Marsha and Mira's Best Character-Driven Contest!!

9/26/2013

Pitch us your best character-driven story!
For one week starting Wednesday September 26th and ending October 4th, you have the opportunity to
win fabulous prizes!!

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY OCTOBER 6th
RIGHT HERE!!!

OMG - Sometimes you have a great idea that takes off way more than you expect and turns into Spam. EEEK!! (The horror). Apologies. I have tweaked the social media part of the contest so it's less spammy

All you have to do is describe your most compelling character-driven picture book plot in 50 words or less and participate in getting the word out about the contest. There will be FOUR winners for FOUR great prizes. BUT EVERYONE who enters gets a prize with a special half off discount to our Writing Wonderful Character-Driven Picture Books e-Course with one-year of access.

If you are wondering what a character-driven story is – have a peek here in the descriptions of the sessions. http://www.picturebookacademy.com/writing-character-driven-stories.html and find out more about this jam-packed e-Course.

And here's a helpful article on writing pitches http://www.teachingauthors.com/2013/03/wednesday-writing-workout.html

And now for our awesome prizes...

First prize – The opportunity to submit your manuscript to Executive Editor Christy Ottaviano of Christy Ottaviano Books at Henry Holt and the Writing Wonderful Character-Driven Picture Books e-Course for free!

Second prize – A one-on-one Skype critique with Marsha Diane Arnold and the Writing Wonderful Character-Driven Picture Books e-Course for free!

Third prize – The opportunity to submit your manuscript to Karen Grencik of closed house Red Fox Literary agency!

Fourth prize - The opportunity to submit your manuscript to Mira Reisberg of mostly closed house Hummingbird Literary agency!

Radically improve your chances of winning by posting multiple times in multiple sites!

The winning prizes will be based on the combination from your pitch and social sharing. Just log in below and describe your most compelling character-driven picture book story in 50 words or less and then then post about the contest all over the universe!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to sign up for our mailing list below so that we can send you winning prizes and/or the special half-off link for our awesome Writing Wonderful Character-Driven Picture Books e-Course!!

And last but not least - post your 50 words or less character-driven story synopsis in the comments below!!!

123 Comments

Dyann Callahan link

9/26/2013 12:11:16 pm

Wapi is a spirit bear who uses his difference (white color) to his advantage. Wapi was often ridiculed as to his handicap (color) on live hunts. Spirit Bears are more successful at fishing as they are lighter, so he helps save his village during a bad season where berries are scarce.

Kathy Doherty

9/26/2013 12:54:12 pm

Salvador Ducky wants to win the Woodland Pond Art Contest this year. But instead of painting a pretty, real, or simple picture to catch the judges’ eye, he follows his heart and walks away from the contest with something more important than a prize—his friends who understand his art.

Sue Frye link

9/26/2013 01:27:58 pm

Six-year-old Cassy likes to wear her big old floppy hat – it gives her extra special detective powers. Tomorrow is Cassy’s birthday, and she can’t resist the urge to sneak a peek. But when her present goes missing—she’s determined to solve the mystery if it takes all night.

Pam Brunskill

9/26/2013 01:35:34 pm

Hairy Giant, the lead in the school’s production of Gruntum and the Beanstalk, vows to make it the best show ever…by changing the story. Witty lines, silly props, and acrobatics don’t impress the cast. But when a co-star suffers from stage fright, Hairy’s creativity is a giant success.

Tina Cho link

9/26/2013 09:36:57 pm

Dewey Bookworm, a leafatarian who loves to read books, must save them from his book-eating friends. Through warning labels, a leaf-tasting party, and an illustration art show, Dewey displays his passion. However, Dewey and the bugs discover it’s the power of words that make a difference in lives.

9/26/2013 10:26:37 pm

Amy Cohas

9/27/2013 12:58:41 am

Art-loving Annabelle won’t leave the museum until she has done something “good” in her brand-new sketchbook, a gift from her mother, an artist. Finally, on the run from her wailing little sister, Annabelle discovers a Chinese dragon vase that shows her the way to her own style of art.

Liliana Erasmus

9/27/2013 04:41:06 am

Loliphant is furious! Mom and dad are going away for the weekend, again! She sets out to find another planet full of parents who would love to stick around forever. There Loliphant discovers that she already has the perfect mom and dad, and the best place in the universe: home.

Judith Nasse link

9/27/2013 04:50:55 am

Suzette wants to be a lady. She takes art lessons from M. Henri
Rousseau. They paint tigers at the zoo and footballers in the park where a scary man talks badly to M. Rousseau. She and her parents help Rousseau in his troubles, even with Sr. Picasso.

Lynn Alpert link

9/27/2013 05:25:43 am

Peppercorn, a hairy sheepdog, is lonely because all of her friends seem to have disappeared. But they’re not really gone – they’re all stuck in her fur and we count them as they get untangled in this funny counting book.

Cindy Springsteen link

9/27/2013 07:25:51 am

Waffles and Pancakes are hamsters, who along with their owners Danny and Griffin learn the true meaning of Christmas. When hurricane Sandy ruins Christmas for many people they all pull together and help. When Santa sees this act of kindness, what does he do to surprise them all?

Lucie Mizutani link

9/27/2013 08:40:05 am

Juya has hard time making friend. She preferred the company of books, fiction books specially. At a summer camp she notice a very noisy, explosive and aggressive girl who has no friend as well. Julia will discover why and the two girls, as opposite as can be, will become best friend over many years. (True story)

Laurie Young

9/27/2013 09:33:13 am

Maggie hates camp. Her mother forces her to go with a neighbor's shy daughter, Sarah-Eliza. Sarah-Eliza turns out to be an expert at every camp activity. Maggie hates camp even more. But when Sarah-Eliza is afraid of the dark, Maggie discovers she is best at being a friend.

Rena Traxel link

9/27/2013 10:52:23 am

Minute plans on being a pirate. Problem is he is trapped in a cornfield. He spends his days collecting golden corn and dueling with aphids and caterpillars. When disaster strikes he must set sail or risk losing his brother. A pirate story set in a bug world.

Dawn Young link

9/27/2013 01:12:08 pm

When a naughty hyena plays a prank on the other zoo animals by switching their signs around, chaos ensues. The zoo runs amok until a wise owl, unaffected by the switch-a-roo, tries to get even with the hyena. Will his plan work or will the hyena face the daunting consequences?

Jenny Reynolds link

9/27/2013 01:32:41 pm

The kids find a cigarette and decide to smoke it. Smoking Monster is delighted. He wants to get them all hooked on smoking and be under his control. Mike knows smoking is a monster. "I want to be in charge of me, so no puffy, puff for me," he sings.

victoria bruno

9/27/2013 01:36:10 pm

Is it there a better feeling for a child than finding an empty box? This child found a box and this fun begins! His box becomes different things throughout his play time until it broke. And his broken box became... even more awesome things!

Priya Gopal

9/27/2013 01:37:43 pm

Rohini loves to dress up, explore things and stick her nose into everything. When her old neighbor drives everyone in the apartment building crazy about his missing newspapers, Rohini is determined to find the cause. What she finds out will change the life of her old neighbor forever.

Mandy Yates

9/27/2013 01:38:55 pm

Ninja Lee isn’t your typical Ninja. Everyday at Ninja School he hears, “Ninjas don’t wear pink masks. Ninjas don’t play dolls. Ninjas don’t pick daisies.” But when a new Bully threatens the class, Ninja Lee comes to their rescue, showing everyone you must never judge a Ninja by “her” mask.

Huda Issa

9/27/2013 03:48:21 pm

Cute adventurous stubborn 4 sails with her square-number friends. She has lots of adventures but is stuck by a storm of which she has been warned by 100.
25, a balance expert, saves them. This turns 4's envy and hatred towards him to love and respect.
(A square-number math story)

9/27/2013 11:54:59 pm

Charlotte Dixon

9/28/2013 02:23:07 am

Sour Puss, a young cucumber slated to be pickled, faces dangerous obstacles while trying to escape the garden to pursue his dream of being a performer of song, dance and comedy.

Angela Schultz

9/28/2013 03:05:04 am

Billy the dollar bill is sent on a windswept adventure in the park as a harsh wind blows him from Tommy's hand as he is about to pay for his ice cream. Will Tommy and Dollar Bill be reunited before the ice cream melts?

Paola Amador

9/28/2013 03:10:59 am

One night, Tiny has a dream where he's a super hero. He starts his hero training only to fail at every attempt (or so he thinks). After his friends build wings for him, he accidentally finds out he's been a hero all day long.

pj lyons link

9/28/2013 03:53:46 am

Nessie’s big brother, Gargoyle, is so cool he can do just about anything. Anything but breathe fire. And tomorrow is his Dragonfire birthday, when dragons light their birthday candles with their breath. If Gargoyle can’t flame by then, everyone will laugh at him. Little sister to the rescue!

Sallianne Norelli link

9/28/2013 03:59:32 am

Sabrina, half chihuahua and half doxie, gets rescued from the streets. But at her new home havoc ensues when she doesn't know how to behave. Will her new family keep her or send her away? Fun illustrations make the mayhem come alive.

Nancy Churnin link

9/28/2013 04:49:54 am

Strange things are happening at Fairy Tale Elementary, from gingerbread houses popping up without permits to perfectly good pumpkins going poof! Into carriages. That's why everyone's calling Witchever Works, run by second grader Wendy Witchever (Witch for short) for help in making endings happy ever after.

Rita Goldner link

9/28/2013 05:15:20 am

Jackson. a third-grader who loves art, but not studying history, embarks on an exciting time-travel adventure in his imagination. From prehistoric caves to the NASA moon landing, he paints his observations, making learning fun.

Dawna Sirard

9/28/2013 05:31:01 am

Worried about the changes that will occur after the upcoming birth of a sister, Martin builds a “brother” from a mishmash of found items in hope of convincing his parents they don’t need another child – especially a girl! Life as he knows it is at stake!

Deirdre Englehart link

9/28/2013 06:55:31 am

In me father's time, there was a lad, Seamus McCaffrey and if you never knew a lazy child, you never knew Seamus. Oh, his mother warned about the Pooka that is known to set the lazy straight but Seamus wouldn't hear of it until one night a visitor arrived...

Rebekah Tekely

9/28/2013 08:39:06 am

Our plucky heroin discovers that she has a monster living under her bed. What to do? Would you let him stay…or kick him out?

Angela Dahle link

9/28/2013 11:52:41 am

Henri is in love with Mona Lisa. He vows to win her heart but it is more difficult than he imagined. He’s just a fly amid the crowd. Mona has too many admirers! A Pepe Le Pew meets I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More kind of story.

Jerry Gonzalez link

9/28/2013 09:54:33 pm

It seems some letters have been reported missing in P.S. 26. When the kids and teachers can't solve the mystery, the realize it's time to call in Mrs. Bee retired school teacher and detective. Will Mrs. Bee solve the mystery?

Lori Mozdzierz

9/29/2013 01:03:51 am

Emma loves to scare people. But when she does, her magic misfires making for mayhem.

9/29/2013 02:10:08 am

Jupiter Starr is convinced his new little sister is actually an alien from outer space, and he’s documenting the proof. But what will he do when stumbles upon the disturbing revelation that he's a space alien, too?

9/29/2013 02:22:26 am

“I want me a dog,” Latanya tells her parents. “Not now,” say her parents and distract her with other pets. But stuffed animals aren’t happy to see you, fish can’t be held, and cats won’t go for walks. A baby brother? Perfect! Because he wants him a dog, too.

KarinMarie

9/29/2013 02:36:42 am

Any adventure with Puppy and Dog is exciting. Yet while Puppy is always get into trouble, Dog wants nothing to do with trouble. Together, with the comical opposite personalities, Puppy and Dog take us through their daily mischief. Will Mom and Dad finally have enough?

9/29/2013 02:39:22 am

Papa Pyle has lost his smile and can’t be happy without it. His grandchildren, Stanley, Mildred, and Oscar look under the couch cushions, in his pockets, and under the bed. They call in the doctor, dentist, and police. It’s gone forever! Until Oscar helps make another.

Priya

9/29/2013 04:00:59 am

You may only pitch one story.

Pj lyons

9/30/2013 12:15:24 am

Terribly sorry. Didn't mean to disobey any rule. Are you one of the organizers? If so, I apologize.

Christine Bush

10/1/2013 05:11:47 am

I'm sorry, but this rule isn't clearly stated at all. When you write:"Radically improve your chances of winning by posting multiple times in multiple sites!" in large letters, this can easily be read to mean multiple stories. And it also isn't clear at all what weight is given to promotion vs. the merits of the pitch. This is a very sloppy contest.

10/1/2013 05:14:50 am

Furthermore, your Giveaway!!! widget uses the term "entries." If I see that I've earned 4/10 entries. This implies that I can enter up to 10 times. Grrrr.

Mira

10/3/2013 10:13:02 am

My apologies Christine. While it does say "your pitch" rather than pitches, it really isn't as clear as it could be that it should be one pitch entry per person. And yes it was a spontaneous thing that seemed like a wonderful idea. Am sorry that it's been upsetting for you and the next contest that I run will be very different.

Pj lyons link

10/7/2013 12:42:58 am

Thanks, Christine. That's exactly how I read it, too. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

9/29/2013 03:17:50 am

Digger Dug--Every night Digger croons, “I love you-ooo” to Belle, a blind old horse who has no use for the pesky pup. Then Belle falls hooves-to-the-heavens into a ditch and can’t budge. While the whole town tries to help, Digger digs with all his heart and finds love.

Susan Silvester link

9/29/2013 08:33:03 am

Tabitha loves bunnies. Her favorite toy bunny is named Leopold, but one morning she can’t find him anywhere. She remembers that the last time she played with Leopold was in the forest, Dressed in her bunny costume, she sets off on an adventure to search for her beloved friend.

Laura Rackham

9/29/2013 10:47:27 am

First day alive and the battle begins!
Emmie, a newly hatched damselfly, confronts danger, outwits predators and ultimately claims her rightful place in the pond.
Through it all, she discovers that the thrill of adventure far outweighs her fear of the unknown.

Kim Wilson link

9/29/2013 12:07:45 pm

There’s going to be fireworks AND a jumping elephant? Ms Mary Max and her friends HAVE to see that! With no money, Mary masterminds the plan to get everyone to the extravaganza. Join in this out-of-this-world adventure with our young, uniquely coutured, skateboard riding, culture queen heroine and her crew.

Earen Etherington

9/29/2013 12:22:15 pm

Harry is always grumpy and has no friends. One day he finds Buzz, hurt in the river. Harry takes him home, but when Buzz wakes up he has no memories. Harry helps Buzz by asking others for help and talking to other kids. Harry finds a best friend in Buzz.

Angie Karcher link

9/29/2013 04:36:01 pm

Witchy-poo flicks her magic wand with one eye open, hoping this spell will return her missing hat. She grump-slumps as again, the wrong spells continue to bring the wrong hats. Now a rodeo, buffet, beach and thunderstorm flood her bedroom. What's worse...a missing hat or a messy room?

Caitlin LaRue

9/29/2013 09:36:38 pm

Livi ladybug is a quirky five year old whose quests get her into a lot of trouble. In book 1, Livi decides to stay up all night like other animals and has a rough following morning (falls asleep in her pollen puffs and snores during art).

Alexandra Kaufhold

9/29/2013 11:06:00 pm

When pastry chef Miss Meggie gets landed with her nephew, sabotage runs rampant during her busiest season. A surprise visitor from Meggie’s past gives the duo another challenge that could restore her dreams. Can the unlikely pair work together to make a balanced dessert that satisfies both veggie and chocolate-lover?

Marcy P. link

9/29/2013 11:23:59 pm

Tercules, a wild turkey chick, leaves home when he fears that his havoc-wreaking strength does more to harm his flock family than help. When he comes face to face with a ferocious feline planning to make turkey-jerky of his family, Tercules discovers strength beyond his muscles.

Kim Pfennigwerth

9/29/2013 11:27:18 pm

Strange noises in the night turn twins’ Ben and Missy’s first-ever sleepover into a five-alarm fiasco. “Train,” says Ben. “Bear,” says Missy.
“Train,” says a fireman. “Bear,” says a police officer. “Grandma?!” say Ben and Missy.
It’s A Bear, It’s a Train is my 436-word humorous picture book.

Janie Reinart link

9/30/2013 12:21:01 am

Two heads are better than one... but three are best of all in Squealer, Squawker, and Gee: The Toy. Resourceful triplet babies use their charming tricks to try and engage an unresponsive battery toy. When the toy "comes to life" one of the baby’s actions leads to a surprise ending.

Trisha Jue

9/30/2013 02:12:01 am

Big Al, Chief Antgineer takes pride in being the tiniest yet strongest and most creative creature in the garden. Grasshoppers call this talented little ant the “Fix-It-King” but Al’s real name is Allisyn and she royally calls herself the Fix-It-Queen. She’s tough enough to outsmart a salt-sprinkling, antnormous human bully!

9/30/2013 03:50:08 am

Jupiter Starr is convinced his new little sister is actually an alien from outer space, and he’s documenting the proof. But what will he do when he stumbles upon the disturbing revelation that he's a space alien, too? - See more at: http://www.picturebookacademy.com/12/post/2013/09/september-11th-2013.html#comments

Sandy Perlic link

9/30/2013 04:25:27 am

As the smallest kid in second grade, Lexie has had enough of needing a stepstool to reach everything, not being able to see over her taller classmates, and being mistaken for a three-year-old. But when Lexie’s best efforts to make herself grow don’t work, what’s an impatient girl to do?

Christine Bush link

9/30/2013 05:44:07 am

Graham Gilding is a precocious twelve-year old working for Harry Gold, a boss in the thriving black market book trade of the 1920s. As one of Harry’s “book scouts,” Graham overhears a conversation in the Philadelphia Public Library that will test both his wits and his loyalties.

Wendi Silvano link

9/30/2013 05:44:14 am

Wilson, a bulldog whose oddball habits include knitting sweaters galore, finds it is proving tricky to persuade any of the girl dogs to be his valentine. But when he sees Petunia (the absolute perfect match), he resolves to use his ingenuity and his knitting skills to “snag” her heart.

Kathy Halsey

9/30/2013 05:58:08 am

Baroo! Wiley Corgi, a tri-colored Pembroke, has tales to tell since he doesn't have one of his own! In Baroo, Wiley Where AreYou? Wiley Corgi tangles with a rattler, scorpion & javelina in his quest to find home & retrace his tracks off Lost Dog Trail.

Meredith Pinkstone

9/30/2013 06:45:30 am

For centuries, Frizzle has been maligned, misrepresented, and used to threaten children. He has finally had enough and has chosen to show himself -- to prove to at least one little girl that his dreadful reputation has been greatly exaggerated.

Elliah Terry link

9/30/2013 07:14:26 am

Mom is never going to say, “yes” to getting a pet bearded dragon, so Ronan devises a plan. He catches fifty-five crickets and sprinkles them around the house. Then, he waits. After everyone has had enough, Ronan casually mentions that bearded dragons happen to eat things like big, juicy crickets.

Brittany Jacobs link

9/30/2013 08:25:56 am

Oliver could do anything, and do it well. He got all A’s, did all of his chores and had loads of friends. But no matter how excellent he was, his father was always disappointed and embarrassed by him, because... he did it all in pink!

Anne Blake link

9/30/2013 09:19:20 am

Phoebe Philpot is a Fibber! Or is she? Phoebe introduces herself to her new class by telling an unbelievable story about her adventures in on the Amazon river. By the end of the day, not only do they believer, but plan to join in the next adventure to the Artic Circle.

Tracy Molitors link

9/30/2013 01:04:37 pm

Eating shrimp daily has turned Alice pink! Since she's a flamingo, she fits in comfortably. But Alice panics when her friends turn green - and red - and blue! She tries ignoring and bullying, but they won't eat shrimp. Alice's unreliable narration reveals her curiosity, and eventually she tries new foods too.

Ashley Bankhead

9/30/2013 01:25:46 pm

Prince Hudson is desperate to find a fairytale that will give him a princess; but when glass slippers, peas and high towers fail, he is left with only one option: kissing slimy frogs.

Anna Getz link

9/30/2013 02:20:36 pm

Toby is a young boy who goes to Canada with his parents. He has no one to play with in the snow until he makes friends with a baby harp seal. The day Toby leaves, the seal joins his mother and goes into the sea.

Anna Guillotte link

9/30/2013 03:43:34 pm

Bearonardo, an adventurous bear, is on his way to his best friend’s birthday party…by hang gliding. He encounters many fanciful distractions on his journey and almost forgets his destination, even though his friend only lives downstairs from him.

Donna L Sadd link

9/30/2013 09:52:51 pm

High-spirited Jessie is totally excited when an odd set of birds come to roost. The Cluckies, as she calls them, are terrified of the pint-sized ball of energy and run every time they see her. Through different encounters, Jessie finally figures out a way to earn their trust.

Lois Toureen

10/1/2013 12:48:18 am

In a hilarious, final fetching twist, Bernice and Abigail Waddlebutt, two ALWAYS sensible geese sisters, discover their wild side when they set out to make their money-making plan work so they can trade their humdrum routine for a wild and crazy trip to California.

Gayle O'Donnell

10/1/2013 01:40:54 am

Dinah adores her daydreams, where she’s a great sculptor, actress or chef. But she dreads nighttime dreams, where an ornery ogre ruins anything she tries. It takes Dinah’s creativity to combine her daydreams and nightmares, where she’s able to help the ogre and, finally, accept him as friend.

Michelle Biyal link

10/1/2013 01:45:49 am

Gertie the Flirtie wouldn't come out of her shell. She was afraid she would end the world with her yells. She hummed to herself a quiet little hum and everything changed after that dumpty dum.

Rodney link

10/1/2013 02:15:27 am

The Ants Go Marching to get out of the Rain. Ants go marching will feature the problems of the Little One. 1- 10 each rhyme has an illustration showing the action; marching one by one the Little One stops to look for the sun, two by two Little One stops to tie his shoe etc.

Jay link

10/1/2013 02:56:49 am

Butterfly Boy wakes from his chrysalis to a world of love and danger. He and his adoptive parents, who live in a cabin hidden in the middle of a crater, must keep him safe from a zoo which is out to capture him and his kind.

Ruth Sanderson link

10/1/2013 03:02:42 am

Treasure is a rescue horse determined to earn her keep on the farm, but she is small, plain, and has no special talents. One day, when Treasure is the only horse available for a therapeutic riding lesson, she bonds with a handicapped boy and realizes her true worth.

Jenna Palecko Schuck

10/1/2013 04:09:19 am

Mistletoe Moose has a bit of an identity crisis! Having been told he can be anything he wants to be when he grows up, he decides he wants to be one of Santa's reindeer. He sets out on his journey to achieve his goals and finds out he really can have his dreams come true through hardwork and prayer.

Noel Csermak

10/1/2013 04:32:04 am

This summer it’s baseball instead of playing castles for William. As a reluctant athlete, William’s imagination takes over and transforms the baseball diamond into a medieval castle where he must face down a fire-breathing dragon before storming the castle to claim the King’s treasure.

Ann Magee

10/1/2013 05:30:58 am

Charlie is a moderately autistic child who cannot talk to his family or interact with his world until Scout, an energetic golden retriever, finds him. Together they learn that having a friend to talk to and take care of is the best kind of love.

Kerry Mazengia

10/1/2013 05:50:24 am

Toby is at war. He needs to reign in his energy, but his imagination is just too big to hold back. He is in a constant battle to stay in control. Will Toby’s creativity be stifled or will the BOING win?
Is it possible for Toby to have both?

Cornelia van Dyk

10/1/2013 06:22:31 am

Rattie Pati-Yolie Doggie; is head of security at number 1 Mastiff avenue. She is facing a sticky situation this morning. The lizards are on strike! They are occupying the big stone wall and refuse any bird from sitting on it! The garden birds are not happy! Rattie decides to call in the help of her friends...the Thick-knee's.

Nicholas Drahnak

10/1/2013 09:56:41 am

After losing all of his hair one stormy night Bear discovers that there is simply no replacing your own fur coat. After several hair-brained attempts involving leaves, moss, and even feathers, not only will Bear finally find what he is looking for he will also make an unlikely friend along the way.

catherine jacobs link

10/1/2013 11:38:55 am

Ready Teddy is afraid on the first day of school. Will he have a great day like everyone at home wishes him, or will his worst fears come true? Will Ready get into trouble or will he find fun, new friends and adventures on his first day at Riverside School?

MaryALivingston link

10/1/2013 12:57:10 pm

Eight-year-old Anna is stuck again with chores while her brother goes hunting, so she sneaks off with his pellet rifle and bags a gopher, lizard, snake and frog, only to discover she must clean and cook her harvest for dinner.

Robin Howard link

10/1/2013 01:03:11 pm

Snowy day. Puppy rescue at two. One shoe. Well, that won’t work! Caroleena looks high and low with no luck until strange clues lead her beneath the lowest low where a hairy creature that rescues lost shoes is using hers to brush his hair. Here, they both find a friend.

Virginia Rinkel

10/1/2013 01:56:07 pm

Aaaauuuugghhhhh, what happened to you, one chestnut said to the other as he lifted his head out of the ground! A new color and size discovery will only help them line up better in the next chestnut parade, so everyone can finally see them.

JP Roberts link

10/1/2013 02:01:31 pm

Milton, a 6 year old with an overactive imagination, is about to be sent back home to his parents, unless he can convince his grandparents that there really is a mischievous monster living in their basement. With Milton's help, the "monster" finally finds his manners and saves the day!

Catherine link

10/1/2013 05:13:21 pm

Jack's family are pirates. After a stormy night the local playground has been damaged so Jack helps Dad and his pirate crew to plan and build a replica pirate ship in the park. They celebrate with a pirate themed picnic and a firework display for the local children.

Carol Green

10/1/2013 05:59:14 pm

I'm not sure my story pitch got posted so I'm copying it here... Two sister puppies shiver in the rain. Taken to a shelter, Sadie is adopted right away, but nobody wants a scared, little Wendy who can’t stop crying. Her shrill wailing can shatter glass and split eardrums until a sweet old lady volunteer takes her home and teaches her to sing.

Ellen L. Ramsey link

10/1/2013 09:51:56 pm

Edgy Wallop, the hungriest wallop that ever lived in a library, loves eating endings. Exciting endings, happy endings, sad endings--Edgy eats them all. Paige, a dedicated reader, must stop Edgy before he eats all the endings in the library.

10/1/2013 10:05:25 pm

Joan Waites link

10/2/2013 12:51:04 am

Unlike the other sea creatures he meets, One Small Fish is not beautiful…or scary…or strong. But when danger threatens, just what can One Small Fish do? Dive into this underwater adventure to discover how One Small Fish can do one very big thing to help save the day.

10/2/2013 02:29:31 am

Gertie the Flirtie wouldn't come out of her shell. She was afraid she would end the world with her yell. She hummed to herself a quiet little hum and everything changed after that dumpty dum.
(Posted to FB and Pinterest a second time)

Kathy Lewis

10/2/2013 03:46:16 am

Rex, The Wonder Horse is coming to the Jungle Jubilee Jam and there’s only one way Lucy will make her dream of meeting him come true----by winning the costume contest! It all seemed easy until Lucy’s mom invited Ozzie, a Gnu with a bad attitude, to come along.

Mary Furlong

10/2/2013 03:59:03 am

Sam loves to paint. He loves to make swooshes and splashes and zigzags and blobs in every color of the rainbow. "What is it?" his friends ask when Sam shows them his pictures. Sam never knows what to say.

Linda Bozzo link

10/2/2013 04:15:38 am

Amy Sue is overcome with excitement. Anticipation of her first talent show causes her to have ants in her pants! Her toes tappity-tap, her hands clappity-clap. She can’t stay still, almost causing her to miss her big debut. She discovers dance is the cure for the ants in her pants.

Tara

10/2/2013 04:46:24 am

Traveler inhales, standing in an exotic flower market, arrangements in heavy clusters. Smelling damp earth, the color orange, father's cologne and cowboy boots. Retrieving map, traveler is close. 4 paces left stands gnarled oak tree, midnight full moon, beaming on cracked ground where traveler digs only to uncover another map

Sabrina M

10/2/2013 06:21:38 am

A girl decides the world needs a villain. Her. Be warned, VILLAIN NEEDED contains 150 words, lots of sparkles, unforgettable sword fights and an ending that is sure to touch every mother's heart.

Suzanne Albers

10/2/2013 07:19:00 am

Tabitha Rex is a T-Rex with a human family. She’s great at lots of human hobbies, but scary isn't her thing. That’s until her homework means she needs to try to terrify. Tabitha Rex makes a plan to show off her scary side at Grandma’s birthday party.

Suzanne Morrone

10/2/2013 07:38:08 am

A puppy alone with no family tries to enlist the animals in the desert to take him in. With each rejection he sings, "I am special, no place is home without a family". When the mountain lion offers to take him home for dinner the road runner yells "Run" and the puppy finds himself in the village, singing "I am special..." A woman who is also alone hears him and they sing together, "We are special, we are a family."

Julene Kinser link

10/2/2013 08:09:50 am

Eric's teacher announces her upcoming trip to Australia. The other third graders are excited, but Eric's not on board with all the changes flooding the classroom. Funny sounding words and new decorations are just the beginning. The surprises keep coming, and despite his resistance, Eric might just learn something new.

10/2/2013 08:16:21 am

Wilson, a bulldog whose oddball habits include knitting sweaters galore, finds it is proving tricky to persuade any of the girl dogs to be his valentine. But when he sees Petunia (the perfect match), he resolves to use his ingenuity and his knitting skills to “snag” her heart.

10/3/2013 02:09:06 pm

I want to read this story!

Debbie

10/2/2013 11:35:35 am

Sam the parrot looks for a new home after escaping from the pet store. Longing for a real family to love, he encounters dangerous obstacles, and meets birds, animals and humans, as he searches for someone to share life’s adventures. Will Sam find happiness or will he always be miserable?

Pamela Ross

10/2/2013 03:02:00 pm

GOOD LUCK! Part comedy of errors, part love story, come along for this fateful ride as three new friends battle bad luck and bad weather to make it to a wedding on time. Bear, Duck, and Lulu take a rhythmic, rollicking road trip that will drive you crazy!

Wendy Myers link

10/2/2013 05:35:21 pm

Jack has magic crayons. He can make anything come alive. But so can the monkey who secretly stole one. And he doesn’t play nice. Join Jack as he dodges danger, makes new friends, and escapes into a wild adventure.

Patricia Elizabeth Bennett link

10/3/2013 02:28:41 am

Beryl is a young Elf who is different from his peers. He has rounded ears, not pointed ones, and is so curious about Humans, he befriends a young girl and goes to school. He helps his Troupe survive a catastrophe and leads the way to help Humans save Planet Earth.

Diane Dawson Hearn link

10/3/2013 05:08:17 am

Sammi's three friends won't let her join their Rapunzel Club because it's only for kids with long hair, and her hair is short. Determined to get into the club, Sammi tries everything she can think of, to no avail. Then she gets an idea! Will it work?

Joanne Roberts link

10/3/2013 11:29:33 am

Kiana can't wait for her first swimming lesson, until she realizes the class is full of strangers. With Mom's advice and her own ingenuity, Kiana plans to win the other girls' attention. She's sure to make a few friends, if the blue-eyed girl will stay out of her way.

Donna Warwick

10/3/2013 11:33:46 am

Aaliyah is determined to make things right when she discovers Grandma had been teased as a child just because of the unique way that she had colored in her coloring book. Using Mom’s I-Pad, Aaliyah creates amazing digital art from Grandmother's pictures and tries to get a collaborative show.

Kenda Henthorn link

10/3/2013 11:36:35 am

Amelia Air Hound is a daring, flying dog, but Amelia isn’t always perfect — until one day at the Airfest. When the pretty lady pilot’s airplane clips a treetop and cartwheels down the runway, everyone learns what a daring and caring little dog will do to help the humans she loves.

Martin Claude Fry Author/Illustrator link

10/3/2013 12:52:56 pm

A tiny grain of sand in Little Pearly's shell brought much discomfort and pain. Her dear Grandmother Pearl shares her pearls of wisdom, Little Pearly opens up to realize her very own beautiful pearl beginning to form. Needless to say, Little Pearly's pain was gone!, Little Pearly had a pearl!

Martin Claude Fry link

10/3/2013 01:36:06 pm

Marshell and Shelly help keep the peace in Unshelfish Shoals. But Royster the oyster and his shelfish sister Meshell, are unneighborly neighbors. Once Royster and Meshell lure Little Pearly into dangerous waters Marshell and Shelly set out to rescue Little Pearly and teach Royster and Meshell an unforgettable lesson!

10/3/2013 02:00:47 pm

After the terrible hurricane Shelly finds herself separated from her family at Unshelfish Shoals. She had drifted south and was very unsettled until she met Conchito. Well, they fall in love, bridge the gap connecting their homereefs and now both of their family's become one.

10/3/2013 02:52:02 pm

Actually, Monday (winners announced) is October 7 not 6

10/3/2013 02:54:28 pm

Monday (winners announced) is October 7 not 6

Nannie A.

10/4/2013 06:42:10 am

Awakening Tales is a magical story book about the life of Minina, the main character, sensitive girl who speaks with birds and believes in fairies and collect their feathers, she believes it holds secrets and signs. She has a falcon peregrine friend that flies over your house every day and have and teaches profound lessons of the soul. She looks at life as a way to raise awareness and understanding the wisdom that it teaches us...

10/4/2013 06:52:13 am

Please consider this one:
Awakening Tales is a magical story book about the life of Minina, the main character, sensitive girl who speaks with birds and believes in fairies and collect their feathers, she believes it holds secrets and signs. She has a falcon peregrine friend that flies over your house every day and teaches profound lessons of the soul. She looks at life as a way to raise awareness and understanding the wisdom that it teaches us...

10/4/2013 06:52:31 am

Brandi

10/7/2013 01:20:37 pm

Where are the winners as it states they will be posted on the 6th? how do you get 1/2 off, there is no option and no link sent as advertised up above.

brandy

10/7/2013 01:25:35 pm

This says Friday the 4th....and after the time spent promoting this free...is this for real...Woop Woop!! You Entered Our Contest. Please check back on this page below on Friday the 6th to find out if you won!!
http://www.picturebookacademy.com/12/post/2013/09/september-11th-2013.html
Marsha and I are rooting for you!!!!
- See more at: http://www.picturebookacademy.com/contest-info.html#sthash.8WzdbULG.dpuf

10/7/2013 10:47:49 pm

I had trouble with the link, and there may be a time difference where you are. Here are the winning pitches
http://www.picturebookacademy.com/perfect-character-driven-contest.html

10/7/2013 10:49:18 pm

Oops. Forgot to mention the discount link is there too.