Hair of bat and witch’s ear! It’s time for. . .
The 14th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest!!!
~ for children’s writers ~
THE CONTEST: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in word count) using the words tiptoe, goblin, and chill.
- Your story can be poetry or prose, scary, funny, sweet, or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and is 100 words. Get it? Halloweensie – because it’s not very long and it’s for little people 😊
- You can go under the word count but not over!
- Title is not included in the word count.
- You may use the words in any form i.e. tiptoe, tiptoeing, tiptoed, chills, chilling, etc. 😊
- You are welcome to enter more than one entry – just remember you’ll be competing against yourself 😊
- No illustration notes please!
And yes, I know 100 words is short, but that’s part of the fun and the challenge! 😊
POST: your story in the comment section below between right now this very second and 11:59PM Eastern Thursday October 31st (So you have 3 full days to post – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.)
- For those of you who would also like to post on your blogs, please feel free to do so! You are welcome to include the link to your blog with your entry in the comment section of the Official Contest Post so that people can come visit your blog, but all entries must be posted in the comment section of the Official Contest Post between 12:01 AM Eastern Tuesday October 29th and Thursday October 31st at 11:59PM Eastern.
- If you have difficulty posting your entry to the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me and I’ll post it for you! [susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title, byline (that means who the story is by – you! – so for example, By Jane Doe) and word count at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS!
- I know how hard you all work on your entries, and how anxious you are to get them posted, but please try to be a little patient if your entry doesn’t show up immediately. Many comments have to be manually approved, and it sometimes takes me a little while to post entries that come in by email. In addition, I can’t add the links until 51 entries are posted or they get messed up and have to be redone. I promise I will get to everything as soon as I can. I try never to leave my desk during contests, but sometimes it’s unavoidable 😊
THE JUDGING: over the following days, my devoted assistants and I will read and re-read and narrow down the entries to a finalist field of about 12 which will be posted here for you to vote on as soon as I can get them up! The winners will be announced a couple days after the voting to give everyone time to vote.
Judging criteria will be as follows:
- 1. Kid-appeal! – These stories are intended for a young audience (ages 12 and under), so we’re looking for stories that children will enjoy and relate to.
- 2. Halloweeniness – the rules state a Halloween story, so it must be crystal clear that the story is about Halloween, not just some random spooky night.
- 3. Use of all 3 required words and whether you came it at 100 words or less.
- 4. Quality of story – entries must tell a story, including a main character of some kind and a true story arc even if it’s tiny 😊 Entries must not be merely descriptions or mood pieces.
- 5. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best 😊 Use and flow of language, correctness of mechanics, excellence of rhyme and meter if you use it, PROOFREADING!
- 6. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another.
- 7. How well you followed the Submission Guidelines – agents and editors expect professionalism. This is a chance to practice making sure you read and follow specified guidelines. If you don’t follow agent and editor submission guidelines, they won’t even read your submission.
THE PRIZES: So amazing! What wonderful, generous people we have in our kidlit community!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ FABULOUS PRIZES FROM GENEROUS PEOPLE!!! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ Signed Copy of LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN PLUS A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books, Mar 7, 2023), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, 4/15/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-And-Seek Adventure (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024), LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN (Scholastic, 9/3/24), WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW! (Capstone, 1/1/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), FINDING FORGIVENESS (Macmillan/FSG, 8/5/25), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (Barefoot Books, Fall 2025), and LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story (Macmillan/FSG, Fall 2026)
Sign up for Rebecca’s NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/h2sK8X
⭐️ Zoom Ask Me Anything about Indie Publishing or Writing Chapter Books with author Kizzie Hutcheson Roberts, indie author of THE ELVES GO MARCHING (Elemental Ink, December 1, 2022), THE EGGS GO ROLLING (Learning Spark, February 16, 2023), and HARPER AND THE RAPTOR RESCUE (chapter book) (Learning Spark Educational Publishing, June 27, 2023)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR First Chapter MG Critique with Beth Stillborn, writer of middle-grade fiction, occasional picture books, fiction for grownups, and poetry, and qualified editor of anything you put in front of her!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming) OR 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Session (winner’s choice) from Kari Ann Gonzalez, author of HOW TO HATCH A READER (Gnome Road Publishing, August 15, 2023)
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR First Chapter CB, MG, or YA Critique from Candice Marley Conner, author of M IS FOR MOON PIE: ABCs IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF MARDI GRAS (Derby Press, January 6, 2023), SASSAFRAS AND HER TEENY TINY TAIL (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing, June 8th, 2021), THE EXISTENCE OF BEA PEARL (Owl Hollow Press, June 15th, 2021), and CHOMPSEY CHOMPS BOOKS (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing, October 12th, 2021)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Call – winner’s choice – with Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is the author of DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS (Spork, 2017), LOLA CAN’T LEAP (Spork, 2018), HAYFEST: A HOLIDAY QUEST (ABCs Press, 2010), A FLOOD OF KINDNESS (WorthyKids, 2021), and DEBBIE’S SONG (Kar-Ben Publishing, April 4, 2023)
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming) from Gayle C. Krause, author of ZADIE AND THE WITCH’S TEA (Trowbridge Books, LLC, July 1, 2023), ROCK STAR SANTA (Scholastic, January 1, 2008), DADDY, CAN YOU SEE THE MOON? (Spork, April 9, 2019), ONCE UPON A TWISTED TALE (Spork, June 18, 2019), as well as two YAs and a MG!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming or non-rhyming) from Nancy Derey Riley, author/illustrator of CURIOSITY’S DISCOVERY (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, November 10, 2020), BUTTERFLY INN (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, May 25, 2022), YETI IN THE SERENGETI (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, May 30, 2023), and a new book due out next spring that is still hush-hush 😊
⭐️ A 30 Minute Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult Zoom session for an author visit presentation slide deck review from Kathy Halsey! Please visit her website to see her many, many qualifications!
⭐️ A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat with Carrie Finison, author of DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition, July 21, 2020), DON’T HUG DOUG (He Doesn’t Like It) (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, January 26, 2021), LULU AND ZOEY: A Sister Story (Running Press Kids, June 7, 2022), HURRY LITTLE TORTOISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL (Random House Studio, July 19, 2022), and PIGS DIG A ROAD (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, September 10, 2024)
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat (anything relating to writing/publishing) OR a signed copy of winner’s choice of any of her picture books from Becky Scharnhorst, author of MY SCHOOL STINKS! (Flamingo Books, July 2021), THIS FIELD TRIP STINKS! (Flamingo Books, August 2022), and HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL (Flamingo Books, May 16, 2023)
⭐️ A Signed Copy of THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW (Sleeping Bear Press, August 2023) OR 13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY (Charlesbridge, 2021) – winner’s choice – from Sue Heavenrich, author of THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW (Sleeping Bear Press, August 2023), 13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY (Charlesbridge, 2021), DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE (21st Century Books, August, 2018), FUNKY FUNGI (Chicago Review Press, July, 2022), the Super Science Series, and The Human Machine Series.
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for birthday, holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, recommending them for school and library visits, recommending their books for school and library purchases, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊
With so many great prizes up for grabs I hope there will be a lot of entries – the more the merrier! And you’ve still got a couple days to write, so you can squeeze in under the wire if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!
Contest Entrants, remember you MUST post your entry in the comment section below and include title, byline, and word count.
Eager Readers – just go along the list of links below, click on them (they’ll take you directly to whichever story you click on), and enjoy the stories!
So, let the Halloweensie begin!
Happy Reading! Happy Writing! Happy Halloween! 🎃 🎃 🎃
I can’t wait to read your entries!
The 274 entries listed below are linked to where they appear in the comments so you can click on the titles and get right to them! (I promise I will get to this as soon as I can!) Anyone who feels kind can start at the bottom of the list so those entries get some comments too! 🎃 😊
2024 Halloweensie Contest Entries!
- Skeleton’s Halloween – Lucretia Schafroth
- Ninja Goblins – Mike Flowers
- Goblin Sundaes – Jocelyn Watkinson
- Loblin Goblin’s Pile of Toes – Liz Stitt
- The Peanut Butter Cup Caper – Mikki DeFever
- Goblin Hunt – Margaret Robison
- ‘Tis The Season – Tamara Hecht
- Five Grumbling Goblins One Halloween Night – Susan Elizabeth Schipper
- We Are All Monsters Here – Jamie Donahoe
- Goblin-Fun! – Paul Kurtz
- Gobblin’ Goblin! – Paul Kurtz
- Happiest Halloween Ever! – Donna Kurtz
- Scree-eechh! – Donna Kurtz
- Goblin Mess – Jeanette O’Toole
- Trick or Treat? – Corine Timmer
- Halloween Fright – Corine Timmer
- Helicopter Parent Halloween – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
- Prankster, Pranked! – Sofia Pileggi
- Goblin, Cat, And The Halloween Night Ball – Susan Burdorf
- Evie’s Perfect Halloween – Sydnie Suskind
- Halloween Hunt For A Midnight Munch – Jodie Houghton
- The Halloween Candy Caper – Lindsay Moretti
- Witch One? – Stephanie Ward
- Can Goblins Learn To Chill? – Maggie Rowland
- A Boo-itful Night – Jany Campana
- A Goblin Halloween – Maggie Rowland
- The Goblin’s Stare – Russell Wolff
- The Goblin’s Secret – Mona Voelkel
- What’s That Creepy Sound? – Russell Wolff
- Drella’s Halloween Treat – Elizabeth Volkmann
- Five Days To Halloween – Isabel Rodriguez
- It’s Time! – Jean Leotta
- Halloweensie Story From Nairobi – Shariffa Keshavjee
- Untitled – Shariffa Keshavjee
- A Halloween Night Invite – Emily Roberts
- Night of Hallows – Shariffa Keshavjee
- Trick-or-Treat At The New Neighbors – Nicole Loos Miller
- Grandma Goblin’s Ghastly Goulash – Emily Roberts
- Gabby and Garrett’s Halloween – Sarah Meade
- Halloween With Autumn and Summer – Sarah Meade
- Halloween In Creepytown – Sarah Meade
- Creating Black Cats In A Cauldron – P.J. Purtee
- Tonight’s Performance – Robin Currie
- Tricky Treats – Charlie Griffin
- The ABC’S of Halloween – Stephanie Mena
- Hairy Princess – Dana Dillaman
- The Scarf and the Scarecrow – Kelly Clasen
- Gobblin’ Goblin – Lori Bonati
- What Will I Be This Year? – Eric Sondergeld
- Skeleton Shivers – Angel Gantnier
- The Goblin King – RJ Clarken
- Sustenance – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
- Spooky ABCs – Alan Elliott
- A Real Halloween Horror – Keatley Eastman
- Goblins! – Marla Yablon
- The Glamorous Little Goblin – Melissa Miles
- A Terrifying Sight – Sarah Musolino
- Don’t Wake The Werewolf! – Laura Wippell
- Goblin’s Trick – Kelly Kates
- The Haunted House Dare – Melissa Miles
- You Can Have Our Candy! – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
- Goblin’s Rule – Linda Staszak
- Ghoul’s Trick and Treat at School – Nancy Ferguson
- Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feet – Jacinta Patterson
- The Craving – Julie Lerczak
- Goblin Snacks – Bonnie Hall
- Beach Halloween – Christine Bassham
- Two B’s Or ot Two B’s – Linda Staszak
- It Happened On Halloween – Denise Seidman
- Tricked Out of Treats – Lorraine McCown
- The Goblin’s Hallowe’en – Colleen Fogarty
- A Sweaty Halloween. – Karen LaSalvia
- The Basement – Katia M. Jesson
- No Tricks, Just Treats – Patti Richards
- Party Manners – Lauri C. Meyers
- The Wallydraigle – Kristen Littlefield
- Halloween Sticks and Tricks – Becki J. Kidd
- S’More Hunting – Jennifer Della’Zanna
- The Tale of Ricky and Pete – Marye Elmlinger
- Bob The Goblin’s Lullaby – Tracie Renee
- Little Goblin’s Halloween – Kathleen Mazurowski
- Scary Costume Question – Leanne Pankuch
- Essence of Halloween – Rhonda T. Spear
- The Alley – Glenda Roberson
- Pumpkin Pickers – Glenda Roberson
- Out of the Shadows – Glenda Roberson
- Mummies vs. Vampires – Katie Lee Reinert
- Baba Yaga Stew – From “Forest Witches’ Favorite Halloween Recipes” – Sue Ko
- Witchyella – Brigid Finucane
- Baby Goblin At The Halloween Ball – Meg Winikates
- Goblin Brom Bones: Legend of the North Pole – Kathleen Jacobs
- A Chili-Filled Night (in Haiku) – Lyn Jekowsky
- Salesman For The Goblin Show – Shaunessy Sinnett
- How The Hobgoblin Got Its Hob – Anne Lipton
- In The Cave Of The Goblin King – Kendra Lusty
- Trick-or-Treat Nightmare – Cindy Sommer
- Goblena’s Halloween Soup – Sarah Tobias
- Gobleyn And Gnome – Vashti Verbowski
- Whimsey’s Halloween Surprise – Tara Seahorn
- Even Goblin Superman Needs His Underwear – Shuba Mohan
- The Haunted. . . – Ruthie Nicklaus
- What Will I Be? – Lucia Lemieux
- Halloween At The House Up On The Hill – Beth Gallagher
- Body Talk – Lorraine McCown
- Twink – Rose Cappelli
- Trick or Treat Pie – Pam Adams
- Matching Goblins – Margaret Lea
- Goblin Trouble – Jen Subra
- Wanted: Cat – Jessica Iwanski
- Goblin Twins – Marty Findley
- Halloween Sneak – Mimi Hersh
- Taking Inventory – Suzy Zemel
- The Goblin Ballet – Nicole Loy
- Halloween Chess – Betsy Bennett
- Tricky Treat – Reed Hilton-Eddy
- Friendship, The Sweetest Candy – Teresa Speranza Vargas
- Halloween Heist – Barb Edwards
- A Post-Halloween Party – Jessica Jenson
- Trick and Treat – Vita Luna
- Goblin Cake – Amanda Blaylock
- Paxton Maxton Mumpledread – Tracey Kiff-Judson
- It’s NOT St. Nick (A Halloween Story) – Dawn Hauptner
- This Way Comes Halloween – Jo Baldwin
- Advice For Mice – Sharon McCarthy
- The Goblin Problem – Jessie Raspbury
- Puny Pete – Seth Standley
- Just Desserts – Amanda Fletcher
- Halloween On The Farm, Cowgirl and the Inflatable Dinosaurs – Laura N. Clement
- A Spectrum of Costumes – Laura N. Clement
- Brave Little Witch – Cynthia Elomaa
- Bubble, Bubble, Good-bye Trouble! – Susan Jakubowski
- Spookyville’s Surprising Skills – Judy Caldwell Hughes
- Hallowscream – Ashley Sierra
- Grabby Gabby – Ashley Sierra
- The Real Halloween Heroes – Ashley Sierra
- Halloween 365 – Abigail Mumford
- Goons Beware! – Gary Stultz
- Untitled – Lori Stultz
- A Night On The Town – Marty Bellis
- Halloween Mischief – Rebecca W. Chester
- Counting On Halloween – Mary Rudzinski
- Beach Trick or Treat – Amy Duchene
- The Full-Size Candy Bar Challenge – Sara Kruger
- Without A Costume – Laura Oliphant
- It Is Time – Michelle Kenner
- Trick and Treat – Linda Balgley-Shore
- Zelda Zombie’s Tea – Amy LaRae Brewer
- Goblin Groove – Katie Brandyberry
- Goblin Sneaks A Treat – Lauren Racela
- Grumpy Goblin – T Milton
- Greedy Goblins – Adriana Gutierrez
- Cornelius, The Misfit Candy Corn – Deborah Kim
- Maybe A Snu – Greg Beatty
- Dad’s Nap – SHAWKLYN
- Three Witches and Their Beloved – Imelda Taylor
- A Scary Halloween – Janet Parkinson Bryce
- Goblin Trouble – Bonnie Kloster
- A Fright On Friday Night – Brett A. Starr
- Beware – Lynn Moore
- The Hairy, Scary Goblin – Lori Dubbin
- Frankenbones – Carol MacPherson
- Aurelia’s Cat Is A Bat – Eleanor A. Peterson
- Corky’s Halloween Scare – Carol MacPherson
- Johnny’s Brain – Diana Blau
- Halloween Parade – Dianne Wright
- Goblin and Cowboy – Vicky Pao
- My Second Halloween – Kim L. Young
- Thief In The Night – Marta Cutler
- Goblins Never Tiptoe – Laura Rice Martinez
- Skye’s Chilling Costume – Sarah Atherton
- Frightening Reflection – Jennifer Kaap
- Goblin’s Feet – Marie Tang
- Stopping By Stephen King’s on Hallowed Evening – Sherry Dubis
- All Hallow’s Eve – Darlene Pagán
- The Spooky Cave – Ghost Writer (R.I.P.M.)
- One More House – Dana Dillaman
- Who’s There? – Marilyn Wolpin
- How The Greedy Goblins Gobbled Halloween – S.J. Barratt
- Black Cat’s Trick For Treat – Nicole Terry
- Sister’s Sacrifice – Amanda Blaylock
- The Skeleton March – Maria Piñero Pope
- Jane-O-Lantern – Melissa Rafson Friedman
- It’s Not Easy Being A Goblin – Lynn Burton
- A Halloween Tale of the Deep Dark Sea – Amy LaMae Brewer
- Candy Corn Goblin – Leslie Ross-Degnan
- When I Am Jack – Tarja Helena Nevala
- Hello, Dessie – Jessica Russo
- The Long Walk Home – Jenna Renqvist
- The Halloween Hobgoblin – Sherry Moon
- It’s Halloween! – Maritere Bellas
- Catching Candy – Susan Schade
- Skeleton’s Surprise – Laurie Smith Murphy
- The Quickest Way To A Gargoyle’s Heart – MORNAGERSHO
- Beware The Screams On Halloween! – Griffin Taylor
- Georgie’s Halloween Hijinks – Jessie Anna Bornemann
- The Apple Bob Goblin – Marcia Dalphin Williams
- Tiptoes First Halloween – Barbara DiMarco
- Halloweenie, The Goblin And The Tender Hearted Schoolboy – Elizabeth Etheridge
- Goblin’s Halloween Trick – Jennifer Tarr
- Danny’s Goblin Dare – Islancy Guada
- Danny’s Goblin Dare Poem – Islancy Guada
- A Chilling Treat – Islancy Guada
- Chocozilla – Jessica D. Phillips
- A Goblin’s Trick or Treat – Thelia Hutchinson
- Goblins and Goodies – Carol Porter-Peszko
- Goblin’s Wish – Teresa MI Schaefer
- Naughty Goblin – Bri Lawyer
- A Goblin’s Haunted House – Bri Lawyer
- Goblin Goo – Ryann Jones
- The Candywrapper – Chris Scribbles
- Goblin Games – Katherine Rea
- Teddy Saved The Goblin’s Mind – Kimberly Zhuo
- Goody Goblin – Michelle S. Kennedy
- Lavender Luna Latte – Blythe Williams
- The Halloween Scare Contest – Diana Louise Vancura
- The Halloween Beast – Kristen Littlefield
- Little Goblin – Liz Shine
- The Goblins’ Halloween Ball – Lisa Lowe Stauffer
- The Door In The Hall – Kate Chabarek
- The Goblin Princess – Patricia Brown
- Shriek! It’s A Freak! – Jean Martin
- A Hallow’s Eve Surprise – J. Edwin Trindade
- The Scariest Costume – Helen Ishmurzin
- A Halloween Scare – Emily Roberts
- Goblin On A Break – Susanne Connolly
- Troll’s Greatest of All Time Jack-o-Lantern – Nadia Ali
- Feast of the Goblin King – Leah Tilki
- Mischievous Tricksters – Jenna Daucunas
- Ryan’s Sleepy Hollow-een – Jen Keenan
- Becky The Kind, Clever Goblin – Robin Brett Wechsler
- The Goblin – Angela Martinelli
- Where The Wind Blows – Daniella Kaufman
- Halloween Magic – Cindy Greene
- Goblin’s Gripe – Jill Lambert
- Where Are You, Pete? – Webb Smith
- The Gobblin’ Goblin – Carla Gullett
- The Halloween Parade – Alyssa Londoño
- A Busy October 31st – Emily Roberts
- Artists Interests – Lorraine McCown
- The Costume Contest – Amanda Littlefield
- Goblin Juice – Claudine Pullen
- That’s Just Me – Amanda Littlefield
- The History of the Goblin King and the Jellied Bean – Elizabeth Etheridge
- Toe-tips – Lucas Field
- Jack-O’-Sorta Lantern – Julie Hauswirth
- Far Worse Creatures – Nicole Garnett
- The Old Graveyard – Sharon Goldstein Jackson
- A Goblin Steals My Socks – Elizabeth Bryer
- Fibonacci Goblin – TERRIMICHELS
- The Halloween Caper – Brianna Brown
- A Good Night – Maripat Metcalf
- Goblin Party – Kassie Lamro
- ‘Winning’ Treats – Sarah (Sezza) Hetu
- The Goblin Kitten Guard – Jill Littig
- Curly Toes – Susan Eyerman
- Halloween Rules – Elenore Byrne
- Rub-A-Dub-Dub – Pat Finnegan
- Abby’s Halloween Adventure – Dianne Borowski
- IYKYK – M. Metcalf
- Stepping In By Stepping Out – Colleen Owens Murphy
- The Eager Halloweeners – Elise Teichert
- Goblin’s Halloween Surprise – Diana Sussman
- Aunt Violet’s Halloween Treats – Una Belle Townsend
- The Family Who Tricks Together. . . – Sharon Korzelius
- Sumpin’ Scary – Lisa Y? Wilson
- Twix-Or-Treat – Shaunessy Sinnett
- Boo Who? – Cathy Bendix
- Boo – Briana McCormick
- The Tale of the Terrible Treat Snatchers – Derek Quick
- A Halloween Riddle – Jennifer Schmitz
- Flight of Fright – Samantha Cora
- Tiptoe, Goblin and Chill – Barb Seregi
- Goblin Trick or Treat – Susan Summers
- Home Alone – Marina Wright
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Goblena’s Halloween Soup
By Sarah Tobias (97 words)
After trick-or-treating Halloween night, Goblena Goblin tiptoed into the night garden.
“Pumpkin soup will warm chilly my bones.”
“Ow, Ow, Ow,” she cried, “prickly vines.”
She moved about climbing over and under the leftover pumpkins.
“Too big.”
“Too hard.”
“Too bumpy.”
Goblena ducked under more leaves.
“Too small.”
“Too soft.”
“Too…Oh! Just right.”
She picked it and carried it home.
“You are very red,” she said.
She carved the top and scooped out seeds and goo. That pumpkin deflated like a popped balloon.
“The trick is on me,” she laughed.
“Tomato soup will warm me up too.”
Tomato soup always does the trick for me! Nice acceptance piece.
The trick turned into a treat!
Fun! I laughed out loud. I hope you win.
Awww, cute ending! Love the twist 🙂
Gobleyn and Gnome
by Vashti Verbowski
(100 words)
Anne Gobleyn was a perfect little goblin. She stole candy from children and scared the shoes off their parents.
But when Anne crept out of her chilly lair into Gnarley Gnome’s garden, he smiled when she stole his strawberries. And when she shook the petals off his chrysanthemums, he waved. WAVED! It was like he wanted to be friends. Except, goblins NEVER made friends!
On Halloween night, Anne decided to try her scariest trick of all. She tiptoed up to Gnarley and… saw his bowl of treats.
Instead of a scare, Anne gave Gnarley a kiss—
No goblin was perfect.
Aw! This is adorable! I love Anne and Gnarley!!
So sweet and unexpected – I love the last line.
Love “scared the shoes off their parents.”
How dare a gnome want to make friends! Glad Anne didn’t persist in trying to push him away =)
Love your character’s clever names and the ending’s sweet twist. Nice job!
The perfect “awwww” ending! Sweet.
I love your perfectly imperfect goblin (with the perfect name 😉). A gnome and goblin sharing a garden is a fantastic premise. I hope you will turn this little gem of a story into a picture book!
Whimsy’s Halloween Surprise
By: Tara Seahorn
Word Count: 100
“My broom’s gone!” cried Whimsy Witch.
How would she fly on this chilly Halloween night without her broom?
She had searched the forest, the graveyard, everywhere except Goblin’s house.
She tiptoed onto the porch, knocked on the door…
CRRREEEEAKKKKK!
Woosh, Swoosh…Her broom whisked across the floor, and dust swirled in the air.
“There you are!” she grabbed her broom and turned to leave.
“SHHHH!” a voice whispered.
“Wh-wh-who’s there?” Whimsy’s voice quivered.
“Surprise! Happy Hallobirthoween!!” her friends shouted.
“Oh!” Whimsy gasped as they brought in the cake.
It was not just Halloween, but her birthday…
The best birthday ever!!
Fun!
cute! Clever as always!
EVEN GOBLIN SUPERMAN NEEDS HIS UNDERWEAR
by Shuba Mohan
(WC 94)
Goblin tiptoed in fear.
Halloween was so dear.
Heart crashing boom boom-
Where was his costume?
Gold belt? Yes, check.
Long boots on deck.
Red cape was there.
Where’s the underwear?
Cackle on the side.
Out the window wide
Red bottom escapes
Jumping from the drapes.
Through the creaky gate.
Goblin calls out, “Wait!”
Underwear with glee…
“You’ll never catch me!”
Out into the chill,
Tumbling down the hill,
In the busy road,
Crushed by a truckload.
Goblin shuts his eyes
Saying his goodbyes.
Hurries for a new pair.
“Can’t go to school bare.”
Very creative idea!
Thank you!
Phew! Thank goodness he had a spare pair hehe! I always enjoy reading your work, Shuba!
Hehehe I just laughed out loud at the underwear – so darling and kid-appeal is STRONG!
fun story!
Thank you, Karen!
THE HAUNTED…
By Ruthie Nicklaus (100 words)
I am the haunted…
BOO!
Like regular ghosts, I’m adorned in flowing white.
Correction. I’m adorned in shell; still and white.
My grave is in the refrigerator.
My headstone is cheesy.
B.R.I.E.
(Being Runny Is Eggcellent)
Normally, I just chill here, surrounded by leafy green goblins.
But tonight is Halloween,
so tonight,
I am haunted!
I can’t tiptoe.
But I can roll.
Like regular ghosts, I can pass through walls.
CRACK! SPLAT!
Correction. I cannot pass through walls.
Drip. Drop.
Not all ghosts are slimy inside.
But I am the haunted…
EGG.
And now,
I’m everywhere.
BOO!
Original and fun!
Ruthie, you cracked me up with your story!! I love your haunted egg:)
What Will I Be?
By Lucia Lemieux (96 words)
Halloween’s coming, what will I be?
A queen with a crown for all to see?
A dancer who’s tiptoeing around?
I won’t dress up as a scary clown!
A big-eared goblin to thrill and scare?
A witch with a wart for all to stare?
If I were a rock star, friends would cheer,
I must decide how to dress this year!
Days are now short, a chill’s in the air,
Who will I be and what will I wear?
Making a choice is hard, as you see,
I’ll Trick or Treat as the very best ME!
Halloween At The House Up On The Hill
(100 words)
Shadows creep like spider legs
‘cross stones the size of dragons’ eggs.
A floating spectre shrieks and begs
halfway up the hill.
Chilly winds moan and blow,
rattling branches dark and low
against windows lit with an eerie glow
at the house up on the hill.
Goblins tiptoe in the night
sneaking through the dim moonlight,
scaring clouds of bats to flight
’round the house up on the hill.
It’s chimney leaks a sickly green
from steaming cauldrons site unseen
that bubble every Halloween
in the house up on the hill.
Happy Halloween from the house up on the hill!
Body Talk by Lorraine McCown (WC: 94)
Spook night spoils, spread on floor
Sweet Tooth screams, “Have some more!”
But I feel BLEK and sticky too.
Tongue is red, Finger’s blue.
Tummy warns, “Volcano pending!”
Gagging goblin’s head’s descending.
Mouth clamps shut, but dam breaks free.
Body braces. What’s to be?
Why did Mouth so strongly slurp?
Here it comes, it’s… just a BURP!
Chocolate milk was held at bay.
Mouth can smile, Tum’s okay.
Sweet Tooth tiptoes back in view.
Hand says halt, tooth takes his cue.
Still feel BLEK and sticky too,
But Pillow’s chill will make me new.
Twink (96 words)
by Rose Cappelli
Garden gnome Twink loved his garden gnome home,
but he hungered to step out and roam.
So he wished on the wind in a magical sky
as a gaggle of witches flew by.
Twink felt a chill from his boots to his cap,
then his tippytoes started to tap!
It was Halloween night so he’d see all the sights
from weird goblins to spirits to sprites.
Twink pranced with pirates and mummies in sheets,
then he gobbled up candy and treats.
Now on each Halloween, garden Twink is bewitched
‘til his spirit and heart are enriched.
Rose, this is adorable and such an original idea. I love it!
Trick or Treat Pie (97 words)
by Pam Adams
The sun goes down, the air is chill,
Cobwebs line the windowsill.
Little Goblin’s slept all day,
Cuz at night it’s time to play.
He wakes up to a lovely smell,
It’s one he thinks he knows quite well.
He tiptoes down the hall to see,
What that lovely smell might be.
In the kitchen, Mommy’s baking,
Wonder what she’s been making?
Moss and mushrooms, rats and bugs,
Might turn into tummy hugs.
It’s a juicy Halloween treat,
He knows it’s almost time to eat.
Little Goblin’s a happy guy,
It’s his favorite Trick or Treat Pie!
You make moss and mushrooms, rats and bugs sound so cozy! :0 Best of luck on your entry!
Love this!
nice story!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARGARET
Matching Goblins
by Margaret Lea
100 words
I wake early on Halloween morning, tiptoe downstairs and step outside. Yes! The chilly air means I can wear my face mask and heavy costume tonight without drowning in sweat.
My friend Nick and I picked matching goblin costumes last week.
He knocks right at 6 PM.
“Cool costume!” I say.
He grabs my hand and drags me outside. He seems shorter than normal.
“Where’s your mom… and why are we headed into the woods?”
I stop walking.
“Nick! Answer me!” I grab his face mask and yank hard. It doesn’t budge.
I realize and shiver… it’s not a mask.
Yikes! My worst nightmare! Best of luck!
Thanks! Best of luck to you too!
Scary! I love it.
GOBLIN TROUBLE
by Jen Subra
word count: 98
I’m a goblin; I cause trouble!
This chill night, I’m on the double!
I tiptoe out on ‘Hallow’s Eve
To see what mischief I can weave.
Children dashing door to door.
Gathering goodies; keeping score–
“Another Hersheys! That makes ten!”
“You are cheating! Count again!”
I rub my ghoulish hands in glee–
it looks like trouble just found me.
I sneak in close and snatch a treat
from little Ghost who stamps his feet:
“I’m telling Mom! You give it back!”
“I didn’t touch your lousy sack!”
But suddenly it all goes wrong–
“C’mon, buddy, let’s get along.”
Fun!
I enjoyed your story.
WANTED: CAT
By Jessica Iwanski (90 words)
Oh, how absurd! Whoever heard?
A witch without a cat!
But mine has gone and run away – and vanished with my hat.
Well, I’m no fool – I’ll catch that ghoul
before it’s Halloween.
(or else I’ll be the biggest joke this town has ever seen)
Through chilling gloom, I fly my broom
as goblins cackle, “BOO!”
Then just beyond the pumpkin patch I hear a tiny “mew!”
And there’s my cat — inside my hat –
with kittens all a-bed!
I tiptoe home. I guess this once… I’ll take my dog instead.
Jessica, I adore your poem! Kids will absolutely love the humor and it’s such a fun and perfectly flowing read aloud! Congrats!!!
You’re so kind, Mona!!! Thank you for all your feedback on so much of my work! ♥️ You’re the best!
Aww such a cute ending!
Thanks, Katie! 😊🐱♥️
Too cute! Love the twist at the end.
I appreciate that! Thanks so much for reading and commenting! 🎃🖤
SO fun!
Thank you, Karen! 🥰🧡
Just delightful! I loved the ending!!!!
Aww thank you! I had so much fun writing it! ☺️🧡🖤
This is adorable!
Thanks so much, Bri! 🙂
What a fun lost-and-found story with an adorable ending! Nice job, Jessica.
I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed reading it! 🙂
Awe, what a great idea.
Thank you, Lorraine! 🙂
Adorable! Hope you win with your lovely story.
Oh you are so kind, Tarja! Thank you for the encouragement! Good luck to you, too!
A great story. Lots of images to illustrate, especially kittens in aa witches hat.
Thanks for taking the time to read and to comment! I appreciate it! 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARTY
GOBLIN TWINS
By Marty Findley
99 words
One goblin came knocking
On Halloween night,
Rattling the pans,
Dousing the light.
Hiding my things,
Rocking the chairs,
Causing my schoolbooks
To bump down the stairs.
Frosting the air
With a foul-smelling chill.
Making mad mischief
Gave him a thrill.
A bothersome bully –
He messed with my head.
This trickster was mean!
Putting snakes in my bed.
But next came the other;
(For Two was One’s brother.)
On tiptoe he spoke in my ear,
Sighing, “Light repels evil, my dear.”
So on clicked my lightsaber;
One’s prank was done.
Then Two and I joined
For some Halloween fun!
Nice twist and great rhythm and rhyme!
Thank you!
You provided lots of cool images to illustrate. Fun story to read.
ENTRY POSTED FOR MIMI
HALLOWEEN SNEAK
By
Mimi Hersh (98 words)
Lily wriggled under her bed to snatch her secret stash of Halloween candy, when she spied a note:
Sneak candy! Dost thou dare?
Hence, thy mum we shall snare.
~ The Goblins
She heard footsteps.
“Mom?”
No answer.
Lily shuddered as she tiptoed downstairs.
“Mom?”
Still no answer.
“MOM!”
Lily tingled with chills, raced back to her room, grabbed the candy, and dumped it on the kitchen table, with a message.
Dear Goblins,
I promise never to sneak candy again.
The back door creaked. Lily froze.
“Sorry I’m late. What’s with the candy?”
Lily hugged her mom. “I’m sharing.”
Lesson learned!
The notes added spark to your fun to read story.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUZY
TAKING INVENTORY
by Suzy Zemel
94 Words
Tiptoe, tiptoe, tiptoe,
Ah ha! Candy!
That goblin kid won’t miss any of his candy.
Look at this load!
Fourteen of my favorite bars.
He won’t notice if I had three…six…twelve.
What’s that noise on the stairs?
“Daddy, I need to be tucked in.”
Quickly stashing his candy back in his bag…
The door to the garage opens, letting a chill inside the house.
“Daddy, why are you out here with my bag?”
“Daddy, why are there wrappers on the ground?”
“Daddy, why is your face full of chocolate?”
“DADDY! You’re busted!”
LOL! Dad is caught taking candy by his” little goblin!” I can see the illustration of little goblin face and his dad’s, too!
Suzy, and unexpected culprit 🙂
Moms and Dads just can’t resist!
Good title. I liked the tiptoe….in the first line. And of course dad saying “that goblin kid.”
The Goblin Ballet
by Nicole Loy (100 words)
The air was crisp and chilly.
The leaves crunched on the ground.
The day had come when all things grim
Came swarming to confound.
The goblins came to jump and smash,
To hoard, pull pranks, and stew.
But Little Goblin hung her head
Not knowing what to do.
“I do not like this mischief.
Play tricks – I’d rather not.”
She swayed and paced on tiptoes
Making rhythm as she thought.
Tiptoe, tiptoe; creep, creep, creep.
Shuffle, shuffle; leap, leap, leap!
Her tempoed stride grew stronger.
She laughed – then, a plié.
“These monster moves cause chaos
In my own goblin way.”
Halloween Chess
by Betsy Bennett (94 words)
A chill trickled down Ronald’s spine. He tiptoed down the stairs, after his older brother. “You don’t really believe that, do you?” he whispered.
“It’s true!” Devon insisted. “Every Halloween night, when the trick-or-treating ends, the chess pieces come alive.”
The light was dim, but he could still see the chess set. At first, nothing. Then the white queen slowly stretched her arms above her head.
Kings shook hands.
Pawns celebrated.
Knights pranced.
“Next year I’ll show you what the goblins do on Halloween,” Deven teased.
Ronald stared and believed.
He couldn’t wait for next Halloween.
❤️♟️
❤️♟️❤️
No wonder I could never get into chess. Though short on words this story made me think that my fear of chess may have been justified!
Nothing to be afraid of Lisa Y? These are friendly chess pieces!
Wonderful! Clever. And a tease for next year.
Tricky Treat
by Reed Hilton-Eddy (99 words)
One chilly Halloween a puny, puckered pumpkin slumped in soil surrounded
by various vines and twisting tendrils.
A gawky goblin gazed gleefully at the gourd.
“Ooo, a treat!” she tittered.
But how to secure her selection without squishing all the other squashes?
She tried to skip, but tripped!
She tried to hop, but flopped.
Then she tried to tiptoe.
Wiggle.
Wobble.
At last, in her grasp the greedy goblin gobbled her treat in one great GULP.
Sigh.
Then…
The pumpkin pushed.
Gurgle.
Grumble.
BELCH!
The puny, pumpkin popped out and slumped in the soil.
“A trick,” the goblin groaned.
(Word Count / #100)
By
HALLOWEEN HEIST
by Barb Edwards
Word Count: 93
Goblins tiptoe through the patch,
Searching for some fruit to snatch.
Long green fingers grab and glean
Pumpkins meant for Halloween.
A chill forms in the moonlit air,
Casts a slippery dewdrop snare.
Greedy Goblin grabs one more,
Slips on vines, lets out a roar.
Pumpkins tumble all around,
In the air and on the ground.
BAM and BANG and SMASH and CRASH!
All that’s left is monsters’ mash.
Goblins groan and gaze out sadly.
Their pumpkin heist has gone quite badly.
But Greedy Goblin knows a brew,
Pumpkin pulp in Halloween Stew.
Clever Goblins will make the best of it.
A Post-Halloween Party
By Jessica Jenson (92 Words)
When trick-or-treaters head to bed,
Sticky-faced and sugar-fed,
Three small goblins tiptoe out.
Time for spooky friends to scout!
They poke through sacks and pumpkin pails
For goodies, left behind and stale:
Candy corn and butterscotches,
Popcorn balls and taffy splotches,
Rock hard gum and shattered suckers,
Licorice and peanut clusters.
In the chill October breeze
They talk and munch beneath the trees.
Basking in the moonlight glow
Thinking ‘bout the coming snow.
Grinning pumpkins will go rotten.
Goblins soon will be forgotten
But not gone! Simply unseen
Until next year’s Halloween!
Trick and Treat
By Vita Luna
“Be careful kids, be silent
We can’t visit that house
So walk on your tiptoes
Be quiet as a mouse”
“But dad, why can’t we?
It must have candy too!
And my bag is half empty…
What am I to do?”
“The Goblin kids live there
They’ll pull your clothes, they’ll yank your hair!
They say Goblin candy is best –
Blast the candy, think of the rest!”
“That does give me a chill…
But candy is worth that thrill!”
So I ran to the Goblin house
And there lost my shirt
But their sticky toffee
Had double my clothes’ worth!
Goblin Cake
By Amanda Blaylock
WC-95
Have you tried a goblin cake?
They are difficult to make!
You must start on Halloween,
Mixing glitter, pink and green.
Add a dash of fish’s fin,
stirring quickly with your chin.
Chill the mixture over night,
til’ it turns a ghostly white.
Next, you’ll pour it in a dish,
spin it twice, and make a wish.
Cover gently with a broom,
then you’ll tiptoe from the room.
Check it in a day or so.
If it’s finished, you will know!
When you go to have a snack
it will try to bite you back!
Great ending! And such a clever recipe 🙂
Thank you so much! 😉 I so appreciate it!
You did a great job with this recipe. I love the ending.
So clever!! What a wonderful story.
I love this poem and recipe so much!
So clever with fantastic rhymes . . . love stirring quickly with your chin!
Paxton Maxton Mumpledread
by Tracey Kiff-Judson
WC: 97
Paxton Maxton Mumpledread,
carved a pumpkin for his head:
kooky eyes, a goblin grin,
a crooked nose, a dimpled chin.
He slipped it on, and he was chillin’ –
dressed up like a silly villain.
Paxton tiptoed off to school,
where pumpkin-heads broke every rule.
“Paxton’s lost his head,” they said.
“His brain is stuffed with pumpkin bread!”
As tears spilled down his cheeks inside,
he felt relieved that he could hide.
And so, he wears his pumpkin heads,
a shield against the world he dreads,
and no one knows if Paxton’s sad,
afraid, embarrassed, or…
gone mad!
Love this story! It’s a great read-aloud.
Thank you, Jeannette!
I love to say this name over and over. Kids will love saying it too! Great message in this poem. Thanks, Tracey!
Thanks, Susan! : )
It’s NOT St. Nick (A Halloween Story)
By Dawn Hauptner
Word count: 85
One stormy Halloween,
A flash zaps through the sky.
There’s not even a chill,
Could St. Nick be dashing by?
To the window I tiptoe,
And smile and cheer…
Why it’s not St. Nick at all,
But a goblin with some reindeer!
The goblin shoots down the chimney,
and drops a sack by his feet…
He leaves me a pumpkin,
a trick and a treat…
He darts up the chimney,
Then clear out of sight…
Happy Halloween to all…
And to all a frightful night!
Great twist to a classic tale! 👺🎃
Thank you!
What fun! Goblin gets it done! And it’s a refreshing twist to a classic!
Thank you, Lori! It was fun writing this.
Fun story. So visual I can see it clearly. Reads easily. Kids would love to hear this or read it themselves.
Love the Santa tie-in. All I have to say is Happy Halloween to all and to all a frightful night!
Thank you for the nice comments! : )
Delighted to read your entry. So much fun with lots of imagery and fun words. Good luck to you!
Thanks, Carmen! I always appreciate your comments!
This Way Comes Halloween
by Jo Baldwin
93 words
“Something creepy this way comes!”
Mummy marveled and held out a pail.
“You think so??” wondered Goblin.
He ducked out the door
And yelled, “Goodbye!”
A chill in the air,
No stars in the sky.
“Something ghoulish this way comes!”
Ghost gasped, floated past.
“Oh, thanks!” chortled Goblin.
The neighborhood echoed,
“Trick or treat!”
House lights blinked on…
He dashed down the street.
“Something scary this way comes!”
Witch waved her wand, then flew away.
“It’s me!!” beamed Goblin.
Candy bowl sat
Next to the door.
On tiptoe, he chose,
Hurried on for more.
I love your main character Goblin who is clearly enjoying his Halloween. This will lend itself to fabulous illustrations and loads of fans shouting, “read it again!”
Lots of fun with just the right amount of suspense.
Advice For Mice
By Sharon McCarthy
Word Count 100
Meowl, bountiful Mice!
Would you desire mounds of mouthwatering morsels for Halloween night?
Then take not of my advice.
Unearthly goblins and monsters will be prowling on this spooktacular night.
Don’t fret!
We’ll be playing a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
First, tiptoe amongst the domains.
These predators want to annihilate you!
Just chill until “Trick or Treat” sounds fill the dark.
Then, pounce upon the cascade of falling treasures.
Ignore the growling, yowling, and hissing sounds creeping behind you.
Enjoy your sweet treats with squeaks of cheer!
You’re still considering my Halloween advice, right?
Meowl, bountiful Mice!
Run, mousies! Run!
Short question…take not of my advice. Should it be take note of my advice? Since you want the bountiful Mice to consider the advice.
The predators want to annihilate you, I’m not sure the imagery is right for little kids. You want them to eat their treats with cheer, not to be terrified they will be eaten.
Deepest apologies, I seem to be missing something here.
The Goblin Problem
By: Jessie Raspbury
83 Words
I have a goblin problem
You simply won’t believe.
He came last year to trick-or-treat,
but then he wouldn’t leave!
He ate up all my candy.
It gave him smelly breath.
He tip-toed through my room that night
and scared me half to death!
He’s always causing mayhem!
This goblin won’t sit still.
No warmed-up milk or chamomile
will make this goblin CHILL!
So here is my advice—
If you haven’t noticed yet.
I strongly do not recommend
a goblin as a pet!
Love this!!
Oh my, this is terrific. Great rhythm and rhyme, and so funny. Love it!
I laugh every time I read this! Amazing Jessie!
What a fun read! Wonderful warning with great rhythm and rhyming.
Love your goblin problem poem! So fun and rhythmic!!! Good luck!!!
This is great. Fun, visual, with that zinger at the end that this goblin is a pet.
I think kids will love this.
Puny Pete
By Seth Standley
100 words
Puny Pete waited while Large Lana read his note.
“You make the spiders in my tummy dance! Wanna chill on Halloween?”
Then he pulled out his ukulele and sang:
Tiptoe through the window
By the window, that is where I’ll be
Come tiptoe through the cobwebs with me
Oh, tiptoe with this goblin,
In the graveyard by the haunted tree.
And tiptoe through the cobwebs with me.
Knee deep in spiders we’ll stray.
We’ll keep the children away,
And if I smooch you in the graveyard, in the moonlight, will you pardon me?
And tiptoe through the cobwebs with me?
I like the nod that Puny Pete gives to Tiny Tim. Good Luck
Just Desserts (99 words)
By Amanda Fletcher
It’s Halloween, and this fun-size Snickers is in it to win it. The “picked first” prize is mine. ALL MINE!
Ding-dong! We jostle for the best position, glittery wrappers rustling. Oof. If I had elbows, I’d jab that Reese’s right between the e’s.
A goblin tiptoes up. “Treat-or-treat!”
He picks Almond Joy . . . and tosses it back. Sniffs Kit-Kat and drops it.
Then, he grabs ME.
So long, suckers!
If I had a tongue, I’d stick it out.
The goblin unwraps me. Ooh, it’s chilly! His mouth opens wide.
What’s going on? I won, fair and-
C-H-O-M-P
Ha! What a surprise. Poor Snickers!
Surprise, indeed. I’m happy you enjoyed it, and thanks for commenting!
I enjoyed the unique perspective! Very creative!
thanks!
Love the ending! Great job, Amanda! (PS- My husband is a HUGE Snickers fan too!)
Awww, thanks, michelle!
I love the shift in POV from the Snicker’s viewpoint. Alas, the irony, that sometimes it’s best not to be picked first!
fun read. Clever idea.
thanks! I was super fun to write. Made my kids laugh, which is always the litmus test.
Halloween on the farm, Cowgirl and the Inflatable Dinosaurs
By Laura N. Clement
Stella didn’t feel like dressing up for Halloween. She preferred comfortable overalls, beat-up muddy boots, and worn-out hat.
“I am a cowgirl,” Stella said, “every day, no matter what.”
But Stella’s goats had other ideas. They loved wearing costumes and trick-or-treating for pumpkin snacks, they didn’t lovetiptoeing around in the dark.
“It’s chilly this year, so maybe we’ll stay home,” said Buddy.
“But I want treats,” said Rose.
“And I want to wear a goblincostume!” said Hazel
But Stella had another costume plans. “Getty up goats,” she said, “This cowgirl is rustling three Dinosaurs! Now hold still.”
I love the idea of the goats wearing costumes. I think that will lend itself to great illustrations. I think kids will love the story too.
I think though, you could keep it on task even at 100 words. I got the idea Stella didn’t want to dress up for Halloween, so the original impression was she was staying home. I think if you start it Stella had costume plans… then add the goats impressions it would be clearer.
Cool! Totally valid point. I’ll play with that a little. Thanks! Have you seen those inflatable dino dog costumes? Well, goats can wear them, it’s an image, lol. I’d put them on my goats but my boy goat would just eat it.
A Spectrum of Costumes
By Laura N. Clement
“Just be you.”
Heather heard this every day from her parents.
But every year when chilly weather turned leaves crisp, pumpkins plumped, and goblinspeaked out of neighbor’s window, a familiar worry began to tiptoe into her thoughts.
Being herself wasn’t always easy, loud sounds made her shrink, big feelings made her hide, and faces everywhere squinching, twitching, and changing, confused her.
Halloween was the worst.
The masks, makeup, funny clothes made understanding anyone that day harder, so this year… just being herself, Heather put on headphones, sunglasses, her softest clothes, and happily tucked herself into her own quiet world.
Brave Little Witch
I slowly tiptoe out my door
Scary monsters pass, looking for more.
The chill outside makes me freeze.
The monsters want candy, just like me.
I won’t go outside this Halloween Night,
But I want to join the witches in flight.
A little witch, I might be,
But strong and fierce, they will see. A deep breath before I go outside.
To find a friend, I will not hide!
Glinda the Witch grabs my hand.
And I sigh with relief at where I stand.
As we run and jump, what fun we’ll have,
and bring home candy just as we planned.
Bubble, Bubble, Good-bye Trouble!
by Susan Jakubowski. 100 words
I needed to know if the rumors were true,
can things disappear in a magical brew?
Ignoring the chills and my goosebumpy fright,
I crept through the woods on that Halloween night.
In a clearing of trees, I could see a large pot,
where goblins were stirring some foul-smelling rot.
I patiently waited for moonlight to dim,
tiptoed past ghosts and peered over the rim.
My quivering hands held the source of my trouble,
if seen by my parents, my problems would double.
I reached past witches, gremlins, a ghoul …
and tossed in my awful report card from school!
Unexpected ending! Love it!
Thank you. I hope it made you laugh!
Susan, I love this!! Great work! What a fun twist!
Thanks, Tracey. So glad you liked it! 😊
Love this Susan! The problem-solving ending is perfect!
What a clever solution to her problem.
Great title.And I wondered what was the source of his troubles that if seen by his parents…
I like this story and so will kids
Thank you for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
SPOOKYVILLE’S SURPRISING SKILLS
By Judy Caldwell Hughes
100 words
“It’s Spookyville’s Halloween Skills Contest,” Goblin screeches,
Jack-o-lantern judges flicker, “Start.”
Slithering Snake slinks up first.
Without feet, his fete is coiling into a knot.
Next, without hands, Crow sharpens a stick.
From deep in a crevasse, Crow digs dinner: Devil-icious magots.
Flappity, flash.
In moonlight’s ghostly chill, Mexican Free Tail Bat’s hairy toes glow.
Spider tip-toes paralyzingly close,
To flaunt his venomous fangs.
Skills startle and surprise.
The judges tally a tie.
Snake wins the What-NOT-to-Do prize.
Crow achieves the Sharp-Whit-tled Award.
Bat receives the Freaky Fete Citation.
And Spider earns the Deadly Dental Trophy.
“Cackl-lations contestants!” Goblin snickers.
I love the fact that all win a prize.
Great word choices, very visual…hairy toes glowing, flaunting venomous fangs.
HALLOWSCREAM
Ashley Sierra
100 words
The Hallowscream Contest is here!
Whoever makes the best sound wins the crown.
Goblin gallops and growls.
“Arrr!”
Witch zooms and cackles.
“He-he-he.”
Werewolf crawls and howls.
“Awooooo!”
Mummy shuffles and moans.
“Mmmmm.”
Ghost floats and wails.
“Booooo!”
Zombie drags and groans.
“Uhhhhh.”
Skeleton tiptoes forward. A chill runs down her spine.
Everyone stares.
What sound could Skeleton make?
Skeleton shakes her skull.
She claps her metacarpals.
Rattles her ribs.
Pounds her patellas.
Taps her tarsals.
Her bones jingle and jangle . . .
d
o
w
n
to her phalanges.
The crowd moans, groans, howls, and growls!
Skeleton’s shake, rattle, and roll wins the show!
Love this story, Ashley! It came out AMAZING. My son is a skeleton for Halloween, so I’m going to read this to him tomorrow. 🙂
How fun! I hope he enjoys reading it.
Fun story. Very visual, and more than that, it adds a so often ignored sense, hearing. Kids will love this one.
Thank you for reading and for your kind comments.
Skeleton steals the show! An usual entry. I like the sound aspect of your story and the rhythm through your choice of words (alliteration).
Thank you for reading!
Grabby Gabby
by Ashley Sierra
100 words
Gabby Goblin rushed next door to trick-or-treat.
A bowl overflowed with candy.
“ONE claw-ful!”
“Too many!” shouted a skeleton.
“Oops,” said Gabby.
Across the street, Gabby grabbed . . .
“TWO claws-ful!”
“Chill, Grabby Gabby!” yelled a yeti.
“Whoops,” said Gabby.
At the next house, she tiptoed up the steps and snatched . . .
“Just one . . . WHOLE BOWL!”
“There’s no candy for me!” wailed a werewolf.
Gabby hid behind a hedge.
“I took too many again!” she cried.
Gabby wiped her tears. Then she remembered the sorting activity from school: “Too Much Candy? Keep, Share, or Donate.”
She sorted her candy.
“Now I’m Sharing Gabby.”
Grabby Gabby is so much fun! Great pacing, engaging escalation, and a sweet surprise ending.
Thank you!
The Real Halloween Heroes
by Ashley Sierra
98 words
Dear Writers of the World,
Every year we read your Halloween books about chilly October nights.
Creepy creatures-witches, goblins, and cats.
Fall festivals.
Haunted houses.
Pumpkin patches.
Kooky costumes.
Countless candies!
But not one book is about us. We are the most important part of Halloween! Trick-or-treaters would have no treats. Candy givers would have clutter and chaos. This Halloween, we are not going to tiptoe around this issue any longer. We demand to see a book about us by next Halloween! Well, maybe in two Halloweens.
Sincerely,
The real Halloween heroes: Bucket, Basket, Bag, Bowl, and Pillowcase
You nailed it! Those are the true Halloween heroes! Ha!
Thank you! I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for reading.
So creative. Well done!
Thank you for reading!
Unexpected, clever, and fun! Love the format, too.
Thanks for supporting this one!
Of course!
What a fun letter from a unique team of forgotten Halloween participants! 🙂
Thank you for reading!
Halloween 365
by Abigail Mumford
Word Count: 91
Gracie tries
To be chill
To tiptoe around
The truth.
But
She
Just
Takes
Up
Too
Much
Space.
A side effect of being a goblin.
On Halloween, though,
She shines.
No one questions her. Instead, they marvel.
“Your costume!”
“Your creativity!”
“Your height!”
“Your scary features!”
They want to know more.
They want to know HER.
How can she make
This
Halloween
Feeling
Last
365
days?
If you want to
Ride bikes
Have a tea party
Read books together
Or anything, really…
Contact GracieSmith@gmail.com.
The inbox
And Gracie’s heart
Are open.
Oh my. This one pulled at my heart. Beautifully and sensitively written with the just right amount of hurt and heart. And the way you typed the words…oh my.
Thank you so much, Lori! This comment means a lot! ❤
Aw, so sweet. Really lovely and I, for one, would be happy to read books with goblin Gracie!
Happy Halloweensie 🙂
Thank you so much, Steph! And brilliant use of Happy Halloweensie! I need to start saying this more often! 🙂
A charming character and heartwarming Halloweensie! Your use of space to tell Gracie’s story is so apropos, and I love how she learns to invite others into her space.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Anne!
I really enjoyed this, Abby. What an unexpected and sweet ending. Love your formatting choices as well.
Thanks, Sarah! It was a fun one to write.
Such a sweet story. Good luck!
Thank you, Ashley! Good luck to you as well!
This is so sweet, Abby!
Bri!!! Hi, friend! Thanks for reading!
Aww. So sweet. Good job!
Theliah! Always a pleasure to cross paths! Thanks for your kind comments!
ENTRY POSTED FOR GARY
Goons Beware!
By Gary Stultz (100 words)
Chilly Halloween,
Where all could be seen,
Scary creatures, goblins, and spooks.
I tiptoed past a cemetery,
Spied a fairy,
Wishing my treasure was safe from crooks.
I spoke too soon,
I spied an oncoming goon,
Straight from horror comic books.
Gimme your candy!
You helpless dear dandy,
Or I’ll feed you to my rooks.
I’m not bird food,
You foul, stinking dude,
Unsheathing my hidden steel hooks.
Looking for help,
He let out a yelp,
Diving into a gaggle of kooks.
I guess it’s true what they say,
And I believe it today,
You can’t judge character by looks.
ENTRY POSTED FOR LORI
My first Hallows Eve; I am a werewolf. There is a chill in the air. The moon a big, bright ball in the sky, casting light on scary creatures roaming the neighborhood – goblins, witches, and ninjas. I tiptoed to a stranger’s door, knocked. It slowly creaked open, a vampire! I turned and ran, my heart pounding, right into a headless man waving a chainsaw. I screamed, looking everywhere for Mom. I saw Little Red Riding Hood. Laughing, she showed me her candy. Go home, no! What a crazy, scary, wonderful night it was. I can’t wait for next year!
A Night on the Town
by Marty Bellis (100 words)
Gemma slipped past her little brother, tiptoed behind Mama’s chair, and rose into the chilly air.
Off in the distance, she heard them. Voices.
Time to go!
Drifting down, she adjusted her floppy hat and swirly skirt, joining a giddy group skipping from place to place.
Would they guess?
Would they care?
No one seemed to notice.
Gemma giggled and bounced along with the others, until . . .
trip . . . oops! “Uh-oh!”
“Run, it’s a goblin!”
Time to go!
“Where have you been, young lady?” Mama sounded more worried than mad.
Triumphantly, Gemma held up her bulging bag.
“Trick or treating! . . . I’ll share!”
I love love love your structure! It keeps things moving at such a good pace! Wonderful story! 🙂
Thank you so much for your comments, Amanda. Especially happy to know what specifically appealed to you.
Halloween Mischief
Rebecca W. Chester
98 words
Out to make mischief on Halloween night,
two naughty goblins prepared to bring fright.
Stealthily lurking down dimly-lit streets,
they scared little monsters and pilfered their treats.
Witches a-plenty and ghosties galore
found their pails empty at each festive door.
Tiptoeing bandits, they looted the town,
burgling mummies and scarecrows and clowns.
Satchels of candy, their pockets so full!
This bone-chilling night was the goblins’ best pull!
Spotting a werewolf, they chose one more mark,
one final victim they’d cheat in the dark.
Stifling giggles, they lunged for the pup,
who bellowed a howl and gobbled them up!
Ha ha, got what they deserved! So much fun and wonderful rhythm.
Happy Halloweensie 🙂
oooo, great twist at the end!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARY
Counting on Halloween
By Mary Rudzinski 93 words
My monster mash has just begun,
It’s party time- let’s have some fun.
As one brightmoon lights up this night,
Two wolves howl with all their might.
Across my lawn three goblins dance
Do Trick or treaters take the chance?
Four Skeletons with pumpkin heads
Greet five vampires in grave beds.
Six witches fly upon one broom
Casting seven spells of doom.
Eight bats hang high in our tree
Nine cats tiptoe past you and me.
At ten o’clock, a ghostly chill –
It’s Halloween- what a thrill!
Beach Trick or Treat – by Amy Duchene (99 words)
In my beach town, we wear costumes without coats.
Our witch hats and goblin garb protect us from the sun.
We build haunted sandcastles and parade through waves.
But the best is Beach Trick or Treat.
We tiptoe across sand, searching…
We dip into cool tide pools and pluck a treat…
A tiny crab!
A starfish!
Into the pail they go.
Later, we spread our treats on chilly sand:
Seaglass and shells!
Driftwood and barnacles!
Sea onions and kelp!
A feather!
When the moon rises, it’s time to go.
One last trick: we empty our pails back to Ocean.
Lovely, Amy 💗
Thank you, Shaunessy!! I tried hard NOT to rhyme this time – ha!
Makes me want to go Beach Trick or Treating!
It’s a lovely day in SoCal – you just might!
THE FULL-SIZE CANDY BAR CHALLENGE
By Sara Kruger
98 words
‘Twas the night of the witches with tall pointy hats
And goblins and pumpkins and smirking black cats.
Child-sized burritos and famous pop stars
Crowded up stairs to request chocolate bars.
One neighbor offered those chocolates full size
That bowl remained full—and was unsupervised!
The jump scares were fright’ning, the fake fog too chilly.
But one pint-sized ghost had a new strategy.
He’d seen others tiptoe, run quickly, or stroll.
This ghost, being real, floated high to the bowl.
The problem, of course, was the vict’ry was fleeting.
A ghost, as you know, has an issue with eating.
That ending! Hahahaha. Bravo.
This is so much fun 😁
Love this! What a fun rhyming tale. Clever ending!
Great title (and ending – ha!)
Great ending! 👻
Lol! This is fun to read aloud with a hilarious ending.
Without a Costume
by Laura Oliphant
98 words
Today was Halloween, but Lottie did not have a costume. A chill ran down her spine as she approached her classroom. She tiptoed up to the door and nudged it open. Witches, cats, zombies, and a goblin were already there. Dropping her gaze, she slipped into her seat. A pair of shoes shuffled into view. Lottie glanced up. Carl was standing right in front of her, wearing his everyday clothes.
“I dressed up as a Carl today,” Carl grinned. “What are you?”
Giggling, Lottie burst out, “I’m a Lottie!”
Halloween without a costume wasn’t so scary after all.
Aw, what a great friend! Amazing, the power of one friend who reaches out.
This sweet ending made me smile. 🙂
“I’m a Carl” and “I’m a Lottie” has so many special meanings.
It Is Time
by Michelle Kenner (77 words)
One Goblin, on the go.
Two creeping feet tiptoe.
Three friends join outside.
Four empty bags held wide.
Five streets where shadows lurk;
Spooked? No! Goblin smirks.
To the homes with chills and scares;
Trick or treat! We know you’re there!
Doors open, smiles greet.
Howl, cackle, get a treat.
Five long streets; we start to lag.
Four filled-to-spilling bags.
Three hugs, bye, goodnight!
Two leaping feet take flight.
One gleeful Goblin calls:
Happy Halloween to all!
What a wonderful use of counting! Such a sweet story.
Delightful! I especially like “Four filled-to-spilling bags.”
Perfect title!!!👺