"Everything in the world exists in order to end up as a book." - Stéphane Mallarmé
I have participated in Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie contest twice and her first-ever Valentiny contest, and this will be my first Holiday Writing Contest. The prompt: write a children's (ages 12 and under) holiday story of 300 words or less using the basic format/concept of The Twelve Days of Christmas! Check out my entry below. THE GIFT OF READING A Picture Book Riddle by Amanda Sincavage (297 words) Twelve days before Christmas I hadn’t bought any gifts yet. My sister Margarita banged the drums in her room and I couldn’t think through the clatter. I thought about sending her to a deserted island for Christmas. Eleven days before Christmas my little brother Tommy needed help building his train track. I told him, “I think you can do it.” Mom said to help him anyway. Can you wrap confidence? Ten days before Christmas my brother Matt’s tadpole grew legs! Maybe they need froggy shoes for leaping. Nine days before Christmas we went to the zoo. My sister Molly mimicked the flamingos. She already has pink tights and a tutu. Eight days before Christmas my Aunt Pat sent me to the store for milk and…I forgot!?!? She needs a delivery service. Seven days before Christmas my friend Joe and I explored the depths of a magical pond. We didn’t discover any gifts. Six days before Christmas I took my grumpy Grandpa for a walk, and we saw four waddling goslings. A pet for Grandpa? Five days before Christmas Grandma knocked on the door with a fresh batch of cookies. Mmmm…but she told me I had to share. Four days before Christmas my cousins teased me when I said a silly phrase. Maybe they won’t get anything. Three days before Christmas the whole family pitched in to help mom make cookies. Shhhh…they weren’t as good as Grandma’s. Two days before Christmas my friend Joni and I dressed up in too-big hats and couldn't see. No hats for her! One day before Christmas Daddy hung a swing from the old apple tree, which reminded me of a story…and that’s when it came to me. I would share my love of reading! What books did I gift from my library? Reread the story (and original song) to identify which books the main character gifted to each friend and family member! Post your guesses in the comments, and I will share the answers later this week. UPDATE 12/19/16: The contest is over and results are in! I am happy to have received an honorable mention for "Thinking-Outside-The-Box Creativity." Yippee! For those of you interested, I added the riddle answers in the comments below.
20 Comments
12/12/2016 09:13:15 am
I'm glad you decided to participate. =) Great story. Good luck and happy holidays.
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Amanda
12/13/2016 12:33:20 pm
Thanks Gregory!
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Amanda
12/13/2016 12:32:32 pm
Thanks for stopping by David! I really enjoyed your entries!
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12/13/2016 08:17:35 am
How fun that you wove details from beloved children's books into your story! I bet Flora and the Flamingo goes to Molly. :)
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Amanda
12/13/2016 12:31:58 pm
Yes, Gabi. Thanks for joining in!
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12/13/2016 10:02:32 am
This is so fun! A riddle to do with favorite books is even better. I'll add:
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Amanda
12/13/2016 12:44:13 pm
Eileen, thanks for reading!
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Amanda
12/14/2016 10:56:48 am
Where the Wild Things Are for Day 12 was an excellent idea. I was focused more on the drum and her name is a clue!
Amanda
12/14/2016 10:47:16 am
Thanks Jean!
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12/13/2016 05:06:40 pm
What a challenging game. I look forward to seeing the answers.
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Amanda
12/14/2016 10:47:49 am
Thanks Linda
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Patricia Nozell
12/14/2016 05:14:56 am
Amanda, How clever! I definitely need to reread & think on the clues, but I love the idea of this. Well done!
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Amanda
12/19/2016 02:48:16 pm
Thanks for reading Patricia!
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12/14/2016 07:02:25 pm
WOW..this is terrific, Amanda...I was soooo tempted to put my other work aside and solve your riddle...but I'm forcing myself to wait till I'm done with Christmas cards and reading the rest of the entries on Susanna's linky.
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Amanda
12/19/2016 02:49:25 pm
Thanks for stopping by Vivian! I always love to read your thoughtful comments on the entries!
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12/15/2016 08:20:04 am
What a cute story! I finally got a chance to find your entry here. I'm not very good at riddles, however. hee-hee! Good luck in the contest!
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Amanda
12/19/2016 02:50:02 pm
Thanks for checking it out Cathey!
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12/19/2016 03:01:45 pm
Here are the answers to the riddle in order of the clues:
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