Look at us! Half way through June and up to Week #6 in our Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Challenge! Can you believe you’ve written at least 5 brand new stories so far (I know some of you are writing more than one per week!) with two weeks of inspiration still to go? Who knows how many new picture books might be getting their start during this challenge!
So let’s fire up the old brain cells and show Week #6 who’s boss!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini is a 7 week writing challenge for anyone who needs a little boost, a little inspiration, or a little encouragement to get writing. . . or maybe just a little fun!
You get to write your own story, enjoy and be entertained by everyone else’s stories, and get yourself in the running for some awesome prizes (please see the end of the blog post for a list of all the prize goodies which continues to grow!)
To be eligible for the prize drawing you must enter all 7 weeks.
For a full description of the challenge, to read the Week #1 entries, or to add your Week #1 entry, please go HERE (Week #1)
To read the Week #2 entries or add your Week #2 entry, please go HERE (Week #2)
To read the Week #3 entries or add your Week #3 entry, please go HERE (Week #3)
To read the Week #4 entries or add your Week #4 entry, please go HERE (Week #4)
To read the Week #5 entries or add your Week #5 entry, please go HERE (Week #5)
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #6 for Week of June 14:
So far we’ve played with character needs/goals, writing a cumulative story, a picture prompt with random words and a secret, turning songs into stories with themes, and concept stories in particular settings! 😊 This week, we’re going to explore the importance of relationships and emotion!
Picture books are often about relationships – parent/child, sibling, friends/enemies, child/pet, grandparent/child, babysitter/child etc. and those relationships can cause emotions or be affected by emotions.
Choose a main character from Column A, a second character from Column B, and an emotion from Column C and write a 100-word story for kids where the story centers around the emotion between them. (For example, 2 friends where one is jealous of the other, or a child who feels angry toward his beloved dog for chewing up his prized baseball glove, or a child who feels nervous about visiting her elderly grandmother who is wrinkly and smells like mothballs but whom she is supposed to love.) Feel free to make “siblings” a dog and a cat, or “friends” a dinosaur and a goat, etc – you don’t have to stick with all human characters – write monsters, fairies, and aliens if you like 😊
| Column A – Character 1 (MC) | Column B – Character 2 | Column C – Emotion |
| Rosie | Grandma or Grandpa (Gran, Grand Dad, Oma, Poppa, etc) | awe (looks up to/hero worship) |
| Tuck | Pet (any kind – your choice) | jealousy |
| Maisie | Friend | anger |
| Chip | Sibling (older, younger, twin, step) | sadness |
| Bentley | Mom or Dad or Step | betrayal |
| Esme | Babysitter (any age or gender) | boredom |
| Enzo | Dragon | worry, anxiety, nervousness |
| Xander | Dinosaur | joy |
| Dylan | Fairy Godmother | love |
| April | Enemy | pride |
| August/Auggie/Gus | resentment |
I am ready to be bowled over by your creativity and talent!
So come join the fun! Get some writing done! Encourage your kids (or students) to give it a try! Or just have a good time together reading what other folks have written!
Ready, set, WRITE! 😊
(And remember, for full details on the 7 week challenge you can check HERE)
Check out the Week #6 stories!
Gus – Robin Currie
My Sister’s For Sale – Rose Cappelli
Esme And Enzo, Aquatic Besties – Candice Marley Conner
Alice And Ollie – Joyce Uglow
Enzo The Pelican – Lyn Jekowsky
Tuck And Pops – Marty Findley
Anna And Granna – Marty Findley
Mighty Maisy – Jen Subra
Dance! Dance! – Leslie Degnan
Gus Gets A Pet Dragon – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
Big Dog – Marty Findley
Chip Goes Blip – Laura Bower
My Grandpop Can Fix Anything – Susan Schipper
The Chosen One – Sue Lancaster
Fire Circle – Sarah Hawklyn
The Festival – Erika Romero
I Have A Poem For You – Padgy Soltis
A Fork In The Road – Jill Lambert
Birthday Surprise – Bevin Rolfs Spencer
How A Radio Flyer Brought Two Unlikely Friends Together – Erin Cleary
Maisie And Dana – Sarah Meade
Dylan Loves His Friend – Barbara Renner
The Tooth Fairy And The Dragon – Aly Kenna
Grammy’s Twinkles – Dawn Young
Date Night Betrayal – Allison Strick
Maise Marigold Mariah Munder Would Not Let Her Face Go Under – Sara Kruger
Maisie Astounds – Jeannette Suhr
Dear Tooth Fairy – Nicole Loos Miller
Creating Joy – Jeannette Suhr
I Don’t Need A Babysitter – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
According To My Grandma – Marta Cutler
Bentley’s Bad Behavior – Susan Summers
A New Day – Mia Geiger
Rosie’s Great Gramma Mary Onion – Sally Yorke-Viney
Maisie’s Big Brother – Marty Bellis
The Fairy Godmother Problem – Ashley Sierra
The Most(ly) Boring Babysitter – Amy Leskowski
Love – Lauren Scott
Maisie’s Surprise – Deb Sullivan
Little Dragon Worries – Hannah Roy LaGrone
The Green Dragon – Marta Cutler
Betrayed – Colleen Owen Murphy
Hearts More Like Me – Elenore Byrne
Little Gus Giraffe Goes To Tokyo – Dianne Irving
I Hate Puppies – Deb Buschman
Not The Enzo But A Beginning – Bru Benson
The Great Escape – Katie Schwartz
Monster And Alien – Brenna Jeanneret
Late For School – Again – Michelle S. Kennedy
Xander And The Dinosaurs – Linda Schueler
Esme And Rex – JC Kelly
Enzo’s Fire – Ashley B. Pedigo
Untitled – Lauri Meyers
PRIZES & PRIZES OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES!
When it comes time for prizes, names of all those who complete the challenge will be drawn randomly and matched with prizes drawn randomly until we run out! 😊
Please join me 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 gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazone, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, suggesting them for school visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊
⭐️ 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)
⭐️ Picture Book MS Critique OR Query Letter Critique (Winner’s Choice) from the lovely and talented Sara Kruger!
⭐️ 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)
⭐️Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Audio Recording by author and poet Sarah Meade Sarah will do a written critique of your manuscript and include an audio recording of her first read-through of the manuscript. The audio recording is to help the author hear how the story flows and/or where a new reader may stumble when reading aloud.
⭐️ 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)
⭐️A copy of A FLOOD OF KINDNESS by Ellen Leventhal
⭐️A copy of MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Vivian Kirkfield
⭐️A copy of THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT by Penny Parker Klostermann
⭐️A copy of SLOTH AND SQUIRREL IN A PICKLE by Cathy Ballou Mealey
⭐️A copy of BINDU’S BINDIS by Supriya Kelkar
⭐️A copy of PHOEBE DUPREE IS COMING TO TEA! by Linda Ashman
⭐️ Magnetic Poetry – Little Box of Happiness
⭐️Picture Book Writers Rock! Mug for the writing fuel of your choice! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Gus
I really do like my friend Gus!
When I fall down, there’s never a fuss.
He’s fast and he’s tall.
He can even play ball.
He guards me when I’m on the bus.
While kids in my school can be mean
Gus will always be there, in between
The bullies and me.
So they will be
Nicer than they’ve ever been!
At bedtime he’s neve a bore.
Just hear the loud way he can snore!
Tucked in for the night,
We snuggle up tight.
I love Gus, my pet dinosaur!
I like the surprise ending…Gus is a Dinosaur! Nice job! 🙂
Very cute! And nice rhymes! Who doesn’t love a pet dinosaur! Great job!
Very cute! Love the twist that Gus is a dinosaur.
I real page turner. I could hardly wait to see who or what Gus was. Then I had to chuckle at him being a dinosaur. So cute.
I would love to see Gus on the bus. Kids need a friend like Gus. This is a fun story.
I love the surprise ending!
Yay for pet dinosaurs who make bullies behave! Fun story, Robin!
So heartwarming but even more so when we find out Gus is a dinosaur. Wonderful ending twist!
My Sister’s For Sale (104 Words)
by Rose Cappelli
(child, younger sibling, anger/love)
My sister’s for sale!
My sister’s for sale!
My toy-taking, food-flinging
Sister’s for sale!
You can take her this morning!
You can have her all night!
You can keep her forever —
Get her out of my sight!
My sister’s for sale!
My sister’s for sale!
My doll-dropping, bike-breaking
Sister’s for sale!
I won’t miss her kisses,
Her hugs or her giggles,
Or the way that she cuddles —
Her squiggles and wiggles.
I won’t miss her smiles
When she crawls on my lap
To hear a new book
Before taking a nap.
My sister’s for sale!
My sister’s for sale!
But please bring her back.
Ha-ha! I’m the oldest of five girls and there were plenty of times I wanted to sell them. Love the ending.
Sisters are the best. 🙂
Love this! So cute!
I love how the little sis is described: Toy-taking, food-flinging, doll-dropping, bike-breaking. Great job, Rose!
This has a lovely Shel Silverstein vibe that makes it funny and heartwarming for both kids and adults. You’re spot on with your rhyme and meter!
Definitely influenced by Shel Silverstein! I almost felt I should acknowledge his poem “One Sister for Sale” that swam in my head as I wrote mine.
This is terrific Rose! If you have a sister you know how this feels!
Love the refrain! 🙂
LOVE this, Rose! In the world of “great minds think alike” I’ve had a manuscript written for some time called Sister For Sale! Can you believe it? It hasn’t been picked up yet, though, so maybe you’ll have better luck with yours. I think it’s a lot better 😊
LOVE this! So fun to read aloud and so sweet.
This is so cute! LOVE the last line!!!
This is so funny! And delightful!! Loved the idea!
Esme & Enzo, Aquatic Besties
By Candice Marley Conner
Esme/Enzo, Friend, Awe, 130 words
Esme slithered over a mussel and under a rock. She was excited to join her friend Enzo on a playdate. He was the coolest salamander she had even met and she was in awe that he liked playing with her, a mucus-y, frilly-gilled mud puppy like herself.
“Esme can’t play with us,” another salamander whispered to Enzo. “She still has her baby gills.”
Enzo rolled his eyes. “All mud puppies have outside gills. They don’t lose them like we do and develop lungs. Anyway, I’d rather play with Esme. She can swim faster and slip into the best hiding places.”
Esme swam up to Enzo once the other salamander left the stream in a huff.
“Thank you for standing up for me,” Esme said, shyly.
“Of course! Tag! You’re it!”
I did not know about mud puppies. Your story took me into some quick research. Thanks!
Awww! So sweet, and I learned something, too!
I love the funny surprise at the end!
Great setting, characterization, and information all in 130 words! Well done!
Great job! Great mini science lesson as well! 🙂
Cute and educational! Love the snappy pacing and sweet characters, too.
Alice and Olly by Joyce Uglow
(emotion: awe/hero) word count 121
Nothing stopped dusty ole Alice Chambers from planting years of grain. That is until Farmer Mac bought the shiny Olly 9600.
Alice nodded to Olly from her new resting place for old tractors.
“You look low,” said Olly. “Are your tires flat?”
“I don’t have a new-fangled computer like yours,” said Alice.
“You can plant this field with your eyes shut,” said Olly. “What if my GPS fails?”
“It’s just dirt. Be afraid of not trying,” said Alice. “You’re the amazing Olly 9600!”
Olly roared to life and got the job done in no time. Then she retired for the night next to Alice.
“Do you want to join me at the Tractor Parade tomorrow? You’re way too important to be left in the dust.”
A hero story with two tractors – very unique! Thanks for sharing, Joyce. And I’m glad Olly didn’t leave Alice in the dust.
Thanks, Rose!
I love that the characters are tractors! Kids that like the movie “Cars” or Thomas the Train would love this! I’m glad to see an “old” hero since I’m getting old myself!
Great idea to use Tractors as the MC 🙂
What a sweet story of appreciation. We can all learn from these two tractors! Nice job!
Love that you used tractors. So sweet. This has the makings of a PB.
Thanks, Deb. It’s in the works. ✅
ENZO THE PELICAN
By Lyn Jekowsky
(Enzo, sibling, nervousness, wc 135)
Enzo the Pelican screeches and soars.
He dives to fill his pouch
His little Sis is nervous.
He’s always such a grouch.
Enzo tries to teach her
to swim and dive for fish.
Little Sis treads water
Unable to fulfill his wish.
Enzo explains their pouch.
It expands when filled with food.
Little Sis fails this critical lesson,
which adds to Enzo’s bad mood.
Enzo’s flying lesson is next
He spreads long wings and soars.
Little Sis spreads her wings
But can’t leave the sandy shore.
Little Sis’s legs tremble and twitch.
Again she has failed her Big Bro.
Tears soak her feathers, she says,
“I need time to grow”.
Enzo sighs and realizes
he’s been rough on his Little Sis.
She needs to practice pelican antics.
His wings enclose her, then a kiss.
Sweet story between siblings.
Love that big brother understands. You captured emotion in both Enzo and his little sis. Nice!
I love that these sweet characters are pelicans! Great characterization to share these relatable emotions.
Excellent, Lyn! Your pelican stories are flying high.
Big brothers are sometimes worth the trouble they cause us! Sweet story Lyn.
Great ending! 🙂
Tuck and Pops
By Marty Findley
(WC: 181) Characters: Tuck, Pops Emotions: Hero, Love
Hi! I’m Tuck. Let me tell you about my Pops!
My Pops can DO anything!
Bait a hook, catch a fish,
Fry it up, then wash the dish,
Ride a bike or catch a ball,
Tell a tale that’s really tall!
Read a book, take a hike.
He’ll do anything I like!
My Pops can FIX anything!
A broken toy, a wounded knee,
My favorite kite caught in a tree,
Gran’s stuck car, a small bird’s wing;
He can fix most anything!
If a piece is lost he’ll find the part;
He even mends a broken heart!
My Pops can BE anything!
A knight of old or Robin Hood,
A hero that’s super duper good,
A fiery dragon beast that flies,
A pilot soaring through the skies,
An astronaut way out in space,
A pirate with a scary face!
But best of all my Pops is mine!
We’re best of buddies all the time;
I love him and he loves me;
That’s the way it’s meant to be.
No matter what, he loves me true;
Super Pops, I love you too!
Love the structure and nice job on the rhyming!
Thank you so much!
Love all the fun description of the simple things Pops can do! Nice rhyme, too!
Thank you!
This poem can do anything–tell a story in rhyme, that is mighty fine! Loved this Marty.
Nice work, Marty. Great rhyme! 🙂
Awesome story – I can feel Tuck’s pride in/love for his Pops, who certainly sounds like a gem!
I love this Marty! I can see this being a PB for sure!
Anna and Granna
By Marty Findley
(WC: 101) Characters: Anna and Granna Emotions: Hero/Love
Anna and Granna – we’re two of a kind;
What Granna does, Anna does – two of one mind!
Tea parties, tree houses, dolls and dress-up,
Wobbling around in my Granna’s new pumps.
Twirling and swirling around in our dance,
Granna sews patches on Anna’s old pants.
We bake Cookes and make fresh tart lemonade,
Stories at bedtime-wait! Pull up the shade!
Better yet, let’s go cozy-up on the front porch,
And watch as the stars start to glow like a torch.
They light up the sky with their twinkle and shine.
How I love to snuggle this Granna of mine!
Sweet parallel poem for Granna, too. That’s a lot of rhyme to write in one day!
Thanks!
Glad you added Granna! Nice job! 🙂
Wonderfully cozy story – love the multigenerational connections (for Tuck and Anna!)
Thanks for the bonus! Granna couldn’t be outdone by Pops! The love shines through in both.
Thank you!
MIGHTY MAISY
(wc:161; Maisy/neighbors/sadness & making friends)
Maisy the Wren was the new bird in the tree, and she had lots of friends to meet!
“Good morning, Mr. Jay!” she chattered.
“Har-umph!” he answered. “You’re a busy, little bird, aren’t you?” and went back to his feeder.
“Hello, Mrs. Cardinal!” chirped Maisy.
“Shhhhh! I’m trying to blend in here on my nest. Please, dear, your trilling is upsetting the eggs,” she whispered.
“Hi, Mr. Goldfinch!” churred Maisy, joining him on a branch.
“Oh my!” he fluttered. “You’re so brown! I didn’t see you!” and he chirupped away.
Maisy’s perky, brown tail feather drooped. No one seemed interested in being her friend. She was too busy, too noisy, and too brown. Suddenly, she spied a slinking cat under the tree!
“Chi-chi-churrrr!” Maisy darted and dipped to warn all the others!
Away dashed the cat!
“Thank you, Maisy!”
“You’re so quick, Maisy!”
“That cat didn’t even see you, Maisy!”
“I guess being a little, brown wren is o.k.,” thought Maisy.
I love the title and the character Maisy.
Hooray for Maisy!
DANCE! DANCE! (WC :120)
By Les Degnan
(Tuck, babysitter, pride)
Tuck didn’t talk. Mom talked about everything she did. Dad read books. They told stories, sang songs, asked questions and gave Tuck choices to encourage Tuck to talk.
That Saturday night Mom and Dad went dancing. They called Lily, their sitter, put on their dancing shoes and left.
Tuck cried. Lily lifted him up and danced around the room.
“Dance! Dance!” she sang and waltzed across the floor.
“Dance!” shouted Tuck.
“That’s right, just like Mommy and Daddy,”
“Just like Momma/dada,” said Tuck.
At that moment, Mom walked in the door. She’d forgotten something. Hearing Tuck talk made her cry.
Lily saw her. With a rush of pride she passed Tuck into his mothers’ arms, stepped aside, and cranked up the music.
This is so heartwarming and sweet!
Pride all around for everyone! So happy for Tuck.
POSTED FOR ISABEL
Gus Gets a Pet Dragon
By Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
(WC: 156; Main Character (1): Gus; Characters (2): Pet, Dragon; Emotions (2): Sadness, Joy)
Little Gus was very sad
His pet guppy had just died.
“I need a new pet”, Little Gus cried,
“So I won’t feel so bad.”
He tried to have a cat to pet
The cat hair made him sneeze
Plus all the fur balls he had to clean
“Ooof! This pet cat is no breeze!”
His pet dog was an enormous chore
He would jump on his bed from the floor
But when he chewed his daddy’s slippers
His pet was out the door.
One day while on the sidewalk
Pulling his shiny toy wagon
Little Gus discovered
A very cute brown dragon.
Little Gus was full of joy
“This will be my brand new pet
He can light our fireplace
And dry me when I’m wet”.
Daddy frowned at my pet breed
“He’ll burn the house down”, we agreed.
Just then I woke up from my dream,
“A new pet guppy is what I need!”
POSTED FOR MARTY
Big Dog
By Marty Findley
Characters: Rosie and her dog, Bella. Emotion: Pride (WC: 177)
I’m Bella. I’m on my way to see my friends at Puppy School. My friends at class are all really big. I’m little but I feel big inside! The instructor teaches us “sit”, “down” and “stay”. “Sit” is easy. “Down” is harder. How am I supposed to reach the treat that’s waaaay up there when I’m waaaay down here?” It’s hard to wait for it. I’m practically down all the time anyway because I’m so short!
“Stay” is practically impossible! I’m too busy watching all the other big dogs to focus very much. They are sooo tall! I just want them to play with me! Besides, by the time we get to “stay”, my tummy is full of treats, so what’s the point? I may as well just stay here and watch the big dogs! Wow! Everyone is happy because I finally “stayed”!
The instructor gives all the moms and dads certificates. My mom, Rosie, gets one too! She looks so proud and that fills up my big inside with happy. I may look little but I’m really a BIG dog! Listen to me growl!
Yay for Bella – I feel her pride shining through!
So sweet! And it is the littlest dogs that can make the biggest impact, and you express this so well! Good job!
Chip Goes Blip
By Laura Bower
187 words
(Chip, pet dog, jealousy)
Ruff’s owners carried something new.
They said its name was “Chip.”
Ruff sniffed around, he barked hello,
but all Chip said was “Blip.”
His owners oooohhhed. His owners ahhhhhed,
at all Chip’s fancy tricks.
Chip was sparkly. Shiny. New.
Ol’ Ruff was almost six.
Chip whirled by. He wouldn’t play.
He left Ruff in his dust
and ate up all the yummy crumbs –
much to Ruff’s disgust.
Ruff did flips. He barked his name –
he even sang a song.
BUT poor Ruff could not compete
since Chip could do no wrong.
Until a bang! a whoosh! a clank!
What was wrong with Chip?
He wasn’t moving anymore –
not even a small “blip!”
The owners gently picked up Chip
and turned him all around.
“We’ll have to take him to get fixed –
I know a place in town!”
They got back home. There was no Chip.
Ol’ Ruff was feeling great.
He ate up all the yummy crumbs –
Got belly rubs… but, wait!
They pulled out something from their bag.
It couldn’t be! no… Chip?!
“It’s great to have our vacuum back.”
And all Chip said was “Blip.”
Sweet, and cute! A puppy that says ‘blip’, too funny! And love that Ruff can bark his name, LOL! Great job!
Colin, Grandpop, Awe/Pride
WC 186
My Grandpop Can Fix Anything
By Susan Schipper
“My Grandpop can fix anything” echoed throughout Little Friends Nursery School every day. Colin could not wait to tell his favorite teacher “Bubby” what Grandpop fixed that day. Colin knew his grandpop was as handy as can be. He watched as Grandpop fixed clogged drains, repaired dishwashers, replaced a flat tire on a bike or car, he even refurbished his computer! Everyday began the same, “My Grandpop can fix anything”!
Bubby decided to put Grandpop to the test. She collected as many broken and mangled toys she could find…all that were slated for the trash bin! Colin beamed as he brought his bag of broken toys and placed them before Grandpop! Armed with his tools Grandpop sifted through the jumble of what once were toys. He fixed broken wheels on cars and trucks, repaired arms and legs on dolls! The next day Colin solemnly handed the bag to Bubby. She bent down and hugged Colin. She confessed she played a trick on both Grandpop and Colin! She didn’t think they could be repaired! Bubby was now a believer when Colin began everyday with…”my Grandpop can fix anything”!
(Based on a true story 😊)
Aww! I love how Grandpop was able to fix everything!
Thanks! And that tradition continues!! 🙂
Based on a true story, love this! Grandpop is in trouble now that his secret’s out! But I bet he’s happy to fix most everything, anyplace, any time. Thanks for sharing!
Awww, that’s lovely!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting! 🙂
The Chosen One
(106 words.
Emotion: Jealousy)
Rosie felt green with envy.
How would anyone choose her when she was stood next to Dylan?
In-demand Dylan with his sturdy legs, strong torso and smirking smile.
Stood next to her, rotten Rosie, with her lopsided limbs, raggedy clothes and straggly hair.
There was no contest. She was doomed to be overlooked forever.
Rosie sagged sadly. Next to her, Dylan towered tall.
Suddenly someone nudged Dylan aside.
A beaming face was looking at Rosie and pointing.
Rosie heard a voice: “She’s perfect!”
And, just like that, Rosie Ragdoll was being whisked off to the toyshop till,
while Dylan Dinosaur was left stood on the shelf.
Very cute. I like the reveal at the end.
Great ending! 🙂
Yay for Rosie ragdoll!
Fire Circle
By Sarah Hawklyn
(Esme, pet, sadness) WC 100
Esme has the brightest feathers.
They shine orange and gold.
I pet her softly and whisper, “good bird”, over and over,
but I think she can’t hear me anymore.
She rests in my favorite Pjs. The ones that are soft, like baby chicks.
Tears wet my cheeks and I scrub at them to wipe away the feeling.
Silly girl, why cry?
When she takes her last breath, I lift her gently.
I lay the fragile bundle on the hearth.
As the flames burst bright, I step back.
I smile now.
“Hello baby Esme”.
Welcome to the world my beautiful phoenix.
Great story! The emotions burst forth! 🙂
You communicate a lot of emotion, and tell a compelling story in just 100 words. Inspiring to read, I really enjoyed this!
The Festival
By Erika Romero
Esme/Grandma/Joy
Today was the big day. Esme was so excited!
When Abuela Maria had told Esme she needed a gardener helper, Esme wasn’t sure that she was the right choice.
“I’ve never grown any flowers or vegetables, Abuela,” Esme had explained.
“No problema, Esme.”
Abuela Maria was not worried.
“I’ll teach you what you need to do.”
And for months and months, Esme learned so much about gardening.
Every time a new spout appeared above the dirt, she smiled and cheered.
And now, the big day had arrived. The Fall Festival. And, “The Grandparent/Grandchild Cooking Contest,” which Esme and Abuela Maria had entered.
With a colorful flower bouquet at the center of their table, and all kinds of veggies from their garden ready to be chopped, Esme knew that they would be cooking yummy food for her family and neighbors to enjoy.
The bell rang.
The audience cheered.
The competition had officially begun.
“Are you ready, abuela?” Esme wondered.
“Sí. Time to shine, mi corazon.”
And they did.
Love all of the feelings that are projected! 🙂
I Have A Poem For You
By Padgy Soltis
Word count: 150
Enzo, Dad, Boredom
“Dad, I’m bored!” Enzo complained.
“Hi Bored. I’m Dad! And I have a poem for you!”
You say you’re bored
There’s lots to do
So, pick a chore
How about two?
If boredom strikes
It’s time to think
To ride a bike
Or scrub the sink?
What will you do?
The choice in yours
Have fun for two
Or mundane chores?
“So what will it be?” Dad questioned.
“I’m going to have fun for two!” Enzo grabbed his helmet from the closet. “Aren’t you coming with me?”
“I’m old!” Dad responded.
“Hi Old. I’m Enzo! And I have a poem for you!”
You say your old
But that’s not true
Brave and bold
Is more like you!
Have fun for two
Is not the same
For without you
It would be lame
“Good one Enzo.” Dad smiled as he walked out the door.
“I learned from the best,” Enzo winked.
Clever (and relatable) poems, Padgy!
Haha! Taking Dad jokes to the next level!
Very cute! Have to remember this poem the next time I hear “I’m bored,” and have a list of chores ready! 🙂
Padgy, this is so much fun! Glad Enzo was able to convince his Dad with a clever rhyme!
A Fork in the Road (I used Frost’s The Road Not Taken as a model)
By Jill Lambert
WC:160, Relationship: Chip & Gus–farm friends, Emotions: boredom, betrayal
Chip the donkey went to town,
it was a change of pace for him.
When Gus the goat approached, a frown
appeared between his eyes, cast down.
His freedom from the farm looked dim.
Charging in, Gus bleated out,
“We’ll go to town together now.”
The donkey tossed his head and sighed,
“Come on, you followed anyhow.
I must escape that boring cow!”
As their feet churned up the road
they listened to a bird’s sweet song.
Before they’d traveled far, they slowed.
The route ahead appeared too wrong–
a fork and footpaths from each prong.
With no directions and no sign,
The donkey stomped his hoof, confused.
Grouchy Gus began to whine,
“You have no clue? I’m not amused!
I’m going home!” He plain refused.
Chip the donkey stood, alone.
He pondered long the path to take.
“Hee haw,” he muttered with a moan,
then scrapped his scheme to take a break.
“That road not taken is a fake!”
Quite the adventure, Jill (at least Chip got a break from the boring cow!)
Thanks for reading and commenting, Deborah!
What a unique rhyming structure! I am always amazed with your storytelling done so well in rhyme. Another fun one, Jill!
Thanks, Ashley. Not sure it was the best fit for this story, but I wanted to attempt it!
I’m always impressed by your rhyme and poetic structures, Jill. This is so creative and fun.
Thank you, Sarah!
(((Jill!))) You are so creative. I LOVE that you take risks and try new things. And LOVE that you chose to write about a donkey. Your poem is so fun- right down to the last line (which cracked me up!)
Thank you, Michelle! I appreciate it!
Wow. You’ve inspired me. I’ve just reread the original. Such a great idea and I LOVE the end result. Cute ending too.
Thank you, Elenore! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Poor Chip. Sometimes you just can’t get away from a boring cow! Nice job!
Thanks, Erin!
Very creative, once again! Love all the rhymes – prong/song/wrong, etc. And your ending adds such a funny twist, since it’s the opposite of the usual sentiment that goes along with ‘the road not taken’. Great job!
Thanks so much, Katie!
Birthday Surprise
By, Bevin Rolfs Spencer
Enzo/pet/joy-surprise
We are having a surprise party.
For a special guest.
That’s a surprise too.
Who is it?
Mommy and I decorate the kitchen.
I color a Happy Birthday sign.
I wrap a present in shiny blue paper.
Inside, something squeaks.
But who is the present for?
I look out the window and see our neighbor.
“Is the special guest Mrs. Rivera?” I ask.
“No Enzo,” says Mom. “But our guest is close by.”
Mom and I put on party hats with silver sparkles.
Grandma loves hats.
“Is the surprise for Grandma?” I ask.
“No,” says Mom. “But our guest loves to play with her.”
Mom takes out vanilla ice cream.
“Does our guest love ice cream?” I ask.
“Yes,” says Mom. “It’s her favorite. But just one scoop.”
A special guest who lives close by, plays with Grandma, and gets only one scoop of ice cream.
“I know!” I cry.
I open the back door. Bella runs in.
“Surprise!” I tell Bella. She licks my face. I kiss her back.
We have a birthday party with Grandma and Mrs. Rivera and our special guest, Bella!
I help Bella open her present.
She chases her squeaky ball and licks up all the ice cream.
Surprise parties are the best!
This is so sweet and fun! Love the pacing and anticipation of the special guest.
How a Radio Flyer Brought Two Unlikely Friends Together
By Erin Cleary
133 words (Xander, dragon/friend, sadness)
Xander the Brave
Entered the cave
Of a very big, fierce-looking dragon.
He entered the cave
In order to save
His Radio Flyer red wagon.
He’d been riding along,
With his heart full of song,
‘Till a bump in the road sent him flying.
He’d jumped off his ride,
But his ride went inside
Of the cave where a dragon was crying.
“What’s got you so sad,”
Said our brave little lad
To the dragon who turned with a sniff.
“I’ve been in here all day
With nothing to play
And no one to play nothing with.
“Then come play with me.
We can ride to the sea
In my Radio Flyer red wagon.”
“How sweet that will be!
We can make seaweed tea!”
And they did, that brave boy and the dragon.
Erin, this is delightful! Love the characters, problem, and sweet ending.
What a happy accident! Hope they enjoy their seaweed tea.
Erin, I love the voice in this. Congrats!
Your story is wonderful, from beginning to end, Erin!
MAISIE & DANA
By Sarah Meade
(Maisie, babysitter, awe)
Word Count: 134
Maisie loved Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Dana days!
Maisie gazed up at her favorite babysitter.
Her long hair. Her bright eyes. Her smile.
They walked to the park, hand in hand.
Dana pushed Maisie on the swings,
caught her on the fast slide,
and always shared her special snacks.
Then they skipped home.
Maisie thought Dana was pretty perfect.
One day on the way home, after swinging and siding and snacking, Dana stopped skipping.
She dropped Maisie’s hand.
Maisie gasped. “What is it?”
Dana’s voice sounded funny. “A spider!”
Sure enough, a spider dangled from a silky strand.
Maisie peered at it. “Aww, it’s just a little guy.”
Dana blinked. “You’re not scared?”
“Nope.” Maisie took Dana’s hand and squeezed. “But it’s OK if you are.”
Dana smiled.
Then they skipped all the way home.
Aww, cute! I ended up writing about a kid named Maisie and her babysitter, too. Love all the ‘s’ alliteration in this piece.
Thank you, Allison!
Cute story, Sarah – and great twist at the end! Maisie and Dana are lucky to have each other 🙂
Thank you, Deb!
I like the way you put Dana on Maisie’s pedestal, then revealed her single flaw–arachnophobia! In the end, it didn’t matter to Maisie. So sweet!
Thank you, Jill!
Such a sweet story! And I love the twist at the end.
Thank you so much, Rose!
What a sweet story!
Thank you for reading, Michelle!
How nice for Maisie to be braver than her babysitter…and so supportive of her fear! Nice job!
Thank you, Erin!
It came out so good, Sarah! You do a great job showing a strong bind between them 😊.
So the rhythm is off, and it kind of fizzles at the end, but I love the challenge of your mini writing challenges. Thank you for getting my creative juices bubbling again.
DYLAN LOVES HIS FRIEND
By Barbara Renner
Word Count: 184
Dylan/Dinosaur/Love
Dylan has a friend whom he loves very much.
They are never, ever completely out of touch.
When Dylan starts to dine, he encourages him to eat,
Even when he’s staring at a tasteless red beet.
When Dylan has a sad face, he can spark in him a giggle,
And he laughs along with him as they both do a wiggle.
When Dylan needs a hug, his arms are open wide
In order to chase all the worries and fears outside.
He follows Dylan everywhere; sometimes even to go potty.
And even to hide with him when he knows he’s been naughty.
Dylan can talk to his friend, and he really understands.
Dylan can read to his friend, about circuses and handstands.
But the best part of the day is when they both go to bed,
And it’s dark and they snuggle and they lay head to head.
Dylan knows his best friend will shoo shadows away,
And keep all the under-bed monsters at bay.
Dylan truly loves his best friend, bud, and protector.
‘Cause everyone knows you don’t mess with a stuffed dinosaur.
Way to rise to the writing challenge, Barbara. I absolutely got the bonding vibe in your story..very sweet. (And apologies for inadvertently pasting the below comment in the wrong spot… that is not the first time I’ve done that. Sigh…)
I like the way you saved the reveal of Dylan’s friend until the very end. Nice work, Barbara!
Very sweet. Kids would definitely relate to this.
Cute story, Sarah – and great twist at the end! Maisie and Dana are lucky to have each other 🙂
POSTED FOR ALY
The Tooth Fairy and Dragon
Aly Kenna
April/Dragon/worry, anxiety, nervousness
(120 words)
Meet April.
April is a tooth fairy.
April has a secret.
April has a pet dragon.
Fairies are not allowed to have pets – especially dragons.
April has a bigger secret.
She can’t fly. Luckily her dragon can.
Together they collect teeth from all over the world.
April wins awards like:
Most Teeth Collected in One Night
Tooth Fairy of the Month
Voted Most Popular Fairy
Dragon is not interested in awards.
April takes care of dragon.
She makes him vegetarian smoothies, brushes his teeth, she even polishes his spines.
They make quite a pair.
Because April’s Dragon is not really her pet, but her best friend and they do everything together – in secret.
This morning, Dragon woke with a cold.
A unique solution to the Tooth Fairy’s flying problem. An interesting pair!
POSTED FOR DAWN
#6 Maisie / Grammy / Awe, Look up to hero
GRAMMY’S TWINKLES
By Dawn Young
Maisie and Grammy had a ‘Big Girl Day’ planned. First lunch at the Tea Room followed by shopping at the Indoor Flea Market. When Grammy arrived, Maisie was dressed in a long ruffled skirt, lacey blouse, and had a gigantic purse slung over her arm.
“You look adorable my little butterfly,” said Grammy giving Maisie a big hug. Looking closer at Maisie’s face, Grammy noticed dark lines drawn in the corner of Maisie’s eyes.
“What have you done to your face?” asked Grammy.
“I wanted ‘twinkles’ like yours!” Maisie whispered.
Grammy smiled as they climbed into the car.
Very sweet, Dawn. I love it.
I smiled with tears in my eyes on this one, Dawn! Wonderful!
This is so sweet and adorable! Love “twinkles!”
How cute is this story?! I LOVE it!
DATE NIGHT BETRAYAL
by Allison Strick
100 words
Maisie, parents, babysitter, betrayal
Dad jabbered all day about the fun night ahead.
Then I caught the scent of betrayal: Mom’s perfume.
Date night equals fun for my parents, and a new babysitter for me.
Introductions were swift. “Meet Francine! Be good, Maisie! Bed at eight!”
We squared off. Amazing Maisie vs. Mean Francine.
She thunked down her bag, grinning. “They’re gone.”
Gulp. What was inside? Math games? Puppets?
Gasp! A zombie movie?! Popcorn! Cookies! Soda!
Francine winked. “Maybe bed at nine–our secret?”
In the morning, Dad asked, “How was it? Do I smell popcorn?”
I only shrugged, yawning.
I’ll never betray Queen Francine.
You did an amazing job transforming Maisie from pouty to Francine’s biggest fan in only 100 words! My favorite line is “Then I caught the scent of betrayal.” It says everything! Brilliant!
Love this! The arc from Maisie calling her Mean Francine to Queen Francine is delightful.
Great job on the story arc! I love the shift from Mean to Queen. Very clever!
Maise Marigold Mariah Munder Would Not Let Her Face Go Under
By Sara Kruger
w/c 122
Maise/friend/worry
Maise Marigold Mariah Munder
Would not let her face go under
She’d shriek and splash with mates from school
But would not dive into that pool.
Somersaults and cannonballs.
Her friends begged her to try them all.
But Maise worried, stood concerned
She hated when the water burned.
It always made her sputter, gasp.
Because her nose she would not grasp.
And so she stayed where she could touch
Jumping in– but not that much.
Until one day a friend brought jewels.
They sparkled deep down in the pool.
Kids retrieved them one by one
And Maise longed to join the fun.
So goggles on, she took a breath
Plugged that nose and plunged the depth.
She surfaced holding tight her prize,
Delighted by her friends’ surprise.
Love this, Sara! Having had a child who felt exactly like Maise! 😊
Thanks! This is inspired by my 6 yr old who currently IS Maise
In fact, headed to swim lessons right now haha =)
I used to teach swimming lessons and this story captures it perfectly! Bravo, Sara!
Oh thank you!
Relating to this big time. It’s fantastic and hooray for Maise in the end. PS. LOVE the name!!
Thank you!
Delightful! Love that she changed her mind to get the jewels.
Maisie Astounds
Maisie – pet (ferret) – pride
Jeannette Suhr – w/c 91
Maisie, our ferret, is feeling proud.
Her many attributes wow our crowd.
She can stand upright and walk on hind feet.
Then take a bow and beg for a treat.
She sneaks into Katie’s room
And reappears in costume.
Wearing Barbie’s upsweep
And driving her decked-out jeep.
She can whip up a dessert
With not a spot on her skirt.
And set out a five-course meal
With a grand reveal.
She’s a ferret at heart.
She’s playful and smart.
But don’t take her for granted.
There’s a surprise she has planted.
I just reread Susanna’s instructions and realize that I missed the mark. I will try again and repost (if that’s allowed).
Of course!
I thought this was adorable Jeannette – ya had me at “Wearing Barbie’s upsweep and driving her decked-out jeep.” Hilarious!
DEAR TOOTH FAIRY
By Nicole Loos Miller
(April/(tooth) fairy/ betrayal!, 90 words)
Dear Tooth Fairy,
I thought we had a DEAL! I’ve been brushing my teeth four times a day! I floss after every meal. I even gave up candy for an entire DAY! This is the sparkliest, cleanest, most glorious tooth my mouth has ever produced. And it’s a MOLAR! I left you a note with my last tooth – you knew I wanted a puppy. A real fluffy, tail-wagging, barking and kissing puppy.
But, what did you leave me?
Fifty cents.
I’ll be letting Santa know about this. Good luck with that yacht you wanted.
Sincerely DISAPPOINTED,
April
Dear April,
I think you have me confused with the Fairy God Mother. I think she is the one who dropped off a sailboat.
Sorry… not sorry!
Sincerely,
Minty
Hahaha 😊
This is hilarious! Great job. 🙂
And Joyce, look at you responding like the Tooth Fairy! Bwa-ha-ha! Keep it going, you two!
Hah!! Love it, Joyce!
This is great, Nicole – your little MC’s voice and emotion come through so well! 😊
Thank you so much, Susanna!
This is SO funny! What a great take on the challenge!!!
Thank you so much, Marta!
Writing this story as a letter was a wonderful way to show April’s disappointment in the tooth fairy. Love the line about Santa–so funny!
Thank you, Jill!!
Such fun! April sounds like quite the character.
Hah! She’s got guts, I’ll give her that 🙂
This is delightful and hilarious, Nicole!
Aw, thank you, Sarah!!
Cute! And of course the tooth fairy wants a yacht! Good job!
Creating Joy
Rosie – dragon – joy
Jeannette Suhr – w/c 88
Rosie was lonely.
Her best friend moved away.
Dragon was sad.
No one wanted to play.
They found joy between them.
They shared their delights.
Rosie loved jump rope.
Dragon loved long flights.
What they had in common
Gave them great pleasure.
Books about adventure
And finding lost treasure.
They created culinary delights
When their tummies grumbled.
They played in open fields
And stumbled and tumbled.
They made joy when there was none.
They were happy when down.
They became best friends
And got rid of their frowns.
I love the line, “They made joy when there was none.” Such an awesome theme!
Thanks Jill!
I’m with Jill – “They made joy when there was none.” is a keeper. Lovely story about friendship…
I Don’t Need a Babysitter!
Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
WC: 100 words
Esme, babysitter, resentment
As soon as her parents left,
Esme threw herself face down on the sofa.
“What’s wrong?” asked babysitter Annika.
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Well, this is my first time babysitting.”
Esme peeked at her.
“So you’d better tell me what I need to do.”
So Esme bounced up and got to work.
She told Annika how to make dinner,
How to rattle treats to get the cat to come in,
And how to turn on the complicated flat-screen TV.
“How was Annika?” asked Mom later.
“She needs more practice,” said Esme.
“You better have her come again next week.”
A terrific story about a rookie (or tricky?) babysitter! You conveyed Esme’s emotions so well!
What a clever babysitter. And Esme is just right as the helpful MC 🙂
According to My Grandma
(Child / Grandparent / Love & Awe)
112 words
By Marta Cutler
According to my Grandma….
Unicorns are quite fond of checkers
Pirates are partial to tea
And if you offer a snake a slice of cake
he’ll take not one but three!
Never play cards with a mermaid
Or forget to say “please” to a squid
And if you encounter a whale with a polka dot tail
Make sure you say, “Splendid!”
My Grandma’s a spinner of stories
A weaver of wondrous tails
And if you ask very nice, she’ll tell them twice
With even more detail
Everyone needs a Grandma like mine
At least every other week
To tuck them in bed and kiss their heads
And send them off to sleep
I love this Grandma story, Marta, especially her colorful storytelling and the internal rhyme. Well done!
Hi Jill! You always have the loveliest things to say! Thank you!
This is delightful! Love all the images conveyed in your first two stanzas.
Thank you Marty!
Bentley’s Bad Behavior
By: Susan Summers
WC: 108
Bentley, Dragon, Resentment
“It’s not fair!” Shouted Bentley. “I want to take the class pet home.”
“Who has it?” Asked Mother.
“Enzo.”
“Why didn’t you get the dragon?”
“I pulled Maria’s hair once, but I apologized!”
“Hmm.”
“And, I threw my book. I took a time-out for it!”
“Yes, you did.”
“I yelled at Enzo,” said Bentley.
“And?”
“Maybe I need to do better?”
“Correct.”
“I’ll try.”
On Monday Bentley raced into the house shouting.
“Mom! The dragon sneezed on Enzo and burned off his hair. I don’t want that silly dragon.”
He bounced up the stairs to his room.
Brrring, brrring, brrring.
“Hello Mrs. Goldsmith, what did he do now?”
Such a great story, Susan! I love everything about it–taking home the pet dragon, the realistic description of Bentley’s behavior, and the spot on ending! Perfect!
How cute is this. And so typical. Who hasn’t known a child just like Bentley?! Love the ending.
Love the ending. Cute.
Oh my gosh, so funny! Having raised 3 boys, this spoke to me, in volumes, as you described the behavior of a young boy, so perfectly! Love it – needs to become a PB!
Susan! So funny! And just like a kid to so quickly change their mind on something! LOL
POSTED FOR MIA
A New Day
By Mia Geiger
58 words
Barks and mews.
Singing the blues.
Noise from a shed.
“Help us,” they said.
Child looks in.
Slowly, a grin.
“Come with me.
Wait till you see!”
At their new home.
Room to roam!
Tabby loved pouncing,
running and bouncing.
Patches loved napping,
yapping and lapping.
Ranger loved yowling,
prowling and howling
“Family,” said the boy.
Instantly . . . Joy!
This is delightful, Mia! Love the sweet ending and fun verbs.
Such a sweet story, Mia! I love the names!
Rosie’s Great Gramma Mary Onion
WC; 139
Rosie/Great Grandma/awe & love
I’m going to see my Great Gramma Mary Onion. She’s amazing!
I love her garden. It’s okay if she can’t always remember my name, because she always remembers to let me water the plants.
I love her work clothes. It’s okay if she gets a little lost trying to find her sun hat, I show her it is on her head!
I love her workshop! It’s okay that it is covered with dirt and clay, she’s a potter. I tell her I like to play in the mud too! She lets me make a pinch pot.
My Great Gramma Mary Onion says, “I love having you here, Ruthie! You an are going to be an artist!’
“I know I will” said Rosie with both awe and understanding, “as long as I can learn from someone as amazing as you.
Well, it’s taken me most of the week, but here goes 🙂
MAISIE’S BIG BROTHER
by Marty Bellis
202 wc; Maisie/ brother/ anger, jealousy, resentment and love all rolled into one!
“I HATE being little,” cried Maisie. Max had just beaten her at ‘horse’ again.
She stuck out her tongue at him.
“Aw, c’mon, I’ll race you to the big tree,” said her big brother.
“No!” Maisie stomped her foot. “You always win.”
“Then let’s play cards.”
“No!” Maisie crossed her arms. “I’m always the Old Maid.”
“I’ll pitch the ball to you.”
Maisie rolled her eyes. “I always strike out.”
“Okay,” said Max. “What do you want to do?”
“I want to be faster than you. And better at baseball. And lucky, just once.”
“Guess what,” said Max. “You’re better and faster than I was at your age, and you’re definitely luckier.”
“You mean you used to be the Old Maid, too?” asked Maisie, giggling.
“No, silly, I meant you have me to teach you everything. Lucky you!”
Before Maisie could tackle him, Max took off for the big tree, but Maisie couldn’t catch him.
She was too busy laughing. It was hard to stay mad at a big brother who was so lovable.
Maisie decided she was lucky indeed. And if Max was half the teacher he thought he was, he’d better watch out. She’d be surprising him in no time.
Very cute! Great description of an older brother and younger sister! I half identify with this, LOL, as I once was Maisie, but I am just trying to remember times ‘Max’ was so lovable! (Now that we’re in our 60’s, he’s much nicer).
Thanks for an exceptional story, with a positive ending!
Such a sweet sibling story!
The Fairy Godmother Problem
by Ashley Sierra
124 words
Esme, Fairy Godmother, anger
“Oh, Fairy Godmother! Fairy Godmother! It’s Esme. Fairy Godmother!?!?!”
Rats. She doesn’t answer me, again. She’s angry. I don’t understand why. All I asked her for is a new dress, slippers, a nice hairdo, some horses, a coachman, a footman, a carriage, and to stay up until midnight. That’s what fairy godmothers are for, right?
Sigh. Let me try again.
“Mom! Mom! Sorry for treating you like my own personal fairy godmother. Can you play Cinderella with me?”
“Sure, sweetie! First, I have to sweep the chimney, say hi to my mice friends, brew you some tea, pick up your dirty laundry, sing with the birds, and mop the floors.”
“Thanks, Mom!”
Yes! I can’t wait to play. Wait . . .
“Ha. Ha. Very funny, Mom!”
You had me at “Rats”, Ashley… I love that expression! Mom had the perfect response to Esme’s request to play Cinderella. Another fabulous entry!
Thanks Jill! 😊
Adorable and funny, Ashley!
Thanks, Sarah!
So much fun! Love the mom’s reply. hehhah!
Thanks for reading Michelle!
The Most(ly) Boring Babysitter
By Amy Leskowski
Enzo, babysitter, boredom
210 words
Enzo peeked through the door crack.
A new babysitter. ANOTHER new babysitter.
Not a dragon. Phew.
Not a fairy. Whew.
Looked normal—this time.
Enzo’s parents kissed him, hugged him, and said goodbye.
And nothing happened.
This babysitter was boring! So, so, so, so boring! And that was a good thing.
For a while.
Enzo poked her.
He nudged her.
He sniffed her.
Boring, boring, boring.
At least she doesn’t breathe fire, Enzo reasoned.
At least she’s not so small that I could accidentally trap her in a cupboard—again—Enzo rationalized.
Enzo analyzed her movements.
He scanned her eyes.
He studied her belongings.
Maybe a bitty babysitter or an ablaze au pair wasn’t such a bad thing. This was TOO boring!
Enzo crept to the cookie jar.
“Chi-ld. Mis-be-hav-ing. En-gage auto-dis-ci-pline.”
Enzo’s eyes practically popped out of his head. Was this—had she—
A full robo-sitter chase ensued, followed by a techno-enforced time-out. But the cyborg card games, bionic bowling, and droid double-dutch that followed couldn’t be topped.
His parents returned and asked how the babysitter was.
“Mostly boring.” He winked at his bot…er…babysitter.
[Robo-sitter returns the next time]
“Good-eve-n-ing, Mis-ter En-zo. Thank-you for hav-ing me back.”
Thankfully, mostly boring turned out to be everyone’s preferred style of babysitter.
This is so much fun, Amy! Love the bot babysitter.
Hehe, thanks, Sarah!
Very creative! A robot sitter— I can imagine this being a real thing in the future!
LOVE
“Gama, Gama, Gama!” Enzo squealed as he toddled down the driveway.
LOVE
He scooted straight past her open arms and headed for the kitchen.
LOVE
“On, on, on” he shouted, standing next to the stuffed rocking dog.
LOVE
“Smile for Grandma!” A fleeting smirk escaped from under a mop of unruly curls.
LOVE
“Is this warm enough for you, Enzo”, Grandma asked, stirring the bath.
LOVE
“Do you want triangles or squares?”
LOVE
“I bought some new colouring books door you.”
LOVE
“Enzo, how many boats can you see way out there?”
LOVE
“I can read you a bedtime story. Climb up.”
LOVE
“Snuggle in”
“Nuggle”
LOVE
So sweet, Lauren!
Maisie, Fairy Godmother, Betrayal
Maisie’s Surprise
by Deb Sullivan
92 words
“This dress is hideous,” wailed Maisie. “And these work boots?”
“I’m sorry,” said Fairy Godmother. “Heels” are tough.”
Maisie’s nostrils flared.
“This is an elegant reception!”
“How wonderful!” said Fairy Godmother.
Maisie fumed.
“Cindy got a carriage, footmen…and the coolest glass slippers ever! I feel betrayed.”
Fairy Godmother put her tea down. She pulled off her hair.
“Snow White?” said Maisie.
“Fairy Godmother had another call – just trying to help out.”
“Seriously??”
“I’m doing my best.” said Snow White. “Oh! And be home by midnight…or you’ll turn into a mole.”
You’ve given us two great characters in very few words. Really entertaining and clever. Love it!
Thanks so much for reading it!
Fun story!
Many thanks Jeannette!
Great twist, Deb! That last line made me lol. This is a lot of fun!
Wow, Deb! This is such an interesting take on Cinderella! I love your language and the surprise of Snow White impersonating the Fairy Godmother…no wonder Maisie felt betrayed! Outstanding!
Thanks for your kind words, Jill!
Little Dragon Worries
by Hannah Roy LaGrone
Dylan – Dragon – Worry
101 words
“Mom? Do we have any food for breakfast?”
“Peanut butter toast, like we always do! I fire-breath toasted it myself!”
“Okay, phew!” Dylan snorted.
“Mom? Is it going to rain today?”
“I don’t know, but if it does, we will be safe and dry in our cave.”
“Okay, phew!” Dylan sighed.
“HEY?! MOM?! Where are you taking me?”
“To the maple tree. You are going to learn to fly!”
“FLY?! I’m not ready! What if I fall?”
“If you fall, you will land on the soft grass, and then you’ll climb up and try again!”
“That’s all?!
Okay, phew!” Dylan smiled.
Moms have a way of making everything alright – Dylan’s a lucky kid. Nicely done!
Thought I would try prose this time!
The Green Dragon
(Tuck / Dragon + sibling / anxiety)
111 words
By Marta Cutler
The green dragon snaked out far below us.
“It’s too high, Tuck!” I whispered.
“You can do this,” he said.
My tummy flopped and flipped.
“Together?” I asked.
“Together!” he said.
I closed my eyes and let go.
And suddenly I was flying down, down, down,
the wind wooshing in my ears.
I catapulted off the end onto the sand, laughing.
“Again!” I shouted, looking around for Tuck.
I heard a “whoop!” and looked up.
Tuck was still at the top of the slide, Cheshire cat grinning.
“Told ya you could do it!” he yelled.
And as I climbed back up, part mad, part happy,
I knew my big brother was right.
Very cute!
Thank you Jeannette! 🙂
The MC is never named, but the secondary character is her sister and the emotion is betrayal. Sorry to have gone over, once again, with 155 words.
BETRAYED
If I didn’t talk to someone
then I knew, for sure, I’d bust!
Though, a news flash this important
needed someone I could trust.
So I told my sis the secret
and she promised not to tell.
First she swore it on her pinky,
then she crossed her heart as well.
But the next day when Fernando
tucked a note into my pack
I gasped…
I blushed…
I clenched my fists…
and I vowed to get her back!
Though I’d little ammunition,
I, at least, could tell my pop
it was her who broke the picture frame
he’d hung up in his shop.
*********
I kept saying sis I’m sorry
and I’d pay for half the cost
that my pop said she now owed him
to replace the frame he’d lost.
See, at last I found the nerve
to open up his note and read…
just a party invitation with
no hint of what I’d said.
Nice story arc, which you conveyed very concisely! Love your rhymes, and your rhyming pattern, great job of varying it! Super job!
Thank you Katie!
Great job, Colleen! I love the surprise ending!
Thank you Michelle!
Cute surprise ending and the secrets, cross hearts/fingers details were so relatable.
I also liked the slight variation in the 3rd stanza – was lovely to read.
Thank you Elenore!!