What’s in Lottie’s Wagon?
With the holidays coming, I’m offering contests with prizes and random giftaways to kid lit writers and illustrators as a thank you for always supporting me, Blue Whale Press, and our authors and illustrators. Last week, our giftaway offered four ARCs for No Bears Allowed by Lydia Lukidis and illustrated by Tara J. Hannon. The first place winner will also win a 15-minute “first impressions” picture book critique from me (Alayne) via phone or Skype. There is still time to get in on the fun! The deadline for the photo caption contest is December 4. The first week, we offered four ARCs for Randall and Randall by Nadine Poper and illustrated by Polina Gortman. And this week, we are offering even more!
This week, we are giving away, for first prize, a hardcover pre-release proof for Who Will? Will You? along with a picture book critique from the author of the book, Sarah Hoppe, PLUS a 15-minute “first-impressions” picture book critique from me (Alayne) via phone of Skype. For second through fourth places, we will be giving away a softcover Who Will? Will You? ARC to three winners. If you aren’t familiar with Who Will? Will You? you can view the fun book trailer below.
“A beautifully illustrated tale that’s sure to appeal to animal lovers and budding environmentalists. . . .” Kirkus Reviews
“A fun, unexpected conclusion teaches kids not only about shore life, but about what makes a welcoming home for a stray. Kids who love beaches and parents who love thought-provoking messages will find “Who Will? Will You?” engrossing and fun.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
My goal is to have weekly contests until we run out of prizes. So watch for more Holiday Giftaways–books, critiques, bundles of ARCs, and some other great things.
The beauty of writing contests is it gives you a possible start for your next picture book. So, it is never a waste of time.
Following is the picture book trailer.
Following is a short peek at the Who Will? Will You? activity book for teachers, parents, and librarians
The Contest—WHAT’S IN LOTTIE’S WAGON?
- Write a 100-word story about what’s in Lottie’s wagon. The story must include the words pup, beach, help, and of course wagon and Lottie. Any form of the words is acceptable—for example: puppy, puppies, beachfront, beach ball, helpful, helping and so on. The title is not included in the 100 words. You can go under, but not over.
- It should be appropriate for children ages twelve and under.
- Your story can be serious, funny, sweet, or anything in between. It can be written in poetry or prose, but it must include those 3 words.
- NO ILLUSTRATION NOTES PLEASE! Keep reading beyond the following image, there are more steps you must take.
- Post the above photo with your story on your blog, along with a blurb about the contest and a link to this blog.
- IMPORTANT! Along with the story you paste into comments, add your name and your blog post-specific link (post-specific link not your blog’s main url because if you put up a new post on your blog after your entry during the dates of the contest, the judges will find the wrong post!)
- Post between now and Saturday, December 14 by 11:59 PM EDT
- If you don’t have a blog, just leave your name and paste your story in a comment, explaining you don’t have a blog. But please share the a blurb about the contest and the link in social media.
- If you have difficulty posting in the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry using the contact form on my blog or at alaynecritiques at gmail dot com, and I’ll post it for you. Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title and byline at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS!
- Please submit your entry only ONCE.
- By entering this contest, you agree that if you win, and you like the book, you will post an Amazon review.
The Judging
Judging criteria will be as follows:
- Kid appeal—something the twelve and under reading audience will enjoy and relate to.
- Originality and creativity.
- Humor, heart tugging, or thought provoking.
- Wow factor—something that makes the story stand out from all the others.
- Following the directions thoroughly. Very important. Not following directions may result is disqualification.
- Winners will be announced on this blog, Facebook, and Twitter on Sunday, December 8.
The Prizes
First place:
A pre-release proof (hardcover) of Who Will? Will You? along with a picture book critique from the author of the book Sarah Hoppe, PLUS a fifteen-minute “first impressions” critique from me (Alayne) via Skype or telephone. Learn more about Sarah here and more about Alayne here.
If outside of the U.S., the prize will be an e-ARC and Alayne’s critique will have to be Skype or written.
Second Through Fourth Place:
A softcover ARC of Who Will? Will You?
Alayne Kay Christian 
A new home
Lottie sat on the bench and slowly licked her ice cream while the pup in the wagon slept tightly.
“Hullo, how are you?” Asked a boy. “What do you have there?”
“A tired pup,” answered Lola
“Is he yours?” asked the boy
Just then the pup woke up and squeaked.
“No, I found him on the beach. I have been trying to find him a home all day.” sighed Lottie.
“Oh, may I have it? My dad rescued a turtle yesterday, he is helping a sick penguin get better and he rescues animals all the time…”
“Sure” said Lottie, beaming.
Antoinette Marlow
https://sites.google.com/a/artydesignz.co.za/www/blog
Thank you for joining in the fun, Antoinette!
The Mystery of the Missing Sandwich
by Kiley Orchard
“Lottie, I found another clue!” Pup dropped two bread crusts into the wagon. SOMEONE had eaten Lottie’s sandwich—but who? Pup considered the clues: bread crusts, a beach pail, and one sandal.
“Maybe our thief doesn’t like crusts,” said Pup.
“Crusts are gross,” said Lottie.
“And was on their way to the beach,” Pup continued.
“Just like us!”
“And they’re probably only wearing one sandal.”
“Great thinking!” said Lottie. Pup was so helpful!
Pup looked down. “Um, Lottie…”
“Yes, Pup?”
“You’re only wearing one sandal.”
Lottie looked at her feet. “Hey, Pup?”
“Yes?”
“I just remembered… I ate my sandwich!”
100 words (I don’t have a blog!)
Thank you for joining in the writing fun, Kiley. No problems regarding not having a blog.
Kiley, you are a winner! Congratulations. See my most recent blog post. I will email you at the email associated with your your contest entry with in the next few days.
I don’t have a blog, sorry.
PRECIOUS CARGO
by Linda Staszak 90 words
Lottie tugged on her squeaky wagon. She inched her way down the beach, walking past the rainbow shells and sparkly stones.
The wagon was hard to move through the deep sand.
“Do you need help?” a lady asked.
“No thank you,” Lottie said. She dragged the wagon close to the water and sat next to it.
“You liked the beach when you were a puppy,” she said to the wagon.
A tail thumped. Lottie gently patted her old dog’s head.
“I thought you’d like to be here one more time.”
Thank you for joining in the writing fun, Linda. No problem regarding not having a blog.
Linda, you are a winner! Congratulations. See my most recent blog post. I will email you at the email associated with your your contest entry with in the next few days.
I’m so excited–thank you! What a surprise!
Congratulations, Linda. I will be in touch soon.
Thank you for joining in the writing fun, Mona.
Thanks for this opportunity.
What’s In Lottie’s Wagon? 100 words
By Mona Pease
Lottie felt sad. It was almost Christmas. Mom and Dad were deployed. Grandma tried to help make things special. Still, nothing felt right.
No snow.
No live tree.
No Mom and Dad.
Gazing toward the horizon, Lottie’s mood lightened. “Come on Pup. Let’s walk along the beach and fill our wagon with treasures.”
Afterwards, she decorated Grandma’s shrub with shells, sea glass, driftwood.
Then, Lottie took her rarest finds from the wagon: blue glass, wishing rock, and large shell that whispered sea songs.
Lottie listened. Mom and Dad felt close. Grandma listened. She smiled. What songs did that shell whisper?
Mona, you are a winner! First place, to be exact. See my most recent blog post. I’ll email you within the next few days with prize details. Congratulations.
[…] The winners have been chosen for the No Bears Allowed photo caption contest and the Who Will? Will You? What’s in Lottie’s Wagon? writing contest. […]