Happy Memorial Day!
For some, today is about solemn and grateful remembrance.
For some, it’s also about parades and barbecues and family get-togethers, trying to get the kids to hold still long-enough to baste them with sunscreen, checking to see if you can get one more year out of that bathing suit (or if everyone’s favorite activity – bathing suit shopping! 🤣 – is required), reminding the kids that corn-holders are not for poking each other with, and hoping your better-half won’t set their eyebrows on fire lighting the grill!
BUT. . .!
It is also time for Week #4 of the 2023 Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Challenge!
Yippee!!!
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 (or read other people’s entries 😊), please go HERE.
To enter your Week #2 entry (or read other people’s entries), please go HERE.
To enter your Week #3 entry (or read other people’s entries), please go HERE.
Remember, if you’re just stumbling onto this challenge, that you can submit your stories for previous weeks any time until Sunday June 25th, so you can still qualify for a prize!
And now, I know you’re all wondering what’s up for Week #4!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #4 for Week 4
So far we’ve worked with a Character plus an Action, an Origin Story, and an Image with a Situation.
This week, we’re going to write a List Story!
Now, the key word here is story! We are not just writing a list. That would not be fun. We do plenty of that for grocery shopping and trying to keep track of our lives 😊
You will be using a list as part of your story.
So, choose a number from Column A, a type of list from Column B, and a subject/topic from Column C and write a 100 word story for kids using that list. For example, 5 Things No One Knows About Robots.
If you want to be factual you can, but you can also just have fun letting your imagination run wild! Maybe robots are afraid of the dark. . . or they have an insatiable appetite for gummy worms . . . 😊
(And yes, apparently I have an obsession with pie this month since this is the second time it’s been an option 🤣 But the alternative choice was hot dogs, which, ick 🤣)
| Column A | Column B | Column C |
| 3 | Things You Should Never Forget About | Brothers/Sisters/Babies |
| 5 | Things I Hate About | Dragons |
| 7 | Things No One Knows About | Robots |
| Things I Love About | Camping | |
| Me/You | ||
| Pie Eating Contests |
*Since it’s Memorial Day, if you’re inspired to work that in, please feel free! But it is NOT required!
- 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 a different number, a different type of list or a subject/topic that doesn’t appear above, go for it! – the purpose here is inspiration and to get you writing! Just tell us what you’re using!
- For simplicity’s sake (and to aid skimming readers who might be interested in a particular thing) please say which Number, List Type, and Subject/Topic you’re using at the top of your entry along with your name, title, and word count (unless it’s obvious from your title.)
For example:
Booger Bryan
by Marcia Writer
107 words
3, Things I Hate About, brothers
Of course, if your story is titled 3 Things I Hate About Brothers, that should be pretty clear already 😊
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 #4 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 #4 stories!
The School’s Out Campout – Kelly Clasen
Three Things I Hate About Dinosaurs – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
Shelly’s First Camping Trip – Dawn Renee Young
Three Things No One Knows About Me – Tomi Rues
Three Things No One Knows About Moms – Ryann Jones
Things I Love about You, Jesus – Ellie Langford
Pink, Lavender and Teal – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
Bugs, bugs, bugs! – Stephanie Maksymiw
Dragon Secrets – Krithika Santhanam
Things I Really, Really Don’t Like About “Expecting” a Baby Brother – Susan E. Schipper
Three Things I Hate about Dragons, by a Princess – Lauren N. Simmons
7 Things I Hate About Camping – Michelle S. Kennedy
Trickster Brother – Lyn Jekowsky
Three Things You Should Never Forget When Inviting A Dragon For Tea – Marta Cutler
Newborn Baby Moments – Marie Prins
My Best Frenemy – Sara Kruger
Three Things You Should Never Forget About You – Debbie J. Arnn
Three Things You May Not Know About Babies (Plus One) – Patricia Nozell
7 Things You Might Not Know About Dragons – Kelly Kates
Don’t Blink! – Jill Lambert
I Don’t Want A Baby Sister (but I’ll try to) – Leslie Degnan
Middle Child Lament – Elyse Trevers
Adopt-A-Robot – Julie Hauswirth
What to Expect When You Are Expecting a Baby Brother – Colleen Murphy
5 Things You Should Never Forget about Camping – Katie McEnaney
3 Things I Hate About Pie Eating Contests – Isabel C. Rodriguez
Three Things I Love About Camping – Angel Gantnier
Brooklyn’s Diary – Linda Schueler
Three Things No One Knows About Dragons – Tiffany Hanson
Eight Ways to Make a Baby’s Day – Sarah Meade
Seven Things To Know Before a Dragon Sleep-Over – Beth Volkmann
Guess What I Learned Today! – Ashley Sierra
Beware of Bears – Ben Jeder
Dragon’s Camp-Out – Penny Taub
A Fun Time at the Fair – Dianne Borowski
7 Things No One Knows About Camping – Lauri Meyers
5 Reasons Why Babies Are Not So Bad – Julie Kurtz
A Love Letter to My Friend the Mountains – Haley Hendrickson
Three Things I Love About You, Me And We! – B. Holland Paley
3 Things Dragons Shouldn’t Forget About Us – Bev Schellenberg
10 Things I Love About My Dragon Don – Sally Yorke-Viney
Five Things I Hate About Camping – Sara Petersohn
Camp Rules – Deb Buschman
The Robot Who Took Over My Life – Royal Baysinger
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 signed copy of Susanna Leonard Hill’s ALPHABEDTIME (Nancy Paulsen Books/PRH, October 25, 2022), generously sponsored by a very kind anonymous donor! Thank you so much for your donation, You Know Who You Are 😊
⭐️ 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 
Cute prompt!
Thanks, Colleen! Glad you like it 😊
Happy Memorial Day, everyone!
The School’s Out Campout
By Kelly Clasen (185 words)
4, Things You Should Never Forget About, Camping
It’s the last day of school! And tonight, Dad is taking me camping to celebrate! Mom does NOT like camping, but she said she’d come if I memorized her four rules of camping.
Rule 1: Pack it in, pack it out. This means I need to carry my own stuff to the campsite AND my own stuff back out, leaving no trace. This means I WON’T be bringing my Lego pirate set. Just my stuffed dragon (and maybe my raccoon, and maybe my bat).
Rule 2: Leaves of three, let them be. Poison ivy is no joke, Mom says. Did you know you can get it anywhere on your body? Really, ANYWHERE.
Rule 3: No wi-fi, no whining. Apparently, there are places where you CAN’T stream videos. Mom says we’re going to one of them, and I cannot complain about it. Maybe I should bring a book?
Rule 4: A bear DOES poop in the woods (and so must I). Luckily, there are no bears where we live, but I do have biodegradable TP just in case!
Mom has a deal. Let’s go camping!
This is fabulous, Kelly! So well done! Fun story, and instructional, and I love the way the rules are phrased!
Wow, this is really good!!
Such a cute story! 🙂
Yay for books over wi-fi! That’s one good reason to go camping!
Smart Mom! Great story!
So much to love about this camping story, Kelly: Perfect rules, spot on humor, authentic kid-like voice. Well done!
Thank you, Jill!
That no wi-fi will be a big challenge, but boy does this world need it! Great work.
This is so fun and funny- and informational too!
Thanks, Julie!
I am saving these, Susanna for the NCTE panel we are doing in Nov. 2023. Our panel includes Ellen Leventhal, Pam Courtney, Vivian Kirkfield, Nancy Churnin and me.
I have 1 story so far and would like to offer Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult as a prize if you’d like.
What will you do with them at the NCTE panel, Kathy?
And that is VERY generous of you to offer a prize! I would be delighted to accept! Thank you so much!
Happy Holiday , Susanna. We’ll be using them as examples of authentic, fun ways to get kids writing beyond the typical classroom assignment for NCTE.
Also, please use this link for info re: Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult: https://www.kathyhalsey.com/ask-infowoman.html
Three Things I Hate About Dinosaurs
by Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
129 words
3, Things I Hate About, Dinosaurs (obviously)
The first thing that I really hate
About the dinosaurs of late:
They always need to stay so hot,
Which means I’m sweating quite a lot.
I stuff them in the fireplace,
I push until there’s no more space.
But if they stick out by the ears,
The second thing I hate appears.
If they’re too cold, they yodel wide,
Like goats upon a mountainside.
They yodel far and yodel free.
The thing that stops them? No. 3.
Some ice cream: Chocolate chocolate chip.
In a dish with caramel dip.
I ran around all yesterday,
So they could have their sticky way.
But dinos always come through, though.
They always share the ice cream. So:
The things I hate are cancelled out
By Ben and Jerry’s on their snout.
This is delightful, Elizabeth! Nicely written and amusing, and I love the neat turn around at the end – of course Ben and Jerry’s cancels out the bad stuff 😊
Thanks, Susanna! Haagen-Dazs also works 🙂
Ain’t that the truth! 😊
Very creative & clever!
Thanks, Tomi!
Nice rhyme! Ice cream..YES! 🙂
Thank you! (Ice cream solves everything.)
I love the last line! This was a fun read.
Thank you, Michelle! Ice-cream smeared snouts are a must.
So wonderful, funny and charming!
Thanks, Marta! Your comment made my day!
Such a clever MC! And love the image of dinosaurs with ice cream on their snouts!
Thanks, Patricia! (I wish I could draw!)
Ha ha! Love the images.
POSTED FOR DAWN
Dawn Renee Young
Mix-n-Match
Week 4
SHELLY’S FIRST CAMPING TRIP
WC-130
(3 Things you should know about camping)
Shelly’s brother loved camping trips with Dad
Shelly was finally old enough to go.
Once the tents were up, Dad said, “Fishing time.”
Shelly grabbed her pole and slung it in the lake.’
“You forgot your worm,” said Dad.
“Worms, I don’t like worms.”
Shelly didn’t catch a thing.
“Now we clean the fish for dinner,” said Dad.
“Oh! the poor fish. I don’t like to eat fish. Can I please eat a hotdog?” Shelly asked.
After supper Dad built a fire. “Time for smores,” said Shelly
“We forgot the marshmallows, chocolate, and crackers,” said Dad.
“What? No smores,” cried Shelly.
When they arrived home Mom asked, “Shelly, how was camping?”
“It was okay, but you have to touch worms, catch and eat fish, and not forget stuff for smores.
Nice job, Dawn! I like the way you incorporated the three things at the end. Neatly done. (And I’m with Shelly all the way 😊)
Great job, Dawn! I love Shelly! 🙂
With that list, it could easily be three things to hate about camping. Great job – I could feel Shelly’s disappointment.
Poor Shelly! If only she had s’mores to make it all better! Hopefully next time she can help pack! Cute story, Dawn!
Three Things No One Knows About Me
By Tomi Rues
WC: 120
If I ask you to tell me three things
about you that no one knows,
what would you say?
You would eat ice cream at every meal if you could?
Your super power is being sneaky?
You can hold your breath for a long time
under the water?
Or,
Thunderstorms don’t scare you?
You can do pushups with one hand?
You are really good at karate?
Do you want to know my three things?
I can whistle really loud with my fingers
in my mouth.
I actually like fresh spinach,
a lot.
If I had the choice,
I would rather fly than be invisible.
Ask your friends about their three things.
You might be surprised, and you might not be!
I like your creative approach to the prompt!
Thanks! This one didn’t come easy, so I just had fun.
Very cute, Tomi! A nice way to encourage young readers to express interest in others and share about themselves! 😊
Thanks, Susanna! You always find the good.
I would rather fly than be invisible too! I love the way you used the prompts! 🙂
Thank you so much! I recently listened to a podcast and they said that “everyone secretly wants to be invisible, no one really wants to fly.” We proved them wrong:)
I really like your take on this prompt. Great conversation starter.
Thank you! I appreciate your comment!
Happy Memorial Day, and as always, thank you! I appreciate this opportunity to write and interact with everyone:)
Happy Memorial Day to you, too, Tomi! I am so glad you’re having fun! 😊
Three Things No One Knows About Moms
By Ryann Jones
85 Words
3, Things No One Knows About, Moms
Mom’s love their kiddos.
No secret, it’s true.
But once kids are tucked in,
There’s three things they do:
First they pull out their
“Mom Only” stash–
Of chocolate delights and
destroy hints of trash.
Next they don slippers
With fuzzy wool socks,
While facial cream works
And they pin up their locks.
Last but not least–
A luxurious bath.
None dare disturb moms,
Or they’ll face their wrath.
And that’s what they do
Every evening it’s true.
Yes!
Even mommy’s
Need time to renew.
Nice job with the prompt, Ryann! I only wish I ever managed to do such renewing! 🤣
Enjoyed reading this! Would love this for all moms. Goals!
Moms deserve this time to renew! Nice job! 🙂
Now I want all three of these things immediately …
Oh yes they do!
Love it! I only have time to do one of these three things, so it’s almost always the “mom only” stash.
Things I Love about You, Jesus
By Ellie Langford
99-Words
7 Things I Love About You
Dear Jesus,
There are so many things I love about you.
You made a beautiful world, full of gifts for us.
When we messed it up and did bad things,
you came down from heaven
to show us you still loved US.
You healed the sick, helped the broken hearted,
and took our punishment.
Not only that you promised to make, once again,
a new and beautiful world for those who love you.
It’s true, …
There are so-o many things I love about you, Jesus,
but the best thing I love about you
is that you love ME.
What a lovely story, Ellie! I like the letter-writing/prayer format and the sweet ending. Nice job with the prompt!
Ellie, this is simply beautiful! Wow! 🙂
Perfectly perfect! I love this!
Very sweet. ❤
POSTED FOR ELIZABETH
Pink, Lavender and Teal
by Elizabeth Thoms Charles
98 Words
3, Things No One Knows About, Dragons
Pink, lavender and teal, those are my favorite colors.
Three things no one knows about dragons.
We have favorite colors.
My best friend Anastasia’s favorite colors are fuchsia and brown
which I find disgusting.
We don’t eat everything charred.
Sautéed carrots, onions, broccoli with linguini and a dusting of Parmesan cheese
are my favorite vegetables.
We read books. My current favorite authors are
Jane Austen, Julie Rowan-Zoch and Susanna Leonard Hill.
We remember those who served on Memorial Day.
That’s three plus one things that you didn’t know about dragons.
Pink, lavender and teal are my favorite colors.
So many things I didn’t know about dragons, Elizabeth! I am honored to be among those they love to read, and in such good company! 😊
I like the dragons’ choice of colors! I also like their choice of authors! 😉
Love the nod to Susanna! Well done!
Bugs, bugs, bugs!
by Stephanie Maksymiw
51 words
3, Things I Hate About, Camping
Camping is the best.
What’s that?
Mosquitoes…run!!!!!
We sleep in tents.
Sing campfire songs.
Eat smores.
What’s that?
Moths…run!!!!!
We also hike the trails.
Watch the wildlife.
Eat picnic lunches.
What’s that?
Ants…run!!!!!
Camping is the worst.
Buzzing bugs.
Flying bugs.
Creepy bugs.
Bugs, bugs, bugs!
Next time I camp indoors.
Bugs really do add an unpleasant element to camping, Stephanie! (Although I think I could get to way more than 3! 😊) What a great solution!
I agree, camping would be more enjoyable, minus the bugs! Nice job! 🙂
I am with you!
Dragon Secrets
By Krithika S
239 Words
5 things no one knows about Dragons
Poor Dragons. It must be hard being judged solely on your looks.
Sure, there’s also the whole fire-breathing thing . . .
And that ROARRRRRRR!! factor, which I’ll admit is just a teensy bit terrifying.
But, really, they’re just like you and me . . . Don’t believe me?
Well that’s because your brain has already seen too much Dragon propaganda.
Lucky for you, I know five super special confidential secrets about Dragons that NOBODY else knows.
And I have a feeling, once I share them with you, you’ll never look at Dragons the same way again . . .
Like did you know Dragons love ballet?
If you ever decide to get a Dragon a gift . . . you can’t go wrong with a Tutu!
Of course all that dancing sure does work up an appetite
And hungry Dragons love nothing more than . . . HUMANS
. . . Oops sorry looks like there’s a typo here . . . I meant to say HUMMUS.
Give a Dragon some Pita and Hummus and they’ll be loyal to you forever.
To wash all of that food down, they always reach for a tall, cold, glass of PRUNE JUICE.
I know what you’re thinking YUCKKKK . . . But what can I say? It keeps them regular.
And after all that dancing, eating, and drinking Dragons love taking nice long naps with their UNICORN stuffy. Every Dragon has one.
When they finally close their eyes to sleep, do you know what they dream about? Being best friends with a human like YOU.
So cute, Krithika! What a fun story with a sweet ending! I laughed out loud at the HUMANS HUMMUS typo 🤣
Great “details” about Dragons! I enjoyed reading your story! 🙂
Things I Really, Really Don’t Like About “Expecting” a Baby Brother
by Susan E. Schipper
WC 128
5, Things I Hate about, Baby Brothers
I have a list. It’s quite long. It all started a few months ago when Mommy and Daddy said they had great news for me. Our “happy” family was adding one more “happy”… a baby brother!
I knew then, I had to begin making that list! No way was there room for one more!
First, my room is way too small to share with a BABY!
Second, I have just enough toys for one, ME!
Third, Mommy and me time is already full– booked solid!
Fourth, Daddy and I play catch. He pitches, I catch!
Fifth, hmmm…bunk beds would be fun. More toys would come. We can make Mommy and “us” time. Dad said my brother will make us a team!
Hooray! Baby brother is on the way!
What a great story, Susan! You captured the way a child might feel about the intrusion of a new sibling…and also the sweet turn around of perspective 😊
Thanks, Susanna! 🙂
(MPBM was a fantastic course. It’s amazing how much we learned in a short amount of time.)
I LOVE this!! Our family just went through this transition and I think big brother is still coming around to little brother 🙂
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the story, and could relate! 🙂
it’s all about perspective, isn’t it?! Glad big brother changed his tune!
It sure is about perspective! 🙂
Cute perspective. ❤
Thanks! 🙂
So cute!!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Thank you so much! 😉
Thank you ! 🙂
This list is spot on, Susan! My favorite line is the third item about Mommy and me time and I love the shift you made in the fifth item at the end. Well done!
Thank you, Jill! 🙂
POSTED FOR LAUREN
Three Things I Hate about Dragons, by a Princess
(actually by Lauren N. Simmons)
232 words
I’ve hated this dragon since the day he snorted his way through my castle window and captured me. Want to know what I hate most?
1. His morning breath. Every night, he sleeps on the roof where he keeps me. Every morning, he pushes his long snout through my window, next to my face, and breaths on me to wake me! That dragons breathe fire is a rumor to conceal the truth: their horrible halitosis! It would be better if they did breathe fire… kills me every day as it is.
2. His wings are not for flying. I don’t know what they’re for, but my dragon has tried to fly, and I can assure you that he cannot. He’s more like a very large penguin. Oh, and he waddles like one! It’s just annoying… I really was looking forward to flying on his back.
3. In a lot of ways he’s not intimidating, with the exception of his long tail. Day and night, his tail snakes through his lair. I trip if I go anywhere. And should he move… oh no. It’s like an earthquake, with things breaking, everywhere shaking when his tail whooshes from one wall to the other.
But for a princess, what does it matter? At home, I’m captive to my room from playing with other children and to my lady lessons. Here I’m captive to this silly, waddling, bad-breathed, wide-tailed dragon.
Very cute!
Lauren, great tail err, I mean tale! 🙂
Poor princess! But I guess this is a better option?
7 THINGS I HATE ABOUT CAMPING (WC 131)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
I hate to camp and that’s a fact.
I’ve seven reasons to be exact:
One.
The campfire smoke congests my nose
and lingers in my hair and clothes. (Seriously!)
Two.
I loathe the gnats I slap and smear;
mosquitoes buzzing in my ear…
Three.
And worse than those, are bugs that creep…
inside my tent when I’m asleep. (YUCK!)
Four.
I don’t like lying on the ground.
I want my bed both soft and sound.
Five.
Oh, when it rains, it’s NEVER fun—
our tent then leaks on everyone! (No Thanks!)
Six.
And did I mention when it’s cold?
When shivering is uncontrolled?!
Seven.
But what I hate the most of all…
Is the nasty bathroom stall. (Pee-EEW!)
No, camping is just not for me.
So put me in a DoubleTree!
I think you wrapped up what my feelings would be if I had gone camping. Such a great kid voice.
Aw! Thanks so much! I was ‘channeling’ my inner-child. LOL.
Love it! And love the last line LOL. Definitely sums up MY feelings about camping!
Yeah, ever since we got rained on the last 6 times we went tent camping… I am OVER IT!
Michelle, great rhyme! 🙂
Thanks so much!
This is great, Michelle! You brought back memories of Girl Scout Camp, when I was assigned to clean the latrine! Pee-EEW is right!
No way! Can’t believe they made you do that!!! That would taint me for sure!!!
I second that motion!! So true! But I do love hiking and being out in nature…until bedtime.
hahha!
So funny 🙂 I like the ending.
Thanks, Tiffany!
Trickster Brother
by Lyn Jekowsky
121 words
3, Things No One Knows About, Brothers
3 things no one knows about brothers,
Mine is mischievous but kind like no other,
He irks me with gags
And bags full of rags,
But love him so never tell mother.
He sneaks into my room with his buddies
To show them my lacy pink undies.
He pulls out my drawer
To such an uproar
They see only tiny truck fundies.
He plays dirty tricks to cause laughter
I’m the victim, and need a bath after.
I fall asleep between sheets
Feel slimy moosh on my feet,
Bro left me worms and thought he was dapper.
My brother is weird and annoying,
Occasionally we’re together enjoying
Scavenging for objects
For our guinea pig project.
But Bro’s terrible tricks cause recoiling.
Ah, little brothers! The worst, but also the best!
Love it! We chose the same topic =) I promise I read yours AFTER writing mine haha
LOL! I’ll have to look yours up!
Sums up having brothers! Nice job! 🙂
Thank you!
Three things you should never forget when inviting a dragon for tea.
By Marta Cutler
(112 words)
(3 things you should never forget about dragons)
Dragons are picky you see.
It’s one lump not two or three.
Their cake must be chocolate.
Their scones must be plain.
Don’t dare forget they need three!
Dragons prefer to play Clue.
Neither cards nor chess will do.
Always Plum in the bedroom.
They do like to win.
I’d let them if I were you!
Dragons need afternoon naps.
Twenty minutes and pink nightcaps.
Their beds must be feather.
Their pillows soft down.
No sounds, not even a clap!
So do have a dragon for tea.
Have a cup or two on me.
I wish I could be there.
So busy, can’t come!
But do let me know when you’re free!
So cute! 🙂
Newborn Baby Moments
by Marie Prins
wc – 130
5, things not to forget, baby
Dear Baby Granddaughter
You finally arrived! A small bundle of utter sweetness. A gift I’ve waited years to hold in my arms. Let me whisper all the moments I’ve already loved about you. The soft cooing sounds as you sleep. I may never pass you back to your mom. The smell of your hair that tickles my nose softly rubbing your forehead. The baby sneezes – one, two, three, four, five in a row as you clear that darling button nose. Your open eyes that stare deeply into mine and see my love reflected back. Uh-oh, I hear rumbling air inside your round tummy that announces a sudden, noisy poop. Hmm, now I’ll pass you along, maybe to your dad. But after that….
So much love,
Your Grammy
Precious!
I like the ending…! 🙂
This is so sweet, Marie! I miss those newborn baby days.
My Best Frenemy
by Sara Kruger
word count: 105
3 // things no one knows about // brothers
I have an older brother
And so does my best friend
They call us names and swat our butts
Annoying to no end
But let me tell you something
We’ve learned about our bros
Although we tattle endlessly
There’s 3 things no one knows:
Brothers build the coolest things
And often they’ll invite
Their sisters to their rooms to play
It’s awesome (til we fight)
Brothers can be really smart
And help their sister out
With homework that is stumping them
(until we scream and shout)
Finally our brothers
Will knock down every bully
I guess they’re our best frenemy
And we adore them fully
Describes a “frenemy” Perfectly! 🙂
😊
Yep! That sums up big brothers!
Love this, Sara! You really nailed the push and pull of siblings. My brother bugged the heck out of me when we were younger, but I do adore him!
Thank you! Yup same!
I love this!
Sara your words ring so true! Can ‘t live with them, can’t live without them! Haha! Great Rhyming!
Three Things You Should Never Forget About You
By Debbie J. Arnn
Word Count: 123
You were made for a purpose, little one.
You are smart, creative, and kind.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.
You are great at remembering things,
You’re always learning something new.
How old will you be after your birthday?
See? You ARE smart!
I hear the stories you tell your imaginary friend.
Your artwork uses colors in a way I couldn’t imagine.
I love to hear you sing as you play.
You are SO creative!
You bring groceries into the house.
You find all the green blocks for your friend’s tower.
Your hugs make everyone happy.
You are so kind.
Yes, YOU are made for a purpose.
You are smart, creative, and kind.
Never forget how much you matter to this world.
Lovely!
This is priceless, Debbie!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
Very nice! 🙂
Three Things You May Not Know About Babies (Plus One)
by Patricia Nozell
(99 words)
On the first day of school, Martha wore a new “Big Sister” tee shirt.
“I bet you didn’t know that babies sleep ALL the time, except when Mama, Papa, and I want to sleep.”
Jay yawned. “I have two baby sisters.”
“Sheila, I bet you didn’t know that babies eat every two hours.”
“Like my new baby cousin.”
“Paul, I bet you didn’t know that newborns can’t crawl, walk or even talk.”
“Everyone knows that, silly.”
“Martha, I bet you don’t know something. Babies grow up fast. Soon, your new baby sister will be your best friend.”
“She will?”
Very cute! I love how the MC wouldn’t; give up her quest to ‘teach’ someone something about new babies!
Thanks Michelle!
great story! 🙂
Thanks!
Love the repetition of “I bet you…’ It sounds so child-like. The big sister tshirt at the beginning and ‘she will’ at the end set it up perfectly. So cute, Patricia!
Thank you Jill!
POSTED FOR KELLY
Week #4
7 Things You Might Not Know About Dragons
Kelly Kates
WC: 105
Dragons are really shy. That is why you probably haven’t seen one.
But they love to play pranks on people . . . like stealing socks out of the dryer.
Dragons have a terrible sense of direction. They are always getting lost and then having to send out flares which we often mistake for shooting stars.
Dragons love to dance. But only ballet. You might think hip-hop would be more their style but they like the classics.
Dragons are good at math. If you have 10 castles and burn down 3, how many are left?
But their spelling is atrocious.
And, of course, their favorite treat is s’mores!
Of course it is, Kelly! What else could it be? 😊😊 Very cute!
Great information about Dragons!!! 🙂
Now I know where to look for those missing socks! Fun story!
Don’t Blink!
By Jill Lambert
200 Words
5/Things You Should Never Forget About/summer vacation
You’ve been counting down for weeks and finally…SCHOOL’S OUT!
Here are five things you should never forget about summer vacation:
#1. Take Time to Travel— (Memorial Day weekend is a good time to start!)
Go to the beach and build sandcastles.
Go camping and tell ghost stories around the campfire.
Go on a picnic and feed the ants.
#2. Take Time for Treats—
Corn-on-the-cob, dripping with butter.
Slices of sweet, chilled watermelon.
Tall glasses of refreshing lemonade.
Every luscious flavor of ice cream cone.
Don’t forget, ooey-gooey s’mores!
#3. Take Time to Explore—
Sniff all the flowers and be awed by the explosion of color.
Collect a variety of seashells and listen to the secrets each one tells.
Chase butterflies and fireflies to see where they go. It’s an amazing world of insects!
Listen to the sigh of ancient trees.
#4. Take Time to Hang Out in Your Neighborhood—
Visit other yards, other houses. Have a sleepover!
Share your treehouse.
Compete in bike races.
See who can check out the tallest pile of library books.
#5. Last, but not least…DON’T BLINK!
You know the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun?”
Summer vacation will be over before you know it!
Ahhhh! You have captured all the great things about summer! And it DOES go by quickly!!!
Thanks, Michelle!
Glad to see I am not the only one who went over the word limit!! What a great list of summer fun!
I figure, when you’re making a list, when it’s done, it’s done! Thanks, Colleen!
Exactly! And I still had to leave some things out!
This such a great list. I want to turn this into a checklist for this summer! (Except for #5. This teacher needs a break.)
Yes, I’m working through my list already! And I can relate to the need for a break as a former teacher. Thanks for reading, Katie!
Perfect title! I try not to blink beginning Memorial Day! 🙂
Thank you, Susan!
You’ve truly captured summertime fun! And I love how you include so many senses.
Thanks so much!
POSTED FOR LESLIE
I DON’T WANT A BABY SISTER (but I’ll try to)
Leslie Degnan
WC: 110
Three things you should never forget about bringing home a baby!
#1 Don’t forget: To ASK first!
Nobody asked,
Whether I’d want,
A wah-wah-sister-baby.
A family should
Consult on this.
And then I might (Well…maybe)
#2 Don’t forget: I can’t share my toys
About my toys…
I will decide,
The if and when and how.
But I can say
For really sure,
I cannot share right now!
#3 Don’t forget: MY room is MINE
My bedroom. It
Belongs to me.
It’s mine. It’s mine. It’s mine!
This is a NO!
NO! BABY ZONE!
So please don’t cross that line!
Though this may seem
A bit unkind,
I really must demand.
When she gets big,
Someday. Like me.
I’m sure she’ll understand.
I have a younger sister so I can relate to this one!
I like the line No Baby Zone! Cute! 🙂
You’ve captured the hesitation a child feels when a new baby comes home.
POSTED FOR ELYSE
Middle Child Lament
By Elyse Trevers
One thing you should never forget about siblings is that they don’t want to share any more than you do. Just because you share parents doesn’t mean they are willing to let you play with their new Legos.
As the younger one, you will get hand-me-downs. Even if they don’t fit you you will find them in your closet as if you won prizes.
A third thing to remember is that everything is new for your parents with your older sibling. However, your occasions aren’t as special anymore. That’s the good news.
Next time your sister teases you, remind her that your parents practiced on her, but their practice made you perfect!
“Perfect” ending! 🙂
Love the ending! How true!
As a well-adjusted middle child, I can relate to this! Terrific ending!
Adopt-A-Robot
By Julie Hauswirth
185 Words
(5 things you should never forget about robots)
Welcome to the Robot Emporium! Before you adopt a robot, there are five things you should never forget.
First, feed your robot plenty of cupcakes. Batteries? Replaceable. What really fuels a robot is cupcakes. Except for Frank. Cupcakes make Frank nervous.
Second, cuddle your robot at least twice a day. No one questions cuddling the family pet, so don’t ignore your cuddly robot just because it’s made of metal. Except for Frank. Frank is NOT a cuddle bug.
Third, robots like Heavy Metal music while they work. Their favorite band is Aluminum Angels. Except for Frank. His favorite music is opera, and he sings along.
Fourth, robots need plenty of play time. They enjoy card games like go fish. Except for Frank. The only game he will play is dodgeball.
Finally, DO NOT let your robot do laundry. It will eat your socks and you’ll think the dryer did it. Except for Frank. He will just set the dryer on fire.
I think that covers it! Which robot will it be?
Are you sure?
Ok, but I warned you…
FRANK! It’s your lucky day!
Ha! Nice.
Great story! 🙂
Happy that it’s Frank’s lucky day! And I think the adopter’s, too.
What to Expect When You Are Expecting a Baby Brother
by Colleen Murphy
Went a little rogue and made it what you ought to know, baby brothers, and at least seven things? WC: 234 (sorry)
Since Momma brought my brother home, I’ve learned a lot and so,
I’ve made for you a user’s guide for things you ought to know.
The first: a baby sleeps a lot, then cries when he’s awake.
You might be asked to hold him. But don’t worry, he won’t break.
He cannot play with sticks or trucks or help you build in sand.
Your momma’s gonna holler if you put some in his hand.
In fact, for all the months before your brother starts to crawl,
except for making faces, he’s of little use at all.
But, be careful what you wish for if you think you want him moving.
He’ll be into your belongings with no chance for your approving.
Your garbage trucks, construction blocks and picture books, as well–
what’s yours is his. What’s his is his, as far as I can tell.
And though you want to punch him, you’ll be best advised to find
a wiser way to act to help your anger to unwind.
On the plus side, on occasion, he’ll like playing hide-and-seek,
though he’s really bad at counting and he’ll also want to peek.
Your momma will be telling you how brothers can be fun.
As for me, I’m undecided, since this project’s just begun.
I hope all this is helpful and to this point you’ve survived.
I’m working on an update since my sister just arrived.
So cute! Great twist ending, and I also really love the line, “He’ll be into your belongings with no chance for your approving.” D’oh.
Ha ha! Thanks Katie.
Love the twist at the end! 🙂
Thannk you!
Perfect in every way, Colleen! I especially loved the line ‘what’s yours is his. What’s his is his’. And the ending is awesome! No rest for big brother!
Absolutely not (even though the third child was another boy in my inspiration’s case). Thank you!
Aww. Adorable!
Thank you!!
I enjoyed this! Clever and fun to read:)
Thank you!
5 Things You Should Never Forget about Camping
By: Katie McEnaney
250 words [sorry]
5, Things You Should Never Forget about, Camping
Camping is not for the faint of heart.
That’s what my Great-Aunt Deborah says. She likes to blame her heart for lots of things she doesn’t want to do. But this weekend, she’s finally coming camping with me for the first time. I put together this list so her heart knows exactly what to expect.
#5 Talk While You Are Hiking
Nature does not like to be surprised. Good thing I was talking so loudly that you didn’t notice the rattlesnake on the path until AFTER you’d stepped over it. Then it was REALLY loud!
#4 Always Bring Plenty of Rope for the Bear Bag
A big rock helps too when you throw the rope up and over a tree branch. But watch where you throw. That big bump on your head makes you look like a unicorn!
#3 Have a Water Bucket for the Fire
That way you’re prepared when Daddy sneezes so hard he knocks the fire over with his foot and lights your pants leg on fire. Don’t worry, there was a LOT of water in the bucket. Your pants will dry, once we get the fire going again.
#2 Check Your Gear
Otherwise, we could never have discovered that the mice had moved into my sleeping bag and made such a cute little nest! Good thing I can sleep with you tonight. Mommy says I only snore sometimes.
And the #1 thing you should never forget about camping is … that Everything is Better with Family!
(And yes, I have most definitely walked OVER a rattlesnake on a trail before. Yipes!)
If I read that list BEFORE I left the house, I would have stayed home!! Great job!
Nice job! 🙂
What a comedy of errors countdown! You bookended it nicely with a sweet introduction and summary at the end. Fabulous, Katie!
POSTED FOR ISABEL
2023 Mix ‘n’ Match – Week 4
3 Things I Hate About Pie Eating Contests
Author/Illustrator: Isabel C Rodriguez
WC: 100
I LOVE pies.
I love Apple pies.
I love Peach Pies.
I love Key Lime Pies.
I love Cherry Pies.
I LOVE pies.
So, I signed up for a Pie Eating Contest at the Fair.
What better way to enjoy a LOT of pie than a Pie Eating Contest?
Nope.
I HATE Pie Eating Contests.
1. I couldn’t use my hands…..or a fork! ….or a spoon!
2. The pie filling got all over my face…..and up my nose! Yuk!
3. The pie and filling ended up on my clothes…..what a mess!
I HATE Pie Eating Contests.
But……I still LOVE pies.
Cute! 🙂
THE TWINS ARE 10!
Written By
Jenna Elyse Johnson
(133 words)
3, things you should never forget about, twins
Hooray, you’re invited! The twins are turning 10!
Double-digits are sure to be a blast.
But being a twin isn’t always fair and square.
Many people don’t realize just how hard it is to share a birthday.
So please read the following requests…
3 Things You Should Never Forget About Celebrating a Twin’s Birthday:
• Please bring two gifts. Not one big gift to share. Not one big gift and one tiny gift. Two equal gifts for two equal twins.
• Be prepared to sing Happy Birthday twice. Each twin deserves their own song. And their own name pronounced clearly and proudly.
• Come with an empty stomach. Twins means two birthdays. Two birthdays means two cakes. Two cakes means lots of sugar! We have plenty to share!
We can’t wait to see you this Saturday!
What a great list, Jenna! 3 things I would not necessarily have thought of, but you are right – very important!
Three Things I Love About Camping
by Angel Gantnier
174 words
Molly skipped around her room. “Tomorrow is camping day!”
She started to pack her suitcase.
Knock! Knock!
“Come in!” said Molly.
“Cathy’s mom just called,” said Mom. “Cathy isn’t going to be able to go camping with us tomorrow.”
Molly sighed. “But I was going to show Cathy the three things I love about camping.”
She finished packing.
Molly glanced at Dolly on her bed.
“I can bring you camping with me!”
Molly’s face brightened.
“Today is camping day!” she announced.
“I’m going to show you three things I love about camping!” Molly said to Dolly.
She and her family arrived at the campsite.
Molly placed Dolly in her wagon.
She pointed out all the cool sights on their nature walk.
Later, Molly dressed Dolly in her bathing suit.
She splish splashed in the swimming pool.
After supper, Molly and Dolly sat around the campfire.
She roasted a marshmallow.
At bedtime, Molly hugged Dolly. “Maybe Cathy will be able to go camping with us next time,” she whispered to Dolly as she fell asleep.
Such a cool idea. Like a list poem!
Brooklyn’s Diary
by Linda Schueler
Five things, you should never forget about, babies
100 words
Brooklyn scribbled in her diary: “Five Things You Should Never Forget About Babies”
Her sister, Emma, wailed. Brooklyn started her list.
1. Babies cry way too much.
A stinky smell drifted over from Emma.
2. Babies poop a lot.
Her mom ran over to Emma.
3. Babies take all of your mom’s attention.
Her sister burped.
4. Babies eat all…the…time.
Mom handed Emma to Brooklyn. Emma looked up at Brooklyn. She grabbed Brooklyn’s finger and cooed.
Emma wrote her last entry.
5. Babies are adorable. They are worth the trouble.
Brooklyn closed her diary and smiled at Emma.
What a sweet ending!
Thank you!
Three Things No One Knows About Dragons
141 Words
By Tiffany Hanson
3, No One Knows About, Dragons
My younger brother doesn’t believe in dragons. He even has a list of why they can’t exist: they are too big to fly, too cold-blooded to breathe fire, and too scary to be real.
But I have a list of my own. Three things no one knows about dragons.
1) Not all dragons have wings.
I take my brother to find some dragons that swim. We go to the aquarium and see Leafy Seadragons.
2) Not all dragons breathe fire.
We go in search of dragons that have bite. I show my brother the Komodo Dragons at the zoo.
3) Not all dragons are scary.
Some dragons are cuddly and cute. My brother smiles when we go into to the pet store. We bring home our very own Bearded Dragon. Now my brother believes that dragons are the best pets ever.
Eight Ways to Make a Baby’s Day
By Sarah Meade
158 words
(babies)
Meeting a new baby? It’s easy to make their day great.
1. Say hi. Even if they can’t talk yet, babies are wild about waving.
2. Make silly faces. The quickest way to get a giggle and a wiggle from a wee one is to scrunch up your eyebrows and stick out your tongue.
3. Play peekaboo. Now they see you. Now they don’t!
4. Share toys. Don’t worry. You don’t have to hand over your favorite fire truck or brand-new baby doll. To a tiny tot, anything can be a toy: car keys, mixing bowls, or a basket full of unmatched socks.
5. Sing a song. Try a lovely lullaby, a nice nursery rhyme, or a dynamite dance mix!
6. Read a story. Or two. Or three. Or seventeen. Babies adore stories.
7. Talk. Tell them all about your day. And listen to their cute coos and baby babble.
8. Say “I love you” and give them quick kisses and soft squeezes. Babies love LOVE!
(I took liberties with the challenge parameters and the word count with this one! But it as tough for me and I was happy to get something down!)
Beth Volkmann
7, things to know, dragon
(306 words)
Seven Things To Know Before a Dragon Sleep-Over
1. Dragons are cold-blooded. That means when the sun goes down your dragon is going to need blankets – and lots of them! And don’t forget to cover the tail!
2. Dragons love bedtime stories. Dragons are used to being the star of a good adventure. Have a stack of dragon-centered stories on hand, and don’t forget the popcorn!
3. Dragons wear pajamas. After he picks between the several choices he’s brought, you’ll need to assist in getting them on. Working from a ladder is best – that way you can help him get those short arms into the pajama top holes. Good luck!
4. Dragons get thirsty. Dragons spend a good part of their day stoking their fire-breathing apparatus and are constantly in need of a glass of water. Unless you don’t mind waking every hour on the hour to fill his glass, run a garden hose through the window and let him help himself.
5. Dragons are afraid of the dark. Yes, dragons live in caves but they are surrounded by piles of gleaming gold. Dark is never dark in a dragon’s lair. So have several nightlights set aglow around your room. Wear a sleeping mask if it’s too bright for you.
6. Dragons can be scary. Scary, that is, to any monsters under your bed or lurking in your closet. One whiff of ‘dragon’ in your room and those monsters will never be seen again – if they were ever there at all.
7. Dragons sometimes snore. Who am I kidding?! Dragons always snore! Have ear plugs, headphones and a white noise machine near by – you’re going to need them!
BONUS: You may not get much sleep when a dragon sleeps over but count yourself lucky because dragons are the best kind of friend you could ever have.
Oh, Beth, there’s a pb story here! Kids who are planning a dragon sleep-over need this very valuable advice on planning the party. What might dragons like to snack on in the middle of the night? Do they quietly sneak downstairs and raid the fridge? I bet they get a lot of crumbs in the bed. 😉
POSTED FOR ASHLEY
Guess What I Learned Today!
by Ashley Sierra
166 words
3; things no one knows about; Play-Doh
From: coolestkid@ezmail.com
To: nanaisthebest@ezmail.com
Subject: Guess what I learned today!
Hi Nana!
You won’t believe what I learned today at school. I was making a dragon that spits fire with Play-Doh when Mrs. C told us the coolest things.
The first Play-Doh ever made was only white. What???!!! I love my green dragon and red flames!
A teacher, like Mrs. C, actually helped make Play-Doh an awesome toy for us kids to play with because you know, the MOST AMAZING thing about it is . . .
Play-Doh was first a wallpaper cleaner! That is not a joke. A really, really long time ago people used it to clean soot off the walls, but they didn’t need it anymore because . . . I have to go, Nana. Rusty keeps barking to go outside. Maybe you can come over soon and I can tell you why they didn’t need it anymore. And we can make a SUPER green dragon with red flames with my Play-Doh.
I love you!
Tyler
Beware of Bears
by Ben Jeder
97 Words
5, Things You Should Know, Pie Eating Contest
Since it’s your first time hosting a pie-eating contest, there are important rules you should know.
First, everyone must bring a bib.
No spares this year thanks to the bears.
Second, the bears cannot compete with the people.
No matter how hard they try to convince you.
Last year was a disaster.
Third, triple-check everyone’s forks BEFORE the competition.
Fourth, set up strawberry rhubarb and blueberry on opposite ends of the contest table.
We don’t want a repeat of the spring fling bear berry mixup fiasco.
Finally…ok , the bears can join. But they better bring bibs.
DRAGON’S CAMP-OUT
By Penny Taub
Dragon loves traveling through the mountains.
Dragon loves to go camping.
Dragon loves to stomp through the woods.
Dragon loves to scare all the animals.
Dragon loves to sleep under the starry skies.
Dragon loves to go flying in the crisp cool morning air.
Dragon loves to help start the campfire.
Dragon can’t wait to toast marshmallows.
Dragon does not like scary stories.
Dragon begins to cry.
Dragon hides inside the tent.
Dragon snuggles his teddy bear.
Dragon falls asleep.
A Fun Time at the Fair
By Dianne Borowski
Rusty is so excited. I promised to take him and his buddy, Jim to the County Fair next weekend . Both boys are anxious to see the pie eating contest. Dad took them last year and all they talked about was about how funny it was to watch people trying to eat pie with their hands behind their backs. Dad’s working out of town next weekend so I was elected to keep an eye on them. I’m really not anxious to go to a pie
eating contest. I think it’s stupid but since my younger brother is so excited to see the contest, I’ll take them.
The pie eating contest was postponed because they didn’t have enough entrants. The rules say there must be ten contestants. Only nine signed up. Rusty and Jim begged and pleaded for me to enter. I told them I have three reasons I don’t want to enter: I don’t like pie. I have my favorite shirt on and I don’t want to embarrass myself. They kept begging and their persistence finally paid off.
My knees were shaking as I walked up the steps to the stage. As soon as I sat down I heard, “Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Go!”
I heard Rusty and Jim yelling, ” Go Marty, Go!”
Right away I got a huge mouthful of pie and began to cough. I knew I had pie in my hair, in my eyes, ears, and nose. My shirt was ruined but I had to keep going for Rusty and Jim. Finally I heard “Time’s up and the winner by a nose is Marty Fallon!”
I won I thought! I actually won! Then I thought how humiliating as I was handed a towel and the most awful looking trophy I’d ever seen. The trophy now sits in the mantel above our fireplace where Rusty shows everyone who comes in the wonderful first place pie eating trophy his big brother Marty won for him. You just got to love him and I do!
7 Things No One Knows About Camping
By Lauri Meyers
71 words
7, Things No One Knows About, Camping
You have to hold on to your fishing pole when you cast.
The stinkier you get, the more mosquitoes love you. Ouch!
Raindrops sound like running elephants when you are inside a tent.
The right walking stick can turn you into an explorer.
Even burnt hot dogs taste delicious when eaten outside.
Raccoons are sneakier than ninjas. Bye marshmallows!
When it’s bedtime, the creatures of the night sing you to sleep.
5 Reasons Why Babies Are Not So Bad
By Julie Kurtz
150 words
5 Reasons babies
5 Reasons Why Babies Are Not So Bad
I have heard you are not too excited that a baby is joining your family. As an older sister for many years, well 4, I wanted to share my top 5 reasons why babies are not so bad.
5. Babies take lots of attention so you can grab an extra cookie without getting caught.
4. Babies are quick to learn new tricks that you teach them. That makes you look magical.
3. Babies need lots of equipment to go anywhere so there are plenty of places to hide your must-haves or found treasures.
2. Babies are the perfect distraction if you are in trouble-”Mud on my shoes? Wait I think I hear the baby crying”
1.A baby’s laugh is the best sound in the world! If you can make that happen you are a hero.
So enjoy that new baby and be someone he can look up to forever!
A Love Letter to My Friend the Mountains
By Haley Hendrickson
135 words
7, Things I Love About, Camping
I love that you greet me like an old friend each time I come to stay.
I love the way you smell of fresh pine and morning dew on wildflowers.
I love to hear the melody you compose with just the crackle of wood and trill of a bird.
I love the moment I crest the top of a new peak and creation spreads before me like a patchwork quilt of rock, sky and trees.
I love looking up into the inky nighttime canvas and seeing a million sparkling diamonds winking back at me.
I love traditions.. and sticky, gooey, chocolatey treats.
But most of all, I love that you bring me together with the people I love most. As we escape into your beauty for a little while, we find peace for our souls.
POSTED FOR HOLLAND
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing for Week 4
3, Things I love about, You/Me/We
61 words
THREE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU, ME AND WE!
By B. Holland Paley
THREE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU
You are confident.
You are strong-minded.
You love me!
THREE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ME
I am creative.
I am happy.
I love you!
THREE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT US
We respect each other.
We bring out the best in each other.
We love each other.
I love you; I love me, I love we!
Week 4
3 Things Dragons Shouldn’t Forget About Us
168 words
DRAGON SCHOOL
“How was your first day of dragon school, Tia?” Grandpa Dragon asked as they caught a wind current.
Tia smiled a tooth-scissor smile. “I learned lots and lots about humans!”
“Oh?” They landed together on a patch of grass, their scales glinting in the sunlight. “Did you learn how to sneak up on a human?” Grandpa Dragon asked.
“Well…” Tia said, “I learned how to move slowly and silently.”
Grandpa Dragon stretched his long serpentine neck. “Did you learn to capture a human?” he asked.
“Well…” Tia said, “I learned how to tell human-friendly riddles.”
Grandpa Dragon opened his jaws wide. “Did you learn how to breathe mighty fire on a human?” he asked.
“Well…” Tia said. “I learned how to steam vegetables and share.”
Grandpa Dragon rolled his reptilian eyes. “You learned to share with a human?” Grandpa Dragon spluttered.
“Yes,” Tia said. “And you know what, Grandpa Dragon?”
“No,” Grandpa Dragon muttered.
“I learned that together we can save the world,” Tia said. “Now let’s go find your favourite fuzzy slippers.”
10 Things I Love About My Dragon Don
By Sally Yorke-Viney
WC 96
First: his dragon body toasty warm on winter nights.
Second: wings will lift me up if I have the frights!
Claws are third all pink and green truly they are classic.
Fourth: his snout and dragon teeth cow-alligator massive!
Fifth: his personality, so fiery and spicey!
Sixth his pointy tail, beware it is a little dicey.
Rainbow scales are seventh as they sparkle in the light.
Eighth: the dragon song he sings with unicorns at night!
Ninth: is his fierce loyalty, I mean he’s fiercely loyal!
Tenth: is his devotion shown in cuddles that are royal.
Five Things I Hate About Camping
by Sara Petersohn
177 words
5, things I hate, camping
Have you ever been camping?
If not – don’t bother!
Camping has A LOT of awful aspects.
Here are five things I hate about camping:
1. Hiking. We always have to go hiking. Sometimes we see a rabbit, or a deer, or even a snake… I love snakes!
2. Mosquitoes. They buzz around and suck your blood. We run into the lake to get away from them. They can’t get us when we’re swimming… I love swimming!
3. Cold. It gets cold sometimes and we shiver and have to build a campfire to stay warm… I love campfires!
4. Burnt marshmallows. When I roast a marshmallow, it always gets burnt. I pull off the outside, and inside it’s all gooey. So I stuff it between graham crackers and chocolate, and make a s’more… I love s’mores!
5. Raccoons. Sometimes raccoons sneak into our campsite while we’re asleep. They steal our food. Then we have to go out for breakfast… I love going out for breakfast!
These are five reasons I hate…actually… love camping. You should try it!
Deb Buschman
Week #4
3/Things You Should Never Forget About/Camping
98 words
CAMP RULES
By Deb Buschman
Camp has lots of rules. Unfortunately there are some rules they never tell you. So here is my list of rules.
Rule One: Never forget you snuck chocolate in your backpack. Ants love chocolate more than you do.
Rule Two: Never forget a flashlight when you go pee at night. You may end up in the wrong place.
Rule Three: Never forget to check before you sit on a log. It may be someone’s home and they may not be very happy you are visiting.
If you follow my camp rules then you will be a happy camper!
THE ROBOT WHO TOOK OVER MY LIFE
By Royal Baysinger
335 words
3 / Things You Should Never Forget / Robots
I built a robot in my basement so I would never have to do the things I hate ever again! And I powered it on just in time, too. Mom was calling for dinner.
She and Dad didn’t notice I’d been replaced by a robot. But they sure praised it for devouring all of the peas and broccoli on its plate. It even asked for seconds! Yuck! And because it ate all its vegetables, it got dessert.
Robots LOVE dessert!
After dinner, my robot didn’t complain when it came time to do my homework. It just sat right down, got busy computing, and finished in less than thirty minutes! It even had time to watch TV with my family!
Robots LOVE television!
My robot didn’t get yelled at during bath time either. It didn’t make a mess, it remembered to scrub behind its ears and and it brushed its teeth. Because of all that saved time, my parents offered to read it a book. Without being asked!
Robots LOVE story time!
Mom and Dad tucked my robot into bed and kissed its cheek.
I HATE robots!
Sure, it did all of the hard things, but it got to do all the fun stuff, too! I shut down my robot and stored it in the back of my closet for good.
Now I eat all of my own vegetables. I never ask for seconds, though! I’m not a robot! But I still get all of my dessert!
I do my homework without complaining. And guess what? I can even get it done in less than thirty minutes! There’s always enough time to watch TV! Take that robot!
At bath time, I never make a mess anymore, and I make sure to scrub behind my ears and brush my teeth. And now my parents have gotten used to reading me a book every night. Without being asked!
I am never going to use a robot again! Well…except maybe when it’s time to go to the dentist.