This little story/poem, by Clement Clarke Moore, has had an enormous impact on holiday traditions. It is 200 years old this year, 2023, first published in 1823! So to celebrate, I created a video storytelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Merry Christmas to Aaaaaaalllll……..

 

​​SAMMY SLUG is my first PB story. We’ve both changed a lot since 1989!
Sammy earned me a job. He became a puppet with a slime trail. He encouraged me to narrate, draw and learn to make a video. This little slug taught me to try new things, use what I have, and not give up. My story’s a lot like Sammy’s. Sometimes you just have to look behind to see
​how far you’ve come.

😂 All voices in this narration are from my imagination and are not a copy of anyone. These are just make believe voices to go with make believe insect and gastropod characters. 😂

 

 

I created this folk tale retelling to use in storytimes, after years of seeing how much kids like gross stuff and suspense. (I do too.) It was fun to narrate and illustrate. It’s not for the faint of tummy. 😂

 

 

Kites & Cups

 

150 words (contest limit)
(Spring Fling contest- 2021)

Daisy Green loved Spring.
She loved sunny days,
warm breezes, and flying kites.

“Mom, it’s perfect skies for butterflies!”

“Well, let’s go,” said Ms. Green.

They walked butterfly kites to Merry Meadows Park.

“Ready?” shouted Daisy.
​
Feet fluttered.
Kites flapped.
Strings tightened.
Winds lifted.
Grass swished.
Flowers swayed.
Laughter carried.
Butterflies flew, until . . .

​WHOOOOOSHhhhhhh....

“Mom, it’s getting cold.”

“And dark,” said Ms. Green.

“RAIN!!!!” they squealed.
 
Clouds poured.
Kites wrestled.
Arms reeled.
Rain soaked.
Hair dripped. 
Butterflies drooped.
Flip flops splashed.

Shlip-Shlop-Shlip-Shlop

“Hey Mrs. Frost!” they waved.
 
Their neighbor stood on her porch,
holding a steaming cup with both hands.

 “I — love — Winter,” she said. “Cloudy days. Chilly winds.
​Hot chocolate.”

“Hot chocolate?” shivered the Greens. 

“Come up. Have a cup.”

“SURE!” 

They sat and sipped.
Ms. Green sighed, “Some days are kites.”
​
Mrs. Frost said, “Some days are cups.”

Daisy smiled, “And some days are both.” 

 

​“I’m here!” Spring kissed Meadow,
and Meadow woke the trees.
Redbuds called the bluebirds.
Bluebirds called the bees.
Bees buzzed every flower,
bunched in twos and threes.
Flowers opened petals,
scenting every breeze.
​
​And Meadow sang . . .
“Welcome Spring.
Chick and Hare.
Rose and Fern.
Mouse and Bear.
Dance and spin.
Laugh and sing.
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome Spring!”

Breezes told the squirrels.
The squirrels told the swans.
Swans trumpeted the news,
to does and spotted fawns. 
Fawns frisked to the burrows,
“It’s here,” they said. “Come on!”
Bunnies hopped out one by one.
“Spring’s back and Winter’s gone!” 

And Meadow sang . . . 
“Welcome Spring.
Chick and Hare.
Rose and Fern.
Mouse and Bear.
Dance and spin.
Laugh and sing.
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome Spring!”

​Back and forth Meadow sailed,
upon an old tree swing. 
Singing, “Welcome, Welcome . . .”
Meadow kissed the Spring. 

​Kathryn S Powell
​Spring Fling Writing Contest 2022

 

We stink!
But it’s okay.
That’s sneaker life.

We smell like sweaty feet,
corn chips,
sour rags,
musty water,
and dog poo —
with a hint of spearmint underneath.

There’s no hiding it.
Everyone knows.

“Whoa! GROSS!”
“I’m gagging!”
“Disgusting.”
“Let’s get outa here!”

It wasn’t always like this.
Once, we smelled of possibilities.
Fresh.
New.
Exciting!

We explored fields,
splashed through puddles,
skipped ropes,
ran sidewalks,
climbed trees,
and chased fireflies.

​









​We bounced,
jumped,
kicked,
sprinted,
peddled,
waded,
stomped,
balanced,
danced . . .
and discovered!

We are --
Risk takers!
Dream makers!
Rule breakers!

Do we fall?
Yes.
Do we fail?
You bet!

We’re scuffed and soiled,
scraped and frayed,
lost and found.

We — Stink!

But it’s okay.
‘Cause that’s sneaker life.
And sneaker life smells of adventure!

Sneaker Life
by Kathryn Stowe Powell
125 words for KidLit Vibes Contest 2022
​

 

 

​​​BUBBLE NEEDS A HUG
Kathryn Stowe Powell

“Porcupine, can I have a hug?”

“Ummm . . . Better not, Bubble.”

“But I neeeeeeeeeed a hug.”

“Bad idea, Bub.”

“It’s only a hug.”
SNIFFLE SNIFFLE

“Awww…..don’t cry Bubble.”

“Purcupine, why are being so prickly?”

“How ‘bout? . . . Mmmwaaaahhhh — wwwhhhuuu……”

“AIR KISS? YOU BLEW ME AN AIR KISS! . . . YES!!!!
Oh my gosh! I love air kisses!
Thank you, Porcupine!!! Thank you!”

“All good, Bubble?”

“ALL GREAT! —— I’M BEYOND HAPPY!!!
Hugs schmugs! Who wouldn’t want an air kiss?”

“Glad I could help.”

“This is the BEST day! An air kiss from Porcupine.
I’ll be on Cloud 9 all day!”

“Umm, Bubble. Buddy.
Maybe you should chill a little. It looks like . . .

“HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY! So happy I could just —”

!!POP!!

“Oh man . . . now I need a hug.”