We’re almost there, my friends! Only one more week to go after this!
You are all writing wonderful stories, and I hope you’re all reading each other’s!
Writing is hard work, so grab a freshly baked brownie and a glass of milk or a cup of coffee (yes, that is a healthy snack – chocolate is a vegetable, remember? – and writers need fuel 😊)
Now.
Are you ready?
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.
To enter your Week #4 entry (or read other people’s entries), please go HERE.
To enter your Week #5 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!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #6 for Week 6
So far we’ve worked with a Character plus an Action, an Origin Story, an Image with a Situation, a List Story, and Cause and Effect!
This week, we’re going to work on writing the stories children need to read.
Christian Robinson said, “Children need to see themselves in books. They need to see their gender. They need to see their color, hair texture, their disability, themselves. Picture books are like many children’s first introduction to the world. Seeing yourself is almost like a message. It’s saying, you matter, you are visible, and you’re valuable”
This is so important for us, as writers to keep in mind. Every child should be able to find him or herself in a book.
So, since it’s June, we’re going to choose a Setting from Column A and an Object from Column B and write a 100-word story for kids about pride (the emotion) and/or Pride (the celebration of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of LGBTQ people) that takes place in that setting and includes that object. And yes, this can be a picture book topic. Take a look at Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love, And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, or Pink Is For Boys by Robb Pearlman, among others.
| Column A – Setting | Column B – Object |
| Zoo | Rainbow umbrella |
| Birthday | Gold coin |
| Parade | Blue ribbon |
| Spring concert | Yellow and Orange balloons |
| Field day | Black and white rabbit |
| Pet show, art show, or talent show | Green crayon |
| Rodeo | Purple cape |
| Cupcake war | Red strawberries |
- 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
- Your story can be about pride (the emotion) without addressing Pride, or it can be about Pride (the celebration) without addressing pride, or it can be about both.
- If you’re deeply inspired by a different setting or object 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 Setting and Object you’re using at the top of your entry along with your name, title, and word count.
For example:
Proud To Be Purple
by Marcia Writer
107 words
zoo, purple cape
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 #6 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 #6 stories!
Jamie And His Purple Cape – Elyse Trevers
Pride In Your Pride – Katie McEnaney
The Gold Coin – Patricia Nozell
Susie’s Claim to Fame – Debbie J. Arnn
Rainbow Ranch – Kelly Clasen
Grace’s Green Crayon – Lauren N. Simmons
Hungry Rabbit – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
Loretta Loon Wants A Balloon – Isabel C Rodriguez
Ed’s Birthday – Lauri Meyers
The Rainbow Parade and Umbrella – Tomi Rues
He’s My Brother – Colleen Murphy
Untitled – Kelly Kates
My Rainbow Umbrella – Krithika Santhanam
Time For the Fish – Bev A. Schellenberg
Betty Bunny’s Pride – Lyn Jekowsky
At the Pride Parade – Stephanie Maksymiw
The Saga of the Cupcake War – Susan E. Schipper
Purple People Eater Monsters – Dawn Renee Young
Balloon Animals – Tiffany Hanson
Whose The Winner? – Ellie Langford
The Only Thing I Wanted For My Birthday – Julie Hauswirth
It’s OK To Be Different – Dianne Borowski
Cupcake Competition – Ryann Jones
The Most Loved – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
I Can Do This – Angel Gantnier
Winston’s Blue-Ribbon Field Day – Michelle S. Kennedy
The Pride of the Hunt – Sara Kruger
Lily Finds Pride – Sarah Meade
Abe Leads The Way – Jill Lambert
Topsannah’s Realization – Sally Yorke-Viney
Field Day Pride – Penny Taub
Equal – Linda Schueler
True Treasure – Julie Kurtz
Proud Day – Ashley Sierra
Practice Pays – Sara Petersohn
Pet Show Pig – Deb Buschman
I Like My Stripes – Haley Hendrickson
Casey O’Connell: The Leprechaun Without A Beard – 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 
POSTED FOR ELYSE
Jamie and His Purple Cape
By Elyse Trevers
field day, purple cape
Jamie had a purple tie- dyed shirt that he made himself and wore proudly all the time. But Jamie was growing and now the shirt barely fit. Kids teased him but he didn’t care.
“If I can’t wear my shirt, I won’t go to field day,” said Jamie. But field day was fun, so Jamie got the shears. “Everyone should know how to sew, ” said Nanna, teaching him. Jamie chopped off the sleeves, cut the front in half and added a shiny purple ribbon to the shoulders to tie it.
The next day proudly wearing his purple cape over his field day shirt, Jamie joined in the field day games. His team even won the relay race.
Ingenious solution to continue wearing the shirt. I love that Jamie didn’t care about the teasing and was proud to wear the purple cape.
So fun, Elyse! I love the solution with the shirt!
Way to be a problem solver! Good job, Jamie.
What a wonderful inventive story. Nothing gets lost.
Yay for Nanna and Jamie, Problem solvers! 🙂
Love how Jamie and Nanna worked together to make his beloved shirt into an even better cape. So sweet!
Love that a grandparent is teaching a grandchild how to sew 😍
Pride in your Pride
By: Katie McEnaney
150 words
zoo, orange and yellow balloons
Owen clutched the yellow and orange balloons Mom and Mama handed him. His stomach flip-flopped.
Why oh why was the Pride Parade at the zoo? Who made a pride of lions the theme? Didn’t they know lions are terrible predators who will sneak up and devour you? Ack!
Owen jumped as another lion costume paraded by. Lions were everywhere!
He squeezed his eyes shut as they approached the lion exhibit. Claws. Roars. Pouncing. Too much!
Mama laughed, “So cute!”
Owen opened one eye.
Mom cooed, “Aww!”
Owen opened the other eye.
No fearsome roars. No ripping and tearing. Two lionesses lazed in the sunshine while a pair of tiny cubs leaped and rolled. One cub bumped an orange-and-yellow ball — bounce. Pounce! The second cub dove and flipped over the ball.
Owen giggled.
Mama bopped a lion-colored balloon towards Owen. “Feeling better?”
Owen roared. He was ready to have fun too.
What fun! I could feel Owen’s fear & I love how he overcame it. Also love the idea of including the pride of lionesses & their cubs.
Thanks! The orange-and-yellow balloons made me think of lions, and then I couldn’t get pride/Pride out of my head. 😉
Clever and well done!
Thanks so much, Tomi!
Great story, so clever! 🙂
Aww, thanks so much!
Love having a parade at the zoo and such a fun detail to have the balloons be lion colored 😊
This story is adorable!
The Gold Coin
by Patricia Nozell
99 words
talent show, gold coin
Pat practiced for weeks. In an empty lot. In the shower. With pups Rosie and Posey howling along.
As the talent show started, Pat’s knees knocked. Their mouth felt dry. But they climbed onto the stage and nodded to the pianist.
Shaky at first, their voice strengthened. Music filled the school auditorium. They nailed the final high C.
Then silence. Pat’s stomach sank. Their heart ached. How would they face their family? Their classmates?
One by one, audience members started clapping. Standing!
When Mr. Thomas awarded Pat the first place Gold Coin, everyone cheered. Pat’s chest swelled. They grinned.
Love this, Patricia! I could feel Pat’s nervousness and pride. This is great!
Thanks!
Effective pronoun choices in this sweet story!
Thank you!
Great story! I like how it shows that we have to put in the work and then we might think the worse, but something really good happens. Nice use of pronouns, too!
Great lesson! Hard work pays off! 🙂
Hooray for Pat! They did a great job.
Great job showing Pat ‘s nervousness!
Susie’s Claim to Fame
By Debbie J. Arnn
Pet show, blue ribbon, pride (emotion)
WC: 136
Susie took her poodle to a pet show at the fair.
She entered in the contest for a ribbon on a dare.
Her poodle pranced with pride to the center of the ring.
He sat. He bowed, He danced and spun. He did everything.
The other dogs just sat in awe of Susie’s little pooch.
Susie was so proud, she gave him a little smooch.
The judges had seen many dogs. Hers was, by far, the best.
They gave Susie and her dog first prize in the contest.
Now Susie walks her dog with pride, and everywhere he goes,
He wears that big blue ribbon, and prances on his toes.
The neighbors clap and cheer for them as they stroll down the street.
Susie waves and her pooch wonders, “Can I have a treat?”
I can feel Susie’s pride! And I love the ending – I hope the pooch gets a treat soon!
He absolutely does! 🙂
Great last line – it’s true for every dog I know!
Thanks! 🙂
Debbie, so cute! Last line is perfect! 🙂
Thanks!
I love that the poodle wears the blue ribbon on neighborhood walks. Great detail to show pride 😊
Rainbow Ranch
By Kelly Clasen (170 words)
Rodeo, rainbow umbrella
My home, Rainbow Ranch, sits at the end of a gravel drive marked with a towering arch topped by a large underlined E.
For as long as I can remember, my dads have reminded me that the Rainbow Ranch brand stands for EVERYONE—because all are welcome at our ranch.
Still, some people think our ranch is too different, that it’s not a real ranch. But here at Rainbow Ranch, we honor the land and the animals and our way of life, just like other ranch families.
And every year, we remind the community about what Rainbow Ranch stands for by inviting EVERYONE to our rodeo.
On rodeo night, my dad Dakota dazzles the crowd with his breakaway roping skills.
Later, my dad Travis transforms into a clown to stop charging bulls using only his rainbow umbrella.
During the closing ceremony, I race my pony around the arena as the Pride flag flaps wildly behind me.
The audience erupts into cheers as the sun sets on another Rainbow Ranch Rodeo.
Love that Everyone is welcome at the ranch & that the narrator is so excited to participate in the annual Pride rodeo.
Nice! I love the inclusion, descriptions, and the use of alliteration.
Thank you!
Love the alliteration!
Great message! 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
Awesome! Lots of lovely images in my head while reading.
Thanks, Katie!
Clever use of the rainbow umbrella! I’m want to visit Rainbow Ranch 😍
Me too! 🌈 Thank you.
Grace’s Green Crayon
by Lauren N. Simmons
153 words
Art show/green crayon
Grace is so excited to be included in her school’s art show. She only has to decide what she’ll bring. Grace figures the best way to know is to just start making some things. She uses her crayons to make polkadots on a white piece of paper.
To her surprise, Grace notices that the green dots have come to life! They pulse, becoming big and small, big and small. Grace wonders what else she can do with the magic green crayon. She doesn’t want to draw an alligator. Eek!
Grace decides to draw an ocean with green fish, pink octopuses, purple jellyfish, orange seahorses, yellow stingrays, and red crabs with deep blue in the back. She smiles when she is finished, “My masterpiece!”
At the art show, many people ask, “How did you get the fish to look like they’re really swimming?” Grace beams and shrugs. She’s not letting her secret get out!
Very creative! Green is my favorite color and I would love to have a magic, green crayon:)
Thank you, Tomi!
Cute idea! Everyone needs a magic crayon! 🙂
Reminds me of Captain Kangaroo’s magic pen! (Ok, I have REALLY dated myself! LOL)
Ha ha! Thanks, Michelle!
I love the idea of the artist’s work coming to life. You should expand this to a full picture book 😍
Oh, thank you! This made my day!
Oh how I’d love to have a magic green crayon like Grace has. Fun story!
Thank you!
POSTED FOR ELIZABETH
Hungry Rabbit
by Elizabeth Thoms Charles
99 words
Cupcake war, black and white rabbit
It began with a toss. The cupcake landed on sparkle bunny.
Sparkle bunny threw the cupcake at red bunny.
Soon a dozen bunnies were throwing cupcakes.
Black and white rabbit jumped into the fray. Larger stronger and hungry black and white rabbit ate the remaining cupcakes.
The bunnies stared.
Then black and white rabbit started nibbling the cupcake crumbs off the bunnies.
Tiny bunny pushed a carrot over to black and white rabbit.
“Thanks,” black and white rabbit said. He snarfed the carrot.
The bunnies chopped radishes, lettuce and tomatoes into a salad.
Eating together and proud to share.
So nice that the rabbits shared!
Glad they learned to share! Nice story! 🙂
I love picturing all these bunnies eating cupcakes 😊
POSTED FOR ISABEL
2023 Mix ‘n’ Match – Week 6
Loretta Loon Wants a Balloon
Author/Illustrator: Isabel C Rodriguez
Zoo, Balloons – WC: 272
Loretta Loon lives in the zoo.
Every morning, Loretta watches the balloon man sell colorful balloons to the children.
He has yellow, orange, green, and blue balloons.
Loretta Loon wants a balloon.
“Hello, Loretta!” the zoo hippo shouts from the water hole, “why are you so sad on this lovely day?”
“Today is my birthday and I want a balloon,” replies Loretta Loon.
“Howdy, Loretta!” the zoo baboon and the long neck giraffe shout from their habitats, “why are you so sad on this lovely day?”
“Today is my birthday and I want a balloon,” replies Loretta Loon.
The balloon man has ONE special pink balloon.
Loretta watches sadly as he gives it to a little girl standing with her mother.
But…..the pink balloon slips away from the little girl’s hand.
UP, DOWN, ROUND and ROUND goes the pink balloon.
The little girl’s mother tries to catch it; but….it slips away.
The balloon man tries to catch it; but….it slips away.
The pink balloon drifts by the zoo hippo’s water hole.
The zoo hippo tries to catch it; but….it slips away.
The zoo baboon and long-neck giraffe try to catch it; but…it slips away.
UP, DOWN, ROUND and ROUND goes the pink balloon.
Loretta Loon watches the special pink balloon slip away
from the little girl
from her mother
from the balloon man,
from the zoo hippo
from the zoo baboon
And even from the long neck giraffe!
The special pink balloon floats towards Loretta.
Loretta stretches her neck and catches it with her long beak.
Loretta smiles.
The pink balloon has a special message on it.
The message reads: “Happy Birthday!”
Perfect ending! 🙂
Aw! Happy Birthday Loretta! (Love your title too!)
What a fun story!
So sweet that the other animals try to help and that Loretta gets her birthday wish.
Ed’s Birthday
By Lauri Meyers
158 words
(Birthday, purple cape)
After eating cake the kids begged Ed to open his gifts.
Ed opened a truck “Thanks!”
He unwrapped a superhero cape. “Now I can fly!”
He shook a noisy dinosaur puzzle. “Rawr!”
While Ed opened his gifts, he couldn’t stop peeking at the big rectangular box in the corner. The pink wrapping paper sparkled with glitter. The tails of a ribbon danced down the sides.
Finally, Grandma carried over the present. Ed closed his eyes as if to make a wish before ripping the paper. She was a beautiful doll with long brown hair to brush and shiny shoes. Her outfit was old-fashioned, but he could sew her into style.
Some kids made faces. Then Ben said, “My sister has a doll like that. Be careful.”
Ed looked at Ben. “Why?”
“Her doll knew karate!” Ben said. “She defeated my robot twice!”
Everyone giggled. Then someone yelled “Tag! You’re it!” And the whole party flew out the door.
Love how Grandma knew what Ed wanted. A sweet story.
Great fake out with the ‘be careful.’ Glad to see a happy ending for all!
Well done! Love the ending! 🙂
Great ending! Very unexpected but satisfying.
The Rainbow Parade and Umbrella
By Tomi Rues
133 words
parade, rainbow umbrella
The big day had finally arrived! Isobel loved parades and she knew this was going to be one of the best.
“Water bottle?” Check.
“Plastic bag for holding candy?” Check.
“Rainbow Umbrella?” Check.
It didn’t matter if it wasn’t raining, Isobel’s rainbow umbrella helped her be part of the parade.
The parade was a blast!
Cheering, waving, and candy collecting.
Oh, and the colors…
Her favorite: Rainbow colors!
She was having fun until she heard some people booing.
What?
“Mimi, Pops, why are people booing?” asked Isobel.
“Some people don’t like all the colors,” said Mimi.
“Who ever heard of a black and white parade?” asked Isobel.
Isobel’s grandparents laughed and Isobel said, “That’s okay if people don’t like all the colors, but I think it makes the world more bright and lovely.”
Good point, Isobel! A black and white parade would be rather boring indeed. 🙂
Aw, yes, thank you!:)
I hope she still had a wonderful time and enjoyed everything about her rainbows!
Yes, thank you!
Nice job ! 🙂
Thank you, kindly!
He’s My Brother
by Colleen Murphy
WC: 117 words
rainbow cape, school
I wish I had his strength. I wish I didn’t care–
the way he plays with dress-up as if no one else is there.
I wish I could rebel. For once, be true to me–
the way he models make-up like it’s how it’s meant to be.
I wish I had his grit. And like him, I could let go–
the way he belted Broadway in the 4-H Talent Show.
At least I found my voice. At least I kept my cool–
the way, in June, he chose to wear his rainbow cape to school.
I wish they didn’t judge. I hoped for less divide–
the way I stood beside him as we said, “We call it Pride.”
Love this!
Thank you Lauri.
Well done, Colleen! 🙂
Thank you!
Wonderful story!
Thank you Tomi.
What a wonderful tribute to your brother. ❤
Thanks Michelle!
POSTED FOR KELLY
May Mix n Match Week #6
Parade, Berries
WC: 105
Kelly Kates
Dale was a leprechaun, dressed all in green
who flaunted the biggest frown you’d ever seen.
“I’m tired of all green and just skipping around
and looking for shamrocks that’ll never be found.
I want more than one color and more than one day.
To do more than pinch and hide gold far away.”
He grabbed deep blue sapphires and red from berries.
He plucked yellow buttercups, orange poppies,
an indigo sea star and large purple plum.
And now he’d parade to the beat of his drum.
“My wild rainbow colors, I’ll wear with great pride.
They reflect all the pieces I’ve held deep inside.”
I loke the last line! 🙂
oops, like not loke!!!
My Rainbow Umbrella
Krithika S.
Word Count: 243
This is my rainbow umbrella. It has all of my favorite colors.
My uncle Ashok bought me this umbrella for my birthday last year.
He loves colorful things, like his glittery purple shoes and bright yellow pants.
I love him because he makes everything more fun.
Like when we have dance parties in the park . . . or jump over imaginary puddles on the street. . . . or wear chocolate milk mustaches.
We get a lot of stares when we’re together. But Uncle Ashok says it’s because we sparkle like stars. He also says I should never let anybody dim my light.
Like the time I brought my rainbow umbrella to school and Dylan called me a unicorn princess in front of the whole class . . . everyone laughed . . . I closed my eyes and wished I could disappear into the dark.
On my walk home from school that day, it was raining waterfalls! But I didn’t want to use my umbrella.
Then all of a sudden the rain stopped, and when I looked up, there was a giant rainbow in the sky.
It had all of my favorite colors, just like my umbrella. And I remembered why I loved it so much.
When I got home, I told Uncle Ashok what happened at school. He made me close my eyes and picture a single star shining so bright that it lights up the entire night sky. “That star is you,” he said.
And I no longer wanted to disappear.
Yay for Uncle Ashok! 🙂
Time For the Fish
By Bev A. Schellenberg
Setting: pet show
Object: guppies (ahem–Brooke showed up with them although not on the list)
Word count: 240 words
Brooke held out her guppy bowl. “Here’s my entry to the pet show,” she said.
“I’m sorry, dear,” the woman replied. “This isn’t a fish show. Next, please.”
“But Mario is my pet,” Brooke said. “I feed him every day. I clean his bowl. He sleeps with me. He’s my best friend!”
“He does look happy,” the woman admitted. “But this is a pet show. Besides, there are three fish in your bowl.”
“Oh, them? The big one is Bowser. He’s my big brother’s fish,” Brooke said, setting the bowl on the table.
“And the little one?” asked the woman, pointing.
“That’s Luigi. He’s my mom’s fish,” Brook said. “They all have to stay together or they get lonely.”
The woman looked thoughtful as she watched the three fish swim around in the bowl. “Just a moment,” she said.
She talked to a man and another woman and returned. “You’re in,” she said. “May I have your name?”
The dogs went first. Then came the cats. After that were the hamsters, mice, and rats. Finally, it was time for the fish.
The woman announced the winners for the dogs, the cats, and the rodents. Finally, it was time for the fish.
“Mario wins for his vibrant colours.”
“Bowser wins for his fitness.”
“Luigi wins for his stealth.”
From that day on, there was always a fish category in the pet show because, finally, it was time for the fish.
Love this!
Thank you, Debbie!
Such a cute story! 🙂
Thanks so much!
BETTY BUNNY’S PRIDE
By Lyn Jekowsky
142 words
Pet show, black and white rabbit
Betty, a young black and white bunny with a twitchy, slightly green nose, lives in a fancy hutch with her Mom, in their human’s back yard. Billy, the youngest human, plans to enter Betty in the 4H Club pet show.
Betty drags her ears. “Mom, I don’t want to be paraded around with all the other black, white and brown bunnies. My green nose will stand out, which is embarrassing. That’s not the problem. I am unique, and deep inside I feel like I am meant to be colorful.”
The next day Betty and her Mom hop around the back yard while the children finger paint. Rascally Betty spies her opportunity, jumps onto Billy’s painting, and roles. Rainbow colors spike her fur.
“What I look like now, matches what I feel is my true self.”
Betty hops around the yard with pride.
Smart Bunnie! 🙂
At the Pride Parade
by Stephanie Maksymiw
187 words
parade, rainbow umbrella
Today’s date on the calendar is circled in red.
It’s the June Pride parade.
It may rain so I wear by rubber boots.
My moms grab a big umbrella and we head out the door.
The street is filled with so many colors.
People are happy walking in the parade.
Except I spot one person.
On the sidewalk.
He holds up a sign and is yelling.
Is he a bad person?
My moms say no, that he just doesn’t understand.
And some people fear what they don’t understand.
I look at the man again.
The words on his sign drip away with the rain.
I grab my mom’s hands and we walk up to the man.
He sees us and scowls.
But then…
I give him our rainbow umbrella to stay dry.
His scowl disappears and he asks “why?”
“You can’t enjoy the parade in the rain!”
And we left him with our umbrella.
I looked back over my shoulder.
I saw him throw out his sign.
I hope he now understands that there is nothing to fear.
Because love comes in all forms and all colors.
Great job! I really like the image of the rain washing away the sign. If only it were that easy …
Your story delivers a great message! 🙂
The Saga of the Cupcake War
By Susan E. Schipper
WC 153
Cupcake War, Blue Ribbon
It was going to be the best County Fair ever! Damon could feel the excitement. The Cupcake War was about to begin. This year, with Gram’s assistance, the blue ribbon would be his!
Damon carefully placed each cupcake in the special cupcake carrier. He was so proud that Gram trusted him with so many important jobs! Plus, their secret weapon for the competition was fantastic! Each cupcake was totally cover with rainbow sprinkles! And it was Damon’s job to sprinkle sprinkles.
They scanned the baking booth. “Look”, Damon said proudly. “No one else has rainbow sprinkles.” Gram smiled.
They reached their assigned spot. Carefully, Gram lifted the lid!
“Arrgh,” cried Damon. “ I, I, forgot the rainbow sprinkles!”
The judges agreed, the Tully twins won the competition and the blue ribbon again!
Gram had the perfect consolation prize. They sat at a picnic table where they enjoyed eating all six scrumptious, sprinkle-less cupcakes!
Oh no, not the sprinkles! But, hard to be sad with a great consolation prize!
Grandmoms are great! 🙂
Poor Damon! I’m glad he still got a sweet ending with Gram, sprinkles or not.
Thanks! I had to make him feel better! Lol
Poor Damon. Maybe next year! (But I’m sure Gram’s cupcakes are so delicious they don’t need a ribbon to prove it!)
Thanks for reading! 🙂
POSTED FOR DAWN
Dawn Renee Young Mix-n-Match Week 6 PURPLE PEOPLE EATER MONSTERS WC-113 (Cupcake wars / Purple cape)
The City Cupcake War Contest was announced. Sydney couldn’t wait to tell Granny. They loved baking together. Granny always wore her pink apron and Sydney wore his purple cape to bake. Granny mixed the batter. Sydney was an expert beater and bowl licker. He was the cupcake decorator. He took great pride in his art work. “I think Purple People Eater Monsters would be a sure winner,” Sydney told Granny. “I will make each monster with squiggly eyes and pointy ears.” The big day arrived … The judge announced, “The winner is Sara with her Smiley Face Monster Cupcakes.” Sydney looked at Granny, “We got the monster part right. There’s always next year.”
Great attitude…There’s always next year! 🙂
Balloon Animals
By Tiffany Hanson
132 Words
Zoo, Yellow and Orange Balloons
My younger brother was excited to go to the zoo. I wanted to see the tigers but he wanted to see the giraffes.
After we saw some exhibits, we each got to pick out one balloon animal. I picked out an orange tiger and my brother picked out a yellow giraffe.
He proudly carried his balloon giraffe around with him the rest of the day.
When we were getting ready to leave, we saw a young girl drop her ice cream cone on the ground. She sniffled. I wished that I had an ice cream cone to give her.
My brother walked up to her.
“I want you to have this,” he said handing her his balloon.
The girl smiled. So did I. I had never been so proud of my brother.
Great ending! 🙂
Thanks!
Whose the winner?
By Ellie Langford
455-words
talent show, blue ribbon
“This is going to be so much fun,” said Emma. Katrina high-fived Emma.
Directions for the talent show were simple, register and perform. The two girls hurried to the principal’s office to register.
“Emma, so glad you’re registering. I’m sure you’ll do very well,” said Principal Smith. He handed both girls a form to fill out.
When Emma turned in her paper, Principal Smith smiled. When Katrina handed in hers, he took it and put it on the pile without a word.
Outside in the hall, Katrina said, “I’m glad our music teacher is going to be the judge. She’s fair and pays attention to detail.”
“The form said the contest would be judged by audience response, evaluated by the media crew, and the music teacher’s input,” replied Emma.
“Let’s get busy, practicing and planning,” said Katrina. “I hope one of us will win.”
“I think we’ll both do great,” said Emma. “Sure … I’d like to win, but I’ll be happy too if you win.”
Finally, the night of the talent show arrived. Both girls had props and costumes to go with their songs. And each felt pleased with the outcome of their practice and hard work.
As they enter the auditorium, Principal Smith walked out on the stage. He announced that the music teacher, Mrs. Green, had the flu. “No fear. The show will go on,” declared Principal Smith. “I will fill in as the judge.”
Katrina looked at Emma with a bit of a worried expression.
“Don’t worry. Just show them your best. Give it your all,” said Emma.
The talent show went well. The audience was very supportive of everyone. They were extra enthusiastic
when James played a saxophone solo and Emma sang. When Katrina sang, the audience nearly raised the roof off the building.
As the girls waited for the results, they chattered like magpies.
Then Principal Smith thanked all the participants and announced, “Would James Janzen, Katrina Baker, and Emma Jones please come on stage.
Principal Smith announced James as the third-place winner and pinned a white ribbon on him. The audience clapped supportively. He announced Katrina as second-place winner and pinned a red ribbon on her. The audience clapped supportively, but looked a little confused. Then Principal Smith announced Emma as the first-place winner and pinned a decorative blue ribbon her. Emma thanked him as the audience clapped supportively. Then Emma walked over and pinned her first-place ribbon on Katrina. Once again, the audience’s response was massive and abundant.
Looking confused, Principal Smith announced, “That concludes this year’s talent show and left the stage.
When Emma came down and joined her mother, her mother hugged her and said, I’m so proud of you. Dad said, I am too.”
Touching ending! 🙂
The Only Thing I Wanted For My Birthday
By Julie Hauswirth
136 Words
Birthday/Blue Ribbon
When it was time for cake, my parents made me sit in the birthday chair.
Pink balloons bobbed around my head as everyone sang “Happy Birthday”.
Dad cut the cake and Mom passed out a piece to everyone.
A mountain of gifts towered nearby, wrapped in every shade of pink.
But there was only one thing I was hoping for.
My friends bounded toward the bounce house with full bellies.
Grandad pulled me aside and handed me a small package tied with a blue ribbon.
My insides felt like fluttering butterflies.
I carefully untied the ribbon and peeled open the wrapping.
There it was, in my hands, and my heart ballooned with pride.
My book,
the one they said I couldn’t read,
that disappeared from the library shelf,
the only thing I wanted for my birthday.
I like the line “My insides felt like fluttering butterflies.” 🙂
Love this.
You got me curious about which book was the forbidden book! LOL
It’s OK to be Different
by Dianne Borowski
I am so proud of my family. They are the greatest. My family includes me, Mom, Margaret, my second mom, and my Dad who lives far away.
Mom and Dad are divorced. I live with Dad every summer when school’s out and see him during the Christmas holidays. Sometimes I feel confused. Sometimes I wish Mom and Dad weren’t divorced but mostly I’m happy.
I take acting and dancing lessons once a week after school. I want to be an actress when I grow up or maybe I’ll be an engineer. Next month my acting class will be having a talent show. I am excited because Dad will be able to see me perform this time. Sometimes he can’t take time off from work to visit me.
I will design and make my own costume. I will wear a skirt of many colors. I will wear many different colored ribbons in my hair. I will dance with my rainbow umbrella and sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” My entire family will go out for ice cream after the show. It will be so much fun!
Sometimes my classmates ask me about my family. Some of them aren’t very nice to me because my family is different from theirs. I hope someday soon all people will understand that being different is OK.
Great message! 🙂
Cupcake Competition
By Ryann Jones
Cupcake War, Blue Ribbon
Words 129
Today’s the cupcake bakeoff.
Today’s the cupcake show!
Who will take home first place?
Well, I already know.
My cupcakes are the best,
My cupcakes are divine.
Now back off competition
That blue ribbon is mine!
My cupcakes are all different
They’re rainbow colored sweets.
I survey my classmates options
And I’m sure I’ve got them beat.
Sure enough I take first place,
But feel all yuck inside.
My friends all worked as hard as me
I feel no sense of pride.
I know just what I need to do,
I gather my friend-hive.
We grab a pair of scissors
And we cut the prize in five!
There, that feels much better.
All did an equal part.
And all deserve the prize that comes
From baking with your heart.
Great rhyme and rhythm! 🙂
Sweet story! (in more ways than one) 🙂
The Most Loved
by Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
100 words
Stuffed animal day, bunny
It was stuffed animal day at kindergarten.
Evan dragged his feet there,
dragging Mr. Bun behind him.
Mr. Bun had one dirty plastic eye,
a faded Celtics T-shirt,
smelled like day-old pancakes,
and had a partly chewed tail.
Evan didn’t want to show him to anyone.
So he was the last to arrive.
But Mrs. Little came right over,
Examined Mr. Bun and said,
“Wow! You have the most-loved stuffed animal
that I have ever seen.”
Evan felt a warm surge in his stomach,
and straightened up and beamed.
Then he hugged Mr. Bun
As a thank you for coming with.
Aww! Great story! 🙂
Very sweet! Yay Mrs. Little for recognizing exactly what Evan needed to hear
This is so sweet. Love all the well-loved details about Mr. Bun.
I Can Do This
by Angel Gantnier
156 words
talent show, blue ribbon
“Annette!” called Mr. Wilson. “Your turn!”
Annette hid behind the curtain.
She took a deep breath.
I can do this!
But what if I can’t?
Just then, Mr. Wilson appeared. “Is something wrong?”
Annette nodded.
“I’m very good at juggling scarves.”
“At home.”
She sighed.
“I don’t think I can juggle in front of an audience.”
Annette lowered her head.
“You won’t know if you don’t try,” said Mr. Wilson.
Annette looked up.
“You’re right. And I’m going to try!”
Mr. Wilson smiled. “I’m glad to hear that!”
Annette grabbed her scarves and walked on stage.
She tossed the pink scarf then the green scarf then the orange scarf.
They were floating in the air.
Not one scarf landed on the floor.
Annette was juggling in front of an audience!
After everyone had their turn, Mr. Wilson announced the winners of the talent show.
Annette smiled at her blue ribbon. “I’m glad I decided to try!”
What a good lesson to learn!
Very sweet. I like the unique activity of scarf juggling.
Great message! 🙂
Annette did it! Great story about perseverance and building confidence.
WINSTON’S BLUE-RIBBON FIELD DAY (WC 212)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
It’s Blue-Ribbon Field Day and Excitement fills the air!
The children cluster on the field and eagerly prepare.
Their talents and their skills were practiced many weeks.
And Winston beams—he’s shining bright, with rosy-colored cheeks.
Although he’s wheelchair-bound, he won’t be ‘that’ defined,
determined that he’ll prove to all, his moves are smooth—refined.
The hula-hooping challenge is just about to start!
The kids each grab a hula hoop and spread themselves apart.
Then Winston breathes, inhales then SWOOSH! His hoop is on the move!
In perfect synchronicity, his arm is in the groove.
His smile widens as his hoop does loop-de-loop-go-rounds.
It’s spinning ever faster on his wrist that has no bounds.
While other kids have hulas that just wrap around their waist,
Winston whirls his hula high above his head with haste.
The crowd cries out excitedly erupting into cheers!
The competition’s over—at least for Winston’s peers.
When Field Day finally finishes, the victors are pronounced.
Winston wins Blue Ribbon—the greatest prize announced!
In spite of any obstacles, they saw what he could do.
Winston is a champion and proud to be one too.
His wheelchair is a handicap but that don’t mean a thing!
‘Cause Winston’s “can do” spirit showed that he’s a hula king!
Love how joyful this story is. Nicely done!
Thank you, Sarah!
I was smiling all the way through this one, Michelle! Yay for Winston! A fabulous story!
Thanks, Jill! I am hoping this is PB material because I’d like to expand the story
The Pride of the Hunt
By Sara Kruger
Word count: 118
Zoo//rainbow umbrella
Kaleidescope twirled her rainbow umbrella as she hovered at the entrance to the lion enclosure, blue wings beating furiously. The fairy had been handling the lost teeth of the zoo animals for quite a while but she’d never been summoned to collect lion teeth. She spied three cubs among the sleeping pride and pointed her umbrella at the first one. Nothing. As Kaleidescope flew closer to the second one, the rainbow stripes lit up. She flitted around the cub, watching for the stripes to flicker faster. Then she saw the glint. The fairy slipped the tooth into her pouch and left a treat at the cub’s mouth. Flushed with pride, she tucked her umbrella away and flew out.
Magical!
😍
What a unique story premise! Nice job!
Lily Finds Pride
By Sarah Meade
154 words
(parade, rainbow umbrella, Pride)
Lily read the big rainbow banner. “Pride parade this weekend!”
“What’s pride?” Lily asked.
“It’s about respect and rights,” said Mom.
“And acceptance and kindness,” said Dad.
“And love,” said Lily’s big sister, Rosie.
At the doctor’s office, Lily spotted a rainbow sticker. She read it. “All are welcome here.”
She smiled. “This looks like respect and rights.”
At school, Lily spied a rainbow poster. She read it. “This is a safe space.”
She nodded. “This looks like acceptance and kindness.”
At church, Lily noticed some people wearing rainbow buttons. She read one. “Ally.”
“What’s an ally?” Lily asked.
“A supporter,” said Mom.
“A friend,” said Dad.
“Love,” said Rosie.
“I want to be an ally,” said Lily.
Lily, Mom, Dad, and Rosie bought rainbow ally buttons.
They attended the Pride parade– even though it rained!
Lily smiled underneath her rainbow umbrella.
Being an ally made Lily feel like a sunny day. Like love.
I enjoyed your message about acceptance and kindness!
Thank you 🙂
Very kid-friendly and well done, Sarah! Love the last line!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Jill! Happy summer 🙂
Abe Leads the Way
by Jill Lambert
WC: 148
parade/button
Abe was always a leader.
In Kindergarten, he was the first boy to wear a princess backpack to school. Some older boys laughed and pointed, but Abe was still proud of it.
In 2nd grade, Abe was assigned to be the narrator in a class puppet show. He created a puppet out of a wooden spoon. It had long hair and looked like his teacher, Ms. Green. When he said his part, his voice sounded just like her. A classmate scowled, but Abe proudly went on with the show.
In 4th grade, Abe read more books than anyone at school. Mr. King, the librarian, let him choose a picture to go on his celebration button. He chose Dolly Parton. Mr. King looked surprised, but Abe insisted.
And on the day of the Star Reader Parade, the button perched prominently on his shirt, Abe led the way with pride.
It’s easy to root for Abe. Lovely story!
Thank you, Sarah!
I am glad Abe didn’t allow people to determine his self-worth. Good for Abe!
Thanks, Michelle!
May we always see the child and embrace his/her individuality. I had a child just like Abe in my Kindergarten class whose hair was long and curly and he wore a beautiful pink sequin satin jacket every day. He was creative, strong and brave. He was loved for who he was by his classmates and everyone in our school!
This story was based on a child in my school. Thank you so much for sharing that connection, Sally!
Topsannah’s Realization
By Sally Yorke-Viney
WC 116
A day of celebration!
Of orange and yellow balloons,
Of orange shirts,
Of beaded yokes and buckskin fringe,
Of horses, feathers and drums,
The Gathering of Nations!
—-
Topsannah tugged at her Pia’s hand
“Move quicker or we will miss the parade!”
“We must wait for your Huutsi, she is eighty years old.” her Pia said.
Nadua, her sister would be performing the Buckskin Dance at the pow wow. Her costume, a gift from Pia, Huutsi and herself. She dreamed of her time and her turn. But for now Topsannah realized,
“I am proud. I will honor my people. I am Comanche.”
I will walk with my family to the parade.
“But, can’t we go faster?”
So visual–I felt like I was there! You really conveyed the excitement and pride of Topsannah and her family. Terrific!
FIELD DAY PRIDE
BY Penny Taub
Field day / black and white rabbit/ Pride
As Jack dashed out the classroom door, he leaped down the hallway to the school gym field. Outside everything looked perfect. Basketballs. Hula Hoops. Frisbees. And a rope sprawled across the field like a gigantic snake ready for his favorite event tug-of-war.
“Hooray for field day!” He cheered.
The day speed passed until sweat dripped down Jack’s face stinging his eyes. He regretted not wearing the bandana his mom suggested.
I need to wash my face to help my burning eyes.
Jack walked over to the water station. A black and white rabbit stood like a statue on the grass. Waiting to get a few sips of water.
Daniel ran over. I sprang between him before he crashed the little fella. The rabbit panicked and dashed under the table.
“What are you doing?” Daniel bellowed.
“Ah, you almost crushed a rabbit,” I answered, staring into his eyes.
“It’s just a stupid rabbit,” Daniel snarled back.
“It’s important to treat everyone and every animal with respect,” Jack said, beaming with pride.
Very true about treating everyone and every animal with respect.
Equal
by Linda Schueler
86 words
cupcake war, red strawberries
Nina had baked cupcakes for the bake sale, but now they were at war.
“Everybody loves chocolate,” said Chocolate Cupcake.
“Everyone will choose me, because of my beautiful colours,” said Rainbow Cupcake.
“My icing is the best,” said Vanilla Cupcake.
Nina frowned. I know, she thought.
Nina picked some red strawberries from the patch. She covered all the cupcakes with the strawberries.
“There,” she said. “Now everybody will love you equally, because they can’t tell the difference between you.”
All the cupcakes puffed up with pride.
I like the twist at the end. It definitely considers the child’s perspective.
That was meant for “Topsannah’s Realization”.
True Treasure
By Julie Kurtz
205 Words
Birthday Party, gold coin
True Treasure
The backyard was transformed into a pirate ship complete with a pin the eye patch on the pirate game. Walk- the- plank into a ball pit was ready to go.
The treasure map cake was safe from the bugs under its plastic cover.
The Blackbeard the Pirate pinata awaited whacking while Polly’s crackers and other goodies awaited snacking.
Pirates with gifts of various sizes and shapes began to come aboard.
All systems were a go for a perfect pirate party.
But
Would the guest of honor be setting sail?
Or would he take one look at the crowd and run and hide,
Like he had done at several parties before.
His mom paced nervously until he came to the door
Everyone shouted “Happy Birthday Captain! Yo! Ho! Ho!
He turned and abandoned the ship.
His family got the games going in an attempt to save the day.
Suddenly a loud “Ahoy Me Hearties” rang out and he returned in full pirate costume
with a treasure chest full of gold covered chocolate coins for all.
All hands on deck had a terrific time!
The proud mom snapped the photo of the pirate captain and his crew and that was the real treasure for years to come.
Proud Day
by Ashley Sierra
176 words
Proud Day, shoes
Noah was excited to share what he was most proud of on Proud Day at school. But then he heard all his classmates’ extraordinary accomplishments.
Parker pitched a perfect game.
Rowan ran a race and received first place.
Oliver organized an ocean clean-up.
Ulysses united a lost boy with his uncle.
Dakota dug up a diamond from Crater of Diamonds State Park.
“All those things are amazing,” Noah thought. “Mine isn’t.”
Noah was next. He squirmed in his seat.
“Remember . . .” Mr. Joy said. “There are many things you can be proud of, big or small.”
Noah trudged to the front of the class.
He gulped.
“I . . . I . . .I’m most proud of finally learning how to tie my shoes this week.”
The room fell silent.
His classmates exchanged glances.
Noah’s heart sank.
Parker shouted, “Lucky you! I’m still learning.”
Rowan said, “It’s so hard!”
Oliver added, “I still need help.”
Ulysses asked, “Can you show us?”
Dakota agreed, “Yes! Show us!”
Noah tied his shoes.
Everyone clapped.
He beamed with pride.
“I can’t wait for Brave Day!”
Practice Pays
by Sara Petersohn
106 words
talent show, trophy
Little Sophie’s legs are shaking,
knees are knocking,
hands are quaking.
Talent show is now – tonight!
How will she get past her fright?
First is Lucy, on her flute.
Squeak-squeak-squeak!
Toot-toot-toot!
Next it’s Danny on his drum.
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Rum-pum-pum!
Then comes Shel in dancing shoes.
Tap-tap-tap!
Pooh-pooh-pea-doos!
Sophie’s turn, her hands are sweaty.
Teacher whispers,
“Are you ready?”
With a nod, she pulls her bow.
Lovely notes
ebb and flow.
Just like that, her song is done.
Sophie thinks,
“Wow, that was fun!”
Little Sophie beams with pride
when the judge
steps to her side –
handing her the first-place trophy,
as the crowd shouts, “Woo-hoo, Sophie!”
Deb Buschman
Week #6
Pet Show/Gold Coin
106 words
PET SHOW PIG
By Deb Buschman
The sign read: “Pet Show-Winner Gets Gold Coin”
“Della you’ll be the best,” Cade said to his blue ribbon pig.
Snort! Snort!
Cade and Della strutted up to the stage.
A boy with a scraggly raggedy dog on a rope proudly stood next to Della and Cade.
“You are a very pretty pig,” said the boy. “I bet you’ll win.”
Snort! Snort!
The judges approached the stage and pronounced Della the winner.
Cade handed the gold coin to the boy.
“Della has plenty of prizes and we would like you to have the gold coin.”
Snort! Snort!
Together they proudly raised the coin and everyone clapped.
I Like My Stripes
By Haley Hendrickson
Word Count: 147
Zoo, yellow&orange balloons
(For a tiny bit of context: inspired by and written for my sweet son, who has a skin condition called Vitiligo..sometimes known as “tiger stripes”)
When Mom takes me to the Zoo, I like to pretend I’m the different animals we see.
The first exhibit is the Lions. I stand on a rock and ROAR really loud.
Next, we look at the kangaroos..hop hop hop.
The flamingos…here I balance on one leg.
And the great apes. I can make some really good ape sounds! Oo ee ah ooh!
But my favorite animals to see are the Tigers! I don’t even have to pretend to be a tiger because I already have my own stripes! They have a fancier name but I just like calling them my “tiger stripes”. Nobody else I know has stripes, which makes me feel pretty unique!
Mom lets me get a balloon animal to take home and I pick a yellow and orange tiger, of course. I like visiting the zoo. And I like my stripes!
CASEY O’CONNELL: THE LEPRECHAUN WITHOUT A BEARD
By Royal Baysinger
257 words
Art Show / Gold Coin
It’s hard growing up with a whiskerless chin, when all of your other leprechaun friends have had fuzzy faces for as long as any of you can remember.
But Casey O’Connell had no beard at all. In fact, Casey was fairly certain she would never grow one. She had tried everything:
Tonics from traveling salesmen.
Massages from trained masseurs.
Chewing on tree bark.
Having hairy thoughts.
For a while Casey even glued grass to her chin. But it always blew off.
Some days she was able to ignore her embarrassing difference. But not in the Spring.
Each year, one lucky leprechaun is elected Keeper of the Golden Crock, the magical pot responsible for summoning rainbows and sunshine to their hidden valley.
The entire community dresses in their most formal green coats and black buckled hats to parade their bristles for all to see! Only the hairiest and most intricately bearded leprechauns were chosen after a long judging process. And every year Casey O’Connell was dismissed immediately in the very first round. But not this year.
Instead of tossing and turning all night with worry, she stayed up. Sketching and planning. Measuring and cutting. Folding and sewing.
The next morning, she stepped onto the stage with her usual whiskerless face and most formal green coat. But then she proudly pulled out the most spectacular hat anyone had ever seen – it was every color of the rainbow!
Whiskers wilted with envy as applause erupted from the audience.
“Three cheers for Casey O’Connell, this year’s Keeper of the Golden Crock!”