Winner!

Confessions of a Bookworm

There once was a bookworm named IQ who loved to read. One day he decided that he only liked biographies. IQ went to the library and saw books that weren’t biographies, and he was very upset. The next thing he knew, he was eating all the other books and got kicked out of the library. The librarian even shredded his sparkly green library card!

Poor IQ didn’t know what to do. Now where else could he get books to read? Ebay? Amazon.com? The Goodwill Bookstore? How would he pay for them? Could he get a job? If he went to work at Books-a-million, could he control his gigantic appetite? If he went to work at a daycare center, would he be tempted to eat all the children’s delicious stories? What was a bookworm supposed to do?

For a while IQ would just sit at home, watch TV, or read biographies over and over again. When he tried to get more biographies from the library, they wouldn’t even let him enter the double doors. He was very sad.

As IQ walked away, he heard a familiar voice call his name. He looked back and saw Mrs. Webster the librarian. She said, “Lets have some coffee.” They had a really long talk about why it was good to read many different kinds of books and how each book was special. In the end IQ learned his lesson, so Mrs. Webster gave IQ a shiny new library card that was good for every book in the library.

-Cameryn
Age 10

Stuck in a Wet Net

It was a rainy day in the Gulf of Mexico, and manatee and his friend dolphin were chatting near a white boat. “When do you think it will stop raining?” asked Dolphin. “Not any time soon.” Manatee replied. Then a small, orange and green fish came swimming up to them, begging, “Help me! Help me! Big fish is going to eat me!” and hid behind Dolphin. Then a pink and purple fish, a bit larger than the first fish, swam up to Dolphin, looking angry. “Move out of my way, I’ve got a fish to eat!” Dolphin looked as scared as the little fish, so Manatee stepped in, “No! You don’t have to eat fish all the time, try some sea-weed or something. It’s too early for lunch any way.” The big fish turned to Manatee. “And you’re the boss around here, telling me what I can and can’t eat? I don’t think so,” The big fish shoved Manatee back ward four times, and on the fifth, Manatee stumbled backward into a large, Bass catching, fishing net with no fish in it. “Try to untangle yourself now!” smirked big fish, as he swam away. Manatee tried to untangle himself, but he just got more tangled up in it. “Let me try to help,” Offered Dolphin. Dolphin swam over to Manatee, followed by little fish. They tugged and pulled, but nothing happened. “It’s no use! Manatee’s stuck, and it’s my entire fault!” Little fish started to cry. Dolphin stopped tugging and swam over to little fish, trying to comfort her. “Don’t cry, we’ll find a way to get Manatee out of the net.” “Hoowww?” little fish sobbed. “We could, ummm…” GRRUUMMMBBLLE!!! Manatee’s stomach was as loud as an elephant jumping off of a cliff into the ocean. “Hungry?” asked Dolphin. “That’s it!” A giant smile spread across Manatee’s face. “When you guys eat lunch, you can go to Crab’s Diner, and ask for some extra butter, so I can use it to slip out of this net!” “Great! But it’s not lunch time yet; anyways, when would you eat lunch?” “After you guys of course! I can’t really eat while I’m still in this net, or else the net would get to tight, and it would start to hurt me.” “In the meanwhile, I think we should think of other ideas,” suggested little fish. The rain had lightened up to a sprinkle, and then into nothing in the last ten minutes of thinking. “I got it!” shouted dolphin. “We could use a lever and lift the rope up enough for manatee to swim out!” “But where will we get the lever?” asked little fish. “We could use a long piece of coral.” “Won’t that hurt me?” Manatee asked with a worried face. “Not if we find a soft piece of coral, like a sponge!” “O.K, I’ll look over by that under water cave, manatee can look over by those clams, and Dolphin can look over by the seaweed.” While the three set off looking for sponges, the bright sunshine shone through the dark clouds like bright stars shine in the night’s darkness. “Found some!!!!!!!!!!” wailed little fish. All three of them swam back to their meeting place, little fish with a large piece of sponge in her hand. “Ready?” She asked. Manatee nodded his head and sighed. Little fish stuck one end of the sponge in between Manatee and the rope, and pushed down on the other side. CRACK The soft sponge broke into two pieces. “Ahhh… Guys, the lever broke.” GRUUMMMBBLLE Manatee’s stomach went off again. “You guys should eat lunch now, I’m pretty hungry myself, and I can’t wait to get out of this net so I can eat.” “Manatee’s right, we should probably eat now.” Dolphin looked over at little fish, and little fish nodded. “Ya, we’ll leave now. See you in a little bit,” little fish said as they turned and swam away. The underwater plants by Manatee swayed in the sudden current. All was silent and calm until, GRRUUUMMBBLLE manatee’s stomach roared again. Manatee started to get frightened. He didn’t like being alone. A small creaking sound came from the underwater cave; manatee got goose bumps. Manatee heard the creaking noise every time the current came. Then manatee heard something behind him, but he was too scared to turn around. “Ma” Dolphin started, but Manatee had already jumped and squealed. “Manatee! It’s just us! Cool down!” Manatee had almost fainted when he saw it was only dolphin and little fish. “Oh, it’s just you,” Manatee panted. “Who else would it be?” “How ‘bout a shark?” teased little fish. Manatee shivered. “o.k., little fish, don’t you think that’s enough? Anyways, we got some butter, and we brought some left overs from Crab’s Diner.” “Ya, we brought you some sushi,” added little fish. “I’ll rub some butter between the rope and myself.” Manatee swiped the butter, and started rubbing. He got about half way around his stomach, when he found a problem. “There’s not enough butter!” “What do you mean?” “We don’t have enough butter to go around to my back!” “So much for that idea,” Little fish turned to Dolphin. “Why don’t we just go back and ask for some more butter?” she asked. “Well, we’re out of money!” “I’ll never get out of this net!” Manatee lade back against the side of the under water cave. CRACK one of the ropes around manatee broke in two. “Did you hear that?” asked manatee. “When you lade up against the side of the cave, the rope must of rubbed on it too much, causing it to break!” explained dolphin. Manatee kept on scraping his back up against the cave, and sure enough, CRACK CRACK CRACK manatee was free! “Boy am I hungry! Can I eat now?” “Yes you can!”

by Anna
Age 10

Burrito Man

Once there was a top secret scientist. He in was lab eating
his lunch (a burrito). While he was eating he was making a drink for people
in the army to have super powers so they can kill all the zombies. Right when
he put the last ingredient in the burrito slipped out of his hand and went right
into the drink!

The drink started to rumble then eyes started to appear
and legs, arms, hands, feet and much more. It almost took an hour for the body
to form! Then the scientist tried to talk to the burrito. The only thing he says is
that he fights for justice! So the scientist sent him to the army. So when he was
traveling in the box he was starting to learn more words to say.

When he arrived the army people just laughed at it. It
really didn’t look like anything so it just looked like a plain burrito. But in two
minutes he woke up! Then he said that he fight for justice. One guy in the army
took him to an obstacle course. When he got done he got all A+! They gave the
ratings to the boss. It only took one second to say he is in the army! So now he
is in the army. They call him burrito Man! He is unstoppable!! Now we can win
the war!

-Sam
Age 9

The Lemon Jail Book

Once there was a planet with brick all
around. One moon, one sun that always
shined bright. The planet had two universes
with walkways to each. Only lemons could
fly off the sides to the planet of lemon jail.

The lemon went to jail. If the lemon tried to
jump up there were bars. But if he jumped
to the side he would land on rings and
go down the steps to his normal planet.
Anybody but a lemon could go up the steps
to the lemon jail planet then they jump
down and walk to the side to their planet.

-Lilah
Age 8

Myself

“Now class, your homework tonight is to write a story about something that really matters
to you, maybe a pet, or a family member”. Zack whined, while the rest of the class excitedly
got out of their chairs to approve their topics with Mr. Turrfis. Zack stood behind. He hated
writing. Science was what he did. He loved the plants and planets, and everything in between.
He sulked home, trying to think of a topic for his story. Maybe he should write about his friend,
Marcus. Or better, he thought, I could ask Marcus what to write about. Zach raced to his
friend’s house. Luckily, he was home.”Marcus”, he said “I really need your help. I have to write
a story about something special but I don’t know what” He let it all out in one breath. “Well”,
his friend commented “maybe you should write about a sport, but try to make it funny” and on
that last note, Zach hopped out the door to begin his story. When he got home, he prepared
a piece of paper. His pencil hovered over the paper, but still no ideas came to mind. Finally,
he gave up and wrote his science essay instead. He slouched onto the couch and turned on
the Discovery channel. Around 11:00, he was still watching man vs. wild and had completely
forgotten about the story. His mom barged into the room. “And what do you think you are
doing young man, staying up late watching TV without your homework done “she exclaimed.”I
forgot about it” he protested, but his mom didn’t buy it. “Come over here, and grab a piece of
paper on the way”. Her tone had softened. “What the best thing that ever happened to you,
and who made it happen” his mom asked.”I guess the best thing that ever happened to me is
that I was born, so I guess I’m really special. I’ll write a story about myself. Maybe something
that happened to me recently. I’ll write a story about today” he reached out for his pencil and
began the story. “Now class, your homework tonight is to write a story about something special
to you………….

-Riley
Age 10

The frog hopped.

There was a frog that was to scared to hop. A butterfly came
and said “you can hop don’t be scared.” The frog said “I am
scared I think I will fall hard.” The butterfly said “ the ground is
soft.” The frog said “ I will not do it!” The butterfly flew away.
Then a cat came and said “you can hop don’t be scared.” The
frog said” no.” Then the cat put some grass on the ground. The
cat said to jump on the grass. The frog said “ no I will not.”
The cat walked away. Then a squirrel came and said “you can
hop.” The frog said “no.” Then the squirrel put some leaves on
the grass. The frog still said” no I will not.” Then the squirrel
ran away. Then a bunny come up and said “you can hop.” The
frog said” no I will not. “The bunny put some flowers in the
pile. Then the bunny said “you can hop in the pile.” The frog
still said “no”. Soon a dog came along. The dog said “You can
hop”. The frog said “no I wont”. The dog put some feathers
from a duck on the ground. The frog was still scared. Dog said
“ Come on, give it a try. The feathers are soft”. Frog felt the
feathers and said “No, I still wont do it.” Dog ran away. Duck
came along. Duck said “you can do it”. Frog said “no I cant,
I’m too scared.” Duck said “ you have my fluffy feathers,
give it a try.” Frog said “no.” Duck put some more leaves and
grass on the feathers. Duck said “now try.” Frog said “no.”
Duck swam away. A rat came along. Rat said “you can do
it.” Frog said “no, I wont.” Rat said, “why.” Frog said “ I
am scared, I think I will fall hard.” Rat said “you got feathers,
grass and leaves. They are soft, I can even hide in it.” The rat
showed frog how he hides. A koala bear came along. Koala
said “you can hop.” Frog said “no.” Koala said “why.” Frog
said “because I am scared.” Koala said “ why are you scared.”

Frog said “ because I think I will fall hard.” Koala put bamboo
leaves on the pile. Koala went away. Mother frog came. She
said “you can hop, you have a soft pile, so hop.” Frog said “ I
will now, you made me feel better.” So frog hopped on the pile.
He didn’t fall hard. He told all his friends “thanks for helping
me, I am not afraid anymore.” Frog hops all the time now and
isn’t afraid anymore.

-Katelyn
Age 8

The Day I Got Trapped in My Room

One day when I was playing peacefully in my room I shut the door. I didn't realize that it locks from the outside. When I got up to leave, the door wouldn't open. What will I do?! More importantly, how can I get out?

Being trapped in your room for hours, you become lonely, very lonely indeed. I was as lonely as a lost climber in the woods. I began to think I'll starve or get dehydrated. I thought what if I yell as loud as I can. "HHHHHEEEELLLPPP!" I screamed as loud as a bird screeching. I waited and screamed again and again. Nothing! What can I do?!?!

After thinking like a scientist I thought I could break the widow. It had to work! I took a big, heavy piece of wood and hit that window. BOOM, CRACK, CHINK. Will it work? I watched the crack go up the window, almost reaching the top this must work I thought it must! Then I remembered that the glass was unbreakable. RATS!!! I thought this would work! What can I do now?
I thought that I'm going to never get out of my room, when I remembered the power drill in my closet! When my dad was installing a shelf with me he forgot to take the drill! I'm going to get out I know this can work! It seemed like I walked in slow-motion to the door. I held the drill high with pride like the drill was a trophy. I unbolted the door hinges" BZZZZZZZT!" I'm free!! I ran out, got a drink and ate lunch. I told everyone the story and still tell the story of The Day I got Locked In my room.

THE END

-Cory
Age 10

The Knight, the Horse and the Dragon

In Iceland, there was a kingdom. This kingdom was hidden, so nobody could get in or out. This was not a peaceful place; it was cursed by a dragon who pledged to destroy the city if it was not allowed to eat all the livestock.
One day, after a dragon raid, as they are now called, the king’s daughter and a knight fell in love. The king gave his blessing upon one condition – the knight had to rid the city of the dragon. The knight had to agree or lose his love, so the knight armored himself and his steed and they set off.
Soon after entering the forest, they heard the dragon. The reluctant horse chased the dragon at his rider’s commands. The running dragon turned his head and shot fire at the knight. The fire ricocheted off the knight’s upheld shield and onto his steed, which fell. The dragon turned back to the fallen knight and shot flames again, this time fulfilling his purpose.
When word came of the knight’s death and how it occurred, they all sadly shook their heads and said, “Ironic, is it not?” and what of the princess? Well, she lived out her life, the ‘widow of a short-lived love’.

- L. Susanna
Age 9

The Great Escape

One day, while Calvin, Embria, and I were walking in the Indian rainforest we heard a woman shouting, “Oh no! The Siberian tiger ran away! Now the Indian princess will get nothing for her birthday!” Calvin, Embria, and I ran to where the sound came from. There was a woman kneeling on the ground. She had blond hair and was wearing a dark red cape. She had sky blue eyes and a colorful crown. Calvin, Embria, and I asked her what happened. She said that the Siberian tiger ran away. “What is your name?” asked Calvin. “Samantha,” said Samantha. “What are your names?” she added. “Calvin,” said Calvin. “Embria,” said Embria. “Alex,” I said. “Can we help you?” I asked. “Yes,” said Samantha, “but first I’m going to give you walky-talkies.” We took the walky-talkies. We looked around for the Siberian tiger. Then we called out for the Siberian tiger. We called out, “SNOW! SNOW! SNOW! WHERE ARE YOU?” Then Embria had an idea. “We can make a trap!” she said, “We can take bamboo and break it.” So we broke the bamboo and made a trap. Then Embria looked for the tiger. She finally found it sleeping. Then Calvin and I put the trap in place. Then we reeled down the trap and the Siberian tiger was finally caught! Calvin, Embria, and I called Samantha over the walky-talky line. “We found the tiger,” said Calvin. “Where are you?” asked Samantha. “We’re about a ten minute walk away from you,” said Calvin. After about ten minutes, Samantha found us. “Whoopee!!! Thank you Calvin, Embria, and Alex.” said Samantha. “You’re welcome Samantha,” I said. “Well…actually I’m Queen Anna. Embria, Calvin, and I were confused. “Why didn’t you tell us that you were Queen Anna?” I asked. “It’s because there are a lot of people that want to steal my wealth out there,” answered Queen Anna. With that we were off once more on our journey. THE END!

- Alex
Age 7

Ice Cream Friday

It was a sunny, super hot Friday and I was casually strolling to my school. My neon-checkered backpack was digging into my shoulders, but I was determined to get to my destination. As I walked on, out of the corner of my detailed eye, I saw a huge sparkling forest green carpet. I slowly but cautiously side-stepped over. I stared hard at the unknown carpet. Sparks started to fizzle from the magic of the amazing object. Curious as I am, I decided to place my foot covered with my brand-new gleaming blue converse shoe on the edge of the carpet. Suddenly, there was a very loud gust of wind and the massive carpet lifted me off the grass-covered ground! I gasped, it wouldn’t let me off the magical ride! I started to panic frantically, but after a while I was snoozing like my black cat on a broiling summer day.

All of a sudden, I landed with an abrupt bang against the firm ground. My head was spinning as I got to my unsteady feet. Dazed, I looked around at the environment I was in. It was covered with whiteness, kind of like snow but tasted yummy. It was sweet like vanilla ice-cream! I glanced around, and the first thing that caught my eye was a colossal shiny golden gate. “Hmm.” I said to my self “I wonder where I am.” I pranced over and inspected the gorgeous gate. The sign read: Come on in! Ice-cream Ville!

I was on cloud nine! My face lit up like a light bulb! I was ecstatic! Suddenly, the vast gate opened to my royalty.

I jumped in as fast as a kangaroo! As soon as the massive ice-cream hills hit my eyeballs I was in heaven. Every flavor you could imagine was in the sight of my eyes. I ran over as fast as my legs could take me to the nearest rocky-road ice-cream pile. I didn’t even bother for a spoon, ice-cream here I come! After devouring the rocky-road I felt like checking the place out. Where was I anyways? As soon as I had digested all the rocky-road, I saw my favorite flavor, strawberry! As I started to scamper over, my mom’s words flashed in my mind: eat your fruits and vegetables!

I resisted. All of a sudden I thought of my family, I bet they were missing me terribly. I pondered for a while and then came to my decision. I will go home, and see them all.. But if I tell them about my adventure, there’s no chance they’ll believe me. It’s the carpet and my little secret.

- Sophie
Age 10