And We're Off to the Races: 50 Precious Words Contest by Kathy Halsey

Say, what? Yes, another contest...it's time for author Vivian Kirkfield's 50 Precious Words modeled off Bennet Cerf's challenge to Dr. Seuss to create a story using only 50 unique words. This was the origin of GREEN EGGS AND HAM. I recycled an old picture book manuscript and shaved it down to 47 words, no easy feat, believe me. 

Let's have a bit of word association before we begin, shall we? There's "feat" and "feet," but in my story we have  a race to the finish with "hoof" versus "paw." Yes, it's Blaze Cheetah versus Giraffe. (Did you know that a giraffe's hooves are as big as dinner plates? Did you know they can cruise at 35 mph? Did you know that we PB writers learn many odd facts?) Onward to our race!

Kalahari Elementary Track Meet

by Kathy Halsey

Blaze's fast,

Always best.

Giraffe laces up,

Cannot rest.

They'r-r-r-e OFF!

'Round the track.

Blaze zooms ahead,

Giraffe bounces back.

Giraffe tangles up.

Legs run amok!

Neck and neck,

Hoof to paw.

Near the half mark,

Shock'n awe.

Photo finish.

Who will win?

It's...GIRAFFE!

Mile-wide grin.