Adder’s fork and wool of bat! It’s time for. . .
The 15th 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 wings, spell, and fog.
- 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!
- Please include your title, byline, and word count at the top of your entry.
- Title is not included in the word count.
- You may use the words in any grammatical variation i.e. wing, winged, winging, spells, spelling, spelled, foggy, foggiest, fogginess 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 11:59 PM Eastern Friday October 31st (So you have 3 full days to post – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.)
A note about formatting: if WordPress is feeling kindly, bold and italic font will show up, but depending where you’re copying and pasting from, it may not. If you creatively write your entry in the shape of a jack-o-lantern or a witch on a broomstick, the chances of WordPress coming through for you on that are pretty much nil. So as a general rule, don’t attempt anything fancy with your formatting. We’re here for the story, so we won’t be giving or taking away points for elaborate formatting 😊
- For those of you who would also like to post on your blogs (where maybe that fancy formatting will come through for you and so your fellow writers can come visit you at your place), 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 this, the Official Contest Post, between 12:01 AM Eastern Wednesday October 29th and Friday 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: following the close of the contest at midnight Friday, my devoted assistants and I will read and re-read and narrow down the entries to a finalist field of about 14 (because we have 14 prizes for this contest!) 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! Take a moment to ooh and aah over what you can win and admire our talented prize donors and their work! (And don’t miss the end of this post which is all the way down below the prizes 😊)
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ FABULOUS PRIZES FROM GENEROUS PEOPLE⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Please enjoy exploring all their amazing work!
⭐️ Mentorship with the one and only Vivian Kirkfield!
Vivian will take a quick look at 3 of your manuscripts and then you and she will work on 1 to polish to submission-ready, plus a query letter edit for that manuscript as well as a Zoom session to discuss the manuscript or anything related to the path to publication!
Vivian encourages new writers through her critique and editing services, shares her love for reading and writing with children through school visits, and offers advice and resources for aspiring authors through her blog, Picture Books Help Kids Soar. She is the author of One Girl’s Voice: How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the Land, Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World, From Here To There: Inventions That Changed The Way The World Moves, Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marily Monroe, Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book, Pippa’s Passover Plate, and Sweet Dreams, Sarah.
Vivian Kirkfield
Webinars/Classes/Workshops!
⭐️ A Spot in Teresa Robeson’s inaugural 2-hour Webinar/Class: Write A Graphic Novel for the First Time! (to be held sometime in January 2026) Write A Graphic Novel for the First Time is a 2-hour step-by-step webinar that takes you from idea to pitch packet, learning everything you need in between. If you’re interested in knowing when the course is ready and when you can sign up, you can go here: https://teresarobeson.myflodesk.com/poatu0ji2z .
Teresa is the APALA Picture Book Award winning author of fiction and nonfiction on her own culture and science. Her titles include: Clouds In Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us, Who Is Tibet’s Exiled Leader? The 14th Dalai Lama, Clear And Bright: A Ching Ming Festival Story, Disgust-ology: The Science of Gross, and Who Smashed Hollywood Barriers With Gung Fu? Bruce Lee.
Teresa Robeson
⭐️ A Free Admission Ticket to Rosie Pova’s November or December Workshop + A Breakthrough Consultation With Rosie for unagented and unpublished PB writers! November and December Workshop Guests will be announced after October 28th. The Breakthrough Consultation with Rosie is a one-on-one session with her, designed to help the writer identify and overcome any challenges they’re facing—whether it’s related to story craft, manuscript submissions, finding an agent, building an authentic author brand, or strengthening their online presence. During your session, Rosie will help them pinpoint what’s holding them back and create an actionable plan to help them move forward!
Rosie J. Pova is an award-winning, multi-published children’s author, poet, and writing coach. Her books include Sunday Rain, featured in The New York Times, The School of Failure, a Readers’ Favorite silver medalist, and her latest title, Sally’s Musical Tale. She is also the founder of Picture Book Author Academy, where she mentors aspiring authors toward publishing success. In addition, Rosie hosts monthly workshops with agents and editors, offering exclusive learning and submission opportunities for the kidlit community.
Rosie J. Pova
⭐️ A Virtual All-Season Pass to Every SCBWI Eastern NY Webinar in 2026 donated by SCBWI Eastern NY (my local chapter)! Fabulous webinars to help you hone your craft and business of writing no matter where you live!
A Bundle of Three Books by Talented Authors Pamela Courtney, Robin Newman and Alayne Kay Christian!
⭐️ 1. From Pamela Courtney, a signed copy of A SEASON FOR FISHIN’: A Fish Fry Tradition
Pam’s Louisiana upbringing inspired her 2025 debut A Season for Fishin’, A Fish Fry Tradition and nurtured her life’s passion for writing, teaching, music. Combining these loves, Pam brings the eyes of a classroom teacher to each narrative she crafts and created MyLMNOP, a literacy and music program for early learners “My duty is great,” says Pam. “I am a writer who teaches. I am a teacher who writes.”
together with
⭐️ 2. a copy of TRIAL AND ERROR, the newest chapter book from Robin Newman!
Raised in New York and Paris, Robin Newman is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and City University of New York School of Law. She was a practicing attorney and legal editor, but now prefers to write about witches, mice, ants, and peacocks. Author of the award-winning Wilcox & Griswold Mystery Series and several picture books, she lives in New York with two spoiled spaniels. To learn more, please visit www.robinnewmanbooks.com.
Robin Newman
together with
⭐️ 3. a signed copy of THE WEED THAT WOKE CHRISTMAS from Alayne Kay Christian!
Alayne Kay Christian is the former acquisitions editor and art director for Blue Whale Press and an award-winning children’s book author. She is the creator and teacher of a picture book writing course, Art of Arc. She shares more of her knowledge and tips for writers through Writing for Children Webinars and Courses. Her books include The Weed That Woke Christmas: The Mostly True Take of the Toledo Christmas Weed, An Old Man and His Penguin: How Dindim Made João Pereira de Souza an Honorary Penguin, Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa, and two Sienna the Cowgirl Fairy books: Trying To Make It Rain and Cowboy Trouble.
Alayne Kay Christian
AMAs PLUS!
⭐️ A 30-Minute Zoom Ask Me Anything for an Individual or for the Individual and their Critique Group from Heather Pierce Stigall , PLUS a signed copy of the winner’s choice of one of her picture books: PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY or GILBERT AND THE GHOST!
Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is the author of the picture books Gilbert and the Ghost and Paisley’s Big Birthday. You can connect with Heather at www.HeatherPierceStigall.com.
Heather Pierce Stigall
⭐️ A 30-Minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from Tina Shepardson PLUS a signed copy of her picture book THE SORRY SEEDS!
Tina, an award-winning teacher of 33 years and an award-winning author, now inspires, educates, and engages kids writing children’s books. Author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds—a Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite, 2025, and Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack, she created and hosts @thelilleaderspodcast.com, celebrating young leaders and literacy by interviewing kids about their life experiences in the hopes of impacting others.
Tina Shepardson
Pitch Critiques!
⭐️ A Package of 3 Pitch Critiques from Heather Preusser! Pick out three pitches you’d like help with, and Heather will help you polish them to perfection!
Heather has a BA in English and art history from Williams College, an MA in education from the University of Colorado, and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. A National Writing Project fellow, Heather has seventeen years of experience teaching both middle and high school English. She is represented by Janine Le at JLLA. Her books include A Symphony of Cowbells, Hedgehog Whodunit, Hedgehog Whodunit: The Carousel Caper, and forthcoming in 2026, Hedgehog Whodunit: The Protective Order of Peanuts.
Heather Preusser
Picture Book Manuscript Critiques!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction, non-rhyming) from author/illustrator Julie Rowan-Zoch!
Julie is a reformed graphic designer, concocting and sculpting story ideas and illustrations – every day. She is the author and illustrator of I’m A Hare, So There!, and the illustrator of Stopping By Jungle on a Snowy Evening, Not All Sheep Are Boring, and Louis.
Julie Rowan-Zoch
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Fiction or Nonfiction, Rhyme or Prose) from Nancy Derey Riley
Smart Stories for Curious Kids – Where Science, Imagination, and Kindness Meet. Nancy Derey Riley is an author, illustrator, and competitive adult figure skater. After completing a B.S. and M.S. in wildlife biology, she had a 32-year career as a wildlife biologist. She worked in New England, the Midwest, the desert Southwest, and at the national level in Arlington, Virginia. She loves bringing science and nature to life in her stories. Her website is: Nancy Riley Novelist – My writing website. Nancy is the author and illustrator of 3 self-published titles: Curiosity’s Discovery (Nov. 10, 2020), Butterfly Inn (May 25, 2022), Yeti In The Serengeti (May 30, 2023), and Who Ate My Cactus? (Shadelandhouse Modern Press, May 13, 2025)
Nancy Derey Riley
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming) from Deborah Holt Williams
Deborah is the author of five early readers for the educational publisher Continental Press. Susanna’s contests got her back to her first love—writing in rhyme. Her poems have appeared in Highlights mags and on poetry sites for children, and her rhyming picture book Nighty Night Dinos comes out in June of 2026 from Familius. (The image below is an art sample from Nighty Night Dinos, illustrated by Anna Doherty, ©Anna Doherty 2026.)
Deborah Holt Williams
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Fiction) from Melissa Stoller PLUS a signed copy of her newest picture book, HAZEL AND MABEL: Two Hearts Apart!
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, released from Gnome Road Publishing in September, 2025. Melissa’s next picture book, Stella’s Special Recipe, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, will release from Kar-Ben Publishing in Fall 2026. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection – Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, and a Rate Your Story Judge.
Melissa Stoller
⭐️ A Manuscript Critique from Donna Martin– winner’s choice of a Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction, rhyme or prose), OR a First Chapter of a Chapter Book Critique, OR the First 10 Pages of a YA Novel Critique. Donna is especially good with PB fiction and rhyme, CB historical fiction and action, and YA fantasy!
Kidlit author, Donna L Martin, writes award winning stories for children, including picture books, chapter books, and young adult fantasy. Her books include A Barnyard Christmas, The Warriors Three, Lunadar: Homeward Bound, the History’s Mysteries series, and Hildie and the Beastie. She can be found on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn under DONASDAYS or readers can learn more about all her books at www.Amazon.com/author/donnalmartin.
Donna L. Martin
⭐️ A Rhyming Picture Book Manuscript Critique – fiction and nonfiction from Jill Richards Proctor. Her critiques include line-by-line review of rhythm and rhyme, suggestions for cutting or changing words, review of grammar, and feedback on the strengths/weaknesses of the manuscript itself.
Jill Proctor
Jill has been a writer and rhymer nearly all her life. She and her cat live on the top of a mountain, where she spends most days chasing my muse. Her poetry has been published in High Five Highlights Magazine, The School Magazine, and Children’s Writer. She has won a long list of awards and mentions in many kidlit contests, including First Place in the Institute of Children’s Literature (ICL) Rhyming Animal Poetry Contest, and First Place in ICL’s Fall Poetry Contest. Examples of her list of publications can be found on her website, as well as a list of her awards and mentions – all in rhyme.
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 333 entries listed below are linked to where they appear in the comments so you can click on the titles and get right to them! Anyone who feels kind can start at the bottom of the list so those entries get some comments too! 🎃 😊
2025 Halloweensie Contest Entries!
- THE SPOOKIEST GOBLIN IN GHOULVILLE – Vashti Verbowski
- SIBLING MAGIC – Lori Knutsen
- RASKELLY RUNS FOR HIS afterLIFE! – Katie Schwartz
- FROG FOG – Jocelyn Watkinson
- GRAM’S HALLOWEEN GARDEN– Susan Elizabeth Schipper
- FROG GOES TRICK-OR-TREATING – Mike Flowers
- SCARY HAIRY HALLOWEEN FAIRY – Jill Richards Proctor
- A MOST UNUSUAL SPELLBOOK – Danielle Anderson
- RETAIL SCARE-APY – Heather Kinser
- Aerial AcroBAT – Jill Lambert
- HALLOWEEN PARADE AT THE ART MUSEUM – Lauren N. Simmons
- HAPPY SPECKTAQULAR HALLOOVEEN! – Kiran Vazir Nair
- NORMALLY VERY NICE – Bethany Brodsky
- THE SPELLING MISTAKE – Tamara Hecht
- HOW TO WOO A WiTCH – Maria Kim
- A WICKED GOOD COSTUME – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
- HOMOGRAPH HALLOWEEN – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
- MOONLIGHT MAGIC – Rebecca Woodall
- THE GREAT HALLOWEEN BAKE OFF – Polly Hunt
- BATSY AND HAZEL – Lisa Carmody Doiron
- THE DRAGON, THE WITCH AND THE CAULDRON – Sue Lancaster
- HALLOWEEN NIGHT FLIGHT – Daniella Kaufman
- CACKLE, CRACKLE, OOPS! – Sarah Atherton
- MUMMY MOMMY – Shawna Cain
- WHAT KIZZY KNOWS ABOUT MS. DEVEREAUX – Bronchelle Parker
- CALL YOU RUDOLPH – Betsy J. Bennett
- WINGS INSTEAD OF A BROOM – Tracy T Agnelli
- WITCH WILDA – Elizabeth Volkmann
- F-L-Y-B-E-R-T – April Berry
- ‘SPELLING’ COUNTS – Elyse Trevers
- THE BIGGEST FRIGHT ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT – Emily Roberts
- THE HOBLINGOBLIN HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE – Emily Roberts
- WHEN THE FOGHORN SOUNDED – Erica Chester
- THE RAVEN’S GHOST – Lyn Jekowsky
- HALLOWEEN IN FOG HOLLOW – Shelley Jones Clark
- A HALLOWEEN NIGHTMARE – Janet Bryce
- MONSTER SPELLING COMPETITION – Susan Wollison
- A FROGLET’S HALLOWEEN – Anthony Baldasare
- THE SPELL – Mona Voelkel
- MORGAN’S HALLOWEEN BROOM VROOM! – Chelsey Bahe
- ITCHY TWITCHY HALLOWEEN WITCHY – Julie Lerczak
- KIND-HEARTED KRYSTAL – Deborah Williams
- HALLOWINGED – Kat Kindig
- BOO-TIFUL BY MISTAKE – Deborah Foster
- TINA’S SCARY WISH – Randi Lynn Mrvos
- TREATS? OR TRICKS? – Sandra Bohman
- HERBIE AND MARIBEL – Milanka Reardon
- IT ALWAYS HAPPENS ON HALLOWEEN! – Isabel Cruz Rodgriguez
- THE WITCH’S WAY – Kelly Kates
- LEARNING TO SPELL – Jenny Nelson
- THE DEVILLED EGGS: AN ORIGIN STORY – Sherry Moon
- BONE-LY HEARTS SNUB – Laura Proven Croyle
- THE LETTER THIEF – Kendra Lusty
- THE HALLOWEEN WINGDING – Debbie Land
- SCARECROW’S FIRST HALLOWEEN PARTY – Eleanor A. Peterson
- MARIPOSA MOON – Katie Combe
- OH, SWEET FOG! – Robin Birdie Jordan
- SECOND GRADE WITCH SPELLS – Quincy Trochue
- WHAT IF? – Kim Collazo
- SPELLS & SUCH: THE SERIOUS WITCH’S SHOP – Lauri C. Meyers
- A TEENSIE-WEENSIE HALLOWEENSIE TALE – Mary Louise Kiernan
- A BATTY HALLOWEEN – Amy Kolb Noyes
- COSTUMED CRITTERS – Jessica Jenson
- IT’S MINE! – Josh Donner
- NO TRICKS, JUST SWEET – Tiffanie Leung Abbott
- A KIND HALLOWEEN SPELL – Kelsey Mango
- WANDA THE WHICH – Russell Wolff
- SWEET DREAMS – Margaret Robison
- IN A WITCH’S KITCHEN – Laura Wippell
- DON’T MESS WITH THE FROG – Linda Staszak
- TILLY’S MOONLIT SPELL – Leigh Lachman
- BANNED PRACTICE – Sarah Hirsch
- THE FRIGHT NIGHT JAM-BOO-BEE – Jennifer Tarr
- GHOUL BUS – Jessica Iwanski
- PARTY SKELETONS – Eric Roscosky
- GHOST SQUIRREL – Paige Lohr
- A FAIRY BAD MISTAKE – Jany Campana
- IT’S BEWITCHING TIME! – Marty Bellis
- GRETA HATES HALLOWEEN – Cindy Sommer
- A RECIPE FOR HALLOWEEN – Catherine Rose
- FLIGHT OF THE TURNIP – Rochelle Smith
- THE SPELL OF THE HALLOWEEN FOG – Alli Straus
- DARK AND FOG’S SPOOKY HALLOWEEN – Rebecca Thill
- HETTIE WITCH’S PARADE PROBLEM – Meg Winikates
- TESSA’S TRUNK OR TREAT TRICK – Nancy Ferguson
- SHE COULDN’T WAIT TO GO! – Sara Kruger
- MENACE AT THE DENTIST – Jessica Russo
- TRICK OR TREAT – RJ Clarken
- WHERE’S THE CHOCOLATE? – Donna Van Oss
- EERIE MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS – Seth Standley
- HALLOWEEN MAGIC – Theresa Dabney
- THE HOUSE THAT WAITS – Alex Waldo
- HILDRUN’S HALLOWEEN HOEDOWN – Theresa Dabney
- MONSTER JAMBOREE – Lauren Kimberly
- TROUBLE AND TOIL – Kelly Clasen
- THE RAVENS – Ali Lithke
- MG – THE HOLLOW BETWEEN TWO HEARTS – Gayle Krause
- SIT FOR A SPELL – Amy Farris
- THE DANCING SPELL – Brianna Rose Lengel
- RUNAWAY PUMPKINS – Martha Holguin
- WICKED TREATS – Kristen Littlefield
- HALLOWEEN CIRCUS – Shaunessy Sinnett
- HALLOWEEN WONDER – Theresa Dabney
- BAZ CROW AND THE SCARECROW – Allison Wilhelm
- THE VAMPIRE – Leslie Johnson Piotrowski
- TRICK-OR-TREATING MISCHIEF MAKERS – Jenna Daucunas
- MINA’S FIRST HALLOWEEN FLIGHT – Imelda Taylor
- BEGGAR’S NIGHT – Jess Appel
- DRUSCILLA AND BATSON – Anna Marie Evans
- RUDOLPH’S HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE – Susan Corry
- THE OOPSIE SPELL – Aida Nash
- BAT’S FREAKY FRIDAY – Sandra G. Ramirez
- WHERE BUSS CAN WEAR WINGS – Sherry Dubis
- NOT THIS YEAR! – Heidi McFadzean
- THE WITCH’S SPELL – Joanna Szeto
- I’M NOT GOING TO HALLOWEEN – Trine Grillo
- PEGGY’S REVENGE – Brooke Baum
- TRICK-OR-TREAT – Tracey Kiff-Judson
- LITTLE WITCHY ~ MASTER SPELLER – Pam Adams
- SPELLS CAST – Candelaria Norma Silva
- MAMA’S SPELL FOR FINDING HOME – Laura N. Clement
- THE MOON WHO WISHED – McKenzie Lynn Tozan
- DRACULA’S HALLOWEEN BASH – Sara Hoy
- ELISA’S MAGIC – Kathleen Jacobs
- BEWARE THE GARGOYLE PUMPKIN – Dawn Mitchell
- TRICK-OR-TREAT – Pallavi Jesrani
- WINGED WONDERS – Debbie Vilardi
- WITCHY WISHES – Jenn Gautam
- MAYBE I CAN CAST A SPELL – Lily C. Fen
- WENDY THE WITCH – Colleen Fogarty
- MIRABELLE’S SPELLS – Jamie Donahoe
- BAT’S GIFT TO GARGOYLE – Sarah Hawklyn
- DON’T BE SCARED, IT’S HALLOWEEN – Sarah Lynne John
- SCARED OF NOTHING – Jan Peck
- THE SKELETON’S NEW CLOTHES – Lucretia Schafroth
- SCHOOL OF REVIEW – Mona Pease
- THE CANDY BAN – Anne Lipton
- LITTLE BEE’S HALLOWEEN – Blythe Williams
- FAIRY DUST HALLOWEEN – Rose Cappelli
- HALLOWEEN THESAURUS – Rebecca W. Chester
- A SURPRISE SPELL – Susan Summers
- HAIRY HOUDINI’S HALLOWEEN HIJINKS – Jeanette O’Toole
- LITTLE BAT’S BRIGHT NIGHT – Emma Applegarth
- BETTY BATS BLOODY GOOD IDEA – Sharon McCarthy
- HALLOWEEN NIGHTMARE – Mary Rudzinski
- THE POULTRYGEIST – Melissa J. Miles
- BEHIND THE BROOMSTICK: A TELL-ALL – Anya-Kaye Francis
- HALLOWEEN BIRTHDAY – Andy Nuttall
- SPELLS, FOG AND FROGS! – Lucia Lemieux
- JUST TAKE ONE! – Amy Chini
- FREDDIE THE WINGED FROG – Karen Opp
- SIR BAT AND THE HALLOWEEN NIGHT – Jennifer Arnold
- THE MISSING INGREDIENT – Charlene Yutmeyer
- THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER – Katia M. Jesson
- RASPBERRY CREAM – Amanda Fletcher
- A WARNING TO BATS – Elizabeth Muster
- COUNTING ON HALLOWEEN – Rebecca Singer
- SUGAR RUSH – Celia Cataldo
- MISSPELL – Eric Sondergeld
- CANDY CURIOSITY – Celia Cataldo
- WING SONG – Lu Ann Schnable Kaldor
- MATHILDA AND THE LITTLE MONSTERS – Katrina Stern
- GHOST COWS? – Lu Ann Schnable Kaldor
- THE GREAT FROG CROSSING – Kathy Dobson
- THE HALLOWEEN WISH – Kathleen Jacobs
- ATHTHAMMA WHAT IS HALOON – Diyamanthi Galpoththage
- WITCHY AND GHOSTY – Stacy Barnett Mozer
- SILLY WILLY’S CHICKEN CHILI – Tess Bass
- CHICK OR CHEAT: A HALLOWEEN WISH – Jennifer Concepcion McLennan
- LITTLE SNAGGLETOOTH – Susan Gleeson
- THE HALLOWEEN SPELL – Beth Gallagher
- REVERSE THE CURSE – Webb Smith
- BAT’S BIG NIGHT – Lisa Billa
- RULES ARE FOR THE LIVING – Ragan Fry
- A SPELL FOR DADDY – Deborah Kim
- HALLOWEEN NOSTALGIA – Michelle S. Kennedy
- SPOOKY SPELLING BEE – Kassandra Ayala
- CATIE’S COSTUME CONUNDRUM – Jan Schwaid
- THIS HALLOWEENSIE FRIGHTFUL NIGHT – Joni Klein-Higger
- BATTY NOT IN THE NIGHT – ?
- A HALLOWEEN GLOW – Sue Parker Mielinski
- CAST A SPELL – Deborah Hunt
- ELARA AND THE BROOM WING CHALLENGE – ?
- BEE-WITCHED – Cindy Chambers Johnson
- ASTRA’S SPELL – Marty Findley
- HUBERT THE ELF WANTS TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN – Margaret Lea
- HALLOWEEN BREAK – Keatley Eastman
- SCARLET’S HALLOWEEN HUNT – Lora Stead
- SCARY ROCK – Sonja McGiboney
- A HALLOWEEN FOLKLORE: WITCHCRAFT & FROGS – P.J. Purtee
- WITCHY AND THE TRICK-OR-TREAT SPELLING BEE – Sarah Meade
- WICKED WANDA – Alan Elliott
- TRIXIE AND PUMPKIN – Sarah Meade
- EEK! A WEEKNIGHT HALLOWEEN – Jenn Gaulding
- MURDER ON HALLOWEEN – Laura Kiehner
- STAY CALM AND SPARKLE ON – Melissa J. Miles
- BABY GHOST – Katherine Fox
- THE BRIGHT HALLOWEEN NIGHT – Christy Eiler
- THE SPOOKY SPELL – Catherine Ann Velasco
- BOXED IN – Diane McBee
- THE SPOOKIEST HOUSE – Lisa Davis
- THE HORRIBLE HALLOWEEN STENCH – Angela Steffen
- TRICK OR TREAT AND DOGGIE TREATS – Kathleen Jacobs
- OPAL OWL AND THE MAGIC FOG – Susan Kalver
- THE 1,374TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPELLING BEE – Cari Chamberlain
- THE GREEDY WITCH – Gregory Bray
- THE HALLOWEEN DARE – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
- HAPPY HALLOWEEN – Lori Bresnahan
- HALLOWEEN MORNING – Lori Bresnahan
- THE WITCH’S CROW – Leslie Ross-Degnan
- THE WILY WAND OF WINIFRED WITCH – Annette Martin
- FIRE IN THE SKY – Charlie Griffin
- THE HAUNTED HORSE HOTEL – Jen Stambolsky
- HALLOWEEN – Debra Fagans
- A SPECIAL SIBLING SPELL – Laura Bryte
- TIME TO FLY – Susan Burdorf
- A LaGHOSTY WITH THE MOSTY – Andria W. Rosenbaum
- THE TALE OF THE MISSING WINGS – Usri Chowdhury
- THE SCAREST PHRASE – Becki J. Kidd
- BAT WINGS – Sheila Renfro
- BOBBIT AND HIS MAGIC WINGS – Usri Chowdhury
- REFLECTION CONNECTION – Birdie Jordan
- CHOOSING YOUR BOOK – Debbie Graf
- FAIRY FIX – Annette Birdsall
- HALLOWEEN NIGHT – Milly Strawn
- A PEST IS BEST FOR HALLOWEEN – Debbie Graf
- THE CANDY THIEF – Debbie Graf
- TRICK OR STEW – Kate DiMaio
- TRICK OR TEETH – Ginger Burke
- A FRIGHTFUL NIGHT OF DELIGHTFUL BITES – N. Q. Haines
- WITCH’S MAGICAL HAT – Tisha Blackman
- MISS-SPELLED – Veronica Bartles
- BERNARD’S BAD BITE – Mary Beth Woodside
- PAT THE PUMPKIN FACES HALLOWEEN – Garland Godinho
- A LONELY GHOST ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT – Garland Godinho
- HALLOWEEN IS COMING! – Garland Godinho
- PUMPKIN JACK – Sally Mills
- PEN’S HALLOWEEN DREAM – Angela Martinelli
- JACK OF THE LANTERNS – Meeta Vishnu
- THREE SISTERS – Judy Hughes
- OOKY, SPOOKY – Camille Lancaster
- HALLOWEEN SPELL (ING) – Janet Scratchley
- WHEN THE FOG TURNS TO GOLD – Melissa Smith
- MY FEET ARE NOT YOUR TREAT! – Stephanie Mena
- BARNABY BAT – Amanda Spino
- OWL IN THE STEW – Catherine Youngsquist
- HALLOWEEN MAGIC – Claudia Sloan
- TREATS FOR SPELLS – Maya Mackowiak Elson
- THE BOG WITCH’S GARDEN – Jennifer Weingardt
- THE WITCH’S BEHIND – Jonathan Sellars
- BROOKE’S BLUNDER – Rochelle Smith
- A SCARY TOMORROW – Elisa Teichert
- THE WITCH’S MASK – Carolyn Sauer
- TRANSYLVANIA TOAST – Jacinta Patterson
- AN EYE FOR A SPELL – Sarah (Sezza) Hetu
- DON’T GO TO THE GRAVEYARD ON HALLOWEEN! – Karyn Devlin
- ZORABELLE CAN’T SPELL – Margaret Zotkiewicz
- SPELLA’S FOG VANISHING SPELL – Darlene Kesot
- FIRST HALLOWEEN PARTY – Tiffany Hanson
- THE FLOATLESS GHOSTESS – J. Buchet
- FRANKENFEATHER – Maria Pinero Pope
- CAULDRON CHAOS – Maria Pinero Pope
- FIRST HALLOWEEN (AS A WITCH) – Carolyn Sauer
- RECIPE FOR DISASTER – Janet Cannon
- EVIE’S JOKE-O’-LANTERN – Lynn Burton
- THE BAD BEHAVIOR GRAVEYARD – Sarah Hirsch
- CHANGING ON HALLOWEEN – Cindy Greene
- SPELLADONNA TRIES AGAIN – Laura Polasek
- ALL HALLOW’S EVE – Jill Tatara
- DRAGON FLY – Jen Subra
- THE SWAMP ON HALLOWEEN – Amanda Blaylock
- LULU’S WISH – Amanda Blaylock
- VAMPIRE PROBLEM – Denise Seidman
- BLACK CAT’S BAD LUCK – Marla Yablon
- A BODY FOR GHOST – Kendra Lusty
- LAUNDRY GOBLIN – Katrenia Wilcutt
- FRED SAVES HALLOWEEN – Marcia D. Williams
- JACK TAKES FLIGHT – Naz Alibhai
- TERRI-FLYING TIMES – Joy Dickinson
- HALLOWEEN 101 – Cathy Bendix
- WHO? – Debra Collins
- ANTICIPATING THE SPELL – Kate Chabarek
- MYSTI THE ARTIST WITCH – Nazrin Farook
- WITCHLING’S WINGDING – Griffin Taylor
- SET-A-SPELL – ERE
- THE TRICK IS ON YOU – Pat Haapaniemi
- THE FULL-SIZED CANDY HOUSE – Vanessa Ireson
- THE MYSTERIOUS CRUNCH! – Angela Steffen
- MAKE ME A HALLOWEEN BALLERINA, PLEASE – Robin Donovan
- CLASSROOM CUPBOARD TRICK OR TREAT – Jodie Houghton
- A WITCHES MISTAKE – Kate Woodard
- SLOW COOKING – Peter Rogers
- WARTS, WINGS AND WITCHY THINGS – Carol Porter-Peszko
- MUMFORD’S FRIENDS – Carolyn Pfister
- FREE FOG – Teresa Speranza Vargas
- THE COSTUME BIN – Amy Duchene
- PENELOPE SPELLACY HAS HER OWN PLAN – Sharon Korzelius
- SPOOKY’S SPELL – Tonya Dalhaus
- THE BUTTERFLY BEAUTICIAN – Colleen Murphy
- GHOST’S FLYING LESSON – Roxanne Dooley
- SCAREDY BAT –
- BOOOO ARE THEY SCREAMING AT? – Ali DeMoro
- ZOMBIE ZACH’S HALLOWEEN QUEST – Judy Sobanski
- MONSTER BALL – Marc Vestey
- HALLOWEEN REVENGE – Penelope McNally
- BRENDA BAT’S BODACIOUS BUNGLE – Missy Pray
- HALLOWEEN ECHOES – Amy Duchene
- MISCHIEVOUS PIXIE – Annette G. Teepe
- HALLOWEEN HATTIE – Diane Roberts
- PUMPKIN ESCAPE! – C. L. White
- FOR EVERY TREAT, A TRICK REMAINS – Corine Timmer
- TRIM-OR-TREAT – Elaine Thuener
- THE HALLOWEEN SURPRISE – Nina Haines
- IT’S NOT EASY BEING FOG – Jan Milusich
- SHERMAN’S HALLOWEEN PARADE – Maria Marshall
- WITCHY HALLOWEEN NIGHT – Nancy Wade
- WENDALEE’S TRANSPORTATION TROUBLES – Linda Hofke
- HALLOWEEN LEFTOVERS – Catherine Zampier
- SING, WINGS – Margaret Zotkiewicz
- WILLOW’S WINGED WONDERS – Stephanie Santana
- THE OWL’S SURPRISE – Erin Zampaglione
- HILDA THE WITCH WANTS A MASK – Helene Debelak
- THE BAT WITH GLOWING WINGS – CS (student-youth)
- ESTELLA’S SPELL AT WITCH SCHOOL – Claire Schlinkert
- CLAIRE AND THE COSTUME CONTEST – Reed Hilton-Eddy
- THE (MIS) SPELL – Scott Wolf
- CANDY? OKAY. – Greg Beatty
- THE HALLOWEEN BALL – Nora G. Ho
- WOLFIE’S SPELL – Una Belle Townsend
- TRAPPAST FLEES – Zi Hui Yang
- WITCHY WAND – Rosemary Basham
- JUST A JOKE – Maverick May
- MOTHMAN – Trista Herring Baughman
Susanna Leonard Hill 
HERBIE AND MARIBEL
by Milanka Reardon
100 words
Twas the foggiest night,
when Maribel spread her wings and
cast a spell on Herbie,
who never wanted to be a frog.
He wanted to be a mermaid,
but Mama got the frog costume instead.
So Maribel rolled up her sleeves.
She waved her wand,
the frog turned into a toad.
She sprinkled stardust,
the toad turned into a blobfish.
She cut and sewed.
Gave him her hat for fins.
One final touch,
a magical kiss.
And the blobfish turned into
a magnificent mermaid.
Tucked under Maribel’s wings,
together they flew
from house to house
on that foggy Halloween night.
I like the progression from frog to mermaid rather than just poof! you’re a mermaid.
ENTRY POSTED FOR ISABEL
It always happens on Halloween!
by Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
Word Count: 99 words
On a clear and fog-filled night
The sun rays cracked the shells
Of a blind witch reading spells
In a Spell Book with no words
Searching for ways to add some wings
To her flightless broom that just flew in.
From far away a wobblin’ goblin
Walks with his green ghoul friend
To empty school rooms in crowded locations
With a feathered cat and one black chicken
Where dried flowers bloom and
Fish bones swim on grass somewhere.
This snowy night feels so bizarre
Don’t know where I’m going
Don’t know where I’ve been
It always happens on Halloween!
Nice imagery.
Love the dreamlike quality of this story!
The Witch’s Way
Kelly Kates
WC: 100
The large oak rose out of the fog. But which way now? She was going to miss the Boos and Brews. Again!
Her broom sputtered to a stop. Brunhilda tumbled off, narrowly missing a glimmering orb in the grass.
“Three more miles!” squeaked a voice, “I’ll never make it to the Glitter Gala!”
“Can’t you fly?” Brunhilda croaked.
“My wings froze in that last cold spell.”
“I’d give you a ride, but you still wouldn’t get there in time. I’m terrible with directions.”
“No problem. I can be your Global Positioning Sprite!”
“And I’ll be your Ride Scare! Hop on!”
Ride scare?! I want to know more. My hubby gets lost in his own hometown. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
“Global Positioning Sprite” and “Ride Scare”, I LOVE IT!
Thank you!
Boos and Brews sounds like a fun night on the town. And I love Global Positioning Sprite.
Thank you so much!
FUN! This one made me smile. 🙂
Thank you, Sarah.
This is so charming. I love the puns!
Thank you so much!
So creative, Kelly! I love the play on words you sprinkled throughout! Such a cute story in such a small space. 🙂
Thank you so much!
This is so clever! I love your style, it is a quick glimpse into the spooky little world!
Thanks so much, Amanda.
ENTRY POSTED FOR JENNY
LEARNING TO SPELL
By Jenny Nelson
WC 99
Plop!
The wings of my Christmas costume hit the floor. It’s Halloween and I’m no angel–just ask my mama and papa.
I pull the pillowcase over my head and line up the eye-holes. The mirror reveals a perfect ghost.
Gramma whispers to me, adjusts her black hat and steps away. I repeat her whisper out loud.
Suddenly, fog pours from the mirror, filling the room.
As I float toward the ceiling, I know Gramma’s spell has worked.
Okay Gramma, time to trick or treat!
When I grow up, I hope I’ll be as good a witch as my gramma.
Oh, so sweet. Intergeneratianl and fresh. Make it into a PB.
“and I’m no angel” becomes even funnier when you realize the character is literally no angel, but a witch in training
What a great idea. I agree, make it into a PB!
The Devilled Eggs: an origin story
by Sherry Moon word count 100
Long past Easter, two eggs were still hidden.
October arrived. Bright leaves, chill breeze,
Dark wings on Halloween.
The hobgoblin had finished trading all the toys
In his bag for candy.
He spied the eggs in the gray fog.
“Two more toys!”
He performed a spell…
Sizzle-zick! The eggs grew faces.
Sizzle-zack! The eggs sprouted arms and legs.
“Hop in my bag and I’ll deliver you to a nice home.”
They did, and jumped out again, hands full of candy.
The hobgoblin lifted his stick-Sizzle-zick!
“You two are now devilled eggs!”
Small horns appeared on the retreating figures.
Creepy but fun. I don’t think I’ll eat devilled eggs again.
Great fun to read. Thanks for posting such a clever story!
I like the literal devilled eggs. As one of my son’s once told his brother when eating devilled eggs, “The devil is tasty.”
Devilishly funny!!
Devilishly fun!
LOL! This made me think of the lost Easter eggs my brother and I found months later. Love this origin story.
BONE-LY HEARTS SNUB
By Laura Proven Croyle
100 words
————–
“Ignore him—he’s not real!” parents hustle petrified tots past.
“He’s so fake!” teens sneer.
The hollow ache returns.
Can’t they see?
I’m trying to be authentic.
Down-to-earth.
On full display
amidst foggy, strobe-lit sky:
baring my soul…
spilling my guts…
…if I had any.
Either teased
or avoided,
but never really seen
as The Friendly-but-Terrifying
Twelve-Foot-Tall Skeleton.
Trick-or-treaters bustle by:
Rainbow-winged fairies, wicked witches.
Superheroes, scarecrows, stegosauruses.
Even pudgy pumpkin babies.
Suddenly,
a spirited bumblebee
stops for a spell.
Delightfully nervous,
she holds my gaze…
Marveling.
She can see my non-existent heart.
Lovely warmth bleeds,
mending my many fractures.
There’s a lot of emotion here. Congrats!
Beautiful writing!
Hi Laura! Love seeing you here. You packed so much emotion into this story, and so much clever wording. I’ll be paying extra attention to the neighbourhood giant skeleton this year! Best of luck.
Laura—“Nonexistent heart”? This piece is filled with nothing but :). Bravo.
I’ll never look at those giant skeletons the same again.
The Letter Thief
Kendra Lusty
(92 words)
No TRAP can catch the Letter Thief!
I took the T. You’ll RAP your grief.
I stole your R, you foolish FROG,
and disappeared inside the FOG.
You set out BAIT? Such ill intent!
Despite its most alluring SCENT,
I snatched the I and swiped the C,
and SENT a BAT (tee hee hee)
to flap its wings about your face!
A spell BOOK? Really? You disgrace.
That K’s exactly what I need.
BOO! Happy Halloween, indeed.
You keep your treats. I’m out of sight,
gone with the TRICK I stole tonight.
Cute Kendra. At least they get to keep the sweets.
Very creative!
I love the fun play on words. Yay!
Oh, so clever, Kendra! Well done!
This one is so creative!!
Kendra—Methinks this letter thief has also stolen my heart, haha. Well done :).
This is so fun. I couldn’t help but still some letters from your name: Endust.
You fiend! Oops, I mean friend. You can have your R back.
I love everything about this entry! Such a fun idea and execution.
So creative! Nice job
So clever! Love it!
Unique! I enjoyed reading this. Well done.
This is SO creative and clever! Such fun to read aloud! Well done, Kendra! And good luck. 🙂
THE HALLOWEEN WINGDING
by Debbie Land
word count: 94
Ding dong! BooBoo bolts out of bed.
“Party time!” Lulu hollers. “We must be fierce. Chop-chop!”
The ghosts zigzag through the foggy forest. “Jeepers creepers!” BooBoo cries. They fly crisscross, dodging the wingless zombies.
“Abracadabra!” The witch casts a spell. They soar higher and higher, escaping her hocus-pocus.
Itty-bitty spiders guard the graveyard gate. “Heebie-jeebies!” Booboo shivers. They present fancy-schmancy gewgaws and pass through.
The music! They boogie-woogie and dance the Hokey Pokey.
The creatures! A mishmash of ghouls and goblins greet them.
The candy! They devour ooey gooey delights and bonbons galore.
Woo-hoo!
I love the alliteration Debbie. good luck!
All the rhyming words are so entertaining.
Ha! This one made me smile
I especially enjoyed the title!
So fun to read! Good job 🙂
Title: Scarecrow’s First Halloween Party. 100 words
by Eleanor A. Peterson
https://eleanorannpeterson.com/my-entry-for-the-15th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest/
On a foggy night, Maizey sighed. “Peckster, no Halloween invite for me.”
“Maybe a mailbox would help.”
Peckster put a mailbox near Maizey. But still no invitation.
Spreading his wings, Crow spotted a postman.
Possibly one is for Maizey.
Daizey was written on the envelope.
Someone probably spelled her name wrong.
Peckster dove for the letter.
“At last!” Maizey shouted.
At the party, Maizey showed her invitation.
“I’m happy you made it, Daizey!”
“I’m Maizey!”
“Great name to go with your costume!”
Maizey won a costume prize that night.
The kids cheered. “Daizey, you can take your mask off now.”
Maizey and Peckster make adorable friends! Loved this entry, Eleanor!
Thanks, Laura.
I love the ending.
It makes me wonder if there have been other mix-ups with Daizey!
I wonder who the real Daizey was?! I love how Maizey made a Halloween celebration happen, out of sheer determination. And she won something!
I wondered the same thing! Maybe there’s a sequel? fun story.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Lily and Anthony. I couldn’t show where Daizey was in 100 words. I leave this up to your imagination.
I was hoping you would enter! Cute story!
Thanks Jamie. Last minute streak od creativity, and with a little help from my critique partners.
Such a sweet, kid-centric story. Wonderful.
Thanks for reading Shelley.
The ending is adorable! Could visualize this party! Good luck, Eleanor! 🙂
Thanks Kiran. 🙂
Ha! Sometimes you need a helpful crow friend to make your dreams come true.
True.
This is a fun duo, and I love the names of the characters. (I just hope Daizey found something fun to do that night! 🙂 )
If only I had had room for a few more words. Daizey did have fun.
I particularly enjoyed the friendship dynamics. Happy Halloweensie!
Very sweet!
I love the “hope springs eternal” attitudes!
Thanks
So sweet. Love the names – Maizey and Peckster – I want more of a story with them! What a great friendship and a funny ending. Good luck!
Thank you Maria. I’m expanding the PB and adding Daizey 🙂
Mariposa Moon
By Katia Combe
Word count: 99
On Halloween night, Luna tiptoed through the fog in her sparkly wings. Candy clinked in her bucket, but her eyes found the hill.
“If I get high enough,” she whispered, “Daddy can see me.”
She ran. Her little legs wobbled.
She fell.
Again.
Again.
“Just one more,” she puffed.
Behind her, Mom called.
Luna scrambled, heart thumping…Mom reached her, breathless.
“Let’s go together.”
At the top, Luna held up Daddy’s photo. A butterfly landed on her hand. Soft. Still.
“Hi, Mariposa,” she smiled. That was Daddy’s name for her. And tonight, under Halloween’s quiet spell, he saw her fly.
Touching! A subtle way to show loss.
So bittersweet. What a beautiful little story.
Katia—This had a quiet exquisiteness :).
This is so touching!
Such a gentle title and a heartfelt story.
Sweet and sad.
OH, SWEET FOG!
By: Robin Birdie Jordan, (100 Words)
Russell had been counting the days until Halloween.
While other squirrels harvested acorns, Russell preferred dessert-y-er options (Besides… the townsfolk always adored his “squirrel costume.”).
ROOOOOO… blared a foghorn. Trick-or-Treating was canceled.
Nuts!
Suddenly – SMASH!
A witch dangled from Russell’s tree by her wing.
“Dratted fog,” she screeched.
Russell tugged her free.
“Thanks, Squirrel! Your wish?”
“Winter’s food,” he replied.
“Perfect! I have a spell… Harvest moon so sweet, bestow food to eat.”
The fog lifted. Ooey-gooey caramel-coated nuts sprouted everywhere. Russell stuffed his pail – and mouth.
“Careful! Good wishes stick!” cackled Witch.
“Hmmmafffy Hmmawowmmmeen!” Russell mush-mouthed, satisfied.
Dont’ ever trust a witch. Well done.
Thank you, Eleanor! Happy Halloween!
Likewise.
I like that your protagonist is a squirrel and I especially like his “mush-mouthed” reply.
Why, thank you, Shelley! Happy Halloween!
Dessert-y-er nuts are the best nuts 🙂 cute!
Thank you for leaving a tasty comment, Kendra! Happy Halloween!
Second Grade Witch Spells
Quincy Trochue
99 words
Elvira is spelling-bee practicing when it happens.
Grass, G-R-A-S-S, sprouts through the carpet.
Trap, T-R-A-P, locks Greg in the bathroom.
Rain, R-A-I-N, floods the playground.
It’s Halloween, and her magic can’t tell spelling from spells.
In the auditorium wings, Elvira hopes for an easy-to-hide word. Maybe bug, B-U-G.
She steps to the microphone.
“Your word is ‘frog.’”
“Fog, f-o-g, fog,” she whispers, a mist drifting past.
“Not fog, frrrrrrog.”
“Frog, F-”
Idea!
“Are-Oh-Gee, FROG!” she says, holding the words in her head.
Proud of herself, she hops back in line, and her tongue slurps a nice, tasty fly. F-L-Y.
Cute! Kids will relate.
Thanks, Eleanora! Nothing like a spelling bee to get your stress up 🙂
🙂
What she spells comes true. Very creative.
Thanks, Shelley!
super cute and I love the ending.
So cute!
What If?
By Kim Collazo
100 words
What if I could wave a wand—cancelling Halloween?
Lots of things would have to change. Let me set the scene:
Broomsticks would give dogs a ride instead of spooky cats,
Butterflies would flutter by, farewell to black-winged bats!
Mummies would unwrap themselves and crumble into dust,
Ghosts would drift right out of sight swept by the slightest gust.
The sun would cause the rolling fog to vanish from the ground,
creaky floors that haunt our dreams would never make a sound.
No candy, costumes, trick-or-treat? That won’t go over well!
Halloween would be a bore! Should I cast that spell?
Don’t cast the spell! I don’t write in rhyme but your story flows so well read aloud. I love this: Ghosts would drift right out of sight swept by the slightest gust. Good luck!
Thank you so much! Putting my wand away now! LOL
Nice concept. Kids like Halloween and they like a little scary.
Thanks, Shelley!
I love it, Kim! Great job!!
Thank you so much, friend! So glad you’re in my CP family!
Such a great one Kim – well done! And on behalf of children everywhere, especially today, I will say a resounding “NO!” 😀 Good luck!!
Haha! Thank you, Robynn!
Fun concept and charming ending!
Thank you, Sarah!
Spells & Such: The Serious Witch’s Shop
By Lauri C. Meyers (100 words)
Welcome to Spells & Such, your Halloween headquarters.
Our fog machines use all-natural troll breath.
The black widow spiderwebs are spun locally.
Werewolf fangs are on sale. (Remus forgets to brush.)
Ooh, you want to be a witch?
Try a vintage cloak and hat from Salem.
This willow broom flies faster than wings.
Presto-chango!
The rat? Yours to keep!
The mole is permanent, I’m afraid.
You’re wondering why your fingers spark?
You …. only wanted a witch costume?
Oh.
Would a lollipop help? It’s fresh-squeezed toad.
No?
Maybe a spell to conjure full-size candy bars?
Yes!
Happy trick-or-treating, little witch!
This reminds me of Harry Potter. Well done!
This is so creative – well done!
So much fun, Lauri! The ‘all-natural troll breath’ made me chuckle!
Very funny, I loved “Presto-chango”!
The Serious Witch’s Shop! Awesome!
“Remus forgot to brush” LOL
“The mole is permanent, I’m afraid.” Best line! Love it so much.
So cute! I’m glad she was happy at the end! Full-sized candy bar? Who wouldn’t be happy!
This is adorable (and so original!).
Very clever, Lauri! You ‘seriously’ captured the fun and mischief of Halloween!
Delightful!
A TEENSIE-WEENSIE HALLOWEENSIE TALE
By Mary Louise Kiernan
Word count: 98
Every Halloween, the Spelling family conjures…
Koo-ker-bih-ta! Fly to us, Gourdy! Boo-rah! Boo-rah!
Gourdy their pumpkin (Cucurbita in Latin) rises from the shed swooping down through a fogbow in the mist. Everyone cheers!
“Boo!” says Gourdy. Everyone laughs!
Same question every year: Would Gourdy stay more than a day?
Daylight into darkness, he flicks his wings to scare trick-or-treaters.
Everyone giggles. Gourdy giggles loudest!
When the town clock gongs midnight, everyone begs, “Please stay!”
But longing for his year-long nap, Gourdy somersaults skyward, whooping “Good-Boo!”
Waving licorice wands, the Spellings chant…
Three cheers for Gourdy! Boo-ray! Boo-ray! Boo-ray!
All the wordplay with “boo” is fun.
Thank you, Shelly. It was fun to write!
Thank you again, Shelley with two “e”s.
Fun!
A BATTY HALLOWEEN
by Amy Kolb Noyes
WC: 100
Bobby Bat folded his wings over his head.
It was Halloween, but Bobby wanted to stay home.
“Is it the spooky decorations?” Mama asked.
“No.”
“Is it the children’s costumes?”
“Not the costumes.”
“Are you afraid of children?”
Bobby didn’t answer.
“You see children every night,” Mama said.
“On Halloween, they see me and scream.”
“You don’t like scaring children?”
Bobby uncovered his head and nodded.
Then, an idea came so quickly, Bobby felt as if someone had cast a spell.
Costumes.
As the moon rose and the fog rolled in, Mama and Bobby Bird flew off to celebrate Halloween.
Aw, little Bobby Bat. What a sweet character.
Tender-hearted Batty
What a lovable bat, and a cute twist!
Sweet.
COSTUMED CRITTERS
By Jessica Jenson
100 Words
Down fog-folded roads, by the glow of the moon,
Strolled three costumed critters: Deer, Skunk, and Raccoon.
Their baskets brimmed full from a night trick-or-treating,
Their whiskers were sticky from lollipop eating,
When far down the path, something shadowy loomed!
A figure flapped fearsomely out from the gloom!
It swooped through the mist, waving wings wide as sails
And twitching two terrible, talon-trimmed tails!
“A dragon!” Skunk sniffled.
“A ghost!” Raccoon yelled.
Deer sobbed, “It’s a clothesline some wicked witch spelled!”
And just when they thought they’d expire from fright…
They saw it was Bat…who’d dressed up as a KITE!
Great twist at the end. You have tension throughout. Good luck!
Thank you!
I love the first line here and “fog-folded roads.” Lovely.
Thank you! Initially, I wasn’t sure if “fog-folded” would work, but I loved the alliteration. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Jessica—This was rad. The image of that cute little bat trying to maneuver his kite costume tickled me :).
Thank you! It tickles me too! 🙂 I wish I had animation skills to bring the image to life, but words will have to do!
My favorite so far, Jessica! Great Read-a-Loud.
Thank you so much!
Excellent. The rhyme, pacing, cute characters, and delightful ending work so well.
It’s Mine!
By Josh Donner
98 words
In the fog stood a house,
And old Don declared, “It’s mine!” (like a louse).
“I built it myself!” (though he never had).
His daddy had bought it—too bad, so sad.
A mansion with pool never swum in,
Books never read, trees never climb-in.
“A man can think here,” Don grinned. He never did.
“It’s mine!” he insisted, as greedy men bid.
Then — flap of wings, crunch of feet,
“Invaders!” he shouted. “Retreat! Retreat!”
Closer they came, his spell unspun,
Ghoulish eyes—then laughter—fun!
“Trick or treat!” The kids sang with cheer.
Poor Don fainted—plop!—flat on his rear.
Funny! You’ve shown us Don’s character very well. Love the ending.
Duplicate comment removed
I’m happy Bobby came up with the great idea of wearing bird costumes. Good luck!
No Tricks, Just Sweet
By Tiffanie Leung Abbott
100 Words
Trick-or-treaters huddled at the scariest house in the neighborhood—old Mr. Kuby’s.
Green fog covered the lawn.
Winged creatures loomed above.
Witches chanted spells.
Thunder boomed—children jumped.
“Who’s going first?”
“Not me!” cried the knight.
“No way!” yelled the superhero.
“I’ll go,” declared a tiny fairy.
Without shiver or shriek, she wove through the yard and rang the doorbell. A figure emerged.
“It’s been too long since I’ve had a visit…”
The others held their breath.
“…from my granddaughter!”
Jaws dropped. The fairy giggled.
Out came a box of humongous candy bars. The kids all raced to the door.
Nice twist at the end I wasn’t expecting. 🙂
Awww, sweet indeed!
A Kind Halloween Spell
By Kelsey Mango
98 words
After little ghouls, witches, and zombies ding-donged their last doorbell and lugged home overflowing buckets, they dumped, sorted, and sampled.
Roodie the Raccoon watched, waited, and salivated.
Tonight he’d feast on trash full of Halloween’s sweet leftover crumbs.
But wait… was that a candy bar forgotten on the porch?
He crept closer.
VICTORY.
Roodie unwrapped—
FLAP!
Something winged swooped through the fog.
“Mine,” hissed a bat.
“No! Mine! …Or we could… share?” suggested Roodie.
The bat blinked. “A trick?”
Roodie shook his head.
“A kind spell on Halloween night? What a treat!”
Together, they nibbled, giggled, and grinned.
A nice theme about sharing. Well done!
So adorable! Your word choices for the italicized portions are wonderful! Yay, Kelsey!
Love this Kelsey! Good luck!
Wanda the Which
By Russell Wolff
99 words
Ulf was determined to win the Halloween costume contest. He shuddered, knowing this meant visiting Wanda’s fog-shrouded cottage.
Wanda could transform you into your costume.
She was a POWERFUL witch
but a TERRIBLE speller.
And because she wrote rather than chanted charms, unless you were careful, who knew WHICH costume you’d get.
Approaching her cottage, Ulf saw Wanda had turned Radmila into dough, not a deer (a female deer).
And Baldric into a ferry. No wings, no dust, just a foghorn and barnacles.
So when Wanda croaked, “Costume?” Ulf should have chosen more carefully.
But instead he squeaked, “Bear?”
LOL – what an ending! The illustrations would be hilarious, Russell! Hope you consider turning this into a full-length PB
Thanks, Laura!
Very funny!
Ha ha, poor Ulf! Love Wanda, what a great character.
Thanks, Marty! I appreciate it.
LOL! Nice job on this one!
Thank you, Ginger!
Oh my, Ulf is in for a surprise, ain’t he?
Yup! 🙂
haha! Love this!
Thanks, Rebecca! Much appreciated.
Smart Ulf. I hope his costume is a bear’s.
Alas, I think Ulf may be in for a surprise… 🙂
Will you write a PB to let us know? 🙂 I’m curious.
SWEET DREAMS
Auntie Zelda cackled. “Bottling up this fog and sending it to our nasty neighbors – perfect! Drinking it will cloud their minds.”
Zinnia had a different idea. On a shadowy, foggy night, she chanted the spell that brought the fog curling into her cauldron. Into the foaming mass, she sprinkled Sandman’s sand, hummingbird wings, and chamomile leaves. She added grape juice for taste. As she stirred, she cast another spell:
“Whirling, swirling wings and sand,
leaves, and fog, I command:
Bottle up my newest brand.”
“Trick or treat!” cried costumed children.
Zinnia placed a bottle in each bag, saying, “Sweet dreams!”
Sorry the name and word count didn’t come through.
SWEET DREAMS by Margaret Robison
100 words.
o how many times in the past I wish I had one of these potions! I love the rhyming spell as well- such a good idea.
Chamomile will certainly make them sleep after trick or treating. A treat for parents.
In a Witch’s Garden
By Laura Wippell
100 words
Wynora prepared her finishing touch for the Spooktacular Garden Contest.
“Double, double, toil and liver,
Here’s a sign to make them shiver!”
A HAL O
“Blasted fog is covering some letters!” cursed Wynora.
She muttered a spell that blew the fog away.
“Double, double, toil and liver,
Here’s a—”
High-pitched clicks drowned out Wynora.
APP L E
“LEAVE, miserable bats!” she shrieked.
A thousand velvety wings rose,
then swooped back.
HA HA WEE
“NOT funny! BEGONE BEFORE I CURSE YOU TO SMITHEREENS!”
The bats didn’t need telling twice.
Wynora admired the sign. First prize would be hers!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Ingenious, first I read apple, then the bats mocking her with Ha ha Wee, but I was wrong. I didn’t see what was coming. Congrats, Laura.
Thanks dear Eleanor
What a cute kid-witch! A Halo! Apple… And then! Surprise! I liked the touch with the velvety wings and the reference to Shakespeare.
Thanks Lily 🙂
So clever and creative! Your story casts a wonderful spell, Laura!
Thanks for reading, Anne! I always enjoy your entries
Wynora is a clever witch. Love the anticipation you build, Laura.
Thanks Jeanette!
Dear Laura, I love Wynora, the cranky witch, and those pesky bats! I especially love the puzzling over what the sign says and how you built anticipation and tension so beautifully, along with a great story and amazing Halloween scene-setting! I also love the “curse you to smithereens” line! Good luck, Laura, and Happy Halloween!
Thanks dear Mona, Happy Halloween to you, too!
I love how the story takes us from A HAL O to HAPPY HALLOWEEN. I wanted to read more! Good luck, Laura! 🙂
Thanks so much Kiran 🙂
Love the clever wordplay! Such a fun idea.
Thanks for reading, Danielle!
A story AND a puzzle! Very fun.
Thanks Lauri!
This is really clever! I can see kids loving this as a class read aloud in particular.
Thanks Russell!
Clever and fun!
Thanks for reading, Sarah!
So fun and clever! I love her curses, and the troublesome bats!
Thanks so much, Lisa!
Thanks Susannah! This is always so much fun!
DON’T MESS WITH THE FROG
By Linda Staszak 100 words
“Roxanne, you’re the meanest witch in the world,” screeched Minerva. “Why’d you turn me into a frog—with wings? I’m your sister, remember?”
“I didn’t do it on purpose,” wailed Roxanne. “It’s this stupid fog—my spells don’t work right.”
Minerva snorted. “Well, it is Halloween. We have to scare trick-or-treaters. But then—turn me back.”
“I’ll try. Here they come…Boooooooooooooooo!”
But…
“Hahaha, it’s a witch.”
“Hrmph—I’ll show ‘em,” croaked Minerva.
Flap, flap, swooooooopp!
“EEEEEEEEEE! A flying frog!”
Minerva giggled. “I kind of like my new look.”
“The green is nice, but Mom’s going to freak at the wings!”
I love the ending! Good luck!
Thank you!
Tilly’s Moonlit Spell
By Leigh Lachman
99 words
Fog curled around the moonlit trees as Tilly tiptoed through the garden. She’d saved Grandma’s spell book for tonight, when costumes rustled, pumpkins glowed, and magic filled the air.
“Wings of night, wings of day, lift me up and fly away!” she chanted.
The wind whooshed, leaves twirled, and pop!—tiny bat wings sprouted from her back.
Tilly squealed with delight, soaring past fences and inflatable lawn decorations until poof!—the spell ended. She landed in a pile of damp leaves.
“Next time,” she said, brushing off her sleeves, “I’ll add a ‘no crash landing’ line to the spell!”
Poor Tilly. I guess we learn from our mistakes. 🙂
Better to have flown and fallen than never to have flown at all! Every spell’s a learning experience.🦇
Thanks so much for reading, Eleanor!
Wise words.
BANNED PRACTICE
By Sarah Hirsch
(100 words)
Here it is:
59 Mulridge Drive.
Mr. Durvaney’s house.
Vincent’s scary band teacher.
(Make MUSIC, not mayhem!)
[A note during Band: I dare you to egg his house tonight!]
Vincent, in dragon wings,
Nervously crosses the lawn…
(Clarinets, you sound like screeching monkeys!)
Shuffles past skeletons,
Through fog…
Heart thumping like timpani.
(Ever hear of “practice”?
Spelled P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E.)
He raises his arm
And whispers,
“Make music, not mayhem…”
Ding dong!
“Hi Mr. Durvaney.
I’m a dragon. Are you…?
Oh, Hot Cross Buns! That’s funny!
Um, so…
I came to apologize.
I’ll practice, I promise.
I brought you chocolate dragon eggs!”
Thank goodness he apologized. Good kid.
The Fright Night Jam-Boo-Bee
by Jennifer Tarr
WC: 100
Halloween!
Zombie grabs her costume.
Hoodie, backpack, Crocs.
(Monsters act like kids — it’s only fair.)
She’s finally old enough for the kiddiest skelebration of all:
the Fright Night Jam-Boo-Bee.
Zombie gets in line.
Her heart thumps.
Everyone thinks she’s mindless.
What if they’re right?
Opening word!
Fairy wings it.
Ding! – he’s out.
Bigfoot’s bewildered.
Mummy unravels.
Witch can’t spell.
Ding!
Ding!
Ding!
Zombie’s tummy lurches.
She’s up next.
Antidisestablishmentarianism?
Really?
Werewolf got “moon.”
Zombie slumps.
She hasn’t the foggiest…
…IDEA!
“Use it in a sentence?”
Zombie’s reanimated!
She’s unstoppable.
She goes until…
the trophy’s hers.
Zombie beams.
She’s got brains!
Super creative! Love all of your plays on words 🙂
Thank you so much!
This is so creative!!! I love all your spooky puns and the sweet, satisfying ending! Well done!
Thanks so much! It was really fun to write.
I love: Jam-Boo-Bee!
Thank you!
Oh my gosh, this is so much fun! Love skelebration, mummy unravels, foggiest idea, and then of course love, love, love that Zombie’s got brains. Hope this one goes far. Good luck!
Oh, wow, thank you so much!!!
Ghoul Bus
By Jessica Iwanski
Word count: 100
Climb aboard, immortal souls. Relax and sit a spell.
We’ll journey through our neighborhood where ghouls and goblins dwell.
Stop 1: Three witches cackle on and plan their night of fright.
They’ll startle trick-or-treaters with their wicked-winged flight.
Stop 2: A ghostling floats aboard and practices his “BOO!”
It’s Halloween – the perfect night to prove he’s scary, too!
Stop 3: What’s this? The doors unclick and fog begins to swirl.
A shiver ripples through the air. It couldn’t be! A – girl?!
“Your costumes are fantastic! The best I’ve ever seen!
Just take me ‘round the corner, please. And – Happy Halloween!”
Clever idea and such a fun twist at the end. Good luck, Jessica!
Thank you so much! It was fun to write. 🙂 Good luck to you too!
Very cute and clever!
Thanks for reading, Kelly! 🙂
Jessica—This was a fun read :).
Aww thank you, Bronchelle! 🙂 I appreciate that!
Jessica, I want to ride on the Ghoul Bus with these “immortal souls!” This is so creative, with such fantastic rhyme, meter, and characters! Love your bus stops with witches, a ghostling, and a surprise ending! So fun! Love your Halloweensie story, Jessica!!!
Mona, you’re the best! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your writerly advice! Thanks for cheering me and this story on. 🙂
This is such a fun read, and your rhyme is incredible. Congrats!
Thank you so much! I had a blast writing it!
I can’t be the only one who audibly squealed at the idea of a “ghostling” practicing his BOO! So, so sweet! Now I’m wishing I could ride the Ghoul Bus, too! Excellent Halloween story!
Hehe thank you!!! You’re always welcome to climb aboard the Ghoul Bus! Although you just might scare the riders. 😉
Haha!
Your title is what make me take a peek at your poem! Glad I did. It’s adorable!
Aww that is so sweet, Michelle! Thanks for reading! 🙂
HaHa Cute!
Thank you, Trine! 🙂
This is so stinking cute. I love it
Thank you, Kendra! 🙂 That means a lot to me!
PARTY SKELETONS
By Erin Roscosky
100 Words
Two skeletons found an invitation.
SPOOKTACULAR KIDS
* COSTUME BASH *
HALLOWEEN NIGHT!
“Exciting!” squealed Lucy, “What should we be?”
“Frankenstein?” asked Max.
“Frightening!”
“Ghost?”
“Ghastly!”
“Ramen?” asked Lucy.
“Squiggly!”
“Chicken wings?”
“Spicy!”
“PICK SOMETHING!” shouted Lucy.
“I chose you,” said Max.
“Me? Why?”
“You’re my friend and there’s nothing scary about that.”
“Then I’ll be you!” said Lucy.
“Me? Why?”
“I never thought about eating you.”
At the party…
“EEK!”
“Skeletons!”
“HIDE!”
Max and Lucy carved pumpkins,
Monster mashed in fog,
Casted silly spells,
And bobbed for apples.
“Shame no one else could come.”
“I guess they couldn’t pick a costume.”
(somehow changed “cast” to “casted” so I wanted to submit correct spelling)
PARTY SKELETONS
By Erin Roscosky
100 Words
Two skeletons found an invitation.
SPOOKTACULAR KIDS
* COSTUME BASH *
HALLOWEEN NIGHT!
“Exciting!” squealed Lucy, “What should we be?”
“Frankenstein?” asked Max.
“Frightening!”
“Ghost?”
“Ghastly!”
“Ramen?” asked Lucy.
“Squiggly!”
“Chicken wings?”
“Spicy!”
“PICK SOMETHING!” shouted Lucy.
“I chose you,” said Max.
“Me? Why?”
“You’re my friend and there’s nothing scary about that.”
“Then I’ll be you!” said Lucy.
“Me? Why?”
“I never thought about eating you.”
At the party…
“EEK!”
“Skeletons!”
“HIDE!”
Max and Lucy carved pumpkins,
Monster mashed in fog,
Cast silly spells,
And bobbed for apples.
“Shame no one else could come.”
“I guess they couldn’t pick a costume.”
Nice twist at the end.
Clever!
ENTRY POSTED FOR PAIGE
Ghost Squirrel
Paige Lohr
Wd. Cr. 100
On that cool foggy Halloween morning, a squirrel wondered into the yard where he used to live. He looked around, spread his new wings and flew up to the tree limb.
‘I thought I would hate having wings after that bratty kid put that spell on me to get hit by a car. But, now I can fly over him and drop sticks and poop on his head tonight. And he will Never know it was me cause he can’t see me. I can’t wait.
He flew around the yard gathering stuff.
‘Watch out Kid!’
Creepy deceased squirrel!! Guess he got his revenge!
I have always enjoyed a good revenge story, and squirrels are my spirit animals. Way to go, Paige!
Bwwaaahhhh! Squirrel’s REVENGE!
A FAIRY BAD MISTAKE
By Jany Campana
Word Count: 52
Maybe I should’ve reread,
The witches’ spellbook.
I’ve mixed the words again,
Because where did these fairy wings come from?
And my broom and warts are gone!
I haven’t the foggiest idea what I said,
But I’m dressed in pink!
And I sparkle!
Now I’ll never win,
Scariest Costume of the Year.
This is cute!
Thanks!
I hate pink and I guess witches do too. Scary costume for sure. Fun read.
Nice work for 52 words!
IT’S BEWITCHING TIME!
Marty Bellis
( 95 words)
The fog lays low.
I dance with glee.
The scene is set
for my witches’ tea.
I’ve froggy legs
that crackle crunch.
And crisp bat wings
for us to munch.
I’ve potions to share,
weird tales to tell.
So fly in, my pretties.
Come sit a spell.
The grog is hot.
The cauldron bubbles.
We’ll toast the night
and hatch some troubles.
Just raise your wands,
and cackle with me.
Chant “hocus pocus”
on the count of three.
Then poof! When the moon
breaks through and shines,
we’ll hop on our brooms.
It’s bewitching time!
Love the witches having tea. Good luck!
Thank you!
Great job!
Such a talented writer! Your rhyming is exquisite–I’m envious!:) The images I conjured as I read your poem made this all the more fun to read! Well-done, Marty!
Theresa, you’re so kind. Thank you for your comments!
Absolutely adorable!!! Love the rhyme and the witchy scene you set! Good luck in the contest!
Thanks so much, Jessica. Good luck to you as well.
Love the imagery! If I were a witch, I’d definitely come by for those snacks!
Thanks, Russell. Nothing’s better than frog legs and a wing or two 🙂
I don’t write in rhyme, but I love this.
Thanks for your comment, Eleanor. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Marty, your rhyme is sooooo good! Your alliteration and onomatopoeia are bewitching. One of my favorite lines (I have a few) is “So fly in, my pretties. Come sit a spell.” Well Done!!!!!!!
Lori, thanks so much for your comments. It was a fun one to write!
Well done, Marty. You had me at “frog legs that crackle crunch!”
GRETA HATES HALLOWEEN – 100 Words
By Cindy Sommer
There’s a girl named Greta
who acts like a queen.
She’s grim and greedy
and hates Halloween.
It’s not the sounds of bat wings
that beat against the breeze
or spooky ghosts and goblins
that twist and twirl from trees.
It’s not the wicked witches
who cackle in the night
with slimy snails and eyeballs,
to make their spell just right.
It’s not the trick-or-treating
down a foggy street,
with werewolves calling out
to skeletons they meet.
What rattles her bones,
and makes her howling mad,
is when her pile of candy
gets gobbled up . . . by Dad!
LOL, what a great ending! Good luck, Cindy
Thank you so much! You too!
Ha!! So fun! That’s my kids’ least favorite part too 😂
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Oh Dad, not fair. Have her hide the sweets next time.
Ha ha, right? Thanks for reading my story.
Darn that dad.
Ha ha, thanks, Deb!
A RECIPE FOR HALLOWEEN
By Catherine Rose
Word Count – 64
1 full moon on a foggy night
2 black bats looking for a bite
3 skinny scarecrows dance a fling
4 zany zombies wearing bling
5 mangy monsters ringing bells
6 wicked witches casting spells
7 knights with swords for battle
8 skeletons with bones that rattle
9 haunted houses in a row
10 minutes more before we go
TRICK – OR – TREATING
Great recipe and concept book, perhaps?
FLIGHT OF THE TURNIP
Rochelle Smith (100 words)
On Hallowe’en a small turnip sat on the step, sobbing. Suddenly, a witch crashed to the ground, splintering her broom. Concerned, the turnip hastened over.
“I’m fine,” croaked the hag. “But my broom isn’t.”
“Oh,” whispered the turnip. “Flying must be wonderful . . . “
“Is that why you’ve been crying?” asked the witch.
The turnip nodded. “My friends say it’s impossible.”
“Nothing’s impossible,” snapped the witch. Placing her fingers along his sides, she murmured a spell. Two tiny wings sprouted forth. The little turnip beat them excitedly.
“Thank you!” he gushed, launching himself into the fog-choked night sky.
Making the impossible, possible. I’ve never heard of a flying turnip before. Good luck!
Many thanks, Eleanor!
Turnips are so misunderstood, -and sensitive, it seems. Sweet story!
Thanks, Anthony! After reading that turnips and other root vegetables preceded pumpkins as the first Jack-O-Lanterns, I felt inspired to draft something a bit different this season!
The Spell of the Halloween Fog
By Alli Straus
WC: 100
Luna’s bat costume wings weren’t supposed to move.
But when the Halloween fog rolled in, they suddenly twitched.
A whisper rose from the darkness, a spell spoken just for her: “Come… fly.”
Before she could scream, her wings spread wide and whooshed her over the rooftops, where thousands of dark, winged shapes circled her silently.
The spell hummed through her bones, fusing the wings to her shoulders.
“What’s happening?” Luna called into the mist.
A faint voice floated back, “You’re one of us now.”
Luna felt alive as she flew higher, letting her world below vanish beneath the clouds forever.
Spooky, I hope she makes it back home somehow.
Great word choices! I canhear the whispers and the humms.
This is one spooky story! ‘Letting her world below vanish FOREVER’ takes it over the top! Great job!
Dark and Fog’s Spooky Halloween
On Halloween night, Dark was ready to be spooky.
He slithered down streets, and spilled across lawns.
He wrapped sparkly wings and softened the stomp of dinosaur feet.
But something was missing.
Fog was nowhere to be found!
Dark couldn’t be spooky without his best friend.
He whispered a spell, hoping to draw Fog near.
A brisk breeze whooshed skeletons off trees.
Fog drifted down on waves of wind, blanketing sidewalks in a ghostly glow.
Dark and Fog twisted into spooky shapes, a perfect mix of shadow and haze.
Screams and flickering flashlights filled the frigid air.
Friends together again.
Great teamwork on a spooky night. Good luck!
I love this, Rebecca. So creative and wonderful verbs!
Hettie Witch’s Parade Problem
By Meg Winikates
100 words
Kersplashing boom, then noxious fog
(like sulphur-perfumed soggy dog)—
“My spell’s misfired!” Hettie cried,
“I’ve bollixed up this evening’s ride!
Attempting to upgrade my broom,
instead I got…Tornado Room!”
Creating wind? A dozen things
in Hettie’s cottage sprouted wings!
Her spellbook, cauldron, stripey cat,
her toaster-oven, even hat—
they pirouetted, flapped, and weaved—
more ludicrous than you’d believe!
“I’ll be a laughingstock!” she wailed.
Ascending skyward, Kitty sailed.
Then Hettie thought, eyes agleam—
she’d spookify this flying team!
She cast an ear-enchanting song
‘til every winged thing danced along
to lead this Halloween’s parade!
(Alas, that smell refused to fade.)
So imaginative — I can totally picture this scene. Especially love the call back at the end. Well done!
Not all was lost at the end. Lovely, Hettie!
TESSA’S TRUNK OR TREAT TRICK 96 words Nancy Ferguson
Tessa shimmered her wings,
and repeated the spell:
“Gentle magic butterfly wings
help me be strong and brave,
so no witches, ghosts or ogres
can make me be afraid.”
Tessa fluttered around
Witch’s cauldron.
Tip-toed through
Scarecrow’s pumpkin patch.
Ghost’s foggy graveyard
made her heart jump.
Clever Tessa,
lifted her wings
and flapped that frightening fog away!
UH OH
THE OGRE!
Tessa, strong and brave,
looked him right in his eye…
yelled…
TRICK OR TREAT!
Ogre grinned,
“Glad you came by this year.”
She beamed,
choosing an ogre-sized chocolate bar.
“Me, too.”
Tessa tricked her fear!
LOVE! That tricky fear is hard to beat!
Oh thank you, you made me smile.
Important message within for kids. What a prize for overcoming her fear, an ogre-sized chocolate bar.
SHE COULDN’T WAIT TO GO!
(to the tune of The Addams Family theme)
By Sara Kruger
94 Words
The neighborhood was ghostly
With spiderwebs draped grossly
And witches hung morosely
She couldn’t wait to go!
She’d seen a haunted house there
With fog that hid a jump scare
And Wednesday smirking, “Beware…”
She couldn’t wait to go!
Lights
Sights
Delights
But bat wings tore her costume
And witches’ spells foretold doom
Her fear increased with each room
She couldn’t wait to go!
The webs were closing in now
The hanging witches screamed now
No way she’d trick or treat now—
She couldn’t wait to go!
Bed
Instead
She couldn’t wait to go!
Sara,
This is So clever. It made me smile and toe-tap along. Really fun!
Thank you for reading! I’m so glad the tune worked for you =)
So cute and inventive!
Loved it!
I hear it in my head. 😁
So clever, Sara! Drew me in with all your visuals.
Ever so clever 🙂 and I love the rhythm. Well done!
SO GOOD! This is so creative and that ending made me laugh.
HA! Of course I sang this one.
Menace at the Dentist
By Jessica Russo
Word Count: 100
Something’s in the fog you’ve never seen—
Dr. Menace, the dentist of Halloween.
What dentist, you ask, would be so mean
to ruin this night and get teeth clean?
Relax, my friends! Don’t flip your lids—
this dentist’s office is NOT for kids!
The password at the spooky door
is one you’ve never spelled before.
Vampire fangs polished with ooze.
Werewolves howling root canal blues.
Winged imps gargle green goo.
Goblins get a slime rinse, too!
Dr. Menace treats his final goon.
Fresh fangs flash beneath the moon.
Do NOT enter! Take my advice—
the password, I heard, was SNACK-RIFICE!
So creative, Jessica! I enjoyed reading this!
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to read!
What a super-creative, unique perspective. Nicely done, partner!
Thank you, Susan! I just loved these Halloween stories, they are my favorite!
Brilliant!! I love this!
Thanks, Ginger! These stories were so fun this year!
Clever, creepy, and fun!
Clever. Makes a dentist appointment even more terrifying!
Funny idea. The title drew me in.
Trick or Treat
By RJ Clarken
(98 words)
One foggy night
near Halloween,
a haggard witch,
with skin bright green,
tossed eye of newt
and toe of frog
(she’d purchased
from a catalogue)
into her cauldron’s
bubbling shell,
to conjure up
a scary spell
to turn the kiddies
on her street,
in costumes, yelling,
“Trick or treat!”
into some little
toads or rats,
or even fangy
vampire bats.
Then, guilt crept in.
This isn’t nice.
Perhaps, weird goodies
might suffice.
Well, in the end,
the witch gave things
like fun-sized candy bars
with wings.
Which proved to be
a monster hit:
a Hallow-win,
you must admit.
Really cute poem. I would like a candy bar with wings, please!
Definitely a Hallow-win.
Adorable. Candy with wings, please.
Great work, Rj.
Where’s the Chocolate?
by Donna Van Oss
100 words
Julie fluttered the wings of her fairy costume. Mike flexed in the bloody hockey jersey with his name spelled across the back. They got pretzels, stickers and bracelets from different houses, but no chocolate. Next, the scariest house in the neighborhood. Fog hugged the yard as they knocked on the door. Nervously they called, “Trick-or-Treat.” The door creaked open and a dark figure held out a cauldron filled with full-size chocolate bars. They grinned. Julie reached into the bowl, but a bony hand blocked her and a hair-raising shriek rang out. They dashed away screaming. Pretzels would have to do.
Lovely build up and tension! The ending is perfect! I agree with Julie and Mike!
I’d settle for the pretzels too. Scary.
Eerie Middle School News
by Seth Standley
96 words
Greetings, Eerie Middle School!
Here’s your email summary of this week’s news.
Fog in Hallway Turns Out To Be Former Teacher
Says he’s “feeling much better” and ready to resume duties.
Custodians Quit After Discovering Giant Nest on Rooftop
“We don’t want to be here when mom comes back.”
SPELLS BANNED. NO TOLERANCE.
We all know what we did.
Fog Now Teaching 7th Grade Geography
Class reports improved clarity.
Winged Shadow Blots Out Sun at Lunch Friday
Witnesses describe it as “terrifying” and “surely a threat to us all.”
More updates next week… I hope!
– Cronk
This is so funny and such a creative take on the prompt! Eerie Middle School sounds like the place to be the week of Halloween…
Thank you! I enjoyed your spooky spelling bee story, as well!
Really creative spin on the prompt, Seth! Favourite line: We all know what we did. Hahaha!
That’s very kind of you! Thank you!
Creative format. You must be a teacher!
Nope, but I come from a family of them. Haha
👍🏼
Halloween Magic by Theresa Dabney (100 words)
Fog blanketed young Alfred as he trudged along. He started second-guessing his decision to attend the neighborhood Halloween party.
His mother’s words filled his head, “It’s a great opportunity to make friends!”
Alfred looked up.
A creature, eyes glowing, stared at him from a tree branch.
Alfred REALLY started second-guessing his decision.
Instead of turning back, he breathed deeply.
Then he ran to the party.
Alfred opened the gate.
Wings flapped—and the creature landed on Alfred’s shoulder.
“Look! Alfred put a spell on that owl! It’s magic!”
Halloween Magic.
The owl vanished.
Children drew nearer…
and Alfred made friends!
I always love it when lonely kids make friends…it warms my heart. And all the better in a spooky scene! Go Theresa!
All credit due to my writing critique members!:)
So happy for Alfred! It wasn’t easy for him, but it paid off. Hooray!
THE HOUSE THAT WAITS
By: Alex Waldo
CREEEEAKKK! GROAN! WHOOSH!
My shutters clap, floorboards snap, and fog creeps through my old gate.
That’s me, the old house on the corner of Spellbound Lane.
Forgotten… until Halloween.
Little witches, wispy ghosts, and winged goblins tip toe nervously up my steps.
CREEEAK.
“This house is haunted.” they whisper.
The brave ones slip inside.
I shudder with excitement.
I want a friend.
RATTLE! BANG! BOO!
“AHH!”
ZOOM!
Not again…
More candy corn and melted malts on my steps.
Could really use some oil on these old joints.
How do I tell them I’m not spooky, I’m just a little noisy?
Love this creative POV, Alex. Well done!
I agree with Amanda. I wish they had an oil for my creaky joints.
Very clever POV! I love all the onomatopoeia, Alex! Way to go!
Hildrun’s Halloween Hoedown
by Theresa Dabney
(100 words)
Peering into the cauldron, Hildrun knew exactly what her concoction was missing—winged frog!
Without it, the spell she wanted to cast would fizzle. Hildrun needed sizzle!
Finding winged frogs at this time of year would be difficult. Witchmart was sure to be out.
Instead, Hildrun flew to Beldame’s Bog.
Fog had set in.
Hildrun trekked carefully across the spongy underneath.
“Watch where you’re stepping!” a voice croaked.
A winged frog!
The frog agreed to help Hildrun on one condition. Hildrun agreed.
After dipping his foot into the cauldron-concoction…
the frog got to shake a leg at Hildrun’s Halloween Hoedown.
Such fun! Love the Witchmart reference and the idea of a frog at a hoedown. LOL. Go, Theresa!
Thank you, Marty! I have the best writing partners!
Theresa, what a FUN and creative story!!! I love the frog shaking a leg at the hoedown! And the Witchmart reference made me chuckle. Now I want to attend this hoedown.
Thank you, Lori! I owe so much to you for encouraging me to explore prose (while attempting to perfect my rhyming abilities!) Thank you for being so great!
Monster Jamboree
By Lauren Kimberly
(76 words)
Frankie mixed her spells all night,
to forge a Halloween delight.
She measured, poured, and stirred the pot,
a fog flowed out – it reeked of rot.
“Monster time!” she cheered. Ker-ZAP!
Lightning zigzagged through her cap.
Witches sporting werewolf tails!
Zombies howling banshee wails!
Skeletons with one big wing!
Bashful ghosts who like to sing!
Vampires dipped in goblin scuz!
Mummies merged with ogre fuzz!
“By lightning’s spark, they live – Yippee!
I’ve made a monster jamboree!”
I love this, partner! Goblin scuz and ogre fuzz 😂. Well done!
This is so fun to read and screams Halloween ❤️
LOVE this, Lauren! Your rhyme is perfect and the story is 100% Halloween through and through! I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see this in the finals. 🙂 Well done!
Way to go, Lauren! The images this conjures up are priceless! LOVE!
This is such a fantastic entry Lauren! Love the picture you paint and the rhyme is spot on – well done!! Good luck!