Aaaand. . . they’re in the starting gate!
It’s time for Week #2 of the 2023 Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Challenge!
HUZZAH!!!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini is a writing challenge for anyone who needs a little boost 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 keeps getting added to!)
For a full description of the challenge or to enter your Week #1 entry, please go HERE.
Let’s jump into Week #2!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #2 for Week of May 15:
Today, we’re going to write an Origin Story! (At least, the origin of certain characteristics if not exactly the origin of the creature itself.) In the tradition of Rudyard Kipling’s “How The Camel Got Its Hump” and “How The Leopard Got Its Spots”, we’re going to give some characteristics to some other members of the animal kingdom.
Will we stick to exact facts? Only if we want to! Be as factual or as imaginative as you like! Maybe sea horses got their home in the ocean because they complained about the dry heat of the desert… but as a result they lost the breathtaking speed of their four-legged, land-living horse counterparts!
Choose a critter from Column A, a verb from Column B, and a characteristic from Column C and write a story entitled How The _______ _______ His/Her/Its _______ (i.e. How The Camel Got Its Hump, How The Turtle Lost His Speed, How The Tsetse Fly Found Her Home . . )
| Column A | Column B | Column C |
| Rhinoceros | Got | Wings |
| Jaguar | Lost | Color |
| Butterfly | Found | Name |
| Owl | Home | |
| Rattlesnake | Temper | |
| Snail | Pattern | |
| Ladybug | Speed | |
| Whale | Voice |
- Stories can rhyme or not – totally up to you!
- You can go under or over 100 words if you want to – also totally up to you! – 100 is just a guideline
- If you’re deeply inspired by another set of words, go for it! – the purpose here is inspiration and to get you writing! Just tell us what words you’re using!
- For simplicity’s sake (and to aid skimming readers who might be interested in a particular thing) please say which column items you’re using at the top of your entry along with your name, title, and word count.
For example:
How The Camel Got His Hump
by Marcia Writer
107 words
camel, got, hump
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!
Post your Week #2 story in the comment section below, or, if you have trouble for any reason and can’t post yourself you may email it to me using the Contact Form and I will post it for you.
Ready, set, WRITE! 😊
(And remember, for full details on the 7 week challenge you can check HERE.)
Check out the Week #2 stories!
How the Jaguar Got His Wings – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
How the Owl Lost Her Voice – Katie McEnaney
How the Owl Lost His Voice – Elyse Trevers
How the Rattlesnake Got Her Voice – Kelly Clasen
I Am Rafi – Dianne Borowski
How The Rattlesnake Got His Name – Tomi Rues
How Whale Lost His Voice – Leslie Degnan
How Gail The Snail Found Home – B. Holland Paley
How Bubbles Butterfly Got Her Wings – Dawn Renee Young
How Dung Beetle Lost His Dinner – Ryann Jones
How Snail Lost His Speed – Kelly Kates
How the Butterfly Got Its Name – Debbie J. Arnn
How The Snail Got Her Wings – Tiffany Hanson
The Ugly Caterpillar – Ellie Langford
How the Rhinoceros “Found” His Temper – Susan E. Schipper
How the Rhinoceros Got His Temper – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
How The Ladybug Got Its Dots – Haley Hendrickson
How The Ladybug Got Her Wings – Julie Hauswirth
How Sloth Lost Her Speed – Sara Kruger
Ladybug Finds Her Temper – Linda Schueler
How Snail Found A Home – Lyn Jekowsky
How Crow Lost its Song – Marie Prins
How Snail Got His Temper – Angel Gantnier
How Rhino Lost His Wings (…And Got His Horns) – Bri Lawyer
How to be a Snail: a Kid’s Perspective – Lauren N. Simmons
How The Rhino Got His Spots – Marta Cutler
Jaguar’s Spotty Dotty Pattern – Jill Lambert
How Sydney Snail Lost his Home (and Found Freedom) – Patricia Nozell
How Roberta The Rhino Found Her Temper – by Colleen Murphy
Snail Finds A Home – Penny Taub
How the Animals Got Their Voices – Sarah Meade
How The Barn Owl Found His Home – Stephanie Maksymiw
How Whale Found His Home – Jenna Elyse Johnson
How Jaguar Found His Spots – Mary Zychowicz
How Ladybugs Got Their Name – Bev Schellenberg
How Owls Got Their Hoo – Ashley Sierra
How Butterflies Got Their Patterns – Julie Kurtz
How the Ladybug Got Its Spots – Julie Kurtz
How the Snail Lost its Speed – Ben Jeder
How Sully Snail Lost His Speed – Michelle S. Kennedy
Hedgehog Needs A Hobby – Krithika Santhanam
Why The Ladybug Kept Her Spots – Elizabeth Muster
How The Snail Found Her Speed – Isabel C. Rodriguez
How Snail Lost His Speed – Sara Petersohn
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 Manuscript Critique from Penny Parker Klostermann, talented author of THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017) as well as the forthcoming SPIDER LADY: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army (Astra/Calkins Creek 2025) and another as yet unannounced 😊
⭐️ Mary Munson and Kate Talbot are offering a “Love Bundle”. They are the author and illustrator of LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND. Mary will sign the book and send swag (US only), and Kate will offer a critique (picture book manuscript OR art, winner’s choice!)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR Ask-Me-Anything Chat OR a signed copy of SCIENCE, MATTER AND THE BASEBALL PARK (winner’s choice!) from author Catherine Ciocchi. Catherine is a multi-published author and a teacher with a knack for STEM-themed rhyming texts. Her books include SCIENCE, MATTER AND THE BASEBALL PARK (Gnome Road Publishing, March 28, 2023) and THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND (Arbordale Publishing, May 2015)
⭐️ a 20 minute Zoom or phone Ask Me Anything with Jilanne Hoffman, author of 2 board books, THE HONEY BEAR HIVE (Mudpuppy January 2023), HAPPY CAMPER (Mudpuppy January 2022), and the forthcoming picture book A RIVER OF DUST
⭐️ Copy Editing/Proofreading Of Up To 5 Picture Book Texts (All Types and Lengths) from Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf, professional technical writer and copy editor.
Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
⭐️ a first read-through recording package from children’s author and poet Sarah Meade, contributor to HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING (Pomelo Books, 2020!) where she will read aloud and record up to five PB manuscripts for one author (1,000 words or less each, fiction or nonfiction, rhyming or non-rhyming) so you can hear how your stories sound to someone who is unfamiliar with them on a first read-through! Very helpful and emlightening!
⭐️ Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult Regardless of where you are in your writing career – brand new or seasoned author – Kathy Halsey has a wealth of information to help you! From insight into what books school librarians need/want in their collections (which can help you target your writing for success) to helping you create an engaging school visit and all kinds of things between…and beyond… check out her website to see what this fantastic prize can offer you!
Kathy Halsey currently serves on the State Library of Ohio’s “Choose to Read Ohio” program and writes curricular toolkits for SLO’s award-winning children’s books. She is a former K-12 school librarian, seventh grade English teacher, and bookseller for a children’s independent bookstore. Her first work for hire board book releases fall, 2023.
2019 PBChat Mentorship
SCBWI Ohio Central-South Co-Assistant Regional Advisor
Former Community Manager, Storyteller Academy
Ohio Educational Library Media Association Past President
⭐️ a signed copy of ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES: POEMS ABOUT EARTH’S COLORFUL CREATURES (Gnome Road Publishing, March 28, 2023)from author Susan Johnston Taylor! This book is great for classrooms and recommended by SLJ!
⭐️ a copy of Becky Scharnhorst‘s brand new picture book – just coming out tomorrow! – HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL (Flamingo Books, May 16, 2023)
⭐️ A copy of Mary Kole’s Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Writers
⭐️ A copy of Making A Living Writing Books For Kids by Laura Purdie Salas
⭐️ Making Picture Book Magic Self Study Class (any month)
⭐️ Magnetic Poetry – Little Box of Happiness
Susanna Leonard Hill 
How the Jaguar Got His Wings
by Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
118 words
jaguar, got, wings
There once was a jaguar
Who wanted some wings.
To fly through the air
And see all kinds of things.
Then he rescued a fairy
Stuck fast in a ditch.
Her wand was beside it,
All covered with pitch.
She cleaned herself up
And granted him flight.
He flew all around,
Through the day and the night.
Then he looked at the fairy.
“And now that I’m back,
Your wings look so crunchy,
You’d make a nice snack.”
He pounced on the fairy,
Who swished her wand quick.
His wings disappeared,
With the flick of the stick.
But some pixie dust flew
In the mouth of the fairy,
And from that moment on
She growled and was scary!
So funny! Now I want a story about scary, growling fairies …
Oooh, excellent idea! Thank you!
I love this, having the jaguar get something and then immediately lose it because he couldn’t be trusted with it!
Great story:)
hahaha! Too cute! I love the surprise ending!
How the Owl Lost Her Voice
B: Katie McEnaney
116 words
owl, lost, voice
Long ago when the world was young, Owl was a chatterbox.
“Did you hear Deer polishes his antlers?
And Squirrel dyes her fur?”
If there were unkind words to be said,
Owl knew them AND spread them.
Something had to be done.
The animals met under the blazing noon sun while Owl slumbered.
“Owl’s words are hurtful!” piped Plover.
“Owl’s words are worrisome!” squeaked Squirrel.
“Owl’s words only have power if we choose to listen,” tutted Tortoise.
They stopped in their tracks.
Could they overlook Owl’s offenses?
When Owl flew overhead, sharing her mean comments, no one responded.
That is why, today, Owl calls only, “Who? Who?”
Who will listen to Owl?
Not you, I hope.
SO clever, Katie! Great job!
Thank you so much, Susanna! This is such a fun challenge, and I love it with the pressure off too.
This is so good! Well done!
Thanks so much, Sara!
This is fantastic, Katie! What a powerful message in a small package. 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! It’s a bit didactic, but I feel like that’s the point of fables.
Great story! Great lesson as well! 🙂
Katie, I like the tale you have told! Well done.
Oh, this is great! Nice job!
I really enjoyed this. What a creative idea!
POSTED FOR ELYSE
How the Owl Lost his Voice
by Elyse Trevers
Wilfred the Owl talked a lot.
He butted in and interrupted.
He’d even give the punchline before the joke teller got to it.
He loved gossip and loved to spread it
which annoyed his friends.
But one day Maddie was telling Freddie a story when Wilfred arrived late.
He only heard bits and pieces and it sounded juicy.
He had no idea who they they were talking about.
Who is it?
Who did that!?
Who said that?
Who? Who? Who?
He screamed so loudly that his voice creaked, cracked and finally stopped altogether,
and all he could say was ‘who.’
Great minds think alike, Elyse! I love that you pictured a gossipy Owl too, and I love how Wilfred got his comeuppance.
Seems like Owl is getting what he deserves! 🙂
I love this origin and interpretation, Elyse, especially fun coming right after another story that uses the same prompt in a different way!
Who would have thought, two similar tales back-to-back. I love the concept!
How the Rattlesnake Got Her Voice
by Kelly Clasen
102 words
(rattlesnake, got, voice)
Once, many moons ago,
a snake crept silently
into a sun-drenched clearing
pulsating with the music
of a perfect summer day.
She swayed to the rhythm
of cottonwoods rustling,
an arroyo burbling,
chipmunks chittering,
and pronghorns stomping.
And suddenly the snake
felt weary—so weary—
of silent slithering.
She shook with longing
to join the symphony,
to make her own music—
and to her surprise,
her body answered.
A rattle, quiet at first,
bolder by the second,
hummed from her tail,
a quick, staccato beat
bringing the symphony
to a full crescendo!
And that is how the rattler
found her powerful voice.
Beautifully written Kelly!
Thank you!😊
Absolutely love this! Great precision of language (I especially like the ‘sway to the rhythm’ stanza).
Wow! Well done! 🙂
Lyrical and powerful! Great job!
Beautifully written, Kelly! Fantastic use of language!
Thanks, Susanna! I’m enjoying the mini-challenge.
I’m so glad you’re having fun! 😊
Well done!
Thank you, Colleen!
I Am Rafi
by Dianne Borowski
I am Rafi. I am a red diamondback rattlesnake. I like to swim.I like to curl up in cozy corners to stay warm. I live in a rhumba with other red diamondback rattlesnakes. Sometimes I get angry. Then I will shake my rattle and I will hiss. You must not get too close to me. I bite.
When I lose my temper I will fight and bite. I hunt for food at night. I am happy when it’s quiet and warm. I help humans because I eat insects and small animals which are harmful to crops. If you ever see me be quiet and move away. You will learn more about me in school. Now I am going to take a nap.
I would certainly heed Rafi’s warning! 🙂
Thanks for the comment. Snakes are scary. I thought this little story might motivate someone to learn more about snakes.
What an interesting story, Dianne! I enjoyed learning something new, and I think stories like this help kids to learn about, appreciate, and respect nature!
Great information! Thank you for the education Dianne.
How The Rattlesnake Got His Name
by Tomi Rues
122 words
Rattlesnake, got, name
Many moons ago
there was a new mom named Rabiah
who was worn to a frazzle.
She tried,
and tried,
and tried,
but couldn’t get her baby
Raisa to sleep.
Her baby would not sleep
for anything.
Rabiah would sing to her,
Rabiah would rock her,
Rabiah would put her on her
own back and take her on short rides.
Raisa didn’t like to sleep.
One night in desperation
she reached out to her husband, Rahil
for help.
He always twitched when he got nervous,
and he was really nervous.
The more Raisa cried,
the more he twitched.
And, the more he twitched
the rattling sound comforted her.
Soon she was sound asleep.
And from that day forth, Rahil
was called rattlesnake.
Nice job! 🙂
Thank you!:)
Clever idea, Tomi! And I love the names!
Susanna,
Thank you so much!
Cute!
Thank you!!:)
POSTED FOR LESLIE
HOW WHALE LOST HIS VOICE
By Leslie Degnan
WC: 97
(whale, lost, voice)
Long ago, Whale could talk.
He talked & talked, spreading untrue tales.
He defamed the Dolphin, offended the Octopus, libeled the Lamprey.
One deep, down day, Whale met Squid.
Hungry Whale pursued Squid,
Who sprayed toxic ink into the eyes of Whale.
“Help me Squid. I am blind.”
“I can help, but you must choose a sense to lose.”
“To survive I must see and smell and hear.”
“Then you shall lose your lying voice.”
Whale never again preyed upon others with his words.
To this day, you can hear his wordless, mournful song beneath the sea.
Great tale! 🙂
Great origin story, Leslie, nicely told!
Poor whale! Great job with this prompt.
POSTED FOR HOLLAND
HOW GAIL THE SNAIL FOUND HOME
by B. Holland Paley
124 words
snail, found, home
HOW GAIL THE SNAIL FOUND HOME
There once was a sea snail named Gail.
A kid put her into his pail.
She tried to fight him; she couldn’t bite him.
‘Cause, sea snails are toothless and frail.
She made friends with the young thief who took her.
And asked if he, please, wouldn’t cook her.
She said she was sad, clearly missing her dad,
Would he please get her home before supper?
The boy took her back to the ocean,
And watched as she started to motion.
Her slime made a trail, to the reef from the pail,
Gail looked back at the boy, with devotion.
Mom made algae with seaweed-spaghetti,
Petit escargot on the jetty,
Gail, happy at home,
Swore never to roam,
They cheered with bright sea glass-confetti!
Cute story! 🙂
Nice use of the prompt to share a message of kindness, Holland! I’m glad Gail didn’t end up in anyone’s dinner 😊
I love your ending!
POSTED FOR DAWN
HOW BUBBLES BUTTERFLY GOT HER WINGS
WC-101
butterfly / found / wings
Bubbles could not wait to see the world.
She longed for the day she could leave her chrysalis behind.
She was ready to find her wings.
At last, the day arrived. She lay quietly, waiting for her wings to dry.
Mama said, “Bubbles, watch me. Butterflies can’t flap our wings up
and down like a bird.”
Mama demonstrated. She contracted her body to make a slanted figure eight
pattern with her wings. The motion pushed air under her wings causing her to fly into the
air.
“Now it’s your turn.”
Bubbles followed Mama’s instructions.
Up-up-up she flew gracefully around the garden.
Wow! You captured every child’s favorite hands-on science moment in only 101 words! Well done, Dawn!
Great “science lesson” incorporated in a cute story! 🙂
What a lovely and interesting use of the prompt, Dawn! You told a whole story in 100 words and also taught me something I didn’t know. Well done!
So much I do not remember learning in science class. Well done.
How Dung Beetle Lost His Dinner
By Ryann Jones
73 words
dung beetle, lost, dinner
On top of a tree stump
All covered in bees
I lost my poor dungball
When somebody sneezed.
It rolled off the tree stump
And onto the ground
And then my poor dungball
Rolled round and around.
It rolled over ant hills
And through spider’s silk
And then my poor dungball
Was flung into milk!
The milk can was carried
Right into the house
Where I watched my dungball
Be eaten by Mouse!
Nice job! 🙂
Very funny, Ryann, and nicely written! Poor dung beetle – what a sad tail of loss 😊 Great use of the prompt!
Ha ha. Great sense of humor. I was singing along.
Ryann this is brilliant!
Hysterical!!!
Did anyone else sing this to the tune of “On Top of Old Smokey?’
Yes, I totally did! 😊
So funny and great rhyme as well. Nice work, Ryann!
POSTED FOR KELLY
How Snail Lost His Speed
Kelly Kates
WC: 101
Woosh! Snail raced around the corner, leaving a mucus spray.
He slid in front of Spider to the front of the lunch line.
“Snooze, you lose!”
At recess, he skimmed in front of Ladybug waiting for the swing.
“Slurp my slime!”, Snail jeered, swinging up high.
“Out of the way, slowpokes,” Snail squirmed into the bathroom stall, leaving the centipedes crossing their legs.
Everyone was fuming.
“I have something that can help,” said salamander.
The next morning, Snail woke to find he couldn’t move. His slick mucous trail was now sticky . . . like glue!
From then on, Snail was always the slowest.
P.S.
Did you know that giant salamanders secrete a goo that can even be used to seal wounds?
Never knew that fact about salamanders!! 🙂
Oh, dear! Snail went too far with his lack of consideration! What a great reason for salamander to slow him down! And I did NOT know about salamander goo, Kelly – that is very interesting!
That’ll teach you snail!!
How the Butterfly Got Its Name
By Debbie J. Arnn
butterfly, got, name
The creature emerges from the cocoon
New body and new name.
Here are some facts about butterflies.
Perhaps they’ll bring trivia fame.
An easy way to explain their name
Could be ‘cause lots are yellow
Butter-colored butterflies—
Too simple for this fellow.
In middle-ages, it was thought
That they steal milk and butter.
An interesting concept and maybe it’s true
Such dairy might cause them to flutter.
Another idea how it got its name
One says it comes from its frass—
An official name for butterfly poo.
Seen any in the grass?
(it’s yellow)
Some say the insect’s original name
Was actually flutterby.
As cute as that sounds, it’s simply not true.
Just a cute way to say butterfly.
Things I learned about butterflies
From doing a Google search.
You can learn more about them
From purchasing my merch.
(just kidding—I don’t have any.)
Love the humor! 🙂
Very educational, Debbie! Great way to interpret the prompt! (And the end made me laugh 😊)
Ha ha ha Debbie. Such a funny ending. And thanks for the lesson!
How The Snail Got Her Wings
By Tiffany Hanson
82 Words
Snail, Got, Wings
Most snails are slow,
Most snails are sleepy,
Some snails live underground where it’s creepy.
But one snail was different.
She looked to the birds,
She looked to the sky,
She looked at their wings and thought, “I’ll give that a try!”
She made her own wings,
Out of grass, leaves, and twigs,
And soared high in the sky looking for new digs.
Her wings took her high,
Her wings took her low,
Her wings took her wherever she wanted to go.
Flying snail, great idea! 🙂
You’ve gotta love anyone who follows their dreams, Tiffany! Good for snail!
Thanks!
What a resourceful snail. Great imagination.
The Ugly Caterpillar
By Ellie Langford
245-Words
Butterfly, found, color
“Yuck! Mom. There’s an ugly blob of bird poop on this leaf.” Amelia loved helping Mom keep the butterfly garden beautiful. “I’ll break the leaf off and put it in the trash.
“No, wait! I want to look at it,” said Mom.
“Look at it? … It’s ugly, Mom!”
Mom walked over to look at what Amelia found. She smiled and gently poked it.
“Mom, it moved; it’s alive!” exclaimed Amelia. “Be careful. Two scary red horns just came out.”
“What looks like horns is a body part called osmeterium. It’s a part of the caterpillar’s defense.”
“Caterpillar? … Really? … Oh, it smells bad,” complained Amelia.
“That smell’s coming from those “horns”, said Mom. The smell is another way the caterpillar defends itself. The smell discourages wasps, ants and other predators from eating it.”
“Amelia, do you remember all three amazing ways this caterpillar protects itself?”
“Yes. It looks like bird poop, has scary red “horns”, and stinks. Besides that, it’s ugly. Do we have to let it stay in our beautiful garden?”
“This caterpillar will get more colors before it forms a chrysalis. When it comes out of the chrysalis, it will be a lovely giant swallowtail butterfly.”
“A pretty giant swallowtail! I can hardly believe it,” said Amelia. “The giant swallowtail is the biggest butterfly in North America. It’s over six inches wide. … We can’t let anything hurt this caterpillar!”
“We’ll do our best,” said Mom. “And so will our “bird poop’ visitor.
###
Science lesson as well as a great story! 🙂
Thanks!
I love this, Ellie! I learned something new! Nicely done!
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to write it. I have several stories that started with your Mix ‘n’ Matches. Thanks!
Such a beautiful butterfly, my favorite. I never knew it had those characteristics as a caterpillar. Thanks for the education!
How the Rhinoceros “Found” His Temper
By Susan E. Schipper
WC 137
Rhinoceros, Found, Temper
Growl, scream, grunt! Ronnie Rhino would often lose his temper.
“All I want to do is roll around in the mud,” Ronnie growled as some of his buffalo friends asked Ronnie to play.
Ronnie Rhino attempted to cross the river trumpeting loudly!
“Ugh! My feet are stuck in the mud!” groaned Ronnie. This resulted in Ronnie Rhino’s losing his temper once again.
As he trudged to the opposite side of the river, Ronnie heard a strange sound, HISS, HISS! Cautiously, he looked around. “HISS, HISS, over here,” whispered Randi rattlesnake.
“Just watch!” Randi began a pattern of Yoga poses, including of course, Snake Pose! Ronnie Rhino was mesmerized. He learned to take breathes. He practiced many other poses too!
Ronnie, with the help of his new best friend, found patience and a better TEMPER than losing it! Namaste!
Hahaha! Good for Ronnie! We can all learn something from snake, Susan! 😊
🙂
Susan, we went with the same titles, but in different directions. Well done.
Thanks!!
Oh, this is terrific! I didn’t see the snake and the yoga poses coming. Great idea.
Thank you Tomi! It was “fun” writing this story! 🙂
POSTED FOR ELIZABETH
How the Rhinoceros Got His Temper
by Elizabeth Thoms Charles
75 words
rhinoceros, got, temper
Rhinoceros ambled through the savanna, nibbling grasses.
Animals gave Rhinoceros space.
Birds would land on Rhinoceros. He shook his body and the birds flew away.
A swarm of mosquitos descended on Rhinoceros.
He shook. He stomped. He bellowed.
Mosquitos bit him, everywhere, ears, eyes, nose.
Rhinoceros called to the little birds, “Please come back.”
They returned and ate the nasty bugs.
Comforted, Rhinoceros encouraged the birds
And stomped angrily for any other creature, especially mosquitos.
Fantastic reason for having a temper, Elizabeth! Mosquitoes drive us all nuts! 😊
A symbiotic relationship. Perfect!
How the Ladybug got its Dots
By Haley Hendrickson
117 words
Ladybug, Got, Pattern
Lady Bug didn’t always have black dots. In fact, she used to get mistaken for a big bully called Red Lily, who was not at all nice to her fellow garden critters. Lady was tired of her friends running away just because she looked similar to the pesky Red. It was time for a makeover! Green was definitely not her color, and stripes were not flattering at all. Feeling disappointed, and rather lonely, Lady scurried back to her yellow petaled home. As she flew under the freshly painted garden gate, a few drips landed on her back. Lady smiled to herself. The black dots were perfect. And that’s how the ladybug got its dots!
This is such fun, Haley! I love Lady Bug’s strong fashion sense! 😊 Very creative use of the prompt!
Also, very kid-friendly!
🙂
Cute story.
How the Ladybug got her Wings
by Julie Hauswirth
108 Words
Ladybug, Got, Wings
Ladybug was proud of her beautiful shell.
She loved to circle the puddles in the garden, admiring her ruby red reflection.
Crow noticed that Ladybug took her time.
He perched nearby and waited.
When Ladybug paused to take a drink,
Crow took his chance.
He dove and snatched Ladybug,
but her shell was slick with dew, and Crow lost his grip.
Ladybug fell on her back with a CRACK.
Unable to see her bright red shell, Crow flew away with an empty belly.
For a moment, Ladybug’s heart was broken in two
just like her beautiful shell.
Until out from beneath the brokenness
emerged two delicate, intricate
wings.
Beautifully told, Julie! Nice use of language and emotion, and a believable origin story. Well done!
Well done, Julie! Lovely story. 🙂
Great story.
YIKES–I sped WAY past the word limit!
How Sloth Lost Her Speed
by Sara Kruger
word count: 218
Sloth//lost//speed
Did you know that sloths were fast a long, long time ago?
They hoofed it here and bolted there—the sloth was never slow.
One sloth was admired for her speed—and much discussed.
For every creature big and small was covered in her dust!
Two tree frogs suffered asthma, and each cloud caused quite a fit.
“We need relief—and fast!” They pleaded: “Please slow down a bit!”
Sloth was very sorry but declared the ask too great.
“I take a mid-day nap; so I must rush or I’ll be late!”
Then a tiny creature she had never seen before
Demanded her attention while he counted up to four.
“I hear that you’re unwilling to consider this request.
For that you will be destined to chase after only rest.
Find a comfy branch and settle in, for it’s now written:
All you have to do is eat and sleep and have more kittens.”
At once Sloth tried to run away but found her paws were fused.
The monkeys whispered breathlessly. (The tree frogs looked amused.)
As the creature walked away he called out, “Find a bough!”
Sloth discovered climbing trees was all she was allowed.
Today poor sloths still cause discussion but it’s not for speed.
Everyone is stunned to learn just how much sleep they need!
Great job, Sara! And in rhyme! I love Sloth’s personality, and the solution dreamed up to save all the afflicted animals! Well done with the prompt!
Well done Sara! I am kind of glad it worked out this way for the sloths because they are pretty cool in their current state.
Ladybug finds her temper
100 words
Linda Schueler
ladybug, found, temper
Once Ladybug was all red.
Ladybug loved to share, but Ladybug was too nice. Her friends didn’t share back.
She was sad that her friends didn’t share. Ladybug stopped playing with them.
Ladybug missed her friends so much she turned all black! She missed her red colour too.
She flew to her friends and yelled, “I share, but you don’t share with me!”
“Sorry, Ladybug. You’re right, but you don’t have to yell. Just ask.”
Ladybug had found her temper, but she didn’t need to use it.
She turned red again, but with black spots to remind her to ask.
Nice, Linda! I love the spots as reminders – what a great idea! And a nice reminder to kids that asking is better than losing your temper neatly tucked into the origin story!
I think many of us could use visual reminders like this. I sure could!
HOW SNAIL FOUND A HOME
By Lyn Jekowsky
WC: 74
(snail, found, home)
There once was a sea snail named Sammy,
a homeless jiggly stump.
He tumbled with the tides in ocean shallows
his exposed skin scraping on barnacles.
Sammy lived in fear of becoming
seagull’s tasty treat.
One day he was dropped in a bucket
full of shells of all shapes and sizes.
Sammy found a tiny spiral shell
with an opening just his size!
He squeezed inside. Sammy had found a home.
He called it snail shell.
How Crow Lost its Song
Marie Prins
crow, lost, song
Spring was late and food was scarce.
Crow searched for a bit of corn
a crust of bread, a forgotten seed.
Sparrow too was hungry as he had flown
all night from the south. But more than
food he longed to find his mate.
He flew from bush to bush peeking
under branches, hoping to find her.
Instead he discovered a cache of pine nuts
forgotten by the squirrels.
From high above, Crow spotted it too.
“It’s mine!” he squawked. “I saw it first!”
Sparrow nibbled one and asked Crow,
“What will you trade for a meal?”
Crow’s stomach ached from emptiness.
He hopped from foot to foot, bobbed his head,
and said, “I’ll sell my song for seeds.”
Sparrow scratched the pine nuts towards Crow.
Then he quickly added Crow’s trill to his own three notes.
From that time on, Crow only Caw, Cawed from the treetops
while Song Sparrow sang a sweet tune for his mate.
wc – 155
How Snail Got His Temper
by Angel Gantnier
88 words
snail, got, temper
Snail glided along the ground.
A few minutes later, he stopped and smelled the roses.
Snail took a deep breath and smiled.
Snail was a happy snail.
The next day, Snail glided along the ground.
A few minutes later, a shadow loomed over him.
Snail stopped in his tracks.
A giant foot!
A giant almost stepped on me!
Snail took a deep breath and frowned.
Snail was not a happy snail.
Snail is small.
Snail is slow.
No one sees Snail.
And that’s how Snail got his temper.
I the rhythm you establish in this story especially the contrast between Snail was a happy snail and Snail was not a happy snail.
How Rhino Lost His Wings (…And Got His Horns)
by Bri Lawyer
rhino, lost, wings
No matter how hard Rhino flapped his wings, he could not fly.
“You’re too heavy!” Ostrich said. “How about a trade? Your wings for my horns.”
Rhino didn’t want to give up his wings, but if he couldn’t use them, he might as well give them to someone not as heavy who could.
So Rhino and Ostrich traded.
“Wow! Horns are fantastic! I can dig for water, break off tree branches, and protect myself from enemies with these!” Rhino couldn’t be happier.
Ostrich couldn’t wait to try out her new wings. She climbed to the top of a large rock formation and jumped. She flapped and flapped…
And fell.
“You’re too heavy too. But sorry, no trade backs!” Rhino said enjoying his new horns.
POSTED FOR LAUREN
How to be a Snail: a Kid’s Perspective
By Lauren N. Simmons
171 words
Snail/found/speed
Hi! My name is Yalitza Gonzalez! I am a snail. I bet you have no idea how speedy I am! We snails always try to hide that from people, so we only go fast and have our races at night, when you sleep. The snail is really a very polite species. Would you like to hear the story of why we go slow during the day?
Our good friends, the turtles, felt sad that they could not keep up with us. So we had a meeting in our snail community. “We can learn to go their speed,” our leaders said.
It was not easy for any of us at first. We had to go to school to learn to be slow. We also learned to use our inside voices. Screaming is only to be done inside our shells. Oh, and we mastered the class “How to Control a Slimy Trail.”
Most turtles sleep at night, so we can go fast then. That is the story of how snails found their speed!
How The Rhino Got His Spots
By Marta Cutler
Rhinoceros / Got / Pattern
(118 words)
Rhino was wandering the jungle when he came across the most beautiful bush he’d ever seen. Each leaf glowed a different color.
“Yummy!” said Rhino.
“Ssstay away,” said Cobra.
“Why?” asked Rhino.
“Dangerousss,” said Cobra.
“One teensy bite can’t hurt,” said Rhino.
“Sssuit yourssself,” said Cobra.
Rhino took a nibble. The bush tasted like a rainbow. He gobbled it up, roots and all.
Suddenly, his horn erupted in spots, each one a different color.
They spread to Rhino’s feet, then his belly.
Soon, he was covered in colorful polka-dots.
“Ssssooo pretty,” said Cobra.
“So awful!” Rhino wailed.
He ran into the jungle and was never seen again.
And that is how the rare Rhinoceros Polkadotteros came to be.
Jaguar’s Spotty Dotty Pattern
By Jill Lambert
jaguar/got/pattern (250 words)
Jaguar strolled through the lush rainforest. His prey scampered away before he could catch them for breakfast. Amid all that green, his golden coat was too easy to be seen. Jaguar was starving! What to do?
“I’ll ask wise Capuchin for advice.”
On the banks of the Great River, Capuchin knelt to wash up for breakfast.
“Oh,Wise One, please help me,” begged Jaguar.
“What is it?” Capuchin answered.
“I no longer blend into the forest and my breakfasts keep getting away.”
Capuchin screeched, “Your coat needs some camouflage.”
“Fix it, if you please.”
“As you wish. Do you prefer, dots or spots?”
“What’s the difference?”
“Spots are easier to spot. They are bigger. Dots are smaller.”
“Well bigger is better, so give me spots!”
“Very well, Jaguar.”
Capuchin snatched a large fern frond and shook rain drops all over Jaguar’s back and down his sides.
Jaguar looked at his reflection in a puddle near the river.
“Now I’m a mess!”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“No, I won’t. I want dots instead!”
“As you wish.”
Capuchin brushed away the spots, then dipped it in the river and tapped dots all over Jaguar’s back and sides.
Jaguar growled, “Dots look ridiculous!”
Capuchin sighed, “Okay, I’ll give you both.”
He recited, “Dots and spots, dots and spots,” until Jaguar’s coat was blanketed with them. Jaguar tried to protest, but Capuchin turned and marched off into the rainforest. Ever since he started sporting his spotty dotty pattern, Jaguar has had a full belly.
Fun story Jill. I will have to look more closely at those beautiful jaguars the next time. Dots and spots!
Thanks for reading, Colleen! I was curious about the difference between jaguars and leopards and learned that they have dots inside their spots. 🙂
Very cool.
Wow, Jill! This is clever. I hung on each word as your verbs and adjectives made me feel like I was there. I had to keep reading. The line, “You’ll get used to it.”, made me laugh. 🙂
Thank you, Ashley! I’m not the best at writing prose, so I appreciate your kind comments.
While reading it, I thought this was new for you. I say you are really great at it. I sometimes use rhyme to develop where the story could lead.
Well done, Jill! Your stories are always so creative and this one did not disappoint!
Thanks so much, Michelle! You need to enter!
I’m working on it! I posted one for week one. I am playing catch-up now. LOL
How Sydney Snail Lost his Home (and Found Freedom)
by Patricia Nozell
Snail/Lost/Home
(100 words)
Sydney Snail’s shell shimmered like the sea at sunset. Everyone called Sydney one lucky snail. But he wasn’t always so sure.
On sunny days, Sydney felt like a hot tamale. On rainy days, Sydney felt like a stewed prune. On many days, Sydney was so wound up that he could barely breathe.
When his Slug cousins glided through crevices and created glistening trails, Sydney longed to join. But his shell got stuck.
“Shake the shell,” they suggested.
“Could he? Should he?” Sydney wondered. With a deep breath, he unwound, wiggling free.
To this day, Sydney feels like one lucky slug.
Good work Sydney! Although I am not a fan of either snails or slugs!!
We all need to come out of our shell sometime! Nicely done with exactly 100 words, Patricia!
HOW ROBERTA THE RHINO FOUND HER TEMPER
by Colleen Murphy
147 words
rhinoceros, found, temper
Until that day
her crash would say
Roberta stood alone.
A gentle soul
more in control
than any rhino known.
Not one before
had heard her roar
nor seen her charge a foe.
She’d act with grace
in Trouble’s face.
Her choice: forgive-and-go.
There came a first
when winds reversed.
Roberta caught a scent–
the human kind
which brought to mind
a perilous Event.
The rhinos mourned
a cow dehorned
for naught but Status gained.
The crash’s cost?
A mother lost.
Her orphaned calf remained.
Roberta’s sense
declared Defense
and flipped a switch inside.
“No other man
will harm our clan.
Revenge!” Roberta cried.
With raging speed
she did the deed
enduring no contrition.
When in the Right,
one has to fight
in spite of disposition.
Roberta’s still
considered chill
compared to those around.
But you can bet
if there’s a threat,
her temper will be found.
Yay for Roberta! A sad but true tale of the rhinos’ plight. Perfect rhyme and meter, as always, Colleen and I discovered that a group of rhinos is a crash. You packed a lot into 147 words!
Thanks Jill! It is a very deplorable situation
Loved the rhyme!!
Our rhinos had personality!!! 😉
Thank you! They did.
Wow, Colleen! I can see this one in the Madness Poetry Contest! Great job!!!
Ha ha! Next year. Thank you.
POSTED FOR PENNY
SNAIL FINDS A HOME
By Penny Taub
It was Snail’s first morning.
When she saw a tall green spring.
Snail opened her eyes wide, stretched her long neck, and nibbled.
It tasted delicious.
Snail crawled until she saw a big hat.
She wiggled and jiggled under the hat.
It was warm and cozy. And dark.
Soon water dripped down from the hat.
It became soggy and muddy. And cold.
Snail wiggled and jigged away from the hat.
She huffed and puffed, climbing up a large hill.
At the top, Snail tucked her head inside her shell. Dry and cozy.
Snail closed her eyes and took a nap.
Cute story, Penny!
How the Animals Got Their Voices
By Sarah Meade
got/voice
105 words
All the animals stood silently in line
waiting, waiting, waiting
outside.
“Next!”
Cat pranced inside.
Everyone waited, anticipated . . .
Then . . .
Cat came out with a perfect purr.
Purrrrrr, purrrrr, purrrrr.
“Next!”
Dog danced inside.
Everyone waited, anticipated . . .
Then . . .
Dog came out with a beautiful bark.
Woof, woofity, woof!
“Next!”
Bird flew inside.
Everyone waited, anticipated . . .
Then . . .
Bird came out with the sweetest tweet.
Tweety, tweet-tweet!
“Next!”
Snake slithered inside.
Everyone waited, anticipated . . .
Then . . .
Snake came out with a whistling hiss.
Ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.
“Next!”
Lion prowled inside.
Everyone waited, anticipated . . .
Then . . .
Lion came out with a . . . horrible ROAR!
ROOOOOOOOOOOOAARRRR!
“Next!”
“Next?”
“Next?!”
But all the animals had fled!
P.S. Susanna, I’m happy to offer a prize of a first read-through recording submission package where I read aloud and record up to five PB manuscripts for one author (1,000 words or less each, fiction or nonfiction, rhyming or non-rhyming). Thanks for hosting this fun challenge!
I love reading your entries, Sarah! They always make me smile. You are very talented at always coming up with something good in Susanna’s contests! And how generous of you to offer a prize too!
Thank you so much, Michelle! I always love reading your entries too!!
I love the idea of the animals lining up, filled with expectation, waiting to see what voices they’ll get, Sarah! And what a fun ending!
Also, you are incredibly kind to offer such a nice prize! I will certainly take you up on it! 😊
How The Barn Owl Found His Home
by Stephanie Maksymiw
133 words
owl, found, home
Owl loved to learn.
He was one smart bird.
Too smart.
He liked to yell out the answer before anyone else could.
“What’s 2 + 2?”
“4!”
“What does blue and yellow make?”
“Green!”
“Who was the first US President?”
“Washington!”
One day, teacher told Owl he had learned all she could teach him.
With diploma in hand, Owl flew out of the school and noticed someone needed help.
“What’s wrong mice?”
“We have 10 pieces of cheese to split between 20 mice. It can’t be done!”
“Actually it can!” explained Owl.
Owl split each piece of cheese in two to make 20 pieces.
“How did you do that?”
“Easy, it’s mathematics!”
“Will you teach us?”
“Of course!”
Owl followed the mice back to their barn. And that’s how barn own found his home.
Very cute! I love “It can’t be done!” but smartie owl shows them how with math and off he goes to the barn to teach them. Clever.
Thank you 🙂
HOW WHALE FOUND HIS HOME
Written By
Jenna Elyse Johnson
99 words
whale, found, home
Sitting behind his kennel door,
watching with hopeful eyes,
Whale couldn’t wait to meet his new family.
Only…
nobody ever picked Whale.
“Can you sit?”
FLIP
“How about down?”
SPLASH
Whale blew bubbles in his water.
“Speak!”
Whale knew this one!
“AWOOOWOOOOWOO”
“Yikes! He’s not the pup for us.”
Family after family, it all went the same.
Whale just wasn’t like other dogs.
And he got lonelier and lonelier.
Until…
“Woah, look how big this dog is Papa!”
Whale did all his usual tricks…
FLIP
SPLASH
“AWOOOWOOOOWOO”
And this time, it was the perfect fit.
“Let’s go home, Whale!”
How Jaguar Found His Spots
By Mary Zychowicz
151 Words
Jaguar-Found-Spots
One day Jaguar noticed his reflection in the water. His spots were gone!
He was so sad he wandered around aimlessly. He came across a shop that said Opossums. Comfort food! He entered but didn’t see or smell any evidence of an impending feast.
“May I help you?” asked a woman at a desk.
I saw your sign outside and came in to order some Opossum.
“Oh dear,” said the woman. “Can you read this sign?” She held up a paper with some marks on it.
“Is that the menu?” asked Jaguar.
“Wait here,” she said. When she returned she said “Try these”, placing a pair of glasses on Jaguar.
Suddenly everything was clear. That sign didn’t say opossum; it said, optometrist. Then Jaguar saw his reflection in the mirror! His spots were there. They had been all along. He just needed glasses.
What a relief! Now, to go find some lunch.
POSTED FOR BEV
How Ladybugs Got Their Name
by Bev Schellenberg
There once was a farmer who lived in a dell
She grew rows of wheat and her methods worked well.
One morning she stepped out to examine her plants
But all she could find were bugs doing a dance.
She talked to the neighbours one after another.
“The bugs will destroy everything,” they moaned to each other.
So bowing their heads they prayed loud with raised arms
And begged Virgin Mary to save all their farms.
The beetles descended from heaven above,
Their backs with black spots and the colour of love.
The chomped up the aphids, saving most of the plants
And after that miracle the farmers all danced.
“The beetles of our Lady,” they called them that day,
Which shortened to “ladybugs,” which is what we still say.
How Owls Got Their Hoo
by Ashley Sierra
109 words
owl, got, voice
“C-c-c.”
Mama Owl’s eyes widened.
“Listen, Daddy Owl! I think the owlets are trying to speak.”
“I can’t wait to hear their first . . . coooo,” Daddy Owl said. “Coo! Coo! Coo! You can dooo it!”
“Coo,” said Bella.
“Coo,” said Beau.
“Hoo,” said the littlest, Brie.
“Hoo?” Mama and Daddy asked, confused.
“Say ‘coo, coo, coo’,” her parents said. “You can dooo it!”
“Hoo. Hoo. Hoo. Hooooo!” Brie hooted.
Mama looked at Daddy.
Daddy looked at Brie.
Brie smiled confidently.
“Hoooooo does have a nice sound to it,” Mama said.
“WHO am I to disagree?” Papa chuckled.
“Hoo!” said Brie.
“Hoo!” said Bella and Beau.
“Hooooo!” said Mama and Daddy.
Whooo knew that was where owl calls come from? This is adorable, Ashley!
How Butterflies Got Their Patterns
By Julie Kurtz
130 words
Butterfly got pattern
There once was a painter who painted gorgeous pictures of lines and shapes in beautiful colors. Everyone in the kingdom raved over his work. The king heard about him and summoned the painter to his castle. He commanded him to paint a picture of the king. The painter tried and tried but could only paint lines and shapes. The king banished him to the wilderness forever. Luckily the painter had smuggled his paints along but no paper. He searched for something to paint on with no luck. Then one morning he woke up and the air was filled with beautiful white winged insects. Would you paint us? So the painter filled their wings with beautiful patterns of lines and shapes and colors. That is how our butterflies came to be!
Did a second one for this week! Loving this challenge!
How the Ladybug Got Its Spots
By Julie Kurtz
172 Words
Ladybug got pattern (spots)
Liza was a red bug who loved her shiny body too much! She admired her reflection everywhere she could and bragged to everyone she saw.
“Don’t you wish your body was like this instead of such a dull color?”
All of the other animals got sick of hearing this and avoided her.
“They are just jealous.” and she wandered deeper into the woods.
Soon she could not find her way back home and knew no one would be looking for her.
All of a sudden a huge crow dived straight towards Liza and she felt a huge thump and landed so hard underneath an abandoned old car that she blacked out.
When she came to, she was splattered with black spots of oil and smelled awful.
Standing over her was a skunk.
“What happened to me?”
“A crow was ready to gobble you up so I body slammed you under the car.”
“I have nothing to brag about anymore.”
“Yes, but now attackers will avoid you instead of your friends.”
Love that you were inspired to write two, Julie!
This one was brainstorm fuel, so it got away from me a bit… couldn’t stop writing
How the Snail Lost its Speed
By Ben Jeder
221 words
Snail, Lost, Speed
Snail awoke one day feeling strange.
She felt too fast.
She preferred to dawdle. Now she dashed.
Her perfect morning was when breakfast crept into lunch.
But by noon, she had cleared the dishes and completed her chores.
An uneasiness rushed through her.
“I’ve lost my speed,” cried Snail.
“You seem speedy to me,” assured Cricket.
“No, my slowness. It’s gone!”
Snail planned to loaf about after lunch, then meander to the market.
By mid-afternoon, she had already returned home and restocked the pantry.
“I’m hours ahead of schedule,” groaned Snail.
“Someone’s productive,” said Cricket.
“How can anyone live like this?!”
By dinner, Snail was exhausted.
She couldn’t slow down. She zipped, whizzed, and flew.
She let out a slow sigh that sounded more like a brisk huff.
Snail missed her unhurried life.
She loved her thoughtful crawl, appreciating every small moment.
Zooming about, Snail feared she’d never be capable of embracing the beauty of the world.
The clock showed it was bedtime. Then an idea dawned on her.
A quick turn back of the clock’s hands. A swift trip to the kitchen.
“Good morning, Cricket,” said Snail, holding a plate of pancakes. “Want breakfast?”
Cricket yawned and peered outside at the starry sky. Then he glanced at the clock that now showed 8 a.m.
“Isn’t it nighttime?” Cricket asked.
HOW SULLY SNAIL LOST HIS SPEED (WC 175)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
Sully the snail had not ever been slow.
He left dust in his trailmarks wherever he’d go!
‘Til one day, bewildered, a lightning-bolt SHOCK.
It took him forever to get past his block…
No matter how hard that poor Sully then tried,
he couldn’t go fast…his swift glide lost its stride!
Even the other snails zipped by him fast.
And Sully was left all alone as they passed.
He thought and thought, and he tried every trick.
But nothing would work; He was no longer quick.
He gave up the rat-race and sat in his grief,
but mourning was short—he exhaled in relief.
He went for a stroll and soon found his new pace,
enjoying his movement in effortless grace.
He looked at the world all around him that bloomed—
spotting the things that he’d missed when he zoomed.
So, if you see Sully the Snail trailing near
Stop and revere him and give him a cheer.
The lesson to learn here that we should all heed:
There’s beauty in going a slow-moving speed.
What a beautiful theme in such a sweet package! Love the name Sully and especially the line: “He gave up the rat-race and sat in his grief.” This is awesome, Michelle!
I HAD to use the name! As soon as I saw we could write about a snail, the name “Sully” got stuck in my head. (LOL) Glad you enjoyed it!
POSTED FOR KRITHIKA
Hedgehog Needs A Hobby
By Krithika Santhanam
108 Words
Hedgehog needs a hobby.
He knows this because Bear, Duck, Turtle, and Alligator all have one.
Hedgehog doesn’t know much about hobbies . . . except that they take up a lot of Bear, Duck, Turtle, and Alligator’s time
He decides to go to the store. Because that’s where his mom always goes when she needs something.
He walks up and down every aisle. He checks every shelf. But he doesn’t see a hobby anywhere.
So, he decides to ask the store owner for help.
“Excuse me, Mr. Hemptree . . . can you tell me where I can find a hobby?”
Mr. Hemptree chuckles, then smiles, and points to the building next door.
Hedgehog walks out of the store and into the building, where he sees a room with a wall made of mirrors . . .
and a line of animals moving their feet to the beat.
POSTED FOR ELIZABETH
Why the Ladybug Kept Her Spots By Elizabeth Muster
As the sun rose, so did Lady Bug. Like every morning, the first thing Lady Bug did was look into the mirror.
“Oh, no!” she cried. “Oh, my!”
“What is all the buzz?” yawned Lord Bug.
“I have a spot!”
“A spot?”
“Yes, look. A spot!” Lady Bug spread out her left wing, showing her husband a black dot at the center of her otherwise solid red wing.
“I can hardly see it, my dear.” Lord Bug rolled over, hoping for a little more sleep. But it was not meant to be.
“I cannot have a spot!” cried Lady Bug. “What will the other ladies of Kingdom Animalia say?”
“The leopards have spots, and I don’t hear them complain,” Lord Bug rationalized.
“But they’re felines!” exclaimed Lady Bug. “I am an insect. A royal insect from a long line of sacred beetles. Out, out darn spot!” Lady Bug covered the spot with a glob of red makeup.
“There,” she sighed, drawing close to the mirror for final inspection. “I suppose that will do. I’m headed out to the garden.”
Lady Bug flittered, fluttered, and flew among the geraniums until she felt a drop of rain. And then another. And another.
She sputtered through the air, dodging drops until she landed on the red carpet of the castle entrance.
When a large leather shoe thumped beside her, Lady Bug jumped.
“Oh, no!” the boy cried. “Oh, my! I almost didn’t see you there. If it weren’t for your black spots, you surely would have blended right in.”
“Spots!” Lady Bug tittered. “ I only have one.” But sure enough – there was a spot on each wing now.
The prince lifted Lady Bug in his palm so they were eye to eye. “It would have been very bad luck to squash a ladybug.”
Lady Bug dipped her antennae in agreement.
“Your spots saved your life,” said the prince.
Lady Bug bowed again to the prince and then lit off. Never again would she cover up her spots.
When Lady Bug’s children were born with spots, she told them this story. And they told their children…and they told their children…until all the ladybugs of the Kingdom Animalia had spots.
How the Snail Found Her Speed
Author/Illustrator: Isabel C Rodriguez
WC: 100
The trek before me is very long
And my glide is very slow
The foot beneath my spiral home
Leaves sticky traces where I go.
I wish to go a lot much faster
I wish that I could feel the glow
Beneath my two sensory antennae
From sweat that my anatomy
Most certainly will show.
Shazam! Is that my help for which I plead?
A new and green and slippery weed!
I bet if I could climb on it
I’ll surely get more speed!
Oh, joy is me!
I’ll zoom in space
And might just win
This year’s Snail Race!
How Snail Lost His Speed
By Sara Petersohn
239 words
Snail, lost, speed
Before Snail had a shell,
he was fast.
Faster than coyote, or horse, or cheetah.
Faster than anyone.
Snail liked being fast.
He liked winning races,
and earning trophies
and blue ribbons.
He began to think
he was extra-important.
More important
than anyone.
One day, the Queen came to town.
Snail wanted to show her how important he was.
So he challenged Sloth to a race.
Sloth, being extra-slow, would make Snail look especially fast.
Sloth knew he couldn’t win.
But he was a laid-back guy,
and a good sport,
so he agreed.
When the race began,
Snail shot ahead of Sloth.
Then he looked over his shoulder.
“Slow-poke!” Snail shouted at Sloth.
Because Snail was looking back,
he didn’t see the sign ahead that said,
“Wet Cement – KEEP OFF!”
And just like that, snail was stuck.
He pushed and pulled,
but he couldn’t escape.
He wiggled and he waggled,
but he couldn’t break free.
After a while, Sloth caught up.
Ever-so-slowly,
he wrapped his paw around Snail
and pulled him back to the trail.
Snail was coated in cement.
It had grown hard.
He was spiraled inside.
Only his head and foot poked out.
Sloth set off to finish the race.
But Snail, carrying his new shell,
could inch along only
ever-so-slowly.
Slower than sloth.
Slower than anyone.
Sloth crossed the finish line
in first place.
That is how Sloth
won a race,
and Snail
lost his speed.
How Snail Got Its Home
Beth Volkmann
113 words
snail, got home
Long ago when slugs slid contentedly within the shady confines of forests, a more-than-curious young slug slipped beyond the borders of ferns and pines. Under the light of the sun and the glow of the moon, the young slug collected shiny stones and pearly pebbles, placing each one carefully upon her back. When tired from her travels and far from home, the slug rested. Years passed and all the while the stones and pebbles shifted. They shaped themselves into the swirl of a shell and transformed the sleeping slug into a splendid snail. With a home-away-from-home upon her back, the snail set sail to discover the big wide world we all call home.
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(This was tough for my nonfiction-self to ‘allow’.
Slugs actually evolved from snails – not the other way around!
But I’m letting it s-l-i-d-e in the spirit of the fun of the contest!!) 🙂