[UPDATE: THRILLED to share that this story was given an Honorable Mention for Great Read for Younger Readers!]
It’s one of my favorite times of year: Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie contest for children’s writers! I love these contests. They challenge my brain to think in new ways and almost always inspire multiple stories. Plus, this year, they are the best kind of happy distraction from… you know… everything else.
The challenge: write a halloween-themed children’s story in 100 words or less and include the words skeleton, mask, and creep.
Without further a-boo, here is my 2020 Halloweensie story:
PUMPKIN HUNT (100 words)
By Nicole Loos Miller
Hello, little Skeleton. What are you doing?
I’m going on a pumpkin hunt.
A pumpkin hunt?
A pumpkin hunt!
I’m going on a pumpkin hunt. I’m gonna pick a big one!
Tiptoe. Tiptoe.
Ooh, a white pumpkin!
NO! IT’S A GHOST!
Don’t worry, little Skeleton. It’s just a mask.
Oh, um, I knew that.
I’m going on a pumpkin hunt!
I’m gonna pick a big one!
Creep. Creep. Creep.
A green pumpkin?
ACK! A MONSTER!
Mask again, little Skelton.
Oh, whew!
Back to the pumpkin hunt.
Skitter, skitter, step.
Oh! Nice mask.
Uh, little Skeleton… that’s not a mask!
AHHHHH!
“Without further a-boo!” LOL Great story, Nicole! I love the formatting and the spooky twist.
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Thank you, Sarah!
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Love this take on the bear hunt. Very clever and fun to read!
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Thank you so much, Melissa!
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What a cute story!
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Thank you so much, Colleen!
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I like the back and forth of your story, as well as the cute ending. Good luck!
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Thanks, Colleen!
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Fun twist ending, Nicole! The formatting was fun, too! Also, I LOVE “without further a-boo”! So clever and cute!!!
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Thank you so much, Maryna!
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This is ADORABLE! I love it! Great job, Nicole!
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Thank you so much, Daniele!
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Loved your story and it’s creative formatting. It reminded me of *hunting for wabbits,” lol.
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Hah! Love that!
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Very cute story!
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Thank you, Connie!
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Oh, I wonder which “mask” was real! And love the idea of a pumpkin hunt.
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Thank you so reading, Brittany! 🙂
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I really like the way you structured this and the surprise at the end, Nicole. So cute! Best of luck in the contest!
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Thank you so much, Jill!
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I love the rhythm of your story and the different colored pumpkins is fun and unique. Good luck!
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Thank you!
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What a great twist on Bear Hunt! Very cute!
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Hahaha!!! This is such a fun entry. Good luck!
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Great use of rule of three with a surprise at the end! Poor little skeleton….Good luck!
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Ha, ha! Great pumpkin hunt!
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Very clever and cute! Good luck to you!
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Thank you, Heather 🙂
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I love the back & forth dialogue and twist at the end. Great job!
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Thank you so much, Patricia!
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Oh, how cute! I love the flip of expectations at the end!
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Thank you so much, Ciara!
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