Lucky for Sophie and Chloe, Grandma Tillie knows how to royally entertain her grandchildren. To their delight, whenever Grandma Tillie babysits, she seems to disappear, only to be replaced by a parade of lovable characters. There’s Tillie Vanilly with the bright pink hair, star of The Tillie Vanilly Show, who loves to tell jokes and dance the conga; Chef Silly Tillie with the lampshade hat who offers up a dinner of Worm Chili with Glue Gravy; and Madame Frilly Tillie with the sparkly eyeglasses and towel turban, the world’s most creative bath-bubble stylist. Sophie and Chloe wonder who will appear to tuck them into bed: Hiker Hilly Tillie, Explorer Chilly Tillie, or Zoo-lady Gorilly Tillie? To their surprise, it’s the best character of all—just plain Grandma Tillie. Available at Amazon.com.
Emily loves to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Like most grandchildren, she is showered with affection and enjoys the freedom to eat sweets, stay up late, and help Grandma in the garden. But when Emily’s visit with her grandparents ends, she’s saddened by thoughts of missing them. To comfort her, Grandma gives Emily a book that teaches her to use her imagination, memory, and natural surroundings to help her feel close when they are apart. In a surprising role reversal, Emily comforts Grandma by sharing her own secrets for staying close. Great Grandparent’s Day gift for long-distance grandparents who miss their grandchildren. Available at Amazon.com
ADDITION OF NEW PRIZE! Today, I received a signed copy of Mercer Mayer’s “Grandma, Grandpa, and Me.” All contest participants will be included in a drawing for the chance to win this great bounus prize.
Little Critter is having a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm! He’s excited—there is so much to see and do. Join Little Critter as he helps his grandparents milk the cows, pick blueberries, and bake a pie for the contest at the Country Fair. There are many delicious pies in the contest, but Little Critter’s pie has a secret ingredient that is sure to make it a favorite!
ABOUT THE CONTEST
This year, in the US, National Grandparent’s Day falls on Sunday, September 8. Because I am a long-distance grandparent, and my picture book “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa” is about a little girl with long-distance grandparents. I have decided to make the long-distance grandchild/grandparent relationship the focus of this writing contest. I know, could I repeat “long-distance” one more time 🙂
CONTEST RULES
- Write a picture book story (500 words or less) about a child with long-distance grandparents.
- Post the story on your blog by Friday, August 23 at 11:59 PM CDT. Please include a blurb about the contest and a link back to my blog.
- Between Friday, August 23 and Sunday, August 25 at 11:59 PM CDT, comment on this blog page announcing the title of your story along with a link to your posted story/blog page.
- If you do not have a blog, paste your story as a comment on this blog page.
- I will share a list of all story/blog links on Monday, August 26 by 11:59 PM CDT.
- The links to the stories will remain posted so everyone will have a chance to read them.
JUDGING ANNOUNCEMENT! VOTING HAS STARTED – CLICK HERE TO GET TO VOTING PAGE
- My handsome assistant and I will determine the top six finalists, and they will be announced on Wednesday, August 28 by 11:59 PM CDT. The winners will be determined by popular vote as follows:
- The finalists’ stories will be posted at the same time as they are announced (8/28), and voting will begin.
- Voting will remain open until Friday, August 30 at 11:59 PM CDT.
- Winners will be announced on Saturday, August 31 by 11:59 PM CDT.
PRIZES
First Place – $25 Amazon gift card, plus a signed copy of “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa” and a highly *detailed picture book manuscript critique from me.
Second Place – One highly *detailed picture book manuscript critique from me plus a signed copy of “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa.”
Third Place – A signed copy of Laurie Jacobs’s picture book, illustrated by Anne Jewett, “Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie” and a signed copy of “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa.” (true confession – I wish I could win the signed copy of Laurie’s fun picture book 🙂
*Please note that my critiques skills are strong with the exception of pictures books written in rhyme. My ability to critique picture books in rhyme is limited.
Alayne Kay Christian 
Oh boy, this sounds like great fun, Alayne! I’m off to brainstorm. :0)
Donna, I appreciate your excitement about the contest. I am pretty excited myself 🙂 I look forward to seeing the result of your brainstorming.
This is a great opportunity. Are anthropomorphic stories eligible?
Hi Sally, I’m so happy you are considering joining in the fun. Yes, anthropomorphic stories are eligible. I look forward to seeing your story.
Hi, Alayne. Might have a go at this as well, what a wonderful idea, thank-you.
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Great news, Helen. I’m glad you like the idea, and I look forward to reading your story. I am excited to share that I received a signed copy of Mercer Mayer’s GRANDMA, GRANDPA, AND ME, today. I will be putting all contest participant’s names in a drawing to win this bonus prize.
Here is my submission since I don’t have a blog. Not exactly anthropomorphic but I hope it meets your desire for a child/long distance grandparent(s) story:
Where’s My Grammy?
Emma spent her summers visiting Grams wonderful bakery. It was always filled with Emma’s favorite goodies. There were ooey-gooey chocolate frosted donuts and chewy soft pretzels. Baking marble rye breads and fruity pies of very kind kept Grams busy.
One day, Grams said, “Let’s make gingerbread cookies.”
Emma clapped her hands, “Let’s make Grammy cookies! That way when I go, I’ll have cookies to remember our visit.” Molly barked her approval.
Grams mixed the spicy dough and rolled it out. She cut a grammy shape. Emma added raisins and a tiny cherry for her nose. Grams drew a smile into the dough and popped it into the oven.
After baking, Grams put it on the counter to cool. “Just a few extra touches,” said Grams pulling out a bag of red licorice. Emma added it for her grammy’s hair with icing to tack it down. Grams used icing to draw a sweatband and racing shoes.
“That’s just like you Grams,” said Emma pointing to a picture.
“That’s when I won the long distance race last year,” said Grams smiling.
Then, quick as a flash the cookie disappeared from the counter. The screen door slammed like a 4th of July firecracker.
“Oh, no said Grams, I should have never added those racing shoes. The Grammy cookie has run off!”
Grams and Emma were out the door in a flash. “I see something brown running down the road,” said Emma.
Chasing after her grammy gingerbread cookie, Emma soon came across a police officer. “What’s going on?” asked Officer Jane.
“My Grammy cookie is running away,” said Emma catching her breath.
Officer Jane saw Grams running down the road. “I’ll call for back up. Well get your Grammy back,” she called to Emma. Officer Jane ran down the road.
Emma passed a field full of soccer players. “What’s going on?” the team captain asked.
My Grammy cookie is running away,” called Emma.
“We’ll get her, come on boys,” he said. All the players ran down the road too.
Emma heard a whirling sound overhead. It was a TV helicopter. “We heard on our radio that your Grammy from the bakery is missing,” the reporter said. “Well fly around and find her.”
“No wait,” Emma said. “My Grammy cookie ran off, not my Grams!” But they had already flown away.
At the end of the road, the TV crew was recording all the action. “And here’s the girl with her missing Grammy.”
“I wasn’t missing,” said Grams. “We were chasing Emma’s grammy gingerbread cookie!”
Molly appeared out of the bushes. She had gingerbread crumbs around her mouth. Molly’s nose had a red cherry on it.
“You ate the cookie?” said Emma.
“And so we have it, a happy ending after all,” said the reporter. “News at 9”.
Emma said, “Let’s record the news tonight Grams. When we feel sad about being apart, we can watch our adventure all over again.”
“That’s better than a cookie,” Grams said laughing and gave Emma a big hug.
Congratulations, Sally! You are the first one to submit a story, and what a fun story it is. Thank you. Remember to keep an eye on the blog for other stories and voting.
Thanks Alayne, I have a heavy work schedule the next 4 days so I didn’t want to “forget”–like I could! I had fun writing it.
I’m glad you had fun. Take care of yourself during your heavy work days. We’ll catch up when things calm down for you.
Hi, Alayne!
I just came across your wonderful blog this afternoon! I decided to put my thinking cap on and write a story using your grandparent theme. Since I don’t have my own blog, I will place it here in a few minutes.
Thank You!
Maria
Thank you, Maria. I look forward to reading your story.
An Ocean Apart,
Near by Heart
by
Maria A. Velardocchia
Brrrring! The phone rang right on time! When Antoinette’s daddy nodded ‘OK’, she answered the phone before it could ring a second time. Antoinette was so excited! She knew the phone call was from Pappou, her grandfather in Greece. On the first day of each month, at 8:00 in the morning, either Pappou called Antoinette’s house, or Antoinette’s daddy called Pappou. They took turns, and this month it was Pappou’s turn to call.
“Hi, Pappou!” Antoinette said, with a smile in her voice.
“Hello, my Antonia,” said Pappou. Pappou liked to call Antoinette by her Greek name. “Tell me how you are and what you’ve been doing, so I can hear your beautiful voice.”
“Oh, Pappou, we’re all doing well here in Florida. The weather is so nice and mommy and daddy have been taking me to the beach a lot. Daddy says it reminds him of when he was a little boy in Greece and you used to take him to the beach in the summer.”
“Yes, Antonia, your daddy is right. We would pack our lunch and go to the beach every day. It was your daddy’s favorite place to go,” Pappou said in a voice that sounded like he was remembering.
“Pappou, did daddy like to find shells on the beach?” Antoinette asked.
“Find shells, you ask? He sure did. Not only shells, but here in Greece we have beautiful little pebbles on our beaches. They are smooth and colorful, and your daddy loved to bring a favorite one home each day,” answered Pappou.
“He did?” asked Antoinette. I like to collect rocks. I guess that’s another way we’re alike!”
“Yes,” Pappou said. “Antonia, you remind me very much of your daddy when he was eight years old like you.”
“I know what, Pappou!” exclaimed Antoinette. “When we go to the beach today, I’m going to have daddy take a picture of me holding some shells. Then, when I write you my letter, we’ll send you the picture so you can see me at the beach!”
“Oh, Antonia, what a good idea!” said Pappou. “I can’t wait to get the picture! And do you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to find a picture of your daddy and me at the beach, many years ago, and I’m going to send it to you!”
“Hooray, pappou! I’m so excited! I’m going to get ready for the beach now while daddy talks to you. I love you, Pappou,” said Antoinette.
“I love you, too, Antonia,” said Pappou.
Two weeks later they got a letter from Pappou! Daddy carefully opened the envelope. There was a letter for daddy and mommy, and a letter for Antoinette. Tucked inside Antoinette’s letter was a picture of Pappou and her daddy at the beach. She loved the picture! As Antoinette went to bed that night, she held the picture close to her heart and dreamt of the day she would visit Pappou in Greece.
Thank you for sharing your story, Maria. What a touching tale of love across the ocean. I love the title!
Thank you, Alayne for reading my story and for your comments! I’m so happy to have found you here!
Hello Alayne, Thank you so much for the fun opportunity! I do not have a blog as of yet, so I will post my long distance Grandma story on here. May I mention your blog on my facebook page? Thanks again, this was fun!
GRANDMA,
CAN YOU GUESS HOW SPECIAL YOU ARE?
Grandma, can you guess how special you are?
This is my story and now you are the STAR!
When you are here or when you are there
You can count all the clues of the times that we share.
Clue number ONE is the first to let you know
It’s something you do from my head down to my toes.
Lots of smooches and big hugs that are so tight
I love to cuddle when you tuck me in at night.
Moving on to the next clue that is number TWO
In counting with numbers that is what you do.
Sitting at my house and watching me play
Us taking a nap together after a long hard day.
Using my fingers counting to clue number THREE
This you do in the kitchen and it makes me hungry!
Lots of baking and tasting so many delicious treats
Sitting next to me at the table when it is time to eat!
Clue number FOUR is a clue that I adore
But don’t you worry there are so many more.
You and I get to giggle and talk on the phone
The sound of your voice has such a friendly tone.
Next it’s time to count to the clue that is number FIVE
This is what you and I do as soon as you arrive.
I like when you play games with me like hide and seek
Grandma, do those glasses really help you to peek?
Using both hands to count to clue number SIX
This is a clue like the others that is easy to pick.
Your laugh is jolly with a rosy cheek on each side
You light up a room with your smiling eyes.
Bunny ears on one hand makes this clue number SEVEN
Another clue that shows how you are a loving person!
Really smart and funny, so soft and so gentle
Grandma, you don’t complain when I’m a lot to handle!
Wiggling my fingers to count to clue number EIGHT
All have been good, but this clue is sure great!
You are my Grandma forever and for always
How happy I am when you tell me all of your stories!
What can I say about clue number NINE
Just like apple pie Grandma, you are so devine!
When you are here or when you are there
I think of you always and how we are a pair.
The last clue is important it is clue number TEN
It is hard for me to say to you so carefully listen
My special grandma, I love when you are near
I don’t like to say “goodbye,” it brings me to tears.
Now that you have counted all the ways you are a STAR
Grandma, have you guessed how special you are?
One day when I am older and a much bigger me,
The memories of us Grandma, how special they will be!
I LOVE YOU GRANDMA!
Kristina (Senese) Johnson (facebook)
writer31202@yahoo.com
Thank you for sharing this sweet story, Kristina. I sense that you have some experience as a long-distance grandchild or having a child with long-distance grandparents, or one more guess 🙂 being a long-distance Grandma. Regardless, there is a lot of heart in your story. I’m so glad you had fun writing it. That was my goal – for everyone to have fun. It would be an honor if you mentioned my blog on your Facebook page. Thank you for offering. I hope you will either follow my blog or keep an eye on the contest, so you can participate in the voting, and learn of the winners when they are announced.
I’m so glad Kristina asked about a Facebook page mention! I was wondering the very same thing, and now I have my answer! Thank you!
I’m glad Kristina asked about Facebook, too. And I am happy you have your answer, Maria 🙂
Thank you Alayne for reading the story and your comments. Yes, this story was inspired by my daughter and son and “their” grandma who recently passed on to heaven (7/2013). It has a special place in my heart as she did in their hearts. She was missed often because she did live long-distance and now missed in many ways. I sure will keep an eye on the blog. I love your “butterfly kisses” . Thanks for helping others find their inner creativity….
I am so sorry for your loss and your children’s loss, Kristina. Thank you for sharing this very personal story. Their Grandma is obviously still loved over distance. She is just in a different place. I am happy that the contest helped you find your inner creativity. I hope writing the story had a cathartic effect on you. Thank you for your sweet compliment on “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa.”
[…] discovered Alayne Kay Christian’s contest almost too late to enter. I wondered if I should still enter with such a short time […]
I just posted a story link, but it didn’t show up, so here goes it again. Thanks for running this contest, Alayne. I had fun writing VACATION SPORT!
Here’s the link: http://donnalsadd.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/grandparents-day-writing-contest-entry-vacation-sport/
Thank you for joining in the fun, Donna. I’m glad you enjoyed writing your story, “Vacation Sport.” What a touching story. Bobby sure has some long-distance love going on in this story, and what a generous heart that young boy has.The pictures are a nice addition – made me smile. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures, your story, and the information about my blog and the contest.
Hi Alayne,
I decided to write a story based on my daughter’s long distance experience of grandparents. It is on my blog, and you can read it here:
http://lindaschueler.com/?p=243
The title is “Messages”.
Linda, Thank you for joining in the contest fun. Technology plays a big role in my long-distance relationship with my granddaughter. Several years ago, she got an iPod. I am not the type that would normally buy that type of technology, but I used some credit card points and bought myself an iPod just so my granddaughter and I could talk on Facetime. What a blessing. All she has to do is push a button, and we are together. In your story, “Messages,” it is fun to watch Susan grow, thanks to her family and the magic of technology. It is a pleasure to see her begin to embrace both her long-distance relationships and her heritage. Thank you for sharing your story and the info about my blog and the contest on your blog. If you are not already following my blog, I hope you will either follow it or keep an eye on the contest, so you can participate in the voting, and learn of the winners when they are announced.
We love Facetime too, especially when my husband has to go overseas. It feels like we are right there with him. Thanks for your comments and for hosting a great contest.
[…] « WRITING CONTEST IN HONOR OF GRANDPARENT’S DAY […]
Finalists announced and voting has begun early. Best of luck to all you creative writers, and thanks for joining in the fun!
Ooops, I forgot to post the link to the page. http://tinyurl.com/kvbzbsh
Alayne…I have been so busy with going through closets and packing for our move (so that I won’t have to be a long-distance grandma to 4 year old Jeremy). I’m so sorry to have missed this lovely contest…right up my alley.:) But, now that I know about it, I will definitely be back tonight to read all the entries and vote! What wonderful prizes you are providing!!!
Thank you so much, Vivian. I hope your move is going smoothly, you are almost settled in, and you are getting lots of Jeremy time. I’m afraid I might have made a mistake with this contest by not allowing enough time for people to get their stories written. Live and learn, I guess. I am thinking about making it an annual event. So, I will have a chance to improve on things next time. I hope you will be able to participate next year. I would love it if you come back and vote – thanks!