TIME TO TAKE THE LEAP!

3/31/2023

WELCOME BACK TO A BRAND-NEW YEAR OF FUN! DURING SPRING, WE MEET SO MANY NEW FACES AND RECONNECT WITH OUR KIDLIT FAMILY. WE CHERISH THIS TIME WHERE OUR COMMUNITY BLOSSOMS. KAITLYN AND I HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY CONNECTING, WRITING, AND SHARING FUNNY GIFS AS MUCH AS WE DO.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR STORIES IN THE FORM BELOW. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE BE SURE TO READ OVER THE RULES FIRST BEFORE SENDING AN EMAIL OUR WAY PRETTY PLEASE.

FEEL FREE TO POST YOUR STORY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. AND PLEASE CHEER YOUR FOR YOUR FELLOW WRITERS. BEST OF LUCK!

PLEASE NOTE THAT SOMETIMES THE FORM MAY TAKE A WHILE TO UPLOAD YOUR ENTRY. IF YOU DON'T SEE IT, TRY REFRESHING YOUR BROWSER BEFORE EMAILING. :)

34 Comments

Erin Rounds link

4/1/2023 05:10:14 am

Vrrrrrrooooooom vrooooooooom!

The dirt from the winter thaws in the sun.

There are muddy ruts all down our road.

Daddy hurky-jerks the steering wheel back and forth and mutters under his breath.

It’s an adventure getting home.

Slop flop!

Our husky sheds his winter coat rolling in the squishy yard.

His paws plod in the puddles.

Momma frowns and turns on the hose before letting him back in the house.

Slurp.

My boot is stuck.

I balance on one foot and fall.

I pull off my stained sock,

then the other.

Squelch, squirt!

Marvelous muck squishes between my toes.

I stir it into batter.

I bake it into pies.

I splish splash in the tub.

Soon the brown will bloom into greens, yellow, purple, and pink.

But as I scrub the dirt from between by toes and from under my nails,

I plan tomorrow´s muddy fun.

Julie Fruitticher Schroeder

4/4/2023 02:54:31 am

Such a fun story! Great descriptions of a muddy fun time!

Susan Elizabeth Schipper link

4/4/2023 08:40:35 pm

Love the description of a fun, muddy day! :)

Kris DeCaro

4/1/2023 06:30:23 am

Kindness Blooms

https://giphy.com/gifs/love-flower-sweet-LYRSRTWa9oD8fdvV4C

When the pigs didn’t work out BB was stuck. Now what would he bring to the wolf pack’s spring fling? The sun was setting and he would’ve sat down to sulk, but his bum still burned a bit from that chimney situation, so he stood and sulked until…

“Ooof!”

“I’m so sorry!” Loretta the Lone Wolf’s soft voice stuttered.

“Why are you sulking?” She asked slowly.

BB hesitated, “I’ve got nothing impressive to bring to the spring fling.”

“Follow me. I have a secret place.”

Loretta led him to a meadow filled with rows of rainbow wildflowers.

“Pick quick! You’ll be late.”

“You aren’t coming too?”

“I’m not invited. I never am.”

BB’s bad heart bubbled. Was it spring stirring something in him? Was it allergies? He picked the fanciest flower he could find. He knew what he wanted to bring.

“Loretta, will you be my guest?”

Julie Fruitticher Schroeder

4/4/2023 02:58:23 am

Awww! BB’s not so big and bad after all!! Cute!

Keren Dibbens-Wyatt

4/1/2023 07:51:58 am

RAIN ANGELS

Maman helps Tin into her new raincoat.
Pop! Pop! Go the fastenings.
Plop! Plop! Go the raindrops on the window.
Excited feet slide into squeaky wellies.
Pit, pat, patter! Stomp Tin’s boots on the floor.
Spit, spat, spatter! Dash the raindrops on the glass.

Maman and Tin toddle outside.
Tin feels the cold wind on her face
shivers and looks up at the sky -
so big and full of clouds -
“Brrrr, Brrrr,” she says.
“Grrrr, Grrrr,” replies the thunder.

Rain sheets down all around
Tin holds Maman’s hand tightly
“We can splosh, Tin, or we can go back in?”
Tin looks at the sky, looks at the ground,
Looks up at Maman’s smile.

Lets her courage rise,
closes her eyes, and….
JUMPS!!

SPLOSH! SPLISH! SPLATTER!
Wrapped in coat and boots and love
A soaking doesn’t matter!

Susan Summers

4/1/2023 08:30:32 am

Spring Cleaning
WC: 150

Gertie got out the broom. “Guess what time it is Bootsie!?”
The cat was afraid to ask.

“Spring cleaning!”

With that, she waved the broom with gusto and began to push it back and forth. Dust clouds soon erupted. They covered everything - including Bootsie.

“Not good,” Gertie groaned. “What if we open some windows?”
As she did, the wind blew, sending pollen into the house. Bootsie sighed.

“Oh dear,” thought Gertie, “I need to do something.”
She raced to the closet and pulled out the vacuum. ”This will solve the problem!”

She plugged it in and hit the switch.

WRRRR, BLAM!

The bag popped. Everything inside erupted into the house.
Spider webs and snake scales, feathers and cat hair: they all flew freely.

The mess was everywhere. As Gertie surveyed the house, Bootsie hid.

“Perfect!” She shouted. “We’re ready for the spring full moon, and our wonderful witchy celebration!”

https://tenor.com/view/mrs-doubtfire-cleaning-dancing-having-fun-gif-14855073

Michelle S. Kennedy link

4/2/2023 12:55:26 pm

Nice job, Susan! And I love the Mrs. Doubtfire .giphy!

Emily Winter

4/1/2023 09:35:24 am

The Getaway Shed
by Emily Winter

Spring didn’t just knock- it barged right in!

It was time for our blue garden shed
to be rented out for our very first guests!
They would be here any minute. Time to clean!

I stepped inside. What a mess!

I opened the windows.
Fresh air came in
while tickling dust went out.

Spritz Spritz! spat my air freshener.

Next, I clothed the bed with fresh linens,
and folded a towel to look like a bunny.

Then, I wiped down the kitchenette,
lit a caramel cupcake candle on the table,
and watered the flowers on the windowsill.

After hearing new voices, I finished up.

Colors from the garden beds greeted our guests
as they walked down the brick path.

“Welcome to your getaway!” I cheered,
handing them a basket of bread and cheeses.

“You are one hospitable kid!” they praised.

I took that compliment- a first of many more!

Katie McEnaney link

4/1/2023 11:05:13 am

A Gift for the Spring
By: Katie McEnaney
150 words

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rolsted-1.gif

The ice covering the spring groans loudly. Ardith tightens her cloak and adjusts the bronze fibula pin her brother Hollis forged.

Today?
Not yet.

She gathers scrawny twigs, remembering the towering firewood pile Hollis stacked, now long-gone. Ardith shivers. Without Hollis’s wisdom and strength, how will the family hang on?

Another dawn.
Cracks web the ice. Widening. Widening.

Soon?
Yes. But not yet.

Dawn brings bursts of purple irises. Ardith rushes to the spring. Crack. Bubbles burst through the ice: Springtime!

New season. New hope. Now.

Ardith unclasps the pin from Hollis. She has to bring him back. She kneels in the irises and recites her prayer to the gods—her plea for her brother’s safe return.

One last kiss; she flings the pin into the bubbling waters.

A whisper of warmer wind guides her, carrying the sound of a distant flute.

Ardith flies down the path toward home. And hope.

-----

You can see the story with gif (and some historical details) here: https://katiemcenaney.com/a-gift-for-the-spring-springflingkidlit/

Claudine Pullen

4/1/2023 11:37:11 am

An Ode to Spring
By: Claudine Pullen
WC: 84

Birds chirping,
Blossoms blooming,
Trees swaying in the sunny breeze.

Bees buzzing,
Frogs croaking,
Snails crawling on the ground with ease.

Bears waking,
Butterflies fluttering,
Spring singing songs of something new.

Sun shining,
Snow melting,
Rivers rushing over the mountain view.

Bunnies hopping,
Ducklings hatching,
Sweet smelling scents float gently in the air.

Colors popping,
Weather warming,
Children giggling at the springtime fair.

Plants growing,
Outdoors calling,
Leaves sprouting on canopies up high.

Days stretching,
Nights glowing,
Stars dancing in the clear bright sky.

https://tenor.com/en-GB/view/flowers-flower-nature-nature-background-spring-gif-25182081

Reed Hilton-Eddy

4/1/2023 03:49:59 pm

Spring Magic
(150 words)

Spring was a magical time for Lilly. Buds bloomed, the weather

warmed, and mystical mortals materialized.

Lilly’s wish to meet a mortal was perceived as whimsical. Others

stopped dreaming like that years ago, but Lilly was determined.

In stories, they were drawn to miniature gardens with shiny

stones. They liked hollowed-out trees with holes for hiding. They

used branches to build bungalows in the woods.

If Lilly made one, maybe they would come to her.

From dusk till dawn, she cultivated and created.

While some laughed at her efforts – she persisted.

Finally, a full moon, she snuck out to stand watch.

She waited.

Nothing.

The sun peeked on the horizon.

And then….

RUSTLE

SHUFFLE

GASP!

There was one!

They stopped and stared.

Silently, still, they stood knowingly.

As the world woke the spell was broken.

It ran away giggling.

Lilly headed for home…

With a flutter of her fairy wings.

GIF
https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZjk1MWM3OWU0YmI2ZmQ1ODE3NGJhNzg1OWY4OGQ5ZDYzODU4NTZmOCZjdD1n/Xj7GPq38yk7M4/giphy.gif

Meaghan Mountford link

4/1/2023 04:48:14 pm

IRIS IMOGENE IS NOT FOND OF RAIN

Iris Imogene waited for the bus beneath her favorite pink umbrella.

Not one drop would plop on her head.

For Iris was not fond of water outside the bath.

At the tip of her boot, a daisy that had sprouted through the crack in the sidewalk dripped.

“Oh you poor thing.”

And she planned to move the flower, roots and all.

But… she needed two hands.

She twisted and twirled. She could not balance the umbrella any other way.

Boots stomped. The sidewalk grew crowded. Iris panicked for the flower’s fate.

Finally, she set her pink umbrella on the ground, scooped up the daisy—roots and all—and secured the flower in a bed of dirt.

Her hair frizzed. Rain drizzled from her nose. She started to bawl, when the daisy—she was sure—waved her petals, “Thank you.”

Iris Imogene smiled. The rain wasn’t so bad after all.

homemade gif found here:

https://twitter.com/DecoratedCookie/status/1642311963370835969

Erika Barajas link

4/2/2023 05:42:30 pm

I love this! <3

Emily Dunckle

4/3/2023 09:39:41 am

I really enjoyed reading this story Meaghan!

Rebecca Ensign

4/1/2023 05:35:13 pm

Mosquitoes in Bloom

By Rebecca Ensign

------

Busy mosquitoes wriggle and tumble and bloom.

Mabel, Matthew and Barnaby emerge, excited for spring!

Bzzzzzz

Look there!” says Mabel,

A boy, a woman and a dog, bask in the sun.

“Let’s meet them,” says Barnaby.

Mabel settles on the boy’s neck, hoping to say hello.

Bzzzzzz

SWOOSH!

The boys swift hand swats her away.

“Maybe I’ll have better luck greeting the woman,” Matthew thinks.

He lands on her soft arm, waiting for a warm welcome.

Bzzzzzz

SMACK!

“Ouch,” Matthew topples groggily to the ground.

Barnaby is sure the dog will be friendlier.

He drifts to the dog’s ear and whispers “hello”.

Bzzzzzz

THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!

The dog scratches, knocking Barnaby off.

“How odd,” Mabel observes, “They’re not very welcoming.”

“Maybe the other neighbors will be friendlier,” suggests Barnaby.

“Yes, let’s say hello,” agrees Matthew. “But, maybe later.”

For now they settle in, reclining in flowers, to sip delicious nectar.

------

GIF: https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYjNkMjU4MmE1NGQyODVmYmJkMTYxZWI4ZTU0NTgyZGUxNThiODM0NSZjdD1n/tiSlPCgE6CTfUggE3u/giphy.gif

Jayada link

4/1/2023 06:55:55 pm

https://www.jayadasarela.com/post/underground-spring

Katie Brandyberry link

4/1/2023 07:32:33 pm

GIF Inspiration:
https://giphy.com/gifs/mlb-sports-houston-astros-40D5ZhKf1azRtkWyGR

OPENING DAY
By Katie Brandyberry
150 WC

Fans file in and find their seats.
They've been waiting for this day since last year's loss.
Opening Day means a fresh start.

They wear jerseys. Ball caps. Cozy jackets, too.
Spring baseball is not for the faint of heart.

Between crackerjacks and "Let's go" chants, the fans are ready.

The players take the field.
They've been waiting for a new season, too.
Still—their stomachs swirl.

They can't let their fans down... again.
Not on Opening Day.

"PLAY BALL!"

Pitches curve wide, balls are dropped, and bases load.
The home team slumps.

But the stadium thumps.
Fans stomp stomp clap, ball caps flip, waves ripple, and "Let's go" echoes.
The fans believe.
After all—spring baseball is not for the faint of heart.

The players inhale the energy.
They start to believe, too.
They stand tall and take the field.
A new inning. A fresh start.
On Opening Day.

##

Emily Holewczynski link

4/2/2023 09:10:54 am

GOODBYE, FOR NOW (78 Words)

Weathered wools,

cozy collars,

double-breasted,

Zipper-stitched,

fuzzy fleece,

pea and parka,

pockets filled,

with dust and lint.

Ice unfreezes,

frost retreats,

wind relaxes,

snow unwinds,

slush dissolves,

dirt unfreezes,

winter warms,

it’s finally time!

Snaps undone,

layers peeled,

hoods unhooded,

scarves unfurled.

mufflers muffled,

mittens muzzled,

sleeves discarded,

skin revealed!

Petals part!

Bugs emerge,

sunshine drenches,

dampens brow,

nests constructed,

sprinklers spray

my winter skin–

goodbye, for now.

Thelia Hutchinson link

4/2/2023 11:27:10 am

LOLA’S RAINY DAY
By Thelia Hutchinson
WC-94

One rainy day, Lola puts on her favorite yellow outfit and matching shoes.

Beaming like the sun, she grabs her purple umbrella and hurries outside.

Lola loves when it rains.

She gets to wear her favorite colors and puddles everywhere.

She loves puddles.

She runs.

She skips.

She jumps.

“SPLISH”

“SPLASH”

“SPLISH”

“RIBBIT”

“Hello, Mr. Frog. Do you want to play puddles with me?”

“RIBBIT”

Mr. Frog “SPLISHES!”

Lola “SPLASHES.”

Lola giggles with excitement.

They hop.
They skip.

They jump.

Together they “SPLISH!”

Together they “SPLOOSH!”

Together they share...

One umbrella--two new friends.

GIF Information: https://stephaniehardy.weebly.com/uploads/2/8/1/7/28174975/rain-bunny-gif.gif

Erika Barajas link

4/2/2023 05:37:53 pm

This is so cute!! :)

Erika Barajas link

4/2/2023 05:33:36 pm

Springtime Clues
(150 words)

“Mom, is spring actually coming?” Gabe asked with a pout as he looked out the window.

“It’s already here,” she replied.

“How do you know?” he asked.

“The clues,” she said with a wink.

“What clues?” Gabe asked.

His mom feigned surprise and said “let’s find them.”

They hurried outside.

“What happens in the spring?” she asked.

“The garden comes alive,” Gabe responded.

“Well, look for clues of life,” she said with a nudge.

Gabriel knelt inspecting shoots in the ground, “Daffodils!” he exclaimed.

He noticed birds collecting twigs. “For their nests!” he cheered.

He observed flowers budding on tree branches and whispered, “they’re awake.”

Gabe closed his eyes and listened to the bees when he noticed something else, the sun. The sun felt so warm as it embraced him.

“Mommy spring is here!” he called out.

“How do you know?” she asked.

“The clues!” Gabe said with a smile.

Gif from giphy.com

https://giphy.com/gifs/love-happy-birds-BEEHeR8YCGlrnpDOz9

Anne Lipton

4/2/2023 08:33:04 pm

Spring Air Show
(149 words)
by Anne Lipton
Inspired by Giphy GIF: https://media.giphy.com/media/8Bl1gHwE6F6JoDAd92/giphy.gif

Perched in our sky suite,
Mama and I watch the snowbirds,
wending their way home.

Captained by their squadron leader,
geese follow in formation,
honking their Canadian anthem:
True North, strong and free.

Hawks race round redwoods.
Woodpeckers drum a tattoo:
Rat-a-tat-tat.
Wish I could do that.

Squirrels leeeaaap
as if they could fly.
Silly squirrels!

Dragonflies divebomb the pond,
steering clear of the bullfrog’s horn.

Seagulls squawk, calling off
an eagle
baldly eyeing the eggs in their waterfront nests.

Orcas breach the waves
as if they could fly.
Silly whales!

Bees buzz a field of blossoms,
targeting their delectable nectar.

Butterflies burst unsuspecting from their cocoons,
floating to safety on silken parachutes.

Oh, the thrills, spills, and chills of Spring beginnings!

I bravely step from my nest,
my heart beating like a hummingbird.
Silly me.

I shake off my fears,
stretch my wings,
unfurl my feathers--
and fly!

Ana Casillas

4/2/2023 11:28:08 pm

Dance Like Nobody's Watching!
by Ana Casillas (WC: 150)
Time to dance! There had been a lot of rainy days, but now it was springtime with sunshine, a soft breeze, and a beautiful green grassy field in front of me. I danced, twirled, and shouted with joy!
If only I could dance like this in front of other people. My mood instantly plunged as my head filled with thoughts of my upcoming dance class recital tomorrow. Every time I danced in class, I got tense and got all the moves wrong.
My mom walked over and asked what was wrong. “I’m scared to dance when people are watching” I explained.
“I can understand Melinda, it can be hard. But you were dancing so beautifully a minute ago. I think I know what would help.”
The next day at the recital, I peeked out and saw my mom and all my family holding up springtime photos. I smiled and relaxed.

https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZDQyOGVmZjRmOTFjZTVmMTg2YzE1OGNjZTJiNjMzMzMyZjdiNDg2OCZjdD1n/28mfE2hXuxlTbHp6QW/giphy.gif GIF by David Vozar

Russell Wolff

4/3/2023 06:47:06 am

Getting A Head of Trouble
By Russell Wolff
149 words

Kensley overheard that on Saturday night everyone would “spring a head.”

𝘈 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥? 𝘖𝘳 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭? she wanted to know.

Nobody had a good answer.

Whatever the case, Kensley wanted no part of it, so she made a plan.

Step 1 (if second head): Wear collared shirt and tie. And scarves. Nothing’s getting through that.

Step 2 (if replacement head): Put on bike helmet, cover helmet with blanket, sit on ends of blanket.

Step 3: STAY AWAKE PAST 2:00AM. That’s when everyone said this was going down.

After bedtime, Kensley got ready.

Steps 1 and 2: Check.

Now (yawn) all she had to do waszzzzzzzz

…

Oh no. Sunlight.

Head check:

Gear in place, no new or additional head.

Success.

She headed to breakfast.

“Hey, Kens,” said her sister out of both mouths.

She must not have had a plan.

Inspired by: https://giphy.com/gifs/springforward-daylightsavingstime-springahead-pa70vYsoymbqqIcVlT

Susan

4/3/2023 02:04:23 pm

I love this, a fun interpretation of spring forward!

Nadia Ali

4/3/2023 08:45:21 am

ELLIE'S SPRINGTIME FOR WASHING (150)
By Nadia Ali
https://giphy.com/gifs/baby-elephant-babyelephant-efCbwJk1isUTPEp8Ip

Ellie’s mother rushed ahead. Thump, thump, thump.
“We must hurry. It’s Springtime and there's full ponds for washing for us elephants,” her mother said.
Ellie loved Springtime washing in the full ponds. It was the best!

But once at the full pond for washing, her heart sank. Her head drooped. There was no space. Not even a little place to squeeze in. It was full of adult elephants washing, gushing and spraying water through their almighty trunks.

Ellie noticed other baby elephants and with a timp, timp, timp she whispered something in their ears.
Suddenly, with a high pitch squeak all the baby elephants trumpeted and charged towards the full pond.
The adult elephants left in a hurry.

Ellie’s heart went thump, thump, thump as she splashed down. Water gushing, splashing and spraying as Ellie and the baby elephants played. Springtime washing in the full ponds was the best!

Katrina Ballard

4/3/2023 09:37:14 am

Mommy and I take a walk on the first warm day.

I hold Mommy’s hand. The sidewalk is bumpy.

A purple flower grows in the grass! I point, and Mommy lets go of my hand.

Grinning, I hold up the flower.

“How pretty, thank–” She tilts her head back, eyes closed, and…

“AH-CHOO!”

Petals scatter across the sidewalk. I pick one up and frown.

We keep walking. A pointy pine cone is lying up ahead.

The pine cone feels bumpy. Mommy kneels down to look.

I give her the treasure. She places it in her palm. A tiny green caterpillar emerges.

“AHHHH!!” Mommy screams. The pine cone and caterpillar fly onto the grass.

I burst into tears.

“Sorry sweetie.” Mommy picks me up. “I was startled.”

I sniff.

“Mom-my,” I say for the very first time.

Mommy’s face lights up; she gives me a squeeze.

“I love you!”

https://tenor.com/view/come-here-this-is-happening-hug-baby-come-to-mommy-gif-17792531

Emily Dunckle

4/3/2023 09:38:20 am

SHINE ON SPRING
By Emily Dunckle

(Word Count: 150)

Inspired By: https://gfycat.com/pertinentquaintimperialeagle

“Spring is too cold,”
“Too windy,”
“Too gloomy!”
“Can we just skip to summer?”

With each passing comment she heard,
Spring grew angrier and angrier.
She bunched up her clouds tighter and darker.

Spring thought,
I warmed the sky.
I melted the snow.
I lengthened the days.
But everyone just loves Summer.
No one appreciates me!

Her gray clouds swelled with frustrated raindrops. Like tears, they began slowly trickling down until she could not hold them in any longer. Suddenly, her clouds burst open like a waterfall. She wept raindrops for days until she was all dried up.

Finally spent, she opened her eyes and saw her long-lost friend, Sun.
He was shining warmly down on something –
It was a single, budding flower blossom.
Suddenly up popped another…and another! And then she heard…

“Spring is beautiful.”
“Such lovely colors!”
“So full of life.”

Seen at last, Spring proudly shined on.

Adriana Gutierrez

4/3/2023 10:56:27 am

An Easter to Remember
(Word Count 150)

CASCARONES!
Mama and Juanito gather empty egg shells, tissue paper and confetti.
Pink, yellow, green-
The colors trickle into the egg.
Orange, red, blue-
They seal the tops with glue.

Easter arrives. The familia visits and the cascarones make an entrance. The primos run around smashing eggs. Abuelo grunts! “Mmmph!” Rainbow colors fly across the sky, and confetti blankets the ground. Lupita smashes one on Abuelo!

Everyone stills. No one breathes. Lupita’s giggle emerges, but Abuelo's face remains frozen. A gentle breeze blows and a beautiful butterfly flutters by.

Suddenly, Abuelo chuckles and his belly shakes in delight. He cracks a cascaron on Lupita and the toddler squeals. Their infectious laughter spreads throughout the familia. They cherish a glimpse of the happy Abuelo- the one that existed before Abuelita’s passing.

They know she’s with them as memories flood them. The life of the party- alive in their hearts forever- Abuelita.

https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYTZkZDgyNjZjZTgwMzM4ZmI1NzA4NjhmNTM3N2EzYjQ3YjJmNjc3MCZjdD1n/VgwpZMAbvQtMSAR7t0/giphy.gif

Lisa Lowe Stauffer link

4/3/2023 01:46:26 pm

https://media.giphy.com/media/XDoN5Tlge9VxPuXWjt/giphy-downsized-large.gif

The Pot-O-Gold Test
By Lisa Lowe Stauffer

Lucky the leprechaun dreamed of hiding pots of gold at the ends of rainbows.
Her final test—timed pot-filling!
She bounced on her toes as Fitzpatrick opened a room filled with . . .
Coins?
Lucky raised her hand. “Where’s the gold?”
“Don’t you read emails?” Fitzpatrick frowned. “The rainbow committee changed the test: thirty minutes, fifty dollars in coins, one pot. Timer starting . . . now!”
***
Lucky speedy-counted 100 pennies into one-dollar stacks.
“Twenty minutes!”
She towered 20 nickels into stacks.
“Ten minutes!”
She piled up 10 dimes into stacks.
“Five minutes!”
Lucky’s fingers flew, click-clacking quarters into groups of 4.
“One minute!”
No time to count the stacks! She scooped them into the pot.
Fitzpatrick’s magical scale whirred . . . $49.99.
Lucky’s heart sank.
“Promise to read emails?”
Lucky nodded.
“A lucky penny for Lucky!” Fitzpatrick chuckled.
One final coin clinked into the pot.
“Congratulations!”
###

Lisa Horn

4/3/2023 06:26:47 pm

https://images.app.goo.gl/BQ2smVqvb8da46kz7

Why Can’t We Pass Over Passover? – 149 words

“Mama, why can’t we pass over Passover?” Shayna asked. “It’s not as fun as Easter.”

“Do you want to help?” Mama asked.

“No, thanks,” Shayna shouted back.

Mama prepared the seder plate. It had matzoh, a green vegetable dipped in salt water called karpas, haroset (a mixture of apples, wine, and cinnamon), shank bone, bitter herbs, and an egg.

Mama made beef brisket and matzoh ball soup. “Wanna smell the brisket?”

“No thanks,” Shayna answered. “And I don’t want to listen to that boring book, the Hag....”

“The Haggadah,” Dad chimed in. “You’re the youngest and this year, you can read. So, you’ll read the four questions. I can help.”

“Me?” Shayna said. “I get to read during the seder?”

This year, she enjoyed the story of Passover with the celebration of how the Jewish people were able to escape Pharoah.

Shayna cheered. “Let’s do it again tomorrow night!”

Annette Bethers

4/3/2023 09:43:16 pm

https://tenor.com/bmv2K.gif

The Bashful Pansy

It’s spring!

Everywhere flowers are opening their colorful petals

—all except little Pansy.

“Time to bloom,” Wind whispers.

Pansy holds her petals in a tight bud. She’s bashful.

“Show your glow!” Sun urges.

“Open,” Cloud says, “and taste your first raindrop.”

“See me paint the sky,” says Rainbow.

Pansy wants to see Rainbow’s colors,

and taste Cloud’s raindrop,

and feel Sun’s glow.

But she feels safer hidden inside her bud.

“I understand,” a child playing in the garden whispers. “I’m sometimes bashful too.”

“The tulips and the daffodils are so tall and grand,” Pansy says. “I’m so small. Why should it matter if I blossom?”

“You are special in your own way,” the child replies. “The world needs the beauty only you can give.”

“Then I will try to be brave,” Pansy says.

She slowly uncurls her petals one by one

—and smiles at her friends.

Deborah Ishii link

4/8/2023 11:31:36 am

I submitted my Gif and story before the deadline, but I'm sharing it here because I don't have a blog or website...yet. Enjoy!

From Google search here is my gif link:
https://tenor.com/view/madebyminka-minka-anderhalvemeternormaal-springen-in-de-plassen-jumping-gif-20209443

Title: Spring Into Recess

Spring Into Recess
By Deborah Ishii

Brriinngg!

Recess!
It’s spring!
No mittens or scarves!
Time for fun!

The children race outside,
Released from stuffy classrooms,
Excited to run freely,
Not burdened by winter boots and heavy clothing.

Gray patches of slushy March snow,
Remnants of the last snowfall,
Scatter across the schoolyard pavement,
Melting in the struggling sun.

Splish splash!
Through the icy puddles,
Rubber boots dash and smash,
And running shoes get soakers.

It’s warm enough for piles of jackets
To become soccer goalposts,
While footballs and basketballs
Replace snowballs.

The fresh, cool breezes and thawing sun
Transform the sluggishness and lethargy of chilly days
Into an energetic feeling of invincibility.
The world of recess has been renewed.

New games to learn,
New friends to make,
But not just yet!
Recess is over!!

Brriinngg!

Author

Ciara O'Neal is a librarian, a a donut fanatic, and a twin.

She is also the author of Flamingo Hugs Aren't For Everyone, The Story of Leonardo Da Vinci and several more titles.

When Ciara grows up, she wants to be a professional pun provider or picture book personal shopper.

If neither of those professions pan out, she will always love being a librarian.

Look for more books to come soon!

Welcome to Spring Fling Kidlit

TIME TO TAKE THE LEAP!

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