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Calling Picture Book Writers | #PBCritiqueFest is here!

https://www.pbspotlight.com/single-post/pbcritiquefest-2021

Alright, folks, have you got a completed picture book manuscript (or two or seven or more like me?) and would love to get fresh eyes and feedback from talented authors, illustrators, and/or agents on your project? Now is your chance! Click on over to #PBCritiqueFest and fill out the registration form and you are automatically entered! Ok, ok easy peasy right?! But how would you like to earn MORE entries? There’s an opportunity for that as well!! By following the links above, you can also find the additional entries form and discover how to earn 200 extra entries. You have two weeks to get on this, so what’s stopping you! Good Luck!!

Sending out a special thank you to Brian Gehrlein for hosting who’s debut picture book THE BOOK OF RULES releases November 16, 2021 and is available for pre-order now!

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#FallWritingFrenzy Contest Entry: SEA IN THE SKY

Fall- Credit: Vino Li / Unsplash

SEA IN THE SKY

By

Christine Alemshah

[WC: 196]

The stormy sea sky mocked me. Could Daddy and I see the same sinister moon?  Hopefully, he’s tucked safely inside his ship, not in danger of falling overboard as the swirling clouds suggested.

“No costume, Beatrice? It’s almost time for trick-or-treating,” called Mom.

I kicked the screen door. It squeaked. I hoped it might break.

“You don’t want to go?”

“I can’t, Mom. The sea is in the sky tonight.”

“I think it’s lovely with that crescent moon up there.”

“You mean the frowning crescent face staring at me?  It’s creepy — and Daddy…”

“Was supposed to go trick-or-treating with us?,” Mom finished.

I nodded.

“I miss Daddy, too.  It stinks he got deployed at Halloween. Ok, no trick-or-treating. Something else in mind?”

I squeezed my eyes shut as Daddy’s smiling face painted my mind. His tummy rumbled with a quirky chuckle while dolloping dots of frosting on our noses. Frosting — that’s it!

“Can we make graveyard cake with cookie headstones?”

Mom’s chin crumbled, her voice hitched. “Daddy’s favorite. I’d like that.”

The screen door whooshed as we left the stormy sea sky behind us. It could mock me no more.

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#SpringFlingKidLit contest entry: FLORY’S FAIRY WINGS

Thank you for this delightful Spring Fling Kid Lit contest opportunity hosted by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal. There are also some amazing prize donors! You can shower our hosts and prize donors with love by visiting their blogs, following on social media, and viewing their amazing books.

I found my gif HERE.

I now present my tiny tale introducing Flory, The Garden Fairy.

FLORY’S FAIRY WINGS

By

Christine Alemshah

WC: 149

At graduation, Flory and her fairy friends debuted wings displaying their true power. 

Willow’s green wings cascaded a flowering arch. 

Phoenix’s fiery wings transformed her into a bird.

Amaya’s silver wings showered everyone in light rain.

Flory touched her back. Nothing. Her smile quivered at her turn. She ran to the ice cream shop instead.

“I’ll never be a real fairy without wings.”

A boy in front of her pulled at empty pockets.

Flory handed him a coin.

“My treat,” she said.

“Thank you,” the boy replied.

Prr-ing! Golden wings sprouted on Flory’s back.

Flory puzzled.

The boy ran to help an old fairy tie shoes he couldn’t reach.

I get it now, thought Flory.

She ran back to graduation.

“Oh, Flory,” said Amaya.

“They’re beautiful,” said Phoenix.

“What’s your power?,” asked Willow.

Flory smiled. “Something measured, yet unseen. I spread kindness forward one fairy at a time.”