miss a week you can go back and add to an earlier week if you’re trying to complete the challenge and qualify for prizes as long as all entries are posted on the correct week and are posted no later than Saturday June 26th at midnight Eastern time.)
- no illustration notes
- You may go over the word count if you’re on a roll and you wish to (because there is no judging 😊)
- You may write in poetry or prose
(This is where the sample I intended to write belongs, but since I haven’t had time to write it yet I’ll have to add it in!)
And here’s a little sampling of the prizes up for grabs to whet your competitive spirit 😊 MORE TO COME!
When it comes time for prizes, names of all those who completed the challenge will be drawn randomly and matched with prizes drawn randomly until we run out! 😊
⭐️ Picture Book Critique from Penny Parker Klostermann, the lovely and talented author of THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017)
⭐️ 30 Minute Q&A with Penny Klostermann
⭐️ Picture Book MS Critique OR Query Letter Critique (Winner’s Choice) from Jennifer Buchet, debut author of LITTLE MEDUSA’S HAIR DO-LEMMA (Clear Fork/Spork May 11, 2021)
⭐️ Picture Book MS Critique from Jen Raudenbush, agented writer of picture books, middle grade, and poetry. (Represented by Natascha Morris of The Tobias Literary Agency)
⭐️ 30 minute Zoom chat about anything industry related (manuscript, query letter, best practices for querying) with Becky Scharnhorst, amazing author of MY SCHOOL STINKS (Philomel Books, July 6, 2021)
⭐️ Webinar: How To Write Powerful First Pages Like A Pro by author and editor Alayne Kay Christian
⭐️ A copy of Mary Kole’s Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Writers, donated by Nicole Loos Miller
⭐️ A personalized signed copy of SASSAFRAS AND HER TEENY TINY TAIL (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing 2021) by Candice Marley Conner
⭐️ Making Picture Book Magic Self Study Class (any month)
⭐️ Magnetic Poetry – Little Box of Happiness
Check out the Week 1 Stories!
Henry Needs A Holiday – Joyce Uglow
Hank Needs A Hug – Jen Subra
Hare Needs (To Take) A Hint – Candice Marley Conner
Hummingbird Needs A Holiday – Laura Bower
Hummingbird Needs A Hug – Ann Gray
Humphrey Hummingbird Needs A (New) Hobby – Clearywriter
Hedgehog Needs A Hobby – Erika
Hare Needs A Hug – Brenda Whitehead
Henry Hare Needs A Hat – Marty Bellis
Henry Needs A Hug – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
Hermit Crab Needs A Home – Sarah Hawklyn
Henry Hedgehog – Michelle S. Kennedy
Henrietta’s New Home – Rose Cappelli
Hilary Needs A Hug – Sarah Meade
Hermy The Hermit Crab’s New Home – Susan E. Schipper
Helicopter Hummingbird – Linda Schueler
Untitled – Marta Magellan
Hilary The Hummingbird – Julie Kurtz
A Holiday For Mrs. Hare – Judy Sobanski
Alphonso’s Real Estate: Fashionable Homes For Hermit Crabs – Nicole Loos Miller
Hyena’s Hiccups – Marla Yablon
Hermit Crab Needs A Holiday – Carrines Clifton
Henry Hummingbird Needs A Home – Jennifer Reichow
Henry’s Discovery – Dawn Young
Henry Needs Some Luck – Allison Strick
Henry Needs A Holiday Hero – Ashley Sierra
Hoglet Hurry Home – Sally Yorke-Viney
A Hat For Hammerhead – Ashley B. Pedigo
Hallie Hummingbird Needs A Holiday – Christine Alemshah
Hudson Hammerhead Needs A Hug – Jeannette Suhr
Henry Needs A Hobby – Sue Lancaster
Hare And His Harmonica – Lyn Jekowsky
Horst Needs A Hug – Elizabeth Meyer Zu Heringdorf
Hummingbird Needs A Holiday – Sara Kruger
Hammerhead Needs A Hockey Stick – Les Degnan
Henry Needs A Hint – Deb Sullivan
Hare Needs A Hobby – Marta Cutler
Hare Needs A Holiday – Aly Kenna
Hilary Needs A Hint – Mia Geiger
Henry Needs A Hint – Elenore Byrne
Hare Style – Hannah Roy LaGrone
Hillary Hare Needs A Holiday – Barbara Farr Renner
Hammerhead Needs A Holiday – Dianne Irving
Hilary Needs A Harmonica – MWREX
Henry Needs A Hug – Val McCammon
Harry Hammerhead Has A Hard Day – Susan Summers
A Horse For Hermit Crab – Jill Lambert
A Home For Hedgehog – Elizabeth Volkmann
Hare Needs A Home – Jessica Murray
Hammerhead Needs Help – Katie Schwartz
Untitled – Lauri Meyers
Hedgehog Needs A Hat – Candace
Hedgehog Needs A Home – Summer Hinderer
Spiny The Hedgehog – Eva Kaman
Hopping Lonely – Jamie Bills
Henry Needs A Hint – Lauren Scott
Hare Needs A Hat – Jana Mattern
Hilary’s Holiday – Bevin Rolfs Spencer
Henry Hare’s New Hobby – Bru Benson
Hedgehog Hugs – Marty Findley
Hermit Crab Needs A Hat – Lynn Katz
Henry Hammerhead Needed A Hug – Padgy Soltis
Hedgehog Hates Hugs – TL Fales
Hammerhead Needs A Hat – Amy Leskowski
Mama Hedgehog’s Mother’s Day Holiday – Robin Currie
Henry Needs A Hero – Colleen Owen Murphy
Hugo Hammerhead Needs A Hat – Deb Buschman
Henry Hedgehog Needs A Home – Elizabeth Muster
Hedgehog Needs A Hint – Brenna Jeanneret
Hummingbird Needs A Holiday – JC Kelly
Susanna Leonard Hill 
WooHoo!!!! 🙂
That’s the spirit, Liz! 😊😊😊
HENRY NEEDS A HOLIDAY by Joyce Uglow
It’s your last chance see Henry Hummingbirds’ Nimble Flyer’s Stunt Show this season. Experience the Hummingbird Hover at Honeysuckle Theme Park. Defy fear with upside-down and backward feats of flight on the Hummingbird Flit-Flight. Increase your heart rate with Henry’s 61 mph dives! Get a virtual view of Henry’s tongue as it unrolls and wraps around drops of nectar. Use Henry’s one-man band of festive feathers to whistle in harmony. Be sure to visit the gift shop and get a pair of Henry’s Flight Goggles for your own backyard antics. Don’t delay… Henry’s passport is packed for his winter holiday.
That sounds like some show, Joyce! Henry is one versatile guy! 😊 After all that, I’m SURE he needs a holiday! Thanks for joining in the fun!
Love how you set up your story as an advertisement, Joyce! Very creative!
Joyce, love the manner in which you wrote your story…so creative!!! 🙂
Clever!
So clever. Great read.
I love this, it’s so fun. A very creative match-up!
Very fun! I can see Henry’s feats perfectly–and why he needs a holiday! 🙂
Great job and kudos for being the first one to post something!!! 😀
What a dare-devil Henry is! I’m glad he’s going on his much-needed holiday!
Fun! And it captures the nimble flyer stunt shows I’ve been seeing at my very own hummingbird feeder. A breathless and original story Joyce.
Thanks! ✏️❤️
HANK NEEDS A HUG by Jen Subra
Hank Hedgehog was having a haaaard day. His mother had hurried off to the hair salon and hadn’t given Hank his morning hug. Hugs helped Hank handle the rest of the day better. How would he handle hiccups? Or hairy spiders? Or history lessons? Herb, his best friend, was no help. Hugs from Herb hurt! Hank thought about hugging himself, but that seemed hopeless. Half-heartedly Hank hopped on his bike. Honk! Honk! Mother, hair still in hot rollers, held out her arms, “Here, Hank! I have a hug for you! Have a happy day!” Hank smiled, sighed, and happily hugged his mother.
Aw! Poor Hank! Imagine having to start your day without a hug. I’m so glad he got one! 😊 Thanks for joining the fun, Jen!
Thanks for creating this challenge, Susanna. I put a reminder on my phone to do it every Monday just to jump start my writing week!
Yay! I’m glad if it’s a jumpstart, Jen!
Love the alliteration–how fun! And a day with no hugs IS hard so I’m so glad Hank got his! Adorable story, Jen.
Thanks, Candice!
Loved this.
Thanks, Erika!
Our dog’s name is Hank… he happily gets hugs every day!!!
Cute story! 🙂
I think dogs were created just for hugging and unconditional love. My dog is Bonnie 🙂
So sweet for Mother’s Day!
Thanks!
Whew! Wonderful h-words! Very fun!
Thanks, Patricia!
How sweet. Everyone needs a hug! Glad that Hank got his.
LOVE this one!!! So much alliteration!!! ❤
Wonderful alliteration! Hugs are the best, even in curlers!
OHHH! I love this challenge. It really gets my juices flowing creatively. Thanks so much Susanna!
HARE NEEDS (TO TAKE) A HINT by Candice Marley Conner
“Hare, it’s time for the race,” said Bee. “Tortoise is at the starting line.”
“Pffft. I’m faster than a buzzy bee,” boasted Hare. “No one can outrun me!”
“Yeah, but—”
Bee stopped talking when Hare bounded off…
…in the wrong direction.
The flea on Hare’s shoulder said, “Hare, you’re going—”
“Pffft. I’m faster than a jumping flea,” interrupted Hare. “No one can outrun me!” He flicked Flea off before Flea could say he was going the wrong way.
Hare thought he could use a power nap so he settled under an oak.
Oak reached down a bough to tap Hare on the nose.
“Pffft. I’m way faster than a swaying tree,” murmured Hare. “No one can outrun me. Zzzzzzzzzz.”
Hahaha! A wee bit of overconfidence 😊 Hare certainly does need to take a hint! Thanks for joining the fun, Candice!
Poor Hare! Great story! 🙂
This is delightful, Candice!
Well done with another take on a fave fairy tale!
Nothing beats a hare and tortoise tale. Bee, flea, and oak are fun additions!
I love all your characters (besides the expected tortoise)–bee, flea, and oak tree. Very clever and a lovely lesson on listening, too.
Ah, that crazy Hare. When will he ever learn! 🙂
I think this is where the phrase, “You snooze, you lose” came from! I love how the bee and flea try to warn him!
Hummingbird Needs a Holiday By Laura Bower
Flitsy’s wings were always flapping –
working hard, no time for napping!
Sipping, licking sticky nectar
Fast and fierce sucrose collector.
Flitsy saw the wrens relaxing
while she worked. “This sure is taxing!
What I need is a vacation.”
Flitsy found the nearest station –
hopped aboard an outbound train
headed toward the coast of Maine.
First-class Flitsy – on her way!
a week of fun, and rest and play.
Slowing heartbeat, kicked up feet –
recharging trips could not be beat.
No more stress. Bye, bye frustration!
Just in time for her migration!
So great!
Loved the rhyme! 🙂
Nice rhyming! Glad Flitsy got a break!
love how it sings!
Great rhyme and rhythm, love it!
Stellar rhyming words. And a fabulous final image of Flitsy on the train, with her feet up.
I’m extremely impressed with “sucrose collector!” Wonderful rhythm and rhyme. Nice job!
Great story! Thanks for sharing.
This is AWESOMESAUCE!!!
Fun rhyming story!
Great story, great rhyme, Laura! Well done! 😊
This is amazing! If you ever want a rhyming critique partner please hit me up!!
So fun! I can just picture Flitsy on the train to Maine!
Such a lovely story to read – awesome rhyme and a really cute idea. Hummingbirds have it tough!!
Hummingbird needs a hug
Everyday Ruby the hummingbird quickly buzzed from flower to flower to flower. She was faster than the the butterflies, faster than the ladybugs, and faster than the yummy mosquitoes. If any other birds came close to her flowers she quickly chased them away. She went as fast as she could all day long. But when night came the flowers closed and the butterflies and the mosquitoes went to sleep. Then , Ruby buzzed to her fuzzy little home. She slowly said hello to her little hummingbird babies and gave them a long, slow hummingbird hug.
Sweet story! 🙂
Awww! So cute!
Aw! So sweet that after her busy day she was able to have some slow time with her babies 😊 Thanks for joining the fun, Ann!
You capture the speed and “buzziness” of a hummingbird perfectly! I love that she slows down, though, with her babies.
So sweet!
Humphrey Hummingbird Needs a (New) Hobby
Humphrey Hummingbird habitually hummed a hymn while hovering high in the hydrangeas or hastily hurrying through the hollyhocks.
His humdrum humming haunted the habitat.
“Halt, Humphrey!” they hollered. “Your humming is hurting our hearing! You need a new hobby, dear Humphrey,” they howled. “How about hockey? Hang gliding? Hula Hooping?”
“Hardly,” Humphrey heartily harrumphed. “My hobby must hinge on harmony!”
“How about the harmonium?”
“Huh?” said Humphrey.
“A harp?”
“Hazardous!”
“Hurdy Gurdy?”
“Hilarious!”
“Harpsichord?”
“Heavy!”
“Hmm…”
“A-ha!” Humphrey hooted, “I have my new hobby!” He hauled out his harmonica, huffed high and harsh, the very same humdrum hymn.
“Oh, horror!”
Cute story! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Haha, so clever! 🙂
Love all the alliteration here. You came up with some hilarious ones. Well done.
How fun! A great job with the alliteration!
HILARIOUS!!! Love the alliteration too!!!
Fun story, great job with all that alliteration, and well done working in the harmonica! I liked the idea of a hummingbird hula hooping 😊
I think Humphrey’s friends would gladly have him go back to humming! Great story!
Haha! Old habits are hard to break. 😉
Ha, ha! (even ‘ha, ha starts with ‘h’)! So cute, love this! Who would have thought so many words start with ‘h’! Super job!
Hedgehog Needs a Hobby
Hedgehog knew he needed to find a new hobby now that his hibernation was over.
“What are my options?”
Hedgehog looked around his den and noticed two spines on the ground.
“Hmm, recycling is a good start!”
He picked up the spines and found some yarn under his bed.
After ten minutes, Hedgehog decided knitting was not the best hobby for him.
“What next?”
Seeing an old bowl of berries, he decided to try painting.
But after fifteen minutes, Hedgehog realized the berry juice was too hard to see in the dirt.
“Will I ever find a hobby?”
Suddenly, someone knocked on his door. Opossum had decided to visit!
With his friend here, Hedgehog knew exactly what to do.
“Hey, Opossum, want to be my fencing partner?”
Happy he found a hobby ..and partner! 🙂
Nice job! I love that he succeeded.
Nothing like a friend when you’re looking for a new hobby! Thanks for joining the fun, Erika!
Loved your story. What a clever way for Hedgehog to find his hobby!
Fencing with his quills. Brilliant!
Great, unexpected ending!
Ooh, thanks so much for running this little inspirational challenge again, Susanna! Here’s my Week 1 Mini Story. 🙂
HARE NEEDS A HUG
by Brenda Whitehead (104 words)
“Hare needs a hug, Mare,” said Bear.
“Hare needs a RUG?? Take the blanket off my back!”
“No. Hare needs a HUG, Mare,” said Bear.
“Hare needs a MUG?? Take my 1st-place trophy cup!”
“NO. Hare needs a HUG, Mare” said Bear.
“Hare needs a TUG?? Take my reins and I’ll pull!”
“NO! Hare needs a HUG, Mare,” said Bear.
“Hare needs a BUG?? Take one off my rear!”
“NO, Mare. Hug. HUG.” said Bear, giving Mare a bear hug.
“OH, Hare needs a HUG?? Take me to my friend!”
Hare got a hug!
But Mare needs hearing aids…
And Bear needs a nap!
Too cute. Such fun to read and a great ending.
Too fun and clever!
Funny! 🙂
Love it!!! 🙂
What a generous friend Mare is! Sweet story!
Hahaha! Very fun, Brenda! Poor Mare definitely needs a little help in the hearing department 😊
So cute! Hare got what he needed. I hope Mare and Bear do the same!
Hooray for another year of Mix n Match! It’s the BEST! So much fun. Thanks, Susanna 🙂
HENRY HARE NEEDS A HAT
by Marty Bellis (98 words)
Henry hare needed a hat for the holidays. But his ears were problematic. Nothing fit.
He hunted high. Hoot owl’s extra hat hugged his head tightly. OUCH!
He hunted low. Hippo’s extra hat hung to his toes.
Henry huddled in his hole for a hot drink and a think.
Toasting his toes by the fire he had a hare-brained idea.
His stockings, placed by the chimney with care, fit perfectly and gave his ears that festive touch he was looking for.
Santa wouldn’t mind!
And now, Henry could wish his friends a happy holiday — in style!
Loved Henry’s “hare-brained” idea! 🙂
Thanks for reading! ‘ears to puns 🙂
Clever Henry! He may start a new style trend!
It’s any bunny’s guess, but who knows, right?! Thanks for your comment.
What a perfect solution to a hare-y problem, Marty! 😊 Nothing like stockings to keep long ears warm and toasty – and festive!
Thanks, Susanna. Do love your prompts. They’re challenging and fun.
I’ll bet Henry is thinking his idea is not so hare-brained now! Great story with a clever solution to Henry’s hat problem!
Thanks, Judy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Very cute, Marty. I like how Henry tried on all the other hats and finally had a “hare-brained” idea. Clever.
Aw, so cute. 🙂
Thank you!
POSTED FOR ISABEL
HENRY NEEDS A HUG
by Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
Henry jumped out of bed.
He ran down the staircase,
skipped the last step
and fell!
“Come Henry,” his Mommy said, “a hug will help heal your boo-boo.”
“Thank you Mommy. I love you!”
Henry jumped on his tricycle.
He sped down the driveway
turned and fell!
“Come here, Henry,” his Mommy said, “a hug will help heal your boo-boo.”
“Thank you Mommy. I love you!”
Henry ran in the house.
He tugged on Mommy’s dress.
“Oh, Henry. Another boo-boo?”
“No Mommy. I just need another hug.”
“I love you Henry.”
“I love you, Mommy.”
“Let’s hug!” they both said.
Precious!
Aww, so sweet!
So cute, Isabel! You can never have too many hugs! 😊
Hugs make everything better. It’s what I miss most during this pandemic!
Heart warming! 🙂
Hermit Crab needs a Home
HC knew it was time for a new home. His once lovely shell home pinched dreadfully.
He was surprised to find out there were so many options.
Spotted? Too small
Striped? Too drafty.
Pink rainbows? No definitely not him.
Now he began to think he wouldn’t find anything he liked.
He searched under the large rocks.
Through the towering kelp beds.
Finally, he found an amazing collection of modern selections.
Blue teapot? Too round.
Rubber boot? Too squishy.
And then, there it was, the perfect new home.
Shiny, boxy and fit him just right.
A tin can home.
So cute! Glad HC found a home!
It’s important to find just the right home and to know what’s right and wrong for you! A shiny, boxy tin can home sounds pretty fancy for a hermit crab! (Though I might have gone for pink rainbows 😊) Thanks for joining the fun, Grinny!
I’m glad that HC found a way to make litter in the ocean work for him. A new home! Clever!
Happy HC found a home! 🙂
I was totally rooting for HC…and so glad he found the perfect home. Way to keep that tension mounting in under 100 words!
Yay, for Mix-n-Match! 🙂
HUMMINGBIRD NEEDS A HAT
Rufus the Hummingbird needed a hat.
A hat to keep the sun out his eyes.
A hat to protect him from the fat, spring rain drops.
A hat to help him stand out from all the other hummingbirds who looked just like Rufus.
He tried a red ballcap—too big.
He tried a dogwood leaf—too fragile.
He tried a brown mushroom cap—too, too mushy.
Rufus was sad and tired and ready to give up…
But then he spied a dollhouse,
with a doll just his size,
wearing a hat just his size.
With a buzz of his feathers, he flipped the hat onto his head.
Perfect!
What a perfect solution to Rufus’s hat conundrum! I’m glad he found just the right hat! 😊
A doll’s hat is perfect for a delicate hummingbird. Clever solution to Rufus’s hat dilemma!
Aw, I love it! 🙂
I LOVE your contests, Susanna! They are always so much fun and really help me create something new during my “dry” writing spells.
Here is my poem for WEEK 1 (May 10)
HENRY HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG! (WC 101)
Using the words: Hedgehog, Hug, Help, Henry, Mother’s Day (WC 101)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
Henry Hedgehog needs some HELP—
but he’s too proud to make a yelp.
He wants to make a grand bouquet
to give his mom on Mother’s Day.
Collecting flowers should be fun…
He’s tried so hard but gathered none.
A rosebush thorn caught in his thumb.
Another one’s stuck in his bum!
“Forget Me Nots have made him sneeze.
The Hollyhocks all made him wheeze.
The Dandelions wilted fast.
Carnations were supposed to last—
until poor Henry had a fall.
He tripped. They flew. A free-for-all!
And so, poor Henry with a shrug,
just gave his mom a great big hug.
Adorable! Great rhymes. I’ll bet his mom was happy anyway!
Thanks so much!
Aw! Such a sweet story, Michelle! Poor Henry tried so hard, but isn’t it the way of things that sometimes they just don’t go as planned?! I bet Mom loved the hug , though! 😊
Thank you, Susanna! Though I messed up on my title- I hit enter before I realized my error. The title should be: HENRY HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG! (Is there any way you can fix that since I can’t edit it on my own?)
Such a sweet story. Sometimes a hug is best of all! Great job on the rhyme!
Thank you, Judy!
How cute is Henry?? I can see the illustrations (which would be hysterical!)…awesome ending for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Thank you, Deborah! I’d love to see Henry in illustrations!!!
You know your flowers and what mothers really want from their children for Mother’s day. Sweet story and sweet rhyming.
Amen! I’ll take a hug from my son any day over some flowers!!!
Funny and sweet with a cute ending. I can just picture wee Henry.
Thanks Elenore!
Michelle, this is adorable and so sweet! Love all the different flowers and the “awww” ending.
Thanks so much, Sarah! Hugs are always the best medicine, aren’t they?!
Nicely done! Poor Henry worked so hard, but a hug is always the best gift for Moms! 🙂
Indeed! I’ll take one from my son over flowers any day!!!
Hedgehogs are the cutest and you did an amazing job including all the Mother’s Day flowers. Bravo, Michelle!
Thanks, Jill!
So cute, I can just see little Henry Hedgehog! Ending is perfect, giving his Mom a Mother’s Day hug, and he gets one too! Great job!
So cute Michelle, great job!
Thanks, Katie!
Ha, ha, I left you 2 comments. I think because your story is too two good! Oops – and actually this makes three!
Thanks for doing this again, Susanna! I always have such fun with your contests.
Henrietta’s New Home
Henrietta’s home was cramped, cracked, and drab. But today there was buzz on the beach. A large shell washed up overnight, so the crabs gathered to switch. Henrietta took her place in the line-up. The shell before her glistened, as smooth as a pearl.
Magnificent!
Henrietta was about to wriggle in when…
Bump! Hildy butted in line.
“No fair!” cried Henrietta.
“But I’m bigger!” said Hildy.
Henrietta climbed into Hildy’s old, dull shell, then hid her disappointment among the anemones. They draped her in pink and green until Henrietta glimmered.
“How about a ride?” she said to her new friends.
YAY! Glad Henrietta’s story had a happy ending!
Great ending! 🙂
Every dull shell has an anemone lining! Good for Henrietta!
Henrietta was fortunate in her friends 😊 Better to have friends who help you make the best of a situation than the fanciest house in the sea! Thanks for joining in the fun, Rose!
Friends can make even the worst day better. I’m glad Henrietta found happiness in her new shell!
Nice, and sweet! Love the ending!
HILARY NEEDS A HUG
(98 words)
By Sarah Meade
Hello, Hilary!
Hi, Grandma!
*Squeeze*
Wow, what a BIG hug, Hilary!
Grandma, did you know hugs make people happy?
Well, your hugs always make ME happy, Hilary.
*Squeeze*
It’s because hugging increases oxytocin and serotonin.
Goodness! Those are big words.
Hugging makes pain go away and decreases stress.
That’s wonderful, Hilary.
*Squeeze*
People need eight hugs a day to feel good.
You’ve learned a lot about hugs!
And hugging for at least twenty seconds is the way to go!
Hilary, I think I need another hug.
Me too, Grandma. At least five more!
*Squeeze*
High-Five, Sarah for doing this one and Madness Poetry at the same time! And your poem is super-cute! Great job!!!
Thank you so much, Michelle! You too! 🙂
I love the “science lesson” included! Nice job, Sarah! 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Very sweet. You captured the relationship so well in such few words.
Thanks for reading!
What a very educational story, Sarah! I learned all kinds of things I didn’t know about hugs! Tons of fun 😊
Thanks, Susanna! And thanks for running this event again. It’s a lot of fun and very motivating.
My pleasure 😊
Nice job weaving some science knowledge in your story. Grandma hugs are the best!
Thanks, Judy! Aww, I agree!
Love this so much! A grandma hug sounds really good right about now.
Agreed! Thanks for reading, Allison.
Who knew there was backmatter on hugs? Love Hilary’s enthusiasm for spreading the good word….great stuff!
Thanks so much, Deb!
What a great idea for a story Sarah! Hugs are really important and I love the idea of adding some science into the explanation. The ending is cute.
Thank you, Elenore!
A wonderful way to convey the scientific background of the hug effect! Well done, Sarah!
Thanks, Jill!
Hermy The Hermit Crab’s New Home
By Susan E. Schipper
Hermit crabs are anomuran decapod crustaceans of the superfamily Paguroidea that have adapted to occupy empty scavenged mollusc shells to protect their fragile exoskeletons.
Hey, wait a minute, I‘m talking about myself! That’s me, Hermy the Hermit Crab! I just wanted to tell you about my new home and I became all scientific! Gee-whiz!
It’s time to go house hunting because I think I’m outgrowing my humble abode. My pretty pink conch shell is a little snug. I crawled out of it. Hannah Hammerhead, my best friend, was helping me search for the perfect shell. We searched high and low and all around the ocean floor. I needed to find my new home fast! Suddenly, Hannah and I saw it!!! The perfect pink palace! It smelled superb, looked comfy and cozy and had a “sense of familiarity” about it! Carefully, I stuffed myself into it! Yep, this one is it…home sweet home!!!
Haha! Cute!
Thanks! 🙂
Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home 😊 I’m glad Hermy ended up happy! Thanks for joining the fun, Susan!
Thanks again, Susanna for this “fun” challenge! 🙂
I love the first person POV and the information Hermy tells about himself! Fun story!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Love the voice of this!
Thank You! 🙂
Helicopter Hummingbird
Hummingbird loved helicopters, and she could hover like one, but she also wanted to be as loud as one. She practiced late at night, until she got it right.
“What do I sound like?” asked Hummingbird, chuff chuffing around Sparrow.
“You sound like a hummingbird,” said Sparrow.
“I’ll give you a hint,” Hummingbird said, chop chopping over Sparrow.
“G…g…gulls!” Sparrow squeaked, fleeing into a bush.
“No silly, I’m a helicopter. See how loud I am…”
“So loud you’ve attracted the gulls!”
Hummingbird darted and dodged and hum hummed away from the gulls. “I guess being quiet is okay.”
Oops! Unexpected, unintended consequences 😊 Maybe a quiet helicopter is better 😊 Thanks for joining the fun, Linda!
You worked in sparrows and gulls too. Very cute.
Oh dear! Yes, being quiet is sometimes the answer! Especially around the sea gulls! Fun story!
Love all the sound effects!
Glad Hummingbird learned a lesson! Cute story! 🙂
POSTED FOR MARTA
Hyacinth Hummingbird was bored. “Day after day, all I do is sip nectar and chase flies,” he said to Hagerty O’Possum. “You need to help yourself to a hobby,” said Hagerty. “I will tell Hooded Hummingbird to call on you.” The next day, Hooded hovered in Hyacinth’s habitat. As you know, hummingbirds do not share. “This is my territory!” Hyacinth pointed his bill like a dagger. He attacked, but the intruder fought back. Too tired to keep fighting, they rested on a branch. “Shall we say we schedule a fight every Tuesday?” They shook wings and Hyacinth had a hobby.
Marta Magellanwww.martamagellan.com
Scheduled fighting – what an idea for a hobby! Very fun, Marta!
I love the clever way you solved two problems. (1) a new hobby and (2) a way to divert anger into a fun activity and friendship!!
Funny!! Come on guys sharing is caring.
Haha, I love the image of two hummingbirds dueling with their sword beaks!
A different friendship story..Great idea! 🙂
Hmm… nothing like a good sword fight once a week! Can you just picture this with hummingbirds?! Thanks for the giggle Marta.
Hilary the Hummingird
“Help,” cried Hilary the hummingbird. “I need to get home before Mother’s Day is over.”
“I’ve lost the way! I need a hint from someone to show me the right direction.
Can you help me Harvey the Hare?”
“So sorry! I don’t know where you live. I have seen you everywhere! Maybe Hilda the Hedgehog can help.”
“Hilda, do you know which way I should go?”
“Well, I think you should go over the hill near the farmhouse. There’s a bright, red birdfeeder there!”
“Who is that I see up ahead?My mom ready for her holiday hug! Hooray!”
Julie Kurtz
Yay Hilary! I’m glad she found her way in the nick of time!
Happy ending! 🙂
Thank you for doing Mix ‘n’ Match, Susanna! 🙂
A HOLIDAY FOR MRS. HARE
Judy Sobanski
Mrs. Hare had nine babies. All she heard all day was “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom.” She needed a holiday! Mr. Hare agreed to take care of the littles. Off Mrs. Hare went to the beach. She set up her chair, her umbrella, and got out her favorite magazine, Ladies Hare Journal. Soon a mother sea gull and three baby nestlings walked down the beach. Awww, thought Mrs. Hare. She felt a little tug in her heart. Then a mother crab and her babies scavenged for food along the shore. Mrs. Hare felt a bigger tug. When she spotted a mama dolphin and her calves frolicking in the water, her heart actually ached. Suddenly, she heard, “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, we missed you!” Now her holiday could begin!
Oh Mrs. Hare, I feel your pain! But I always get lonesome too fast, too.
Love the name of her beach read!! Cute story! 🙂
ALPHONSO’S REAL ESTATE: FASHIONABLE HOMES FOR HERMIT CRABS
(As dictated to Nicole Loos Miller – 60 words)
Tired of boring shells with swirls, polka dots, or bioluminescent barnacles?
Your home should reflect your unique personality and Alphonso can help you find the perfect fit.
Inkwells for poets and writers, teacups for a cozier feel, or try our vintage collection: old soda bottles, skulls, even fossils.
Let Alphonso transform you from hermit crab to fashion icon. Call now!
I will Alphonso just as soon as I leave the beach I’m on holiday.
Hermit Crab
Ooo, one inkwell for me please! This is so clever!
Wow great idea to write an ad!!! 🙂
Love this, Nicole! So creative!
I love this, so creative!
“Bioluminescent barnacles”! Such fun language in your clever story! Alphonso can really put a spin on just about anything to make it sound appealing!
Hyena’s Hiccups
Hyena needed help! He had the hiccups, and he didn’t have a clue what to do. “Try holding your breath,” said Honey badger. “I’ve heard that works.” It didn’t.
“Try drinking water,” suggested Hippo. “I live in the water, and I’ve never had hiccups.” Hyena went down to the river to take a drink. Suddenly Crocodile lunged out of the water straight towards him!
“Why did you do that!” yelled Hyena. “You scared me half to death! Hey, I don’t have hiccups any more. Thank you, Crocodile!”
“It’s supposed to,” grinned Crocodile, “but I usually get lunch for my trouble.”
Oh no, you don’t Crocodile, you mind your manners! Cute story.
Thank you!
Well that would scare the hiccups right out of me too! Love the ending.
Thanks!
Love the tag line! 🙂
Thanks so much!
This is awesome! Nice work!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Hermit Crab Needs A Holiday
Carrines Clifton
The ongoing Coronavirus has Hermit Crab very sad and lonely. “Oh, dear, I miss my friends. I want to go back to school and play, but it’s close for now.” “What should I do?” “I’m so bored,” he exclaimed. “I know! I’ll go to the beach. I deserve a holiday.” “Wouldn’t you say?” “There should be lots of crabs to meet and sand on my feet!” “Oh boy, not feet, crabs don’t have feet, silly me!” “What do you think?” “That’s right; crabs have several legs; I’ll crawl on my legs and make this holiday fun and play.”
Oh, poor crab! I want to escape to the beach, too!
Hope crab has a great holiday! 🙂
I need a holiday too. Crab and I have something in common. 🙂
So cute! We all need to go to the beach!
Henny Hummingbird Needs a Home by Jennifer Reichow
Henny Hummingbird flitted furiously, searching for the perfect spot for her nest. It must be safe from the wind and the sun and the rain. Henny hunted for bits of soft fluff and fur. Her nest must be cozy and warm. She tied everything together with spider silk. Her nest must be strong. Soon Henny could rest, keeping her eggs safe until they hatched. Then she would be busy feeding her babies and teaching them to fly. When the chicks grew up, they would all leave the nest until next year when Henny would need a home again.
This sounds like the coziest home ever! Too bad I don’t think Henny is going to get to relax there much…
I can see this expanded into a nonfiction book. Well done!
Great job! 🙂
POSTED FOR DAWN
#1 Henry / hobby 96 words
HENRY’S DISCOVERY by Dawn Young
“Mom, I need a hobby!” said Henry. Mom smiled. Henry ran outside plopped down under a tree and began to daydream. I collect toy cars, baseball-cards, and coins. I like to draw birds, rabbits, and horses. I am a good builder. I build spaceships, robots, and sky-scrapers. I am always singing in the shower. I don’t need a hobby! I know what I need … Henry raced into the kitchen, “Hey Mom, I don’t need a hobby! I need a brother to share them with!” Mom rolled her eyes and said, “Go tell your Dad!”
Oh my gosh, too funny! The dreaded ‘new sibling’ request!
Love Henry’s solution to his “problem”! 🙂
Ha! Glad that Henry enjoys so many things…as he might be waiting for a while 🙂 Fun surprise ending!
This is so cute, Dawn! Henry’s got the perfect solution! Love it!
Henry Needs Some Luck
Allison Strick
91 Words
The hockey game is underway.
The score is two to three.
Henry’s time is running out.
He says, “It’s up to me!”
Henry grips his battered stick
and prances with the puck.
In the stands are screaming fans.
Now all he needs is luck.
He’s tough as nails, he won’t back down.
The shot must be precise.
With gritted teeth and eagle eyes
he charges down the ice.
The puck is free! Where will it stop?
The goalie’s looking….
smug.
His team has lost, and tough-guy Henry
really needs a hug.
Poor Henry! He did his best but like ‘Casey at the Bat’ sometimes you strike out! Well done.
Sometimes things just don’t work out, but a hug is usually the answer. I like this story a lot!
Love this, especially the way you put in your twist (The goalie’s looking … smug.)!
HENRY NEEDS A HOLIDAY HERO
Henry plopped his head on the table. Tonight was his holiday party and everything was a disaster.
Then an ad in the newspaper caught his eye.
HOLIDAY HELPER HOTLINE
Henry called. RING . . .
“Thank you for calling the Holiday Helper Hotline. This is Holly. How may I help you?”
“My cookies crumbled. My tinsel tumbled. And one light bulb went out and I don’t have any extras,” Henry cried.
Holly hopped right over and helped Henry . . . bake a new batch of cookies, tilt the tinsel just right, and replace the bulb with her Emergency Bulb Kit.
“Thank you, Holly!” Henry said.
“I’m happy to help!” she shouted, whooshing off to her next case.
That night, Henry had the most rockin’ holiday party.
A Holiday Helper sounds fabulous….great use of alliteration!
Thank you Deborah for reading! I was a Holiday Helper with wrapping presents when I was younger being the youngest of five with a lot of nieces and nephews.
What’s that phone number? My holidays always need help. 867-5309?
Great idea! 1-888-HOL-IDAY
Don’t we all wish for some help when our party turns into a disaster? Love your assonance and alliteration in this one, Ashley! Another wonderful entry!
Thanks Jill! Always great to see you in these challeneges/contests.
POSTED FOR SALLY
Hoglet Hurry Home
By Sally Yorke-Viney
Hoglet Hurry Home!
You’ve wandered off too far!
Your chasing snails and beetle bugs
And looking at the stars.
Hoglet hurry home!
I know you’re feeling brave,
You’ve spied a silver slimy trail,
It’s snails and slugs you crave.
Hoglet hurry home!
You’re only five weeks old!
You toddled cross the yard and road.
You’re feeling way too bold!
Hoglet hurry home!
He looked up and he found,
He’d lost his way, his home, the smell
Was absent from the ground.
Hoglet hurry home!
Twitter, whistle too!
Hoglet’s family leads him home,
It’s just what Hedgehogs do!
Phew! So glad Hoglet made it home…great action in so few words. Nicely done!
Thanks Deborah… just trying to make every word count!
That was close! Glad it was a happy ending.
It’s absolutely true that the family comes to the baby’s rescue!!
A Hat for Hammerhead
Hammerhead shark was swimming
Throw the warm and wavy sea
He told his friend the blowfish,
“I’m as sad as sad can be!”
For it was hammerhead’s birthday
A happy day, except that
He didn’t want to celebrate
Without a birthday hat.
He looked at all the sailor caps
That had fallen in the sea
They were round, and his head square,
“There’s no way these hats fit me!”
But then his friend the blowfish,
Hit by inspiration’s spark,
Said, “Instead of hats for human heads,
Let’s make some fit for sharks!”
They fashioned bits of coral
And a few anemones
A sea horse and some shipwrecked parts
Into birthday crowns fit for kings.
The word got out about their hats
Made from all those different parts
And now the sea is full of
Hatted hammerheaded sharks.
Sounds like great business. I would like a hammerhead hat! Cute story, Ashley!
Hallie Hummingbird Needs a Holiday
By
Christine Alemshah
[WC: 75]
Flitting and floating and buzzing about.
No time to fret, no time to pout.
Hallie Hummingbird’s wings flap frantically.
Finding food, sipping nectar, migrating to and fro.
At night, creatures all around exhale, cuddle in close,
And slowly,
ever,
slowly,
settle down.
Hallie longs to settle, too.
Deep breath in, Deep breath out
Land on the perfect perch.
Wings flapping, flapping,
flap — flap — slow
And Stop!
Flip upside down, and
Sleep.
Lyrical and sweet. Nice work!
Hudson Hammerhead Needs a Hug
by Jeannette Suhr
My hammerhead shark was not into hugs,
as much as I offered my outstretched arms.
Hudson was shy and solitary
and preferred ocean floor life.
He took me for rides and our sea horse pals
wrapped their tails tightly around his fins.
His great field of view helped us avoid sharp coral cuts
and jungle kelp tangles.
Hudson gave me flashy smiles with his 17 rows of teeth.
He let me pet him and splashed me in return.
So instead of hugs, Hudson gave me gentle hammer punches
and I gave him fist bumps back.
Friends know what friends need, whether it’s fist bumps or hugs. 🙂
HENRY NEEDS A HOBBY
By Sue Lancaster
Henry the leopard
Was feeling quite sad.
“I’d like a fun hobby,”
He said to his dad.
“I’ve something in mind,
Do you think there’s a chance,
That you would agree to me…
Taking up dance?”
“DANCE?!!” roared his father,
Us leopards, we RUN!
STALKING and HUNTING,
That’s how we have fun.
And if you are bored,
Try counting your spots,
Or join them all up
Like they’re big dot-to-dots.”
Henry slunk off,
He headed to town,
The thought of THOSE hobbies,
Was getting him down.
He walked past the sports shop,
And to his surprise,
Something SPECTACULAR
Captured his eyes…
A leopard-shaped leotard!
Sequined and bright!
He tried it straight on,
And it felt OH-SO right.
“I’ll take it,” said Henry.
“I’ve saved up all year.
These stripes are FANTASTIC,
They bring me such cheer!
I’ll ZUMBA with Zebra,
GYRATE with Giraffe,
Do CHA-CHA with Cheetah,
We’ll have such a laugh!”
When Henry got home,
His dad was NOT pleased,
But Henry’s huge smile,
Helped his anger ease.
“I know,” Henry said,
“This is not what we DO.
But who makes the rules?
Who says that is true?
Keep running and hunting, Dad
Do dot-to-dots,
But don’t ever think,
Leopards can’t change their spots!”
This is brilliant, Sue, I love it!
Very clever story poem idea about a leopard who wants to do his own thing!
Wow, Sue! Henry Needs a Hobby is SO well done! Fantastic rhyme and meter and I love the ending!
This is so adorable: go Henry! The rhyme was so fun and the ending, well done. 🙂
Hare and His Harmonic by Lyn Jekowsky
Hilarious Hare plays
a wailing harmonica.
A Hat-wearing band member,
country and blues player.
Happy Hare plays vibrato,
his favorite trick.
Forest friends rejoice,
party, dance jigs.
At the spring-time ball
Hare’s booked to perform.
No instrument to play,
Hare’s harmonica, gone!
He asks his friend owl,
the wisest of birds,
if he’s seen a Harmonica.
He hasn’t, HOOT.
Hare hops to the pond,
asks frog if he’s seen it.
No harmonica here.
Keep searching, CROAK.
Hare tips his hat to a wide-eyed doe
CLUNK on the floor, Harmonica found!
Reunited,
Hare and Harmonica swing.
my story Hare andHis Harmonica is for Monday, May 10th.
Lyn Jekowsky
Love the animal sound replies and the cool dude hare!
Horst Needs a Hug
Horst the Hedgehog needed some pocket money.
So he put up a sign: “Hugs One Dollar.”
“I’m scared of the spines!” said a horse.
So Loren put on a jacket.
“Those beady eyes mean trouble,” said a mouse.
So Loren put on sunglasses.
“He looks like a gangster!” said a sheep.
Loren threw everything off, kicked away the sign and curled into a ball.
“Oh the poor hedgehog!” cried a little girl and threw her arms around him.
Sometimes you don’t get what you want, but you get what you need.
HUMMINGBIRD NEEDS A HOLIDAY
by Sara Kruger
Hummingbird flitted around the flowers, polishing his harmonica between performances. The garden serenade circuit had been particularly grueling this summer, and he needed a holiday.
One more party and he’d be off to the Feeder Islands, where the nectar was especially sweet and flowed like honey.
He flew to the sunflower patch. No one was there, but he heard crickets, so he followed their buzzing, swished between raspberry bushes, and…
“Surprise!” all the garden creatures cheered, holding goblets of golden liquid.
“The party is for you,” Dragonfly explained, “to thank you before you leave.”
Hummingbird sipped the sweetness, mixed and mingled, and then flew off, heart full.
Surprise parties are the best! Nice job, Sara!
HAMMERHEAD NEEDS A HOCKEY STICK
by Les Degnan
The outlook wasn’t sunny,
Down Shipwreck Harbor way.
Hammerhead was worried,
As game time ticked away.
His hockey stick was cracking.
It wouldn’t last the match.
He had to find another,
Or call for a rematch.
Pucks were easy pickin’s.
Any clam would do.
Hockey sticks were rare indeed,
Far between and few.
Gliding ‘round the shipwreck,
Round and round he swam.
And crashed into the ancient mast,
It hit him hard, WHAM-BAM!
He shook his head to clear it,
As shards of mast rained down.
And spied a long straight piece of wood
Best hockey stick in the town!
Great job, Les! This is a really fun read!!!
Thanks Michelle.It was also fun to write!
This is fantastic, Les! I love the ending and especially the way you flip-flopped “far between and few”.
Henry Needs A Hint (96 words)
“Bye Ma!” said Henry, bounding out the door.
“Brrr…”
It was colder than it looked.
“Have a great….” Mom began. “Wait!”
Henry continued full speed down the driveway.
“You forgot something,” she hollered.
“Huh?” said Henry.
He checked his bag.
Snack. Markers. Superhero Dave.
“Did we forget something?” Henry asked his action hero friend.
“It’s pretty basic,” Mom said.
“I brushed!” Henry replied.
“Rhymes with dance,” she said.
“A playdate with Lance?”said Henry.
Mom shook her head.
The bus pulled up.
Henry looked down.
All the kids howled.
Henry didn’t stand a chance…
without pants.
Oh no! My worst nightmare came true, naked in front of an audience. Poor Henry!
HARE NEEDS A HOBBY
“I’m bored,” said littlest Hare.
“You need a hobby”, said Mama.
“Can I pick one in the garden?” asked Hare.
“It’s not there,” said Mama.
“Can I catch one in the brook?” asked Hare.
“It’s not there,” said Mama.
“Can I borrow one from Papa?” asked Hare.
“You have to find your own,” said Mama.
“Where?” asked Hare.
Mama touched his heart.
“Here,” she said. “It’s something you do that makes you happy!”
Hare twitched his nose in thought.
“Then my hobby is being with you!” he said.
“I love you littlest Hare,” said Mama.
And she hugged him tight.
Sweet! 🙂
Love it Marta! You and I picked the same character and need, and I love how we went totally different creative directions!! I really like all your verbs 🙂 Also I am due to become a Mama in about 2 and a half weeks so this tugs extra at my heart strings. Can’t wait to hug my little hare 😉
Hey Hannah! Thanks for the kind words. Just picked this up and also read yours – what a funny, funny take on the same theme and such great character development! Loved it. And congrats on your new little hare!
So sweet!!!
POSTED FOR ALY
Hare needs a Holiday
Aly Kenna
Hare’s stomach grumbled.
How long would she have to stay in bed.
Another CRASH BAM BOM came from the kitchen.
The smell of burnt toast tickled her nose.
The sun was now high in the sky, she smiled.
Breakfast would not be far off now.
FLOP SIZZLE PLOP
Hare inched further under covers.
At last, the pitter patter of tiny footsteps.
Not a moment too soon.
“Happy Mothers Day!”
Black toast, burnt carrots and a fresh sprig of heather.
Her heart swelled, “Best breakfast ever!”
But the kitchen?
Well, what Hare really needed – was a holiday.
96 words
POSTED FOR MIA
Hilary Needs A Hint
By Mia Geiger
89 words
Ribbons and glitter and more!
Paper with sparkles galore!
What will I find if I peek?
But looking will make me a sneak!
Mom says I really must wait.
Today she is coming home late …
Birthdays mean presents and fun,
but I need a small hint—just one.
Shake-ity, shake-ity, shake.
Soft like some angel food cake?
NOW is my very best chance
so I’ll sneak a wee little glance . . .
Corners are good spots to start,
carefully prying apart.
Can’t stop! . . . I open the box.
Wowie! Pink unicorn socks!
Haha!!! This is great!
Hi Susanna, thanks for this comp opportunity. Here’s a last minute entry, as we’ve just finished our school holidays in Switzerland. I look forward to the weekly prompts. Elenore.
Henry needs a Hint
Elenore Byrne
Word count 108
Using Henry, Hint and Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day was hours away and Henry could not find,
the perfect present for his mom, a special ‘one-off’ kind.
He asked his dad who said sometimes his mom left hints about,
but warned him that they could be hard to find and figure out.
While pondering the things Mom liked, a bug with lots of feet,
crawled upon his arm and Mom said, “Wow that bug is sweet.”
Henry keenly grabbed the hint, he knew just what he’d need.
Branches, dirt, and greenery – to house a centipede!
When his mother saw her ‘Pet’ she could not even speak.
Without a doubt, Henry had found – a gift that was unique!
HARE STYLE (prompt: Hare needs a new hobby)
by Hannah Roy LaGrone
Hawkins tried on aviators,
skate-shoes on his feet.
With a leather jacket,
his Hare-style was complete!
He hoped to sell out huge arenas,
touring near and far.
So his last accessory?
A shiny red guitar.
He went onstage in Nashville…
“Hey! Why is no one here?
My rockstar look’s so stylish!”
The band thought it was clear…
“You spent hours on your outfit,
But minutes on your song;
Your guitar is out of tune,
And your rhythm is all wrong!”
“Practicing is boring!”
he sighed and shook his head.
“I need a different hobby…
I could always act instead!”
Love it! What a fun story. 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
Clever! Maybe hare SHOULD stick with acting!
Thanks! I wonder if he’ll practice his lines… 😉