I’m sure you’ll all be thrilled to know that I’m in a mad rush today, which means I shall attempt brevity (stop laughing – I can hear you!), which means a quicker than usual read for you 🙂
Just a quick note – I still haven’t solved the link list problem here, so this post with the PPBF link list is also located at my old blog today.
Title: The Complete Adventures Of Big Dog And Little Dog
Written & Illustrated By: Dav Pilkey
Harcourt, June 2003, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: publisher says 4-8, I’d say 3-6
Themes/Topics: friendship, humor
Opening: “Big Dog and Little Dog are hungry. Big Dog and Little Dog want food.”
Brief Synopsis: (from the jacket) “Big Dog is ready for some fun! Little Dog is ready too. Join these irresistible puppy pals on five zippy adventures, together for the first time in one cozy picture book collection.”
Why I Like This Book: You may be familiar with Dav Pilkey from The Stupids or Captain Underpants. This is a different side of him – simple and sweet with gentle humor. These two dog friends do everything together (including get in trouble!) and always look out for each other. These five stories were originally published separately but are now all together in one book which gives them the feel of George And Martha or Frog And Toad, but with a lot less text. Simple and fun, I know from experience that these stories appeal to very young readers. And also, as many of you may have figured out, I like dogs 🙂
So there you have it! Wasn’t that the shortest post ever?
PPBF bloggers, please leave your links in the comments below if you like and I’ll try to find time to add them to this post. Or pop over to the old blog and leave your link there!
Oh, but one more thing before we all go off to enjoy everyone else’s PPBF picks and our weekends! Due to the incredible generosity of the people in the kidlit community, the prizes for the Valentiny Contest are rolling in! So be sure and check the contest post for updates – the prizes will knock your socks off and you will definitely want to work on your entries this weekend as a result!
Come on in and set awhile, folks! It’s time for your favorite and mine: Would You Read It Wednesday!
But first, a word from our sponsors.
Has winter got you down? Are you loathe to emerge from the comfy warmth of your blankets on these cold, dark January mornings? Have the last 3 stories you wrote been titled Smiley Miley Goes To Aruba, Stinky Pete And The Tropical Island Paradise, and A Hot, Hot Day In July? Are you making secret plans to hibernate until April?
Never fear! We have a remedy for your winter doldrums!
Wash your hair! Shave your legs! Put on actual clothing and join your fellow writers for some fun in the creative sun! You’ll be surprised by how happy and energized you feel (and not just because of the 5 pounds of hair you shaved off your legs :)) You can write a brand new story, enjoy the company of other writers and the entertainment of their stories, and possibly win a fabulous prize which I haven’t thought up yet but I WILL! 🙂
So get out your writing implements, rev up your brain, and join us at a blog near you!
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming!
Something Chocolate anyone? I’m feeling Brownie Sundae-ish this morning. You know, some nice hot fudge to warm us up!
Now then, today’s pitch comes to us from Carleen who says, “I am a writer who forgot to grow up, and now it’s too late!”
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Annabelle Changes Her Name
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch:
Annabelle’s name is too long, too hard, too different. But when she decides to change it, she runs into all sorts of problems. And then she meets a new girl whose name is long and hard and different, too. And now Annabelle isn’t so sure anymore about changing her name.
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Carleen improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read Itor on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above. There are openings in February so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!
Carleen is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to drumming up some great prizes for the aforementioned Valentiny Writing Contest! Wish me luck! 🙂
Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! Stay warm! 🙂
When you guys want something, I do my best to accommodate 🙂
Some of y’all had a bright idea about a “writing contest in February to break up the winter doldrums”…
…and far be it from me to deny your heart’s desire…
…so here we go!
You know how in October we do the Halloweensie Contest – weensie because the entries are not very long and written for little people?
Well, prepare yourselves for the First Annual Pretty Much World Famous Valentiny Contest! 🙂
The First Annual Pretty Much World Famous Valentiny Writing Contest!
Valentiny because it’s also not very long and also for little people 🙂
Halloweensie and Valentiny – a match made in… well, okay, maybe not heaven, but definitely in the hare-brained scheming mind of Yours Truly 🙂
Due to the fact that this is a new contest being put together on short notice, it is just possible that the people in charge around here haven’t worked out all the details quite yet (i.e. there’s a certain amount of scrambling for prizes for y’all… still working on that!) (Also there is the link list difficulty to sort out…) But here’s what we’ve got so far!
The Contest: since writing for children is all about “big emotion for little people” (I forget who said that, but someone did so I put it in quotes!) and Valentines Day is all about emotion, write a Valentines story appropriate for children (children here defined as ages 12 and under) maximum 214 words in which someone is grumpy! Your story can be poetry or prose, sweet, funny, surprising or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes someone grumpy (can be the main character but doesn’t have to be) and is 214 words (get it? 2/14 for Valentines Day 🙂 You can go under the word count but not over! Title is not included in the word count.) No illustration notes please!
Post your story on your blog between 12:00 AM EDT Monday February 8th and Friday February 12th by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list that will accompany my February 8th post. There will be no Would You Read It that week, and no PPBF, so the post and the list of links will stay up all week for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t have a blog and would like to enter, you can simply copy and paste your entry in the comments section of that post once it’s up. (Or, if you have difficulty with the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me and I’ll post it for you!)
The Judging: over the weekend, my lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 top choices (hee hee hee – you know how much trouble I have with only 3, so we’ll see) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Monday February 15th or Tuesday February 16th (depending on how many entries we get.) The winner will be announced on Friday February 19th. (And there will be no WYRI or PPBF that week either so that everyone will have time to read and vote and so that we don’t confuse PPBF with announcing winners.) If we get more than 20 entries, I will post 6 finalists and give prizes for 1st through 3rd. If we get a large turn out, well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it… like I said, there’s a bit of prize acquisition and organization to be accomplished yet! But since this is a new contest, there may be a smaller number of entries… we shall see 🙂
Judging criteria will include:
Kid-appeal/Kid-friendliness – remember, this is a story for kids!
Creativity in using grumpiness and success in making us feel the grumpiness!
Quality of story – we will look for basic story elements and a true story arc
Quality of writing – use and flow of language, correctness of mechanics
Originality – surprise us with something new and different! 🙂
The Prizes: yeah… I’m still working on the prizes 🙂 Feel free to chime in in the comments if there’s something you’d particularly like to win! 🙂 Or if you have clout with anyone who could offer a good prize please contact me at once! 🙂 But so far prizes will include:
(Don’t worry! – I promise I’m working on rummaging up more prizes! :))
So sharpen your pencils!
Get your butt in that chair!
See what amazing, knock-your-socks-off story you can dream up!
It’s a chance to hone your writing skills, practice your craft, write to specifications and a deadline, win amazing prizes, AND get to read and enjoy the wonderful stories written by all your fellows 🙂
Many, many thanks to Julie and Emma for their very generous prize offering!
It’s Friday, everyone, and you know what that means!
Perfect Picture Books! 🙂
I’m posting today’s Perfect Picture Book here, but I have a confession to make: I have not figured out how to get a link list on WordPress. Actually, I’m told it can’t be done because of WordPress security issues. So that’s a bit of a conundrum. I rely on the link list for Perfect Picture Book Friday (also for my writing contests, but that’s another story…)
So that raises the question can I actually blog on WordPress? The answer might be sadly no. Option B is that I have to think up a new way to run PPBF and my contests… which I might be able to do… but I am definitely open to suggestions if anyone has any bright ideas!
Meanwhile, I will post here for today, and also on my old Blogger blog which WILL have the list where you can add your link as usual. http://susannahill.blogspot.com/ What I can try to do is, if you put your PPBF link in the comments, I might be able to edit this post to include your links – or I can try lifting them off Blogger – but that is an extra step which I unfortunately won’t have time for until later in the day… Not an ideal solution…
Meanwhile, I have the Perfect Picture Book for a winter day 🙂 I especially love it because it reminds of when my kids did a very similar thing – set up a lemonade stand on the corner of a completely untraveled country road, certain they would make their fortune and with no inkling that they had no hope of a single customer. (Of course, I couldn’t bear for them to be out there waiting so hopefully only to get crushed with disappointment, so I made some phone calls to make sure at least a few cars came along full of thirsty passengers 🙂
Title: Lemonade In Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money
Inside, Pauline presses her nose to the frosted glass.
“I know!” she says.
“Let’s have a lemonade stand.“”
Brief Synopsis: Undeterred by the wintry weather, Pauline and her little brother John-John gather up all their quarters, buy supplies, and set up a lemonade stand. Alas, customers are few and far between, forcing Pauline and John-John to be creative to try to increase sales. In spite of their best efforts, they spend more than they earn… but they earn enough for something that pleases them both.
Links To Resources: the book itself is a resource in terms of showing creative business management 🙂 – Pauline and John-John try advertising, sales, decorations, and entertainment. It also shows money and math in action, and there is back matter in which “Pauline Explains Money To John-John.” Ask your child or students to think up their own business ideas. What would they sell? How would they go about it? What supplies would they need? How much would they need to charge and how much would they need to earn to make their business a success?
Why I Like This Book: This book is so cute, and so completely believably child-like! Only kids, full of hope and belief in themselves and their abilities, would set up a lemonade stand in a howling snowstorm on a mostly deserted street 🙂 In spite of the poor odds, they’re determined to make their business a success and come up with all kinds of creative ideas. Unfortunately in the end they learn a hard lesson about business… but at least something good comes of it (which I hate to give away, but it’s so cute I have to tell you – they lose money, but have enough for two popsicles – the perfect treat in a snowstorm, apparently :))
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
(And at some point tomorrow, Sunday or Monday, I will post the promised new writing contest guidelines! I’m trying desperately to scrounge up some prizes for you! :))
Golly, has it gotten cold hereabouts! It’s like winter!
Oh, wait…
🙂
But guess what?
Today is Brown Scouty’s birthday! She is 9. And yes! Certainly we are having cake! Although not chocolate because alas, chocolate is not good for dogs and she must have some of her own birthday cake!
Here she is when she was tiny:
I love this picture. She’s such a little stumper 🙂
And here she is now:
Apparently not much has changed… she likes to sleep on the furniture 🙂
She is my faithful companion. She walks and runs with me on our road, she takes her squirrel-chasing duties very seriously, she sleeps by guards my bedside at night, and she is lying on my feet while I write this post so that in case I should decide to get up and do something that is Interesting For Dogs she will not miss out 🙂 She is the Best Dog Ever. Happy Birthday, dear Scouty ❤
I’d offer you some of Scout’s birthday cake, but since it’s not chocolate it would be all wrong for today. Besides, I promised Cathy Nutella Croissants, so here they are in all their chocolate-hazelnut-buttery-pastry deliciousness…
Scrumptious! And if you’re looking for an easy recipe, this one has only 3 ingredients! (Possibly even within my limited cooking capacity! 🙂 )
Alrighty!
Now that you’re not in danger of a low blood sugar flame-out and have consumed enough calories to help you withstand with extreme cold without perishing :), let’s get down to the fun!
First, the Pitch Pick Winners!
We have so many, I think it calls for some kind of celebration so how about this:
For September, the winner is Zainab, with her picture book pitch for Dear Cat!
For October, the winner is Kirk, with his MG pitch for My Next Door Neighbor Is A Dragon Princess!
And for November, the winner is Jessica with her picture book pitch for Showdown At The Sippy Cup Saloon!
Congratulations Zainab, Kirk, and Jessica Your pitches are winging through cyberspace to editor Erin Molta for her thoughts!
Congratulations also to ALL our intrepid pitchers who stepped up boldly and put their work out their for all the world to see in an effort to improve their craft! Everyone did a great job, and I hope you all got valuable feedback that will help these pitches to pique the curiosity of the agent or editor of you dreams!
And thank you to all the wonderful readers who show up to lend their expertise each week and to vote for the monthly winners! Would You Read It wouldn’t be what it is without you! ❤
Next up we have today’s Would You Read It pitch which comes to us from Cynthia who says, “When I’m not working, or taxi driving my kids to sporting events, I play with words. I have a love for picture books, especially ones in verse.”
The Pitch: Nicky loves to splash in puddles, but when Nicky finds a shiny wet inchworm hanging by a thread Nicky knows he has to act fast, but not before being amazed by this tiny little creature. Nicky soon forgets all about splashing in the puddles and sets out to find a safe home for his tiny new friend.
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE, or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Cynthia improve her pitch. Helpful examples of alternate wordings are welcome. (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks. For rules and where to submit, click HERE or on Would You Read It in the dropdown menu under For Writers in the header bar above. There are openings in February which isn’t that far off, so polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!
Cynthia is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to posting the guidelines for the brandy spandy new writing contest that we will be having! Mark your calendars for the week of February 8-12 and keep a weather eye out for a special post from moi with the low-down!
This extra Monday post gives me a whole ‘nother day to hang out with you!
(And a Monday post reminds me (just come along on the stream-of-consciousness train of thought here) that it’s been ages since we did Oh Susanna! So if anyone – writer, teacher, parent – has a question of any kind about reading, writing, submitting, picture books, etc… – feel free to email it to me using the handy Email Me button or susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com and put Oh Susanna in the subject line. Your picture book questions answered! I’d love to run Oh Susanna! again, at least occasionally :))
But today is all about Pitch Picks! So many! In appreciation of your hard work and dedication, I will supply Something Chocolate – extra Something Chocolates! Triple Something Chocolates! – for each Pitch Pick!
Ready?
Here we go!
The September Pitch Pick… with this delicious, delectable, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust… YUM!!!
This book is an illustrated story about mothers. It demonstrates that mothers from all over the world love and care for their children no matter what walk of life they come from. It is very reflective of Canada’s multicultural community and celebrates diversity. It is a simple story where the only text is the word ” Mom” “Mother or “Mommy ” in various languages. The illustrations will represent the feelings and interactions that occur daily between a mother and her children. Pictures can capture emotions and can be understood by all and make for an open ended reading experience.
#2 Maria – Firefighters’ Busy Day (PB ages 2-6)
Firefighters are busy! They have many tasks to do each day including “washing, waxing shining the truck, cleaning the gear, getting rid of the muck.”
Many don’t realize that firefighters do much more than just put water on fires. In Firefighters’ Busy Day, they can see the jobs firefighters do before, during, and after a fire call. Through the use of movement written into the text, they can even help firefighters get their jobs done.
Young children can pretend to be busy firefighters too, by trying some of the exciting fire safety activities included such as a fire truck parade or having firefighter-themed meal. The activities included are sure to turn everyday learning into firefighter fun.
#3 Diana – Wait For Cate (PB ages 4-8)
Cate has made a promise to her school friends to be on time for the big kickball game at recess. And they need her! When Cate encounters the new girl stuck in the sand in her wheelchair, Cate needs to make a decision. Should she keep her promise to her kickball team or help a new friend out of a “sticky” situation?
#4 Zainab – Dear Cat (PB ages 4-8)
Persistent Bird keeps bugging Cat with his letters to be his friend. Cat snubs Bird…until it’s snack time. Cat is ready for a tasty meal except Bird has his own devious plan in mind for this “clever” cat.
Please read and consider Lizette, Maria, Diana, and Zainab’s pitches and choose the one you think is best and deserves a read by editor Erin Molta, and vote for it in the poll below by Tuesday January 12 at 7 PM EDT.
Aaaaand… a little more Something Chocolate to keep your strength up… Triple Chocolate Poke Cake (bonus points to anyone who can tell me what a poke cake is! :))
#5 Kirk – My Next Door Neighbor Is A Dragon Princess (MG)
I didn’t care much for Maddie Buckner. At two, she bit my ear. At four she pushed me off a slide. At 8, she broke my favorite model airplane that took five months to build. At 10, she kissed me – on the lips! – under the Big Toy in the playground and told me she loved me. At 11, she spit in my face and said she hated me. Then she asked Parker Williams to the sock hop. Parker Williams! Oh, how I despised her. But then she had to go and save my life. That’s when I discovered her secret.
#6 Lisa – Kitten Ciao (PB ages 4-7)
Kitten Ciao is fed up with Mama’s cooking, so he consults his food lover’s map and dashes off to Europe. It all seems so right, but everything goes wrong. The rain in Paris turns his crepes to goo, his English pudding is filled with (gasp!) raisins, the sauerkraut at Oktoberfest is, well, he’s not sure what it is, and there’s no chocolate dip for his Spanish churros. Most tragically, he accidentally bites his tongue while eating pasta in Rome. Kitten Ciao swiftly learns there is no place like home – and a grilled cheese sandwich.
#7 Patricia – Aunt Elvira and the Watermelon Seed (PB ages 4-7)
A visit from Great-Aunt Elvira happens once in a lifetime. But why must it be during Clarissa’s lifetime? Her prim and proper twin, Marissa, is sure to shine. With her slurps, burps and spitting skills, Clarissa can’t imagine how to shine, let alone survive dinner, even with watermelon on the menu.
Please read and consider Kirk, Lisa, and Patricia’s pitches and vote for the one you think is best and deserves a read by editor Erin Molta in the poll below by Tuesday January 12 at 7 PM EDT.
And now, last one! You’re doing great! And here’s a little more Something Chocolate to keep you going! Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake… sorry if you’re drooling on your keyboard… I take full responsibility 🙂
#8 Jessica – Showdown At The Sippy Cup Saloon (PB ages 4-8)
In the tiny town of Toddle, in the cradle of the West, Sheriff Wyatt Burp is snoozing in his crib when Wild Bill Hiccup arrives to wake up — and shake up — the pint-size population. “Don’t go gettin’ yer onesie in a twist,” Wild Bill warns Wyatt, but tempers flare until the two go bib to bib in a showdown at the Sippy Cup Saloon. Who will emerge the rootin’ tootin’ squirt gun shootin’ hero of the West?
#9 Sandy – Caterwauling Cats (PB ages 4-8)
Jack and Dave miss their happy home where they take cushy naps and eat Kitty Cat Comfort Cozies. After several attempts to escape overdressing and mud pie feeding from Esther, they learn to yowl like monsters under her bed. Esther exits and the kitties have their own room for napping and noshing.
#10 Christie – The Naked Goose (PB ages 3-7)
When Honk flies south, he meets a few oddly dressed geese and tries to follow suit. However, he does not realize they are lawn ornaments. After an awkward inquiry, followed by several disastrous outfits, Honk discovers he is happier the way he came – naked.
#11 Jen – Ernie’s Toothfake (PB ages 4-8)
Ernie Blossomfoss rushes home to get his first lost tooth under his pillow, but when he trips he watches it go sailing into the playground woodchips. Convinced the tooth fairy won’t come unless she has a tooth to collect, Ernie hatches a plan to leave the perfect counterfeit. When the clever fairy doesn’t fall for it, Ernie ups the ante until he finally discovers that being honest is more valuable than a crisp dollar bill.
Please read and consider Jessica, Sandy, Christie, and Jen’s pitches and vote for the one you think is best and deserves a read by editor Erin Molta in the poll below by Tuesday January 12 at 7 PM EDT.
Phew! I know! That was a lot of pitch reading and picking! You are all the absolute best, and that is why I and everyone who submits a pitch love you so much. Know that you have done a good deed for the day and that the universe will return that goodness to you in multiples!
And now, this extra poll-laden post wouldn’t be complete without me telling you the results of last week’s poll on the subject of an extra writing contest in February….
The response was overwhelmingly in favor of a contest!
So I guess I’ll be seeing what I can put together for you all! 🙂
Ooh! This is exciting!
Stay tuned! I’ll get the contest guidelines up as soon as I think of them… and keep your fingers crossed that I can rummage up some good prizes for you on short notice!!!
Have a marvelous Monday, everyone, and thanks again for all your help with the pitches! We couldn’t do it without you!
This is so exciting! It’s the first Perfect Picture Book Friday of 2016!
(Because I know you guys are a bunch of wild revelers and would have been too tired on January 1st to appreciate PPBF 🙂 Really. That’s the reason. I was thinking of you. It had nothing whatever to do with the fact that I spent the holidays not working :))
Woo hoo!
Just think of all the terrific books we’re going to read and share this year!
And my pick for today is one that none of you have read or probably even heard of because it’s not out yet! 🙂 You’ll just have to drool with anticipation until February 16! 🙂
Before we get to it, though, one quick housekeeping note!
As I mentioned Wednesday, I’m about to have a brand new website and blog! Actually, I kind of already do – it’s up! Which, if you’re reading this on wordpress you know because you’re here 🙂 We’re just still working out a few kinks… so don’t be shocked or horrified if you see a typo or something looks a little off kilter (but do please let me know! 🙂 ) I hope you like it as much as I do!
For now, I’m posting blog posts on blogger and wordpress, but I’m hoping to switch to only wordpress by next week… I just don’t want to leave anyone behind *sniff sniff* That would be so sad! So please add the new blog ( https://susannahill.com/blog/ ) to your reader, or sign up to follow it by email, or whatever system works for you so you don’t miss any of the fun and I don’t miss you! I’m looking forward to a new year full of high jinx and shenanigans serious writerly pursuits 🙂 – among other things very possibly including a writing contest in about 3 weeks, judging by the poll response so far from Wednesday (if you haven’t voted, please go HERE so you can express your opinion :)) so PLEASE! Come along! 🙂 Remember… I have chocolate… not that I’m trying to bribe you or anything… 🙂
So I hope everyone is flocking over here and dragging all their friends and relations along to join the fun and now let’s get to this fabulous book already!
Title: The Almost Terrible Playdate
Written & Illustrated By: Richard Torrey
Doubleday Books For Young Readers, February 16, 2016, Fiction
“How about I’m the queen of the universe and my doll, Pippy, is my sister queen, and you visit my castle?”
“Or how about I’m the giantest dinosaur ever and you’re a dinosaur too – but not the giantest – and we stomp around smashing stuff?”
Brief Synopsis: A girl and a boy with active imaginations each have very different ideas about what makes a fun game. Will the afternoon end with two kids playing alone on opposite sides of the room, or will they find something that is fun for both of them?
Links To Resources: Class Compromise Activity for grades 3, 4 & 5 – Planning A Class Party; let your child or student draw a picture of what they think would be a fun game to play; discuss the meaning of compromise and the importance of getting along – what would happen if everyone insisted on getting his/her own way? Give examples of situations where people might have to compromise and have kids discuss how it could be handled, for example if one child wants to go to the zoo and the other wants to go to the playground, or how to plan a family picnic that will be fun for a variety of interests, etc.
Why I Like This Book: First of all, how fun is it that I got to read this book and share it with you when it’s not even out yet?! 🙂 This is a delightful story, told completely through dialogue and illustration (a good mentor text for writers who are working on similar stories.) The writing is spare and there is no written narrative – it’s all a conversation. The girl is completely sure that her idea is best, her game the most fun…and not surprisingly it gives her the starring role. The boy is equally convinced that his totally different idea is best, his game the most fun…and not surprisingly it gives him the starring role 🙂 Anyone who has ever spent time around kids will recognize this dynamic. The children’s imaginative descriptions grow more and more elaborate as they try to convince each other, but it is not to be. Before long the girl is playing her game, and the boy is playing his. But they are side by side… sneaking glances at each other… ultimately unable to resist their curiosity about each other’s games and the allure of having someone to play with, not just next to. The resolution is just right – very believable – and brings young readers full circle. But one of the best things about this book is the art! Childlike crayon drawings depicting the imagined games – SO much fun, and not to be missed!
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you! (Which will hopefully appear… I haven’t tried this on wordpress yet…)
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! And don’t forget (hopefully I won’t forget! :)) that we’re going to have a special blog post on Monday to vote for all the best Would You Read It pitches from September, October and November!
I hope you all had wonderful, happy, healthy holidays and are raring to charge full speed into 2016!
I confess that I’m unusually glad to be starting a new year. I’m ready for some changes and I hope you’ll be excited to come along with me!
For starters…
DRUM ROLL…!!!
I’m about to unveil my new and improved website and blog!
Some people (who shall be nameless) (you know who you are Julie Hedlund and Katie Davis) have been urging me for some time to switch to WordPress. So I’m taking the plunge! Seeing as how I’m completely inept when it comes to technology there are bound to be some glitches during the switchover, so I beg your patience with me! 🙂
I am also (hopefully) on the verge of launching a totally awesome newsletter (she said modestly). More on that when it’s closer to ready – I’m still working on layout and format, and my incredibly talented artist and I are still working on the banner.
I am also hoping to have a new class and/or workshop on offer at some point… though that may take me a little longer since I’m wrestling with how to make it make sense and work smoothly. It’s in the hopper, though, so fingers crossed!
In the meantime, my old class will be now be offered at two levels: the traditional one that’s been offered for the past 3 years at a wee price increase and a new Self Study version (for less $) where you can work on your own.
I’m cutting back on critiques a bit for the next little while to give myself more time to work on these other projects, but will continue to offer a shorter, quicker, (cheaper :)), less formal version of my critiques for those interested as well as a limited number of full critiques for returning writers who have gotten critiques from me before.
WOW! That’s a lot of new news, don’t you think? I’m thrilled by all of it… now it just remains for me to get it all finished and up and running! 🙂
Now then! Onto the business of Would You Read It Wednesday!
Somehow, due to one thing and another, we haven’t had a Pitch Pick since July! So this coming Monday January 11 there will be a special Pitch Pick post in which you will have the chance to choose your favorite pitches from September, October and November without having to focus on anything else – a new pitch or a Perfect Picture Book or whatnot. I will provide an extra Something Chocolate to make it worth your while 🙂 but it just seems easier and less stressful to put the Pitch Picks by themselves then to lump them all in with another post, don’t you think?
But, lest you be in voting withdrawal :), I have something else for you to vote on today.
Quite a few people have asked me how I’d feel about running a writing contest in February to break up the winter doldrums. If there is interest, I’d be happy to run one with a Groundhog Day or Valentines Day theme (providing I can drum up good prizes on short notice.) I’ve never run one in February before because I feared it would be too much for you all coming so close on the heels of the Halloweensie and Holiday Contests, but it DOES seem appealing to have something fun in February, and it WOULD be a great opportunity for you to create a new manuscript! So here’s a poll where you can vote to let me know if you’d like a contest and whether you’d prefer a Groundhog Day or Valentines Day theme or if you have a better idea! And if anyone has brilliant ideas for prizes (given that a Groundhog Day Contest would take place in barely a month!) please mention them in the comments or email me! 🙂 I’ll leave the contest poll open from today until Saturday evening.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for (admit it! :))… today’s Something Chocolate! It is frigidly cold here in the Northeast, so I’m thinking rich and delicious and decadent Belgian Hot Chocolate would really hit the spot!!! (Which if you’ve never tried you MUST!)
Today’s pitch comes to us from Gabi. Gabi lives in Oregon with her husband, two kiddos, one dog, and one dog-like cat. She loves reading, nature, and caffeine, and she’d love to see you at her blog: https://writingtoconnect.wordpress.com/.
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Unicorn With A Stache
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Meet Eustace. Like his fellow unicorns, he smells like roses. Unlike his fellow unicorns, Eustace grows a mustache. He likes his dapper new look, but his schoolmates tease.
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Gabi improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read Itor on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above. There are openings in February so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!
Gabi is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to getting all my projects finished and launching my new site, and to your answers about a February Writing Contest!
I think I have to go with either Cupcake Gingersocks or Candy Sparklepants, though… although Elvis McJingle is very appealing too! Which one do you think I should pick?
And you should go get yours! Right now! And share it in the comments! You know you want to… 🙂 I’m all about the giving over here – I went and researched these helpful links just for you, so that you could waste a little time spend the holidays being called by your official Elf Name 🙂 Think of it as my little holiday gift to you 🙂
So now, happy holidays! See you in 2016! May the force be with you etc.!
What?
You were expecting to discuss something else?
Something more important than official Elf Names? (as if there could be anything more important…!)
Oh!
Right!
I knew there was something else. . .
🙂
The5thAnnualHolidayContest!!!!
WINNERS!!!
As always, I was thrilled to see so many wonderful stories! Really! It is amazing and inspiring, not to mention VERY entertaining! There is just so much talent out there amongst you all!
But with large entry numbers, all of high quality, come hard choices. My assistant judges and I worked hard to winnow the total down to a manageable number of finalists that we felt were truly all-around deserving of that distinction, and those were the ones we presented to you on Tuesday for your vote.
There were, however, many other entries that were outstanding in certain areas even though they might not have qualified all-around for one reason or another.
So my assistant judges and I would like to award recognition and a small prize to the following authors for the following merits:
1. For Honorable Mention In The Competition As A Whole: David McMullin for Christmas In Discomfort (also so original and creative) Jaclyn Kruzie for A Rockin’ Christmas Wish Sam Steinfels for Unsilent Night Melissa Bulls for Santa’s Stain (also a fun-for-kids mystery) Heather ??? for A Real Christmas Tree
2. For Great Kid Appeal: (not already mentioned in the finals or other categories) Wendy Greenley for Cookin’ Up The Holiday Kid-Style Kirsten Bock Mel The Marshmallow’s Cocoa Catastrophe (also great ending!) Gabi Snyder Christmas With Kevin The Nanny Bot
3. For Excellence In Evoking Mood And Holiday Spirit And Tradition: Joni Klein-Higger for Happy Festival Of Lights Shelly Bond for Christmas Story Time! Tracey Cox for Zippin’ Around On Christmas Eve
4. For Beautiful Rendition Of The Christmas Story: Kristi Veitenheimer for A Christmas Birth Aileen Stewart for Huddled Around The Stable Door
5. For Most Original Setting: Anne Sawan for The Outback Christmas Hop Lorraine Nelson for A Very Spacey Christmas
6. For Favorite Character: Marla LeSage for spunky, resourceful, entertaining Sheila in Holiday Heist
7. For Best-Written Original Point Of View: Julie Bergman for The Little Burnt Latke (POV of a latke!) Joanne Sher for Precious Cargo (POV of the donkey who carried Mary)
8. For Fun Story In Fewest Words: Miranda Ireland for Christmas Party Hop (4 lines, 44 words – the overworked judges love you :))
9. For Best Entry For Parents 🙂 Shari Schwarz for Rocking Beside The Christmas Tree (so sweet :))
10. For Best Entry For Writers 🙂 Debbie Austin for What Happened When I First Sat Down To Write This Story (so clever and entertainingly done! – writers you will not want to miss this one!)
11. For Fun Well-Written Animal Entries: Ashley Franklin for Picture Perfect (dog) Catherine Flynn for Pouncing Around The Christmas Tree (cat) Carol Lescinski for Rockin’ Reindeer Jo Hart for Jungle Bell Rock (a whole menagerie :))
Congratulations to all of you for fantastic elements of your stories! You may all email me at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com to collect your prize, which is your choice of one of the following: (the titles are all links so you can go see what they’re about) (and if you request a paperback, please include your snail mail address!)
The announcement of the WINNERS OF THE 2015 HOLIDAY CONTEST as voted on by you!!!
rat-a-tat-rat-a-tat-rat-a-tat-rat-a-tat-rat-a-tat
DDDRRRUUUMMM RRROOOLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!
In First Place…
Winner of the whole shebang…
who gets first choice of all the prizes…
Jennifer Reinharz
for The Hanukkah Elf!!!
Congratulations, Jennifer, on a fabulous entry that was clearly very popular!!! 🙂
In Second Place…
Vivian Kirkfield
for The Christmas Seed
Congratulations, Vivian!! You get first choice of the prizes that are left after Jennifer makes her choice.
In Third Place…
Suzy Levinson
for City Critter Christmas
Congratulations, Suzy! You get first choice of the prizes that are left after Jennifer and Vivian choose theirs.
In Fourth Place…
Cindy Williams Schrauben
for Jugglin’ High For Pumpkin Pie
Congratulations, Cindy! You get to pick after Jennifer, Vivian, and Suzy.
In Fifth Place…
Kris Allen
for The Incident
Congratulations, Kris! You get to pick after Jennifer, Vivian, Suzy, and Cindy.
In Sixth Place…
Lisa Connors
for The Gift Of The Magpie (And Friends)
Congratulations, Lisa! I’m sure you get the idea of how the prize picking goes by now 🙂
In Seventh Place…
Sandy Jones
for Red Berries In The Snow
Congratulations, Sandy! You get to pick next 🙂
In Eighth Place… a 4-way tie!
Linda Schueler
for Randolph, Not A Reindeer
Nancy Tandon
for No Peeking!
Sheila Lynch-Afryl
for Clucking Christmas
Jen Bagan
for Ned’s Christmas Wish
Congratulations, Linda, Nancy, Sheila and Jen! You get to pick after Sandy! And we’ll just have to sort it out between us since you tied!
And in Twelfth Place, rounding out the top dozen of these amazing finalists and the 97 Holiday Contest Entries for 2015…
Deborah Boerema
for A New Classic?
All the winners should email me at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com with the subject heading Prize Winner so we can work out details for you to receive your prizes! And for your convenience, the whole prize list is included at the bottom of this post.
Congratulations again to all our winners – it was a stiff competition!! – and congratulations to EVERYONE who wrote and entered a story in the contest. You all deserve a huge round of applause and a Holiday Treat which is not fruitcake! (unless you happen to like it :))
Thank you to everyone who helped make this contest SO MUCH FUN, whether by writing an entry, reading people’s stories, leaving comments for the authors, and/or voting in the finals. It’s because of all of you that this contest was such a success, so many, many thanks from the bottom of my heart!
As I… hmm… maybe didn’t mention…?, I’m taking a little blogging break so I can spend time with my family – I’ve got children to fetch, cookies to bake, Christmas presents to shop for and wrap, and my sister and her family are arriving form Georgia on Monday! 🙂 – Oh, and we’re going to see the new Star Wars movie on Wednesday! So I will see you all in a couple weeks – most probably Wednesday January 6th for Would You Read It 🙂
So now, I want to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday filled with love, laughter, joy, and family, and a happy, healthy and successful new year! It is a pleasure and a privilege to get to spend time with you all, and I’m happy and grateful to know each and every one of you!
Looking forward to all the things we’ll do in 2016!
Happy Holidays, and all best wishes for a wonderful New Year!!!
Love,
Susanna
The Prizes!!! (items in color are links for more info!):
– A Picture Book Manuscript read and critique (winner’s choice of in-person, on the phone, or via email) by Claire Dorsett, Editorial Assistant, Roaring Brook Press!!! A bibliophile and outdoor enthusiast, Claire spent her childhood summers road-tripping across the United States, reading constantly on the long car rides between parks and museums. Her love of literature led her to pursue a BA in English from Cornell University, where she was involved with campus publications The Daily Sun and Rainy Day literary magazine. Claire then completed the six-week intensive Columbia Publishing Course before finding a home at Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, assisting VP and Publisher Simon Boughton. She has worked on a range of projects during her time at Roaring Brook, including Lane Smith’s middle-grade debut Return to Augie Hobble, Steve Sheinkin’s National Book Award finalist Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War, and picture books The Skunk, There is a Tribe of Kids, and Ned The Knitting Pirate. – a brand new Picture Book Webinar Bundle including one webinar on Concept Books and the other on Rhyme, Verse and Lyricism in Picture Books, generously donated by Emma Walton Hamilton, author, editor, writing coach, and teacher of the fabulous Just Write For Kids courses. – a 2016 Membership to Children’s Book Insider, including their Children’s Writing Knowledge Base, an absolutely fabulous resource for kid lit writers of all kinds, generously offered by Jon Bard and Laura Backes – A Picture Book Manuscript Critique by talented author/illustrator Iza Trapani, author of JINGLE BELLS, OLD KING COLE, ITSY BITSY SPIDER, and many, many more! – A Picture Book Manuscript Critique by the fabulous Lori Degman, author of 1 ZANY ZOO and COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS! – an e-copy of the fantastic How To Promote Your Children’s Book generously donated by Katie Davis!
– Enrollment in Making Picture Book Magic (my online picture book writing class – in January or a later month to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and me) – A 6-Month Membership to the new and fabulous One Stop For Writers Site! – 2016 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. – another 2016 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. – a pack of Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing What’s The Story Cards (hitherto un-introduced to the world!) – writing prompts for every occasion 🙂 – another pack of Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing What’s The Story Cards
I can’t thank these authors and other industry professionals enough for their incredible generosity! Please visit their sites, buy and recommend their books and services to your writer friends and/or friends with kids, write them nice reviews on Amazon, GoodReads etc if you’ve read and liked their books, and show your appreciation to them in any way you can!
The Contest Winner gets first choice of the prizes. 2nd place gets next choice of what’s left and so on. I do it this way in the hopes that no one will get something they already have and also because I think all the prizes are fabulous and I wouldn’t want to make anyone feel less valued by giving them as 6th place as opposed to 1st. 🙂
Nervous tics and twitches popping up at every turn!
And chocolate of all kinds being consumed in an uncontrolled fashion!!!
(Well, okay, I admit that around here the chocolate thing is pretty much par for the course, not confined to anxiety over waiting for contest finalists to be posted… uncontrolled chocolate consumption is a good thing :))
But I do sympathize!
Bad enough that I always make you wait the weekend to find out who the contest finalists are, but this time I made you wait a WHOLE EXTRA DAY! I’m so sorry!
Is that a jam stain on your blouse?
Please.
Go take a shower and put on clean clothes.
We’ll wait. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
There now.
Isn’t that better?
And now, at long last, the waiting is over!
Almost 🙂
Because as always, we must begin with a few words from the people in charge around here.
First, I want to thank EVERYONE who found time in their busy holiday season schedule to write an entry for this contest – all 96 of you! The overall quality of the entries was amazing! There were no easy cuts. My assistant judges and I found something to like in every story and hated having to cut anyone!
Second, I want to thank EVERYONE who took the time to go around to as many of the 48 different blogs as you could, as well as the 48 entries posted in the comments here, and read and leave supportive comments for the writers who worked so hard on these stories. In this business where rejection is a common and unavoidable part of the process, it means a great deal to writers to know that their work was read and enjoyed, and to receive a few kind words about their writing. It is one of the best things about this community – that people are so generous and kind to each other.
Third, before I list the finalists, I want to say again how really difficult it was to choose. There were so many fabulous entries. The sheer volume meant that many great stories had to be cut. So if yours didn’t make the final cut please don’t feel bad. There was a huge amount of competition. Judging, no matter how hard we try to be objective, is always subjective at a certain point – we all have our own preferences for what makes a great story. And the fact that you didn’t make the final cut DOES NOT mean you didn’t write a great story. Everyone who plonked their butt in a chair and worked hard to write a story for this contest is a winner! You showed up. You did your best work. You practiced your craft. You wrote to specifications. You bravely shared your writing with the world. And you have a brand new story that is now yours to hone and tweak if you like and maybe submit at some point to a magazine or as a PB manuscript. So bravo to everyone who entered!
Finally, I’d like to be very clear about the voting process. Due to the large number of entries, there are 12 finalists listed below. I have deliberately listed them by title only, so as to help with objectivity. Please read through them and choose the one you feel is best and vote. You are MOST welcome to share a link to this post on FB, twitter, or wherever you like to hang out and encourage people to come read ALL the finalists and vote for the one they think is best. Please do that. The more people who read and enjoy these stories the better, and the more objective votes we get the better. HOWEVER (and I want to be very clear on this) please do not ask people to vote for a specific number or title, or for the story about Mrs. Claus dancing the makaraina with Rudolph or whatever. Trolling for votes or trying to influence the outcome is counter to the spirit of this competition which is supposed to be based on merit. I thank you in advance for respecting this.
Now, without further ado, here are your finalists. There is a mix of poetry and prose, funny, cute, and poignant – quite a spread! Remember that the judging criteria were: 1. Kid-appeal! – These stories are intended for a young audience, so entries that were well-written but lacked child-friendliness or whose humor or content felt more appropriate for an older or adult audience did not make the cut. 2. It (hopefully) goes without saying that you must follow the contest rules – there were very specific instructions about the opening line which almost all of you followed to the letter… but a couple of strong entries did not. I thought the instructions were clear because of the multiple examples given… but one entry in particular caused serious debate among the judges as to whether the rules had been followed or not – the opening line was clearly modeled on the song but did not follow the pattern spelled out. In the end, we did not add that entry to the finalist list because some people who weren’t sure emailed for clarification and this author did not, and about 90 of the 96 entries followed the correct pattern flawlessly. So… executive decision… although we weren’t entirely happy about it. 3. Quality of story – the rules stated that entries were to tell a story, so if they appeared to be more of a description or mood piece, they didn’t make the cut. We looked for a true story arc, and unfortunately there were quite a few lovely, well-written entries that failed to meet this criteria. 4. Quality of writing – use of language, correctness of tense, spelling and grammar, quality of rhyme and meter for the poetry entries, and overall impression of writing were factored in. 5. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another. We cut 84 entries to leave you with these 12. It was very hard! We did the best we could. There were a number of stories where the judges loved the concept, but the rhyme/meter needed too much work to make the finals. And there were some that modeled the song beautifully with perfect meter and rhyme that failed to tell a story. In any case, I hope you’ll all find at least one of your favorites on the list below. #1CITY CRITTER CHRISTMAS
Soaring over skaters at the Rockefeller Rink,
Pigeon spies a Christmas tree and stops to have a think.
Perched upon a frosty branch that twinkles red and blue,
he wishes that the holidays were meant for critters, too.
Dashing through the Christmas tree in front of 30 Rock,
Squirrel bumps into Pigeon and he stops to have a talk.
“Why so sad?” he asks the bird. “It’s Christmas Eve, you know.”
“Not for critters,” Pigeon says. “Hey, look who’s right below!”
Trudging home from Macy’s (where he worked a double shift)…
it’s Santa Claus! He slips, he slides, he winds up in a drift!
Squirrel and Pigeon watch him fall—it’s not a jolly sight.
They scurry down the Christmas tree to see if he’s all right.
Twisting on the sidewalk while the critters yank his boot,
Santa Claus begins to yell, “Lay off my Santa suit!”
“We’ll help you up,” the critters say. “We know you’re in a rush!
You should be heading to your sleigh, not stuck here in the slush!”
Getting to his feet as shoppers shop and skaters twirl,
Santa grins at Pigeon, then he turns and grins at Squirrel.
“Thanks,” he tells the critters, gently wringing out his hat.
“I’ll give you both a Christmas gift!” They like the sound of that.
Sharing roasted chestnuts Santa purchased on the street,
Squirrel and Pigeon sit upon their Christmas tree and eat.
They look out at the city, filled with angels, while they chew,
agreeing that the holidays are meant for critters, too.
#2Red Berries in the Snow
Hopping along the twisty trail in the quiet, wintry woods, Rabbit spied red berries poking through the snow. “The Giver will be here soon,” he squealed. Then a heavy branch dropped snow on his head. Rabbit’s whiskers froze into tiny icicles.
He hopped to Mole’s house and thumped his foot on the cold ground near the door. Thump, Thumpity-Thump, Thump. “I saw red berries in the snow!” Rabbit hollered down the hole. “Please tell the Giver that I’d like a warm scarf this year. I’m going home to thaw my whiskers.”
Mole was dizzy from Rabbit’s wild thumping, but he clawed his way through his dark tunnel and popped out next to Mouse’s tidy nest. “Red berries in the snow,” Mole announced. “Kindly tell the Giver that Rabbit would like a scarf to keep his whiskers warm. And I would like a lamp for my tunnel. I’m going to sit in my favorite chair until my aching head feels better.”
“Oh dear, oh dear,” stammered Mouse as she pulled on her boots. “Rabbit and Mole are so impatient. Red Berries in the snow! Scarves and lamps! I’ve no time to waste.” She scurried up an oak tree and teetered on a tiny branch. “Good evening Owl,” she said. “It’s the sharing season and we must send the Giver a message. Tell him that Rabbit would like a warm scarf and Mole would like a bright lamp. Since I never seem to have enough time, I would like a watch.”
Owl listened carefully, then he lifted his strong wings and flew North until he saw the tallest evergreen in the woods. He circled it three times and landed deep within its boughs.
In the warmth of the morning, Rabbit found his scarf. Mole switched on his lamp and Mouse admired her watch. Beside each present lay a note that read: Your greatest gift will be found just outside your door. “Hooray!” said Rabbit, and he threw open his door. Mole and Mouse were staring back at him, and he knew the Giver’s words were true.
#3The Incident
Fleeting through the crowded aisles Of the mall – both hands held tight, ‘Cause Mom and Dad are really mad About “the incident” tonight.
It all started with a fun-filled trip To sit on Santa’s knee So I could tell him all the things I hoped he’d bring for me.
But when I saw the line of kids Went far past Santa’s sleigh, I knew somewhere, someway, somehow, I had to get away.
So I thought up an escape route, ‘Cause I think it’s so unfair, For kids to wait instead of play When toys are everywhere.
Quick – I bolted up the steps, Down aisles, and through a store. I figured it was better than that long line – what a bore!
But the store was NOT a fun one. It was filled with frilly things, Stuff that grown-up ladies wear, NO TOYS like Santa brings.
And then . . . my parents found me. I knew it wasn’t good. So I hid inside a clothes rack Like any smart kid would.
Then without so much as looking, Mom reached in and grabbed my collar While Dad stood with his lips pinched tight, trying not to holler.
They yanked me from that clothes rack, Past holiday displays, Down the escalator, And ’round people like a maze.
And as we fled past Santa, I thought I saw him grin – I guess I’ll send a letter About how good I’ve been.
#4The Hanukkah Elf
Tapping on the window pane at the Klein family home was Max, Santa’s hungriest elf. He was waving a jar and a letter. It read:
Dear Santa,
Potato pancakes, jelly donuts, games and light. Please come to my house on Hanukkah.
Love, Joe
“Santa has to deliver presents tonight,” the elf stepped inside. “So he sent me, Max. And this oil. When do we eat?”
“After we light the menorah,” Joe said. “Bring the jar.”
Max filled each of the eight cups with Santa’s gift. The boy and the elf lit the wicks.
The menorah glowed bright, but Santa’s oil was gone.
Joe frowned. “We need more to make the latkes and sufganiyot.”
Max’s stomach growled. “Time for a little elf magic.”
Twinkle. Wiggle. Clap.
The jar refilled. “Okay, Joe. Let’s get cooking.”
Max flipped the potato pancakes. Joe fried the donuts.
The boy and the elf devoured their feast.
Bellies full, faces sticky with applesauce and jam, Max and Joe settled their stomachs with a game of dreidel.
“I think I’ll save my chocolate winnings for the ride home,” Max said.
Joe read the letters on the top. “Nun. Gimel. He. Shin. In Hebrew that stands for A Great Miracle Happened There. Thank you for the oil.”
“I came for the food and made friend,” Max smiled. “I hope we can celebrate Hanukkah together again. Santa will be flying by soon. I should get to the roof.”
But Max didn’t move.
“What’s wrong?” asked Joe.
“How will Santa know where to find me? This isn’t one of his usual stops.”
“Yes it is.” Joe grinned and pointed to the stockings on the mantle. “We celebrate Christmas too. Merry Christmas, Max!”
“Happy Everything, Joe!”
#5The Christmas Seed
Circling round the planet Mars on their space craft RV-3,
the children begged and pleaded for a real live Christmas tree.
“There is no way,” cried Maw and Paw, “for that to come about.”
So Sue and Lou and Baby Boo would have to do without.
No Christmas tree? That cannot be…they vowed to find a way.
Sue climbed up high and searched the sky, but only saw a sleigh.
And Lou got tangled in the lights while looking in a drawer.
And Baby Boo picked up a seed as he crawled on the floor.
“Take that away,” cried Maw and Paw, “that’s not for Boo to eat”
But Boo skedaddled like a flash to the ejection seat.
Maw screamed! Lou tripped! Sue scrambled down! Paw reached to
save his kid.
They heard a BOOM! It shook the room! The spaceship blew its lid!
They watched as Boo flew through the air; it was a fearful sight.
This wasn’t quite the way they’d planned to spend this Christmas
night.
And Maw, she moaned, and Paw, he groaned, and Sue and Lou,
they cried.
But then they heard a HO! HO! HO! and Santa slid inside.
He opened up his big red sack – plucked out a doll for Sue,
a watch for Paw, a book for Maw, a bat and ball for Lou.
But Maw and Paw, their faces drooped, and Sue and Lou, they
frowned,
until they heard, deep in the sack, a most familiar sound.
Then Santa reached way down inside and pulled out Baby Boo.
“I saved the best for last,” he said. “This one’s for all of you!”
And scrambling up onto his sleigh, he pointed straight at Mars
The seed Boo found had grown into a Christmas tree with stars.
And Santa’s booming voice rang out as he rode out of sight,
“May peace and love and joy be yours on this and every night.”
So if you get a telescope, please aim the lens towards Mars,
and you might see Boo’s Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling
stars.
#6 Randolph, Not A Reindeer
“Packing up the presents at the North Pole workshop.” The elves and reindeer sang the traditional Christmas song. But Randolph couldn’t sing. Tears made the words stick in his throat. Randolph was thinking about when Santa had told him that Randolph had not been chosen to pull the sleigh. “It’s not that you’re not fast enough, Randolph,” Santa had said, his eyes sad. “It’s…” “Yes, I know, Santa,” Randolph had said, blinking back the tears. He had heard the rumours already. How all the children had cried, because Randolph had melted all the snow as he flew by. Because Randolph was not a reindeer, but a raindeer, it rained wherever he went. So instead of singing with the elves and reindeer, Randolph was doing what he did best: cleaning. The elves started to chatter about the snowstorm that had taken place the night before in Canada. “I’ve heard the snow is all the way to the rooftops,” said one elf. “Santa is bringing extra food along,” said another. The Christmas sleigh flew off , and everyone listened to the radio as it gave updates on Santa’s progress. All was well. Then Santa hit Canada. The radio crackled, “Santa here, over. We’ve got an emergency, over. Send over everyone, over.” Santa wanted everyone? Even Randolph? Randolph flew high in the sky. Faster, faster, faster until he reached Santa and his sleigh. Snow was not only up to the rooftops, but it was also covering the chimneys. That meant that Santa could not deliver the presents and food! Elves were digging out the chimneys as fast as they could, but it was not fast enough. Randolph knew what he must do. He flew over a house. The rain from the raindeer’s clouds melted the snow from the roof. Soon the chimney was exposed. “Ho ho ho, well done, Randolph,” laughed Santa. Santa went down the chimney, and then Randolph flew to the next house. And the next one. “Packing up the presents at the North Pole workshop.” The elves and reindeer sang as they worked, and this time Randolph sang along.
#7No Peeking!
Sneakin’ around the present stash
At the bottom of the tree,
In stealth mode, got my ninja on,
Look how black-ops I can be!
I shouldn’t look, but too late now,
Hey, I think this one’s for me!
Later I might regret this choice,
But right now I’ve got to see.
Santa, please forgive me sir, it’s awfully hard to wait.
Voices saying, “It’s not Christmas – put that present down right now, Miss!”
Sneakin’ around the present stash
Is the most fun thing to do.
Parents are at their office bash,
If you were me, you’d peek too!
Here I go, I’m gonna open just one little gift.
Peel the tape slow, careful – don’t tear…
Jokes on me now, I got UNDERWEAR!
Wrap it back up, no time to waste
Hide this sneaky thing I did.
I’ll call St. Nick and plead my case,
“Please remember, I’m a kid!”
#8The Gift Of The Magpie (And Friends)
Flitting around the birdfeeder at the tiny woodland house, birds of all kinds shared the feast that appeared like magic when winter arrived. Chickadee dipped and swooped while spreading his dee dee dee cheer. Goldfinch called po-ta-to-chip. Titmouse tap-tapped his seed. Magpie noticed Sparrow whose feathers slumped as she stared in the window.
“What’s wrong dear friend? In this season of chill, these people feed us from their goodwill. You should chirp, you should sing, you should eat your fill.”
“It’s the boy,” Sparrow cried.
The birds loved the boy. He watched them whenever he was home, and he spent his allowance on birdseed.
“His mom said there isn’t enough money to buy a Christmas tree this year.”
Magpie peered into the house. The boy was drawing birds, but Magpie saw him wipe his eyes.
“We’ll help him smile, I do decree. We’ll get our friend a Christmas tree.”
The closest trees to the house were maples and oaks whose leaves had fallen for the winter. Squirrel nibbled the stem of a young cedar tree so they could take it to the boy. But the whole flock of birds couldn’t lift one tree.
“Plan B is better, this I know. You’ll still need your muscles though,” Magpie enthused.
They practiced making tree-shaped pyramids, but the bottom birds got tired or hungry before the star-bird could settle on top. On their third attempt the neighbor’s cat almost got her own Christmas treat! Feathers flew; Cat missed, but Magpie got an idea!
“Who says we need an evergreen? Come all my friends, it’s time to preen!”
On the dawn-quiet of Christmas morning, the boy donned boots and a coat. He went to the closest maple by his window to hang birdseed ornaments for his friends. He gasped and smiled. From it’s naked branches hung colorful, delicate feathers gleaming with the new day’s light. He sang out loud as he added his ornaments. “Merry Christmas my woodland friends!” The morning air filled with bird song in reply.
#9A New Classic?
Waiting in line for Santa’s knee
At the mall we always shop.
Suddenly, someone nudges me.
It’s an undercover cop!
You will not believe this crazy story when you hear…
He’s dressed like an elf, by golly!
In my shock, I drop my dolly.
The cop asks for my help, you see.
This is what he has to say:
“Three bullies have been on a spree.
For their stunts they now must pay!”
“They must be stopped,” I do agree
“What kind of help can I bring?”
He replies, “Teamwork is the key.
We will organize a sting.
“Those creeps are smashing candy canes swiped from little kids.
Wait ‘til you get to Santa’s chair.
Then get your cane, and I’ll be there.
“They’ll grab your treat and try to flee.
It will really make my day
To catch them in the act—all three—
And propel them on their way.”
Our plan works out just perfectly.
We make an unlikely team:
An elf cop and a little girl.
Sounds just like a wacky dream!
The mall’s now very safe, you’ll find;
So hop up on Santa’s lap.
Watch out if mischief’s on your mind,
For we’ll set another trap!
#10Clucking Christmas
Sneezing around the reindeer pen on the night before Christmas… AAAAACHOOOO! HOOONK! Santa blew his nose for the 50th time that Christmas Eve. “You’re done with your bath, Donner. Now you’re sparkling clean for our big… ACHOOO! HONK! …night.”
Mrs. Claus, with Agnes, her favorite backyard chicken, clucking behind her, said, “Santa dear, you’re allergic to those reindeer. There’s no way they can lead your sleigh tonight.”
A triple sneeze shot out of Santa and onto Donner. “Hogwash,” Santa muttered weakly.
Agnes scurried back to the henhouse. “Santa’s allergic to the reindeer. We have to help him!”
“Poor Santa! He’s a good egg,” Beaker moaned.
“Should we buy him allergy pills?” Lovey asked.
“This is our big chance!” Dixie flapped.
“Everyone in favor say ‘squawk,’ ” said Agnes.
“Squawk!” It was unanimous.
The chickens bustled outside and took a place in front of the sleigh.
Santa sighed. “I guess I have no choice. Reindeer, you get the night off.” He grabbed the reins. “On Agnes! On Bertha!”
The chickens weren’t listening. “Agnes! Why did he call your name first?!” Dixie clucked.
“Jiminy Christmas! You chickens don’t rule the roost,” Santa sputtered. “On Lovey! On Beaker!”
The chickens frantically flapped their wings. The sleigh crept forward, then moved faster and faster. It lifted a foot off the ground and Santa breathed a sigh of relief.
But CRASH it fell back to the ground.
“On Dixie! On Betty!” The chickens started flapping, and again the sleigh gained speed. Faster and faster it went, until—
“To the left! To the left!” Santa shouted as Mrs. Claus rolled out of the way.
And THUD, a bottle of Reindeer Wash that Santa left in the sleigh fell over and spilled.
“ACHOO!” he sneezed.
“Why, Santa,” Mrs. Claus said, “you must be allergic to the Reindeer Wash, not the reindeer!”
“Whew! Chickens, thanks for your service, but…On Donner! On Blitzen!”
The chickens watched the sleigh glide off into the sky. “Well, it looks like they flew the coop,” Agnes said. She turned on their favorite song. “Squawking around the Christmas tree in the Clauses’ chicken coop.”
#11JUGGLIN’ HIGH FOR PUMPKIN PIE
Glidin’ aside this luscious grub at the festive Christmas Feast.
I’ll indulge in every dish. One small bite, at least.
I love stuffing, beans, and squash, but treats are always last.
Pumpkin pie’s my favorite prize. I’d better get there fast.
Stacking food up tall and wide, I’m hoping it won’t slop.
Ham and yams and tators mashed, it’s one big goopy glop.
The massive mound slants, slopes, and slides, the situation’s bleak.
Guess it’s time to pull off my best juggling technique.
Swivel left and sway back right, can’t let this mountain slip.
The butter in my pocket’s warm, it’s just about to drip.
Seems I’ll need another plate, can’t manage one more crumb.
I’ll balance it atop my head, an olive on each thumb.
Berries slide right down my nose and plop on my new shoe.
Deviled eggs are in my hair with greasy gravy goo.
A drumstick’s safe beneath my arm. Rolls are in my shirt.
Thought I’d never make it but, at last, I spot dessert.
Almost there. I’m getting close. There ‘s lusciousness in sight…
lick my lips and take a whiff, a holiday delight.
Slow and steady, grab the last of Nana’s pumpkin pie.
Trap it tight between my chin and snazzy blue bow-tie.
I sneak beneath the food buffet, can’t make it to my seat.
Got my pie, but now I’m simply too wiped out to eat.
#12NED’S CHRISTMAS WISH
Chipping through the ice of the glistening forest pond, Ned the turtle finally breaks through and inhales deeply. This is the year, he thinks. Timmy Elf will finally call my name for the sleigh loading.
Ned arrives at the clearing as Timmy says, “And that’s it. Thank you for helping us each Christmas Eve. We couldn’t load the sleigh in time without you.”
Ned inches closer and sees the usual foxes, hares and bobcats high-fiving each other as they wait in Vixen’s sled. Timmy takes the reins and Ned cries,
“WAAAIITTTT!”
“Not again,” Timmy mutters.
Ned gasps,
“You didn’t call my name? Please give me a chance.”
Timmy considers.
“OK – if you promise to stay put, you can finally come see for yourself why this is no job for a turtle.”
When they land at the North Pole, Ned stays in Vixen’s sled while the others spring into action. He watches as a flurry of hands, paws and hooves stack presents in the sleigh. Suddenly, it’s jostled and a small doll flies through the air and lands right below Ned. The tag says,
For Mary: Next year will be better. Love, Santa
“Two minutes to take off!” cries Timmy.
Ned raises his claw.
“Excuse me? There’s a doll here.”
In their frantic rush, nobody hears him. Ned knows this doll is important. Carefully he climbs off the sled.
I can do this, he thinks.
Ned reaches the doll and gently nudges her onto his back. He keeps his eyes on the sleigh and plods with determination.
Timmy calls, “Hooves up in one minute!”
Ned surges forward and bumps smack into Santa’s boot. He looks up.
“Wow,” says a stunned Ned.
Santa smiles and takes the doll.
“Thank you, my friend. This one is special.”
They take off and Ned beams as he watches the sleigh glide across the sky.
Timmy rushes over and snaps,
“I told you to stay on the sled.”
Then he sighs.
“Now do you understand why turtles could never help with this job?”
Ned doesn’t listen. He did help tonight. His Christmas wish came true.
* * * * *
PHEW! Now that you’ve had a chance to read through the finalists, please vote below for the one you think deserves to win by Thursday December 17 at 5 PM EST. Winners of all kinds will be announced on Friday December 18! (Possibly a bit late, I forewarn you, as I will be out of office all day on the 17th!) I know. That gives you a little less voting time than usual (because I took up an extra day with judging) but I want to be able to announce the winners on Friday so we can then all go off happily to our holiday celebrations 🙂
Thank you all so much for taking the time to write (if you did), read, and vote! These contests simply wouldn’t be what they are without all of you!
I can’t wait to see who the winners will be!
Tune in Friday (no PPBF!)… same bat time, same bat station 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
You must be logged in to post a comment.