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WARRIOR PRINCESS: The Story of Khutulun by Sally Deng, Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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Today I am over the moon to share WARRIOR PRINCESS, The Story of Khutulun by Sally Deng. Sally illustrates for many publications, including the New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, Vice, the New Yorker and Condé Nast Traveler. I am so proud she is the illustrator of my first picture book YUSRA SWIMS, and an author/illustrator in her own right based in Los Angeles.

Her first book, SKYWARD: The Story of female pilots in WW II released in 2018 and won the 2019 Outstanding Work of Creative Non-fiction, Children’s Literature Council of Southern California and WARRIOR PRINCESS, her second the picture book, released last year. To find out more about Sally, check her website here.

Title: WARRIOR PRINCESS: The Story of Khutulun

Author/Illustrator: Sally Deng

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux

Ages: 5 – 7 years

Themes: Asian history, Biography

Synopsis: (from Amazon)

An empowering and informative picture book biography about Khutulun, the great-great granddaughter of Genghis Khan, and how she defied the expectations of her time to become commander of the Khan’s army.

A story based on the life and legend of Khutulun, Warrior Princess is an inspiring tale of a princess who realizes that sometimes the best way to serve one’s community is to stay true to oneself and defy their expectations, brought to life by Sally Deng’s lush, sweeping paintings and additional back matter about Khutulun’s life.

OPENING LINES:

In the moonlit grasslands of ancient times, a baby girl took her first breath.

Her father, the khan, cradled her in his arms.

“Here is my daughter, child of the moon, ” he proclaimed.

“Khutulun, Princess of Mongolia!”

WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK:

I love picture book biographies, and this one is a must-read. The little known story, based on the life and legend of Khutulun, takes us from her birth to her becoming commander of the Khan’s army. It is informative and empowering. Khutulun and her fourteen brothers trained every day to become warriors. Her tribe had a saying “A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings.” She was a proficient horsewoman, warrior and sportswoman – her favorite pastime was wrestling! This girl worked hard and made her way to the very top of the Khan’s army, as Deng says so eloquently in her Author’s note “Khutulun lived a life she paved for herself.” There is a glossary at the back of Mongol words used in the text. Deng’s language is lyrical and her art simply beautiful.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Learn how to draw a horse step by step here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAsmiu5wh4Q

A horse coloring page drawn by Sally

Thanks for stopping by. Please check your library for a copy of Warrior Princess: The Story of Khutulun, or order one here. I promise you won’t regret it!

24

Alphabet Cookies – ALPHABEDTIME by Susanna Leonard Hill and Betsy Snyder plus #giveaway

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Like many of you reading this post today, my first attempts at writing for kids were shared on Susanna’s wonderful blog and when she asked if I might like to participate in the ALPHABEDTIME blog tour, I was quick to say yes!!

And hip, hip, hooray! Today’s the day!

Susanna is such a generous member of the kidlit world and her new book is just as special as she is, so without further ado, welcome….ALPHABEDTIME! Congratulations Susanna and Betsy!

About Alphabedtime:

Bedtime is busy for the Alphabet family – after all, there are 26 kiddos to tend to. A, B, and C declare they are not ready, and Impish I and Jazzy J just don’t want to settle down, but by toothbrushing time the crew seems to be headed in the right direction. Of course, there is still bath time which is super splashy, and getting into jammies which is no joke. But finally, after a story’s been read and they are tucked in tight, peace reigns.  Or does it? Toddlers are sure to get a kick out of this lively Alpha-family – and hopefully following each and every letter’s antics will tucker them out!

When I read Alphabedtime, I giggled at the Alphabet kids’ suppertime. Alphabet soup and cookies…delightful! Of course, the early childhood educator in me, thought it would be fun to find some other alphabet favorites to make and eat.

Oh and what a scrumptious time we have had!

We went to Italy for a slice of crostata and we’d love to share our recipe with you!

Crostata dough:

  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup butter

Topping:

  • 3/4 cup of jam

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 180 C, grease and flour a 20-22 cm pie dish.
  • In a large bowl, gently whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder, create a well in the middle and add a slightly beaten egg and extra yolk and softened butter.
  • Mix together and work the mixture to form a soft dough.
  • Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove from fridge and kneed about 2/3 of the dough into your pie plate.
  • Prick the dough with a fork and spread with jam. We used raspberry because it was everyone’s favorite.

Now comes the fun…

  • roll out the remaining dough and cut out everyone’s letter to decorate…
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 – 30 minutes or until golden.

I promise this was a scrummy teatime treat and did not last long in our house!

And we made delicious alphababies!

Made with sugar cookie dough rolled together with chocolate cookie dough. The babies wanted more, more, more and loved cutting themselves out and their letters!!

I hope you all have fun baking some ALPHABEDTIME treats today!

But that’s not all…

We are lucky to have an ALPHABEDTIME #GIVEAWAY!!

Susanna is generously offering one copy of her amazing book (US residents only please). Please comment below and share widely to be in for a chance to win! The winner will be drawn randomly on 10th November.

For quick links to Susanna’s Blog Tour and Events,

check out this link:

https://linktr.ee/alphabedtime

To connect with Susanna and learn more about her and her books and her contests and her classes and all of the other the wonderful resources she offers:
Website: https://susannahill.com/  
Face Book Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/SusannaLeonardHill  
Twitter: @SusannaLHill  https://twitter.com/SusannaLHill  
Instagram: @susannaleonardhill https://www.instagram.com/susannaleonardhill/ 

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Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt? by Derick Wilder and illustrated by K-Fai Steele, Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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This week I have a such a fun book to share with you all. It is written by Derick Wilder, author of The Longest Letsgoboy, and illustrated by my friend K-Fai Steele, who i have had the pleasure of getting to know since her move to Switzerland. We had coffee and a chat the other day and she was sweet enough to bring me a copy of Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt? What a blast! Laugh out loud funny and in rhyme…and you know me and rhyme!! So without further ado, i am super happy to share:

Title: Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt?

Written by: Derick Wilder

Illustrated by: K-Fai Steele

Published by: Chronicle Books

Suitable for ages: 3 – 7 years

Themes/Topics: body awareness, humor

Opening:

On our daily walk to school,

through the park and past the swings,

questions pop into my head…

I bet Daddy knows these things.

Book Synopsis: (taken from Amazon):

Over the course of a long walk across a city, one curious kid needs to know: “Does it have a butt?” Everything from sheep to ghosts to dinosaurs is subjected to this all-important question, and Dad is a never-ending source of answers. On a laugh-out-loud father-child ramble, we come to see that every butt, from a bullfrog’s to a zombie’s, has its own distinctive, and distinctively hilarious, quality.

Why I like this book:

As a parent, the walk or drive to school always seemed to be the perfect time to ‘chat’ and this book captures exactly that! Wilder has created a fun father-child moment where no conversation is off the table and fun and funny banter is definitely the order of the day. The illustrations, by the lovely K-Fai Steele, are a feast for the eyes. There are butts everywhere and in the most unusual places. Younger readers will have brilliant fun trying to find them all!

Activities to go with this book:

– try drawing all kinds of butts with a crayon (as shown in the book):

“Does a crayon have a butt? Nope, but it can surely draw one.”

To find out more about Derick Wilder and his current books and upcoming projects https://www.derickwilder.com/

To find out more about K-Fai Steele and her current books and her upcoming projects http://www.k-faisteele.com/

Have a great Friday everyone, and don’t forget to hop over and see the other #PerfectPictureBookFriday posts.

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The Extraordinary Pause by Sara Sadik and illustrated by Karine Jaber, Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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A month or so ago, Eifrig Publishing reached out asking if I’d be willing to review The Extraordinary Pause, written by Sara Sadik and illustrated by Karine Jaber. A book about the Coronavirus pandemic documenting the pause we all took in 2020/2021 piqued my interest as an educator, author, and parent, and I hope it will be a new discovery for some of you too.

Title: The Extraordinary Pause

Written by: Sara Sadik

Illustrated by: Karine Jaber

Published by: Eifrig Publishing

Suitable for ages: 3 – 10 years

Themes/Topics: Coronavirus, relationships, family, social distancing

Opening: “Not long ago in a land we all know, things were moving fast.”

Book Synopsis taken from Amazon:

The Extraordinary Pause is a keepsake testament of the pandemic of 2020-2021, a tribute to the simple and remarkable efforts people made in the face of the unexpected and unknown, and a tool to discuss how it is affecting kids as they start heading back to school.

This book is a wonderful tool for reflecting on the physical, mental, and emotional impact of this extraordinary event. The text is complimented with thoughtful and poignant illustrations with a minimal color palette and plenty to explore for the young audiences, as well as a few talking points to help kids reflect and remember this experience.

This book will have a place in a child’s permanent collection of childhood favorites. It will be a place to return to as we reflect with our kids on the challenging period we experienced during the extraordinary pause and help us all to grapple with the social, physical, and mental parts of the journey.

Why I like this Book:

I loved Sadik’s minimal text. Written through the eyes of a little girl, The Extraordinary Pause takes the reader through the many life changes she witnesses over the last year… empty playgrounds, no in-person school, and postponed birthday parties. I particularly liked that there is no mention of illness or death, just a virus arrived that “visited every corner… of every country, even though it wasn’t invited.” Sadik mentions things so many of us missed like hugs, kisses, and high fives. I like how the book compares changes in outside life and contrasts this by inside life “home became the center of it all. Mommies taught math, Daddies taught reading.” I felt quite emotional as hope and optimism returned to the world and the little girl has a big hug with her Grandfather again. The artwork by Jaber is powerful in its simplicity, and complements this story so well.

Resources:

Take a look at these wonderful bonus resources supplied by the publisher https://www.eifrigpublishing.com/pages/bonus-resources-for-the-extraordinary-pause

Thanks for stopping by everyone, and have a lovely Friday.

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Marty written by Rachel Noble and illustrated by Zoey Abbott/Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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I am thrilled to introduce you all to the cutest little green Martian living on Earth on Perfect Picture Book Friday today! Marty is written by my lovely friend and agency sister, Rachel Noble, illustrated by Zoey Abbott, and published by Holiday House. Hot off the press, Marty had a book birthday last week.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rachel back in November 2017 when i visited the Sunshine Coast in Australia for a few weeks. We went for lunch, and talked about books and stories. She bought me the most adorable ‘Wombat in a teacup’ bauble for my Christmas tree and I think of her every year as it dangles in the boughs.

This is the second picture book by the Rachel Noble and Zoey Abbott team. The first was Finn’s Feather – a heart-felt story of a little boy grieving his brother (Enchanted Lion, 2018). If you would like to find out a little more about this awesome team, please take a look at Rachel’s website here and Zoey’s here .

So, without further ado, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to Marty:

Title: Marty

Written by: Rachel Noble

Illustrated by: Zoey Abbott

Published by: Holiday House

Suitable for ages: 3 – 7 years

Themes/Topics: friendship, science fiction, social studies

Opening:

Image by Zoey Abbott, courtesy of Holiday House

Book Synopsis: (taken from Holiday House):

Marty is a tiny green Martian who lives here on Earth. You’ve never noticed him before, because he is undercover . . . Marty wears disguises and studies human behavior in order to fit in. He is always watching, learning, and laughing.

And then one day, after much preparation, Marty gets a job! He loves to watch his customers, and he even makes some friends. But Marty knows he can never reveal his secret. Humans are terrified of Martians.

When his cover gets blown, Marty needs somewhere safe to go. Who will see beyond his strange, green looks to show him kindness?

This adorable story of an outsider with a good heart reminds readers that everyone needs a place to call home–and a friend for company. Zoey Abbott’s colorful art, full of elaborate costumes and whimsical details, pops against Rachel Nobel’s spare, sweet text. With its charming way of promoting inclusivity, the book makes for a perfect companion to All Are Welcome.

Why I like this book:

Marty is story of inclusion, kindness and belonging. Noble approaches the subject with humor and grace. Her language is spare and simple, but there are so many hidden messages for further discussion with young readers, like homelessness, loneliness, and being a friend. Abbott’s colorful art is a delight to the eye, and i am sure children will spend hours admiring the wonderfully detailed costumes.

Activities to go with this book:

  • Images courtesy of Rachel Noble and family 🙂
  • Paint/collage and decorate a paper roll Marty
  • Create a new costume for Marty here
  • Create a disguise box for the playroom/classroom
  • Organize a costume parade/party
Image by Zoey Abbott, courtesy of Holiday House

Happy Friday everyone! Be sure you check out the other wonderful books over on #PPBF today.

Julie

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Pierre & Paul Dragon! written by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Alice Carter – Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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If you teach in French and English, or have children that learn French as a foreign language then you absolutely need to take a look at this book.

Pierre & Paul Dragon! by Caroline Adderson (http://www.carolineaddersonkids.com/) and illustrated by Alice Carter (https://www.alicecarter.com/) is a story told in two languages, published in March 2021, hot off the Owl Kids spring list!

Title: Pierre & Paul Dragon!

Written by: Caroline Adderson

Illustrated by: Alice Carter

Published by: Owlkids

Suitable for ages: 5 – 8 years

Themes/Topics: imagination; treasure maps; humor; friendship; bilingual books

Opening:

“Paul and Pierre are great explorers.

Ils sont aussi des amis.

Friends and explorers”

Book Synopsis: (taken from Amazon):

Pierre and Paul are back for another adventure! Pierre speaks French and Paul speaks English, but that doesn’t stop them from being friends and exploring together. Today is garbage day, so the duo sets out to find hidden treasures in the trash.
Treasure map in hand, they encounter poisonous swamps, dark forests, a dragon, and even a tsunami! (Or maybe just a garbage truck driving through a puddle). When the tsunami sweeps away their treasure map, they think all is lost―until they finally find a treasure lying out in plain sight.
Told half in French and half in English, this second book in the Pierre & Paul series uses simple phrases and clues in the illustrations to make the story accessible to readers in both languages. Full of imagination and playful illustrations, this vocabulary-learning tool is an engaging story of friendship.

Why I like this book:

Working in a French speaking setting, but being English speaking, I really like this simple story told in two languages!

It follows two boys who are off to hunt treasure. They create a map, which is a great idea for a (class) art project, and set off (whilst also putting out the garbage for Dad). Their adventure finally leads them to losing the map, but finding a different kind of treasure.

The art by Alice Carter is a fun mix of water color and pens!

Activities to link with the book…

If you like the look of this one, make sure you check out ‘Pierre & Paul Avalanche!’ too.

Thanks so much for popping by everyone and have a lovely Friday!

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Carmen and the House that Gaudi Built written by Susan Hughes, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer – Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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I am delighted to be able to take you all to beautiful Barcelona today!

Carmen and the House that Gaudi Built is a stunning new picture book by Susan Hughes and Marianne Ferrer, which published in March 2021. A memorable visit to Casa Batlló was Susan’s inspiration to create this imaginative story.

Susan is the author of more than 30 books for children, she also offers editing services and story coaching for any writers out there that might find this useful. Check out her website here http://www.susanhughes.ca/

Title: Carmen and the House that Gaudi Built

Written by: Susan Hughes

Illustrated by: Marianne Ferrer

Published by: Owlkids

Suitable for ages: 4 – 8 years

Themes/Topics: dwellings, reptiles and amphibians, nature and outdoors, moving, architecture, travel

Opening: “Carmen Batlló, our very important visitor is here!” called Mercedes. “Where are you hiding this time? Come out!”

Book Synopsis: (taken from Amazon)

Carmen Batlló and Dragon, her imaginary salamander friend, love exploring the woods behind their home. But when Carmen’s family announces a move to the city, Carmen is miserable. Not only will she lose her connection to nature, she will also lose Dragon. After all, the city is no place for salamanders.
As she watches her family’s new house take shape under famous architect Antoni Gaudí, Carmen discovers Gaudí also has a passion for the natural world. Walls curve and rise like a cave, mosaic flooring sparkles like lilies on a pond, and a fireplace shaped like a mushroom keeps the house warm. Best of all, there’s even a place for Dragon!
Inspired by the real Batlló family and the house Gaudí designed for them, this picture book encourages readers to find inspiration in their surroundings and keep their hearts open to change. Stunning watercolor illustrations bring Gaudí’s inventive designs to life. An author’s note provides more information about the real story behind the house and Gaudí’s lifelong passion for nature.

Why I like this book:

I remember chatting about imaginary friends with a family member who spent many years talking to “Mabel” in the garden while his sister was in hospital. So, I was delighted that Carmen, the protagonist of this story, had an enormous salamander as her imaginary friend!

I loved how the story was fictional but based on a real building in Barcelona which the Batlló family had bought and commissioned the world renowned Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi, to remodel. Writing somewhere in between reality and imagination, Susan uses Carmen, the youngest of the five Batlló children, to tell the story. The ‘daughter they can’t keep inside’ spends all her time outside with Dragon, her salamander, so of course is not thrilled when the family announce they are moving to the city. With gentle coaxing from Senor Gaudi, who is inspired by nature, she finally learns to trust to the man creating their new home and is thrilled at the house’s wild beauty. To tie the story up perfectly there is an “amazing surprise” for Carmen up on the roof. The stunning watercolor illustrations by Marianne Ferrer, in slightly muted colors, bring the pages to life perfectly, and transport you to the fabulous Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. An excellent book for nature loving children and parents, perfect for families planning a move, and also for anyone wishing to travel but has to wait until it is safe to do so!

Picture
Historical photo showing the Batlló family. Carmen is second from the left.

Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Batll%C3%B3#/media/File:Batllo-godo-per_Napoleon.jpg

Activities to link with the book…

  • Create a salamander collage with torn pieces of colored paper.

Thanks so much for popping by everyone and have a lovely Friday!

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Waddle Santa Do This Christmas? – Susanna Hill’s 10th Annual Holiday Contest

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here, and over at Susanna Hill’s blog she has her 10th Annual Holiday Contest again.

The Contest:  Write a children’s holiday story (children here defined as age 12 and under) about a Holiday Helper!

Your helper can be one helper, or a pair, or a group or a bevy or a herd of helpers. Your helpers can be children, animals, elves, aliens, unicorns, fairies . . . whatever your heart desires. He/she/they can help bake, decorate, shovel snow, wrap gifts, clean the house, entertain guests, feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, bring the holiday spirit to those who have lost it – sky’s the limit, but it is not to exceed 250 words.

So this year, I have been inspired by the Gentoo Penguins at London Zoo, who have been finding lockdown life a little lonely. Happily their lovely keepers found a solution. Here is a link if you fancy a peek https://www.insider.com/penguins-watch-elf-holiday-movies-london-aquarium-2020-12

Waddle Santa Do This Christmas?

(words 219)

The elves are tired out and in elf-isolation,

They’ve worked all year long with no chance of vacation.

Poor Santa is worried, but what can he do?

He opens a letter that’s come from the Zoo!

Dear Santa, We’re bored as the zoo is in lockdown.

Apart from the keepers the place is a ghost town!

The Penguins at London Zoo love Christmas cheer!

So, please can we help with your presents this year?

With very best wishes and warm fishy kisses,

Your best friends the Gentoo penguins

On reading the note Santa conjured a scheme,

To rest up his elves and bring on the new team.

My dear Gentoo Penguins, I think that sounds swell!

The elves will adore this, and I will as well!

I’ll send down my reindeer, who have herd immunity,

They’ll pick you up — what a great opportunity!

And everyone had such a wonderful day,

The penguins wrapped presents, and packed up the sleigh.

The elves made hot chocolate and played in the snow,

Then baked penguin shapes out of gingerbread dough.

The penguins all hope to go back there one day,

And the elves will come visit the zoo, so they say.

In the end for this Christmas it turned out alright,

Merry Christmas to all and make sure you sleep tight!

Please make sure you pop on over to Susanna’s blog to read all the wonderful entries.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays everyone!

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111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl by Rina Singh, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer – Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

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I am thrilled to be able to share my agency friend’s upcoming book, 111 Trees, with you all on Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF today. It celebrates a book birthday on Tuesday, October 6th, so make sure you look out for it next week!

I was looking forward to meeting Rina in Spring this year. She had planned to travel from her home in Toronto to meet me at the Bologna Book Fair, but due to the virus we had to cancel our plans. We were so sad not to meet in person, but we now chat and check in most weeks and that’s just brilliant!

Here is the beautiful cover:

Title: 111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl

Written by: Rina Singh

Illustrated by: Marianne Ferrer

Published by: Kids Can Press (Citizen Kid) 6 October 2020, Nonfiction

Suitable for ages: 6 – 9 years

Themes/Topics: environmental awareness, education, nature, activism, gender inequality

Opening: Sundar watches how his mother balances the water pot
on her head. Walking to the well with her every day in the
blistering heat is hard, but it’s his favorite thing to do. It’s
the only time he has her all to himself. On the way back,
they stop under some trees, and she asks him to collect
pieces of firewood for cooking.
He sees her smile at him through her veil.

Book Synopsis: (taken from Amazon)

In a small village in India, a boy grows up to make a huge difference in his community by planting trees to celebrate the birth of every girl. Based on a true story, this book celebrates environmental sustainability, community activism and ecofeminism.

This is the story of Sundar Paliwal, who is from a small Indian village ruled by ancient customs. As he grows to be a man, Sundar suffers much heartbreak and decides it is time for change to come to his village. Sundar is determined to live in a place where girls are valued as much as boys and where the land is not devastated by irresponsible mining. Sundar’s plan? To celebrate the birth of every girl with the planting of 111 trees. Though many villagers resist at first, Sundar slowly gains their support. And today, there are over a quarter of a million trees in his village, providing food, water and opportunities for women to earn a living. His efforts have turned a once barren and deforested landscape into a fertile and prosperous one where girls can thrive.

Based on true events in the life of Sundar Paliwal, and written in collaboration with him, Rina Singh’s uplifting story shows how one person can make a difference in a community. Beautiful illustrations by Marianne Ferrer sensitively bring the evolution of the village to life. With strong links to the science curriculum, this book offers lessons on environmental awareness, sustainability and stewardship, as well as the concept of ecofeminism. It also explores ideas of social development, community and culture, and the character education traits of responsibility and cooperation. A thoroughly researched author’s note with photographs and more information about the village of Piplantri is included.

Why I liked this book:

This book makes for fascinating reading, especially for a slightly older primary class. In beautiful lyrical language, Rina Singh portrays the true story of Sundar Paliwal with such thought and tenderness. It touches on grief, culture and traditions, environmental awareness, and water stewardship. Happily, Sundar’s gritty determination makes change a positive thing for his village, and a much better place for everyone to live. An absolute must have for schools and libraries everywhere. Marianne Ferrer uses beautiful warm, muted colors in the book and a collage-type style, which complement the story perfectly. Further back matter and photographs are not to be missed!

Activities to link with the book…

  • Plant a tree
  • Make a tree collage, recycling old magazines

Thanks so much for popping by everyone and have a lovely Friday!

53

It’s Susanna Hill’s 9th Halloweensie Writing Contest

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pumpkin

Aaahhhrrroooooo!  Yippee and tee-hee-hee! It is Susanna Hill’s 9th Annual Halloweensie Contest and my Teensy-Weensy Witch is back for another adventure. Personalised signed copies of my LITTLE TIGER and LITTLE PANDA, illustrated by Suzie Mason (both Amicus Ink, 2019), are among the fabulous prizes on offer this year too. Check them out here… https://susannahill.com/2019/10/10/boo-announcing-the-9th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest/

The challenge: Write a Halloween story suitable for children (under 12) in 100 words or less, making sure you use the words potion, cobweb and trick. Easy right!!

Since 2015, my Teensy-Weensy Witch has been causing havoc and mayhem in The Little Red Story Shed at Halloween, and she is back for another installment this year! So without further ado, here is…

Teensy-Weensy Witch and the Bug-Eyed Toad

(99 words)

The Teensy-Weensy Witch awoke one eerie Autumn night

and spied the witch’s circle in the Halloweensie light.

The entrance to the witch’s ball was through the fairy ring,

but bug-eyed toads stood on patrol for witches on the wing.

She picked up Sammy Spider from the cobweb by her hat,

a potion for slow-motion, her broomstick, and her cat.

She snuck towards the toad patrol and sprinkled slow-mo dust,

Sammy Spider dangled as they licked their lips with lust.

Launching quickly through the air, she whipped the prey away,

and disappeared inside the ring…her trick had saved the day!

 

Don’t forget to pop over to Susanna’s blog to read and comment on the other wonderful entries here https://susannahill.com/2019/10/28/the-9th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest-aahhhrrrooooooooo/

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Halloween!