Tag Archives: children’s stories

A Smear of Jam #99WordStories

This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a smear of jam. Is it across a slice of toast, a white shirt, or something unexpected? The jam could be the focus or detail that ads a twist. Who are the characters with the jam and where are they situated in space and time? Go where the prompt leads!

This is my playful response. I hope you enjoy it.

A Smear of Jam

Teddy hoped he’d get away with it. His paws were clean and his eyes unblinking as he crossed his heart and hoped – well, what could a teddy bear hope? 

Ollie decided to have some fun. He overloaded the slow-thinking Teddy with questions faster than his processing speed.

 “Admit it. You ate my jam.”

“Okay.” Teddy crumbled. “How did you know?”

Ollie smiled. “I don’t need to be Sherlock. You’re the only one here. Besides, you’ve a smear of jam on your nose.”

“Sorry, Ollie.”

“Never mind,” said Ollie. “But be honest next time – or hide all evidence.” They laughed.

Thank you blog post

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Love Letters to Nature, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.

Tell 'Em They're Dreaming anthology of ballads and stories for children

Tell ’em They’re Dreaming — Available for Pre-Order – Readilearn

Frequently on the blog, I bring you interviews with authors or news of new picture books. Today, I am delighted to let you know of a new anthology that is now available for pre-order. It will be available for purchase on 1 November and will make a special Christmas gift, or anytime gift, for children up to twelve years of age. I am extra-delighted about this one because one of my stories is included in it.

About the anthology

Tell ’em They’re Dreaming is an anthology of Bedtime Ballads and Tall Tales from the Australian Bush, published by Share Your Story under the leadership of Australian author Michelle Worthington. I previously introduced Michelle to you in an interview about her picture book Super Nicholas.

The 36 poems, stories and ballads were selected from submissions to a competition conducted earlier this year.

The clever prologue by David Perkins Forgetting How the Banjo Works is a fitting introduction to the stories and poems to follow. A tongue-in-cheek poetic tribute to the poetry of one of Australia’s most famous bush balladeers Banjo Paterson, it is fun, funny and perfectly captures the spirit of Australian ballads and the Australian ability to laugh at ourselves.

In addition to my ballad about a bully bullfrog, the anthology contains works by other authors I have interviewed, including Marg Gibbs and Karen Hendricks as well as Michelle Worthington,

It also has stories by other already-published authors including:

Belinda Meredith

Kayt Duncan

Christine Crawford

Dannielle Viera

Maura Pierlot, and

Sandra Bennett

and many other wonderful writers too.

A Sneak Peek

Here are a few of the titles to whet your appetite:

Continue reading: Tell ’em They’re Dreaming — Available for Pre-Order – Readilearn