The Truth About Magic (or, Rhinoceroses, Chewing Gum and Soap)

3 Word Challenge: Unicorn, Bubbles, Rainbow

Challenge words selected by Maimie P.

They say that true magic

exists only in-between –

the places between worlds,

the places rarely seen.

When one audacious fairy

dared to question truth,

the others wrote her off,

blaming innocence and youth.

But Fē knew for certain

magic always finds a way,

to live in the “real world,”

to blossom every day.

She made a list of wonders

that magic surely made,

The Space Between

3 Word Challenge: Cancer, Children, Understand(ing)

Challenge words selected by Isabel

The dragon-slayer,

with an imaginary sword,

befriends the friendless,

listens without speaking,

stands up.

For those in distress,

for injustice,

for herself.

A bully doesn’t define her.

The superhero,

with an invisible cape,

thinks about his future,

plots and plans,

forges on.

Toward the fight ahead,

toward his someday partner,

Hidden Talents

3 Word Challenge: Pink, Dance, Gymnastics

Challenge words selected by Jude (JUDE! I hope you see this - your email was returned!)


I'm not going to lie - this one was tough for me (which you'll see in my imperfect meter). BUT! I really, really wanted to incorporate some fun YouTube videos I found for Jude, who is a 2nd grade teacher! So...here goes (accompanying video links below)!

Video links: (ALLIGATOR ROARS AT TUBA PLAYER) (DILLO JEAN) (SLOTHS DO GYMNASTICS)

HIDDEN TALENTS

Though everybody listens

when alligator croons,

bring along a tuba

to really hear his tunes.

And if you’ve never seen

an armadillo dance,

without a doubt it’s time

to give those guys a chance!

I bet you never knew

that SLOTHS adore gymnastics…

just like jungle monkeys

they really are fantastic!

When it comes to magic,  

octopus is tough to beat,

but when it comes to balance,

pink flamingo has the feet.

Everyone has talent –

sloth to alligator…

as long as you are you,

there’s really nothing greater.

The world is mystifying,

its beauty unexpected,

but that surprising splendor

keeps us all connected.

About 3 Word Challenges
I encourage every reader to submit three words to me which I will then craft into a poem, short story or story snippet. Please keep the words clean - this is a site about books and writing for kids, after all! Please also keep in mind that since the goal with these pieces is to connect the words in fresh and creative ways (quickly), I won't always meet your expectations completely. With only three words to go on, we might have a very different vision. I hope that you like what I write, but if you don't, feel free to contact me, or give it another go with three different words!

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The 6th Annual Halloweensie Contest 3 Word Challenge!

3 Word Challenge: Ghost, Spider, Moon

AN EXTRA SPECIAL 3 WORD CHALLENGE: A HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST ENTRY!


What is the Halloweensie Contest you might ask? Well, author Susanna Leonard Hill hosts an annual contest for very short Halloween stories, using 3 specific words: THE HALLOWEENSIE! Right up my alley, #amiright? For specifics, and to enter your own amazing 100 word (or less) children's Halloween story/poem, go here! Her 3 selected words are GHOST, SPIDER and MOON.

And, so you can feel even more up to the challenge, here's my entry! :)

The Frighteners

On Halloween night, a spider and ghost

wanted to see who could frighten the most.

One point to Spider for that BOO! in the tree.

One scare for Ghost, for that ghost wannabe.

Two more to Ghost for those giggling boys.

One more for Spider – that one she enjoyed!

Eight for the scary and horrible web,

that filled those tricksters with woe and with dread.

Six for the Ouija prank under the moon,

those Halloween jokers won’t be back soon.

As of right now Spider’s still in the lead…
but who scares YOU most on All Hallows’ Eve?

Ode to an Aphid

3 Word Challenge: Purple, Bear, Ladybug

Challenge words selected by Emma
(Emma! I hope you see this - your email was returned!)

My favorite ones are green –

sweet and effervescent.

Yellows are quite yummy, too,

but some are too fluorescent.

Brown remind me of the earth,

crunchy when they’re ripe.

Pink I simply cannot bear –

I don’t get all the hype.

They only serve those pink ones

under purple passion flowers,

I guess I’m just not trendy;

I think they’re kind of sour.

The white and black and gray ones

are really pretty key

in the standard daily diet

of a ladybug like me.  

If you’re looking for your dinner,

I might have a few thoughts,

Especially if you’re red,

with little black spots.

No matter how you serve them,

it’s pretty plain to see,

I really do love aphids

…but they’re not so fond of me.

Peace Cake

From up on the shelf

she pulled down a jar,

black as the night

yet bright as the stars.

She took just a sprinkle,

the tiniest bit,

for more Hope than that

would simply not fit.

Next came some Laughter,

mirthful and merry,

from a bumpy glass jar,

the color of cherries.

Somewhat contagious,

and plentifully sweet,

occasionally tart,

but still quite a treat.

The next jar she took

from off of the shelf

was bubbly and plump,

quite like herself.

A dash of Morale

to lift up the spirit...

well, maybe two dashes,

no reason to fear it.

A smidgeon of Luck

(just a scintilla),

she added to flour,

eggs and vanilla.

She poured in Love,

sparkly and pink,

almost like glitter,

just like you’d think.

She sprinkled and dabbled,

she sifted and mixed.

She hoped that it wasn’t

too late to be fixed.

She stirred it all up,

and set it to bake,

then waited and waited

to taste her peace cake.


3 Word Challenge: Mirthful, Contagious, Spirit

Challenge words selected by Keyosha Atwater

About 3 Word Challenges
I encourage every reader to submit three words to me which I will then craft into a poem, short story or story snippet. Please keep the words clean - this is a site about books and writing for kids, after all! Please also keep in mind that since the goal with these pieces is to connect the words in fresh and creative ways (quickly), I won't always meet your expectations completely. With only three words to go on, we might have a very different vision. I hope that you like what I write, but if you don't, feel free to contact me, or give it another go with three different words!

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe to receive new posts via email, and to be entered automatically into EVERY Pickle Corn Jam Giveaway!

The Turtle's Twist

3 Word Challenge: Hippie, Disco, Turtle

Challenge words selected by H. K.

A hippie turtle, at the disco,

in dusty, sleepy downtown Frisco

boogied hard as night wore on,

nearly ‘til the break of dawn.

He did the Penguin, and the Boogaloo,

He did the Robot and the Hustle, too.

He caught the eye of a contest judge,

who gave her helper a little nudge.

“I MUST know who that turtle is!

He’s a sensation! A star! A whiz!”

Off she went to find out more,

stepping out onto the floor.

“I’ll bring you money! Fortune! Fame!

Tell me turtle – what IS your name?”

Renewal

3 Word Challenge: Mist, Friends, Flower

Challenge words selected by L. Quaife

You rambled,

down winding paths,

as the sun shone brightly.

Flowers rustled as breezes blew,

petals and grass conversed with leaves.

Suddenly skies changed, becoming nearly black.

Rain came down in torrents as fog rolled in to play.

The storm raged stronger; listened to secrets and fears.

Don’t forget yourself as you struggle to find the way.

You are not alone, for your friends will gather near.

Together you will turn floods to dew, fog to mist.

The sun will emerge anew, chasing clouds.

You’ll find your path once more.

But as you do, remember

without the storm,

nothing thrives.

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

The Defeat

3 Word Challenge: Aluminum, Anteater, Surrender

Challenge words selected by R. Schmidt

The ants made a mound in our garden.

The ants made a mound in our yard.

The ants made a mound in our mailbox –

And then sent Ant Sue their regards!

The ants were quite tricky and feisty.

The ants were quite clever and tough.

The ants were quite cunning and gutsy.

But I’d finally had enough!

The ants will never surrender!

The ants will never leave!

The ants will never suspect –

My anteater’s meant to deceive.

The ants quickly fled our garden.

The ants quickly fled our yard.

The ants quickly fled our mailbox –

they left no new address card.

The ants never knew that I’d tricked them.

The ants never knew that I’d won.

The ants never knew that anteater

was just made of…aluminum. 

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

The Valiant Path

3 Word Challenge: Ice Princess, Snow Castle, Moon Catcher 
Challenge words (all 6) selected by H. Kostka

If you travel far enough,

beyond where narwhals play,

you’ll see the waters change

to a silver shade of gray.

You might find the entrance

to a cave of inky blue –

and if you wait ‘til nightfall,

may discover the way through.

They say that the enchantment

at the mouth of the cave

keeps the route concealed to all,

but the valiant and the brave.

Many years ago,

when the path was not obscured,

the Ice Kingdom just beyond

was wholly unsecured.

A Moon Catcher stole the moon,

with plans to rule the realm.

They battled for Snow Castle,

their Ice Princess at the helm.

When the land was safe once more,

a council was convoked;

No one knew quite what to do

until an old man spoke.

The man was a sorcerer;

he crafted spells and charms,

and he could use his magic

to keep them safe from harm.

Using an old cloaking spell,

beginning with the cave,

he only allowed entry

to the bravest of the brave:

If twelve stars are seen below

while the golden moon is high,

the valiant shall gain entry,

though the others be denied. 

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

Finders Keepers

3 Word Challenge: Zoey, Acorn, Dance
Challenge words selected by S. Caller

A little brown acorn fell to the ground.
THWUP.

A pile of orange leaves muffled its sound.

CRUNCH!

A hungry gray squirrel discovered a meal.

OOOOH!

But soon was distracted by curious squeals.

Er-Ew. Er-Ew. SQUEE!

A shiny red trike slowed near the tree.

Swwiiisshh.

Squirrel’s tail twitched quickly; he needed to flee.

Scurryscurryhurry!

Golden-haired Zoey climbed to the ground.

Bomp!

Mommy, come look at the acorn I found!

Tap, tap, tap.

Little squirrel feared he was losing his snack.

Shuffle worry. Shuffle scurry.

He needed a plan to get his nut back!

Hmmm.

She needed to SEE him to give him a chance.

AHA!

He’d go out on a limb. He’d do a squirrel dance!

Rustle! Shake!

Zoey heard something above in the tree.

Dut-dut-dutta-dutta-dut-dut-duh-da

Did that squirrel dance? Did he just wave at me?

Clap! Clap! Yay!

She took the acorn from the leaf pile,

PLUCK!

looked into the tree, and gave squirrel a smile.

Rustle, rustle, peek.

Hello, Mr. Squirrel, is this what you want?

Chitter!

Were you eating brunch at a squirrel restaurant?

Chitter-chitter-chit!

The squirrel scurried down with lightening fast speed

SCUUUURRRYYY!

Would he make it in time? Would he succeed?

PLOP!

He made it to Zoey, ran into her feet.

Skkkkiid.

He was ready to claim his sweet, nutty treat!

Mmmmm!

She held out his nut; he took it with pleasure.

Plink!

Then dashed right off – to stash his new treasure.

Tee-he-he-he-he!

 

The Willow's Leaves

3 Word Challenge: Grace, Blessing, Daughter
Challenge words selected by Tim C.

Daughter, come and sit with me,

here, under the willow tree.

Rest right here upon the ground,

draw the golden branches round.

Though the days pass quickly now,

here below these weeping boughs,

for a moment time will wait,

giving space to contemplate.

You’ve brought Grace into my soul,

filled my heart and made me whole.

All the blessings I’ve received

far outnumber this tree’s leaves.

You are growing strong and wise,

every day, before my eyes.

Soon it’s you that I’ll look to –

I couldn’t be more proud of you.


**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

Hula Dance-ray

3 Word Challenge: Gabriella, Wiggler, Love
Challenge words selected by M. Steffel

Every day as she and her mother swam to school, Gabriella would press her face to the window of Stingray City ballet, and watch as the stingrays plied, jetéd and pirouetted across the floor. Gabriella’s wings wiggled with excitement. Gabriella longed to dance.

As soon as she was old enough, Gabriella’s mother signed her up for Beginner Ballet. It didn’t go well.

“Gabriella! You are far too wiggly for ballet!” the Ballet Master called.

Gabriella was crushed.

“I’m just a wiggler. I’ll never be a dancer.” Gabriella cried to her mother that evening.

“Ballet isn’t the only kind of dance there is, you know,” her mother said. Gabriella peeked her head out of the sand where she was hiding.

“It isn’t?” she asked.

“It definitely isn’t.”

Gabriella popped all the way out. Her wings wiggled with excitement.

Over the next few months Gabriella tried many types of dance. She tried to tap along with the starfish, but had nowhere to put her tap shoes. She tried hip-hop, but all the spinning made her dizzy. She tried swing dance with the sharks, but her wings were too slippery. Gabriella kept trying. Flamenco. Folk. Line Dancing. She even tried to Polka. Nothing felt quite right.

Until the day Leilani arrived. Leilani was new to Stingray City. She and her family had come all the way from the Hawaiian Islands!

“Leilani, why don’t you tell us a little about what you like to do,” their teacher said.

“I like to dance.” Leilani said quietly.

Gabriella perked up. Her wings wiggled with excitement. She could hardly wait until recess. At last it came, and Gabriella rushed over to Leilani.

“I’m Gabriella I love to dance too I’ve tried all different kinds of dance ballet tap hip hop swing I even tried Polka.” Gabriella said, without taking a single breath. She finally paused. “What dance do you do?”

“Hula.” Leilani answered quietly. “I’m too wiggly for ballet. And spinning makes me dizzy. I wanted to try tap, but didn’t know where to put my shoes.”

Gabriella could hardly believe her ears. “I’m too wiggly for ballet, too!”

Leilani smiled.

“Hula will be just right for you, then. Come on, I’ll show you how!”

Leilani’s wings wiggled with excitement.

And so did Gabriella’s. 

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

Hungry Monkey

3 Word Challenge: Mia, Monkey, Dance  
Challenge words selected by CAubel

Earlier today, ‘round a quarter past two,

a monkey named Milo broke out of the zoo.

He ran through the town, with only one thought:

he had to eat out before he was caught.

He raced down the street, toward the center of town,

where the selection of food did not let him down.

Should he try Thai? Or food from Havana?

Chef Angelo’s place had a dish with bananas?!

So Milo swung in, right through the front door,

hoping to try foods he hadn’t before.

Milo tripped waiters, and knocked over chairs.

And to the Chef’s horror, he didn’t stop there.

He swung from the lights, sampling dishes with glee,

with no sign of stopping his Italian food spree.

“Great Mama Mia!” Chef Angelo cried.

“We’ve got to get that monkey outside!”

The chef lunged to the right, but Milo went left,

dodging away, leaving Chef quite bereft.

The two of them put on quite a display;

a monkey-Chef dance, a sort of ballet.

But Milo was full; it was time to go home.

Though he greatly enjoyed his first taste of Rome.

He bid Chef goodbye, and ran out the door,

already planning to come back for more.

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

The Race

3 Word Challenge: Josie, Shark, Laugh
Challenge words selected by Erin L.

Josie took her pail down to the ocean,

as a seagull flew by, causing commotion.

“Everyone run! Everyone flee!

Mr. Shark’s coming! He’s right behind me!”

Everyone panicked. Everyone worried.

“Shark’s on the way! Everyone hurry!” 

They packed their towels, and umbrellas, too.

Josie just watched, unsure what to do.

She decided to ask why anyone cared –

If Shark’s in the ocean, they shouldn’t be scared!

“Mr. Seagull! Can’t we stay on the sand?

Sharks live in water; they can’t come on land!”

“You are quite right,” Seagull laughed as he said,

Mr. Shark gives us nothing to dread!”

“We’re not afraid of Mr. Shark, you see!

But we are racing him…in the Ocean Grand Prix!”

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**

The Dreamer

3 Word Challenge: Julian, Smile, Run 
Challenge words selected by K. Brestal

What will you dream of tonight, my love?

A baseball player with a magic glove?

Daring Julian, the kingdom’s new knight,

who tucks in all of the dragons at night?

Or Captain Graybeard, a wily old cat,

who once set sail with a giant wombat?

Perhaps you’ll dream about Chester Magoos,

the cheetah who wouldn’t run without shoes?

Or Leroy, a dentist…and crocodile…

who loved to make his patients smile?

But even if tonight’s dreams are boring,

(or if you can’t dream through somebody’s snoring)

the very best part of dreaming for sure,

is tomorrow you get to dream some more!

**Send me any three (clean!) words, and I'll create a poem, short story or snippet with your words!**