Therefore since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief.
–Polonius, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Children’s author Vivian Kirkfield knows that brevity is not just the soul of wit, but also a great predictor of a picture book manuscript’s publish-ability. To help writers sharpen their wordcount scalpels, she created #50PreciousWords, a contest challenging entrants to craft 50-word masterpieces. Below is my entry for 2024 (Generous Penelope), along with two other bonus stories for your enjoyment. Good luck to all the participants, and may both brevity and wit rule the day!
Generous Penelope
Penelope felt a clunk and a clatter in her gut
Whenever the popsicle truck passed friends with empty pockets.
She wanted to help, but something stopped her, stuck like rubber.
“I can share!” she shouted, and it broke her to pieces.
Penelope: a good friend
(but a rotten piggy bank).
Not a Drill
“Leave your backpacks, students.
Let’s go, girls.
Tanner. Tanner! Line up at the door.”
The alarm is tinkling.
The light is shimmering.
“Goggles on, stay calm, Sarah, where’s your hair protection?
Cover up, now, hold your breath.”
STUDENTS OF SCINTILLATING ELEMENTARY,
THIS IS NOT A GLITTER DRILL.
IT’S A GLITTERMERGENCY.
A Forever Friend
Every day (and night)
It’s watching over you.
Pay attention.
Greet it when it reaches out,
Wild and fierce,
Bright and merry,
Playful with pictures,
Or gentle as a kiss.
As close as your breath,
As distant as the farthest star.
This is how to be friends
with the sky.
