What's the Word Wednesday - Mary, Marry, Merry

Mary - A female given name. It was most likely originally an Egyptian name, perhaps derived in part from mry "beloved" or mr "love".

Marry - To enter into marriage. Definition of marriage: marriage is a social and legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically, and emotionally.

Merry - Happy, joyful and light-hearted.


Write a story that includes one or more of today's words

Mary was delighted when John asked her to marry him. Six months later everyone had a merry time at the wedding.

Note: Due to do a glitch blogger is working to repair  bloggers are unable upload pictures from their files to the blog. I hope the problem will be fixed soon.

Teachers (including homeschool) contact me for a free ecopy of Storee Wryter gets a Dog -

Eight-year-old Storee hopes to be a bestselling author some day. Every evening before she goes to bed she looks back on her activities of the day in search of inspiration for her next story.

In this book, young readers are invited to share Storee Wryter’s adventure as she teaches her new puppy how to sit and stay and walk on leash without pulling. Also sharing in the fun is Storree’s cat, Critique, who is convinced that cats are smarter than dogs and isn’t shy about proving it.

When Storee’s neighbor, Kyria, suggests that ADDIE be trained as a therapy dog, the whole family gets involved in making a very important decision.
Will Storee have time to take on this added responsibility? She’s already busy with school, soccer practice, dance lessons, and her writing. And what about the cost? What if they adopt the puppy and she’s not suited to be a therapy dog?

The answer to these questions and more are answered in a story that kids enjoy reading again and again and parents find informative and inspiring. Included in this 60 page, five chapter book are writing prompts inviting kids to explore their own creativity and a code they can use to download the audio book at no additional cost.

That's Debatable - Writing Prompt

 

Debate   

To discuss a question by considering opposed arguments

 

Last night people all across America tuned in to watch the Presidential Debate. The purpose for the debate was to clarify their position on issues important to voters and to convince people that their viewpoint is correct.

 

Write a story wherein two of the main characters have very different beliefs on a subject important to both of them.

 

Suggestions: Use dialogue to move the story forward.  Show how the characters feel about the subject by the way they say things. Do they stand straight or do they lean toward one another and use gestures?

 

 

For Teachers: To request a FREE electronic version of Storee Wryter Gets a Dog contact Storee via this blog or via email at bobbicarducci@youngvoicesfoundation.org

 

 

 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner and Named A Best Dog Book for Young Readers

 

 

 

The Olympics - Writing Prompt

Storee Wryter, Critique and ADDIE love to watch the Olympic Games on TV. Storee likes the gymnastics best. ADDIE likes to watch the runners compete. Critique hasn't decided on a favorite yet but it probably won't be diving or swimming. She isn't very fond of water.

Write a story about the Olympic Games. Do you have a favorite sport? Maybe you're a big fan of one or more of the athletes.  Storee is waiting to hear from you. Critique and ADDIE are too.

Post your story on the blog for a chance to win your very own GOLD SEAL awarded by the Young Voices Foundation, an educational nonprofit established to mentor young writers. www.youngvoicesfoundation.org

Bye for now!

Cook Up a Story! - Writing Prompt

Write a story that includes a scenes where one or more of your characters are cooking. It can be as long or as short as you want. You can even right a poem about cooking if you prefer. Write about your favorite meal or write about something that tastes really bad. Make it funny or serious.
Make it really special and include one of your familie's favorite recipes.  Here's one Storee's family enjoys in the summer.

Cucumber and Watermelon Salad

6 cups cubed seeded watermelon

4 cups cubed English cucumber

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon white sugar (optional)

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Directions

Place the watermelon and cucumber cubes in a large bowl, and gently toss with the salt and sugar. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then gently toss one last time before serving.
Serves 5 : Amount Per Serving Calories: 48 | Total Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg
This recipe origianlly appeard on All Recipes webite www.allrecipes.com

Let's Get Cookin' - Writing Prompt

Win an autographed copy of Storee Wryter Gets a Dog!

Write a story about cooking a meal or a dish that you love or hate.
What would you make for your best friend's birthday?
Maybe you're planning a family picnic. What food will you take? Does everyone like it?
How about a story about how much you love peach pie. Do you hate spinach? Write a story about the dangers of easting green things.  Have some fun with it.

June Bonus: Post your story on the blog for a chance to win an autographed copy of Storee Wryter Gets a Dog. Entries must be posted by midnight June 13th Eastern time to be eligible to win.

Earthquake!

Round Hill, VA, where Storee, Addie and Critique live, was rattled by the earthquake that hit the Washington, D.C. area this week.  Critique was meowing loudly for several seconds and Addie was tugging on Storee's sleeve moving her away from the sliding glass door to the deck just before dishes started to rattle and the floor began to shake. Luckily, that's all that happened and in a few seconds it was all over.

Storee thinks it's cool that Critique and Addie knew something unusual was going to happen before she did and she's going to write a story about it and invites you to do the same. Have you experienced an earthquake? If you did, what was it like? Did animals around you behave oddly before it happened? If you haven't experienced an earthquake what do you think it would be like?

Storee looks forward to reading your earthquake story and learning about how other animals react.

Critique is Missing by Alexis Zimmer-Chu

Alexis was also a participant in the writing camp taught by Barbara Simpson Carducci. Here is her version of Critique is Missing. Unfortunately, Alexis didn't have time to write chapter five.  Can you provide an ending for her story?  

Chapter 1 –Where O  Where Did My Little Cat Go? 

“Critique! Where are you?” eight-year-old Storee Wryter called.  Ten minutes ago Critique, Storee’s black and white cat had been happily looking for mice or grasshoppers in the backyard. Storee had just looked up and realized Critique was gone.

“Critique!” Storee called again.

Just then her parents came out. “What’s wrong Storee?” asked Storee’s dad.

“Critique is missing!” Storee cried. “She was right here a few minutes ago.”

“Calm down, honey. I’m sure Critique will be back soon, “soothed her mom.

Can’t we at least put up posters?” Storee said. Both her parents agreed that was a good idea. They went inside to make them. While they made the posters, the Wryters went over possible ideas. She could have wandered, gotten hurt, been catnapped, or stuck.

‘What if she were kidnapped?’ thought Storee. Wouldn’t that make an interesting story?

Chapter 2 – Grumpy Grumpis  Interferes.

Critique had been gone for three days. Mr. and Mrs. Wryter went out to put up posters with Storee. They put them on every tree and post they could find.

CAT MISSING, said the posters.

BLACK AND WHITE FEMALE.

PLEASE CALL 111-234-5678 IF YOU FIND CRITIQUE

“Do you think someone will find her?” Storee asked her mom.

                “I hope so. But we’ll get her back one way or another,” she replied.

“I guess,” said Storee, hoping her mom was right. They did all the trees on the Wryter’s side and then crossed the street to the home of Mrs. Grumpis. As they were putting a poster on a tree in front of Mrs. Grumpis’ house, she came out to stop them.

“Don’t you put them ugly posters up anyplace near this home of mine!” she cried. Her old leathery skin made her seem very tough. She peered down at Storee through her spectacles and said, “Git away from here. Do y’all here me?”

Storee and her mom said they were sorry and went to put posters on the next house down.

“That’s right! Git gone, y’hear?” Mrs. Grumpis called after them, waving her fist in the air.

What is she took Critique? Storee speculated. What if…?

Chapter 3 –  Storee Suspects Jake

The next day Storee took a walk to look for Critique. She peered under bushes and behind houses. She even asked neighbors if they had seen Critique, though she avoided Mrs. Grumpis’ house.

She was heading home very disheartened, when she saw a boy in the backyard of Mrs. Grumpis’ house. He looked slightly older than Storee and had jet -black hair. He was practicing something in the backyard but Storee couldn’t tell what it was. She went closer and saw him kicking and punching.

“What are you doing? Storee asked.

                “Aya! Karate! I’m a black belt you know,” he answered. “And my name’s Jake. I’m here for the summer.”

Storee was trying not to giggle. Jake looked so concentrated on doing his karate and talking that he looked rather comical.

“I’m Storee,” she giggled.

“You know, karate isn’t funny!” yelled jake. “But your name is!”

That made Storee stop laughing.

“You be quiet about my name!” she said, on the verge of tears. She turned and walked home crying.

“Mom! You know Mrs. Grumpis across the street?”

“Yes, why?”

“She has a grandson named Jake!”

“Well that’s nice. Is he your age?”

“About. But he said I have a funny name.”

“That was very mean of him,” Mrs. Wryter told Storee. Storee nodded. Her mom gave her a big hug.

“You shouldn’t listen to what people like that say, though, Storee. You have a beautiful name,” her mom said, stroking Storee’s hair. Storee nodded again.

What if Jake’s in on Critique’s disappearance, Storee thought. What a story that would make.

Chapter 4 – Critique Gone for Good?

Critique had been gone for a week. Storee had almost given up hope, even though she still asked the neighbors. One day, Storee decided to as Mrs. Grumpis.

Well, here goes nothing, she thought, knocking on the door.  The door opened. Storee found herself looking into Jake’s face.

“Uh, hi,” he said.

“Hey,” Storee said.  “You haven’t seen a cat around, have you?”

Jake grunted.

“What?” Storee asked.

“I don’t think so. Grandma hates cats,” Jake answered.

“Oh. You know, I’m sorry I laughed at your karate. I don’t know what I was thinking,“ mumbled Storee.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry I made fun of your name. I actually think it’s pretty cool,” Jake said.

“Don’t worry about it. What’s on your sofa?” Storee said. She had just seen black and white fur on the sofa. It looked like cat fur!

“Oh, uh, nothing,” Jake said hurriedly.

Yeah right, Storee thought.  “See ya,” Storee said.

“Yeah,” said Jake. So Storee left

As she was leaving an idea came to her. Animal Control! She ran home to tell her parents. As she rounded the corner she saw an Animal Control truck. Storee ran up and asked the man in the truck if he’d seen a black and white cat.

“Excuse me, uh, Trapper!” Storee called, reading the name on his uniform. “You haven’t picked up a black and white female cat, have you?”

“Yes, actually. Earlier in the week. She was put to sleep though,” said Trapper, his long arms gesticulating.

“NO!” cried Storee, running as fast as she could. Critique could be dead? Imagine a story about how a girl copes with losing her cat, she thought.

Allison Lyne presents Critique is Missing!

Sixth Grader, Allison Lyne recently took part in a creative writing camp taught by Storee's creator, Author Barbara Simpson Carducci. Here is Allison's version of the story, Critique is Missing, written as a workshop exercise.

Chapter 1 – Critique is Missing

“Hey Mom, did you see Critique this morning? I can’t find her anywhere!” Storee asked.

Mom was on the couch watching TV. “Why no Sweetie. Is she outside or under the bed?” Mom asked.

Storee shook her head. “Those are the two places I checked as soon as I knew she was gone. Dad did you see Critique?”

Her dad was eating eggs and bacon in the kitchen. “Well, not in my eggs and bacon, so I don’t see her.”

Storee walked over to her mom and said, “may I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

Storee sat down next to her mom. “I want to ell you what happened before Critique was gone. She was laying on me while I was writing. I just finished my last sentence of my chapter when Critique was gone.  I called her a million of times, but she didn’t come. I checked outside and under the bed, even her sunny spots, but she wasn’t there. Then I asked you guys. But you said, “no.”

Mom hugged Storee tightly. “Don’t worry. She’ll come back. What most people say, “What goes around comes back around.”

That rose Storee’s hopes up a little. “But what if she never comes back? I’ll miss her so much!” That’s when Storee started to cry.  While she was crying, a story formed in her head.  Cats go missing all around the world and a group of kids team up to save them. That’ll make for a good story, Storee thought as she ran up the stairs.

Chapter 2 – Encounter with Mrs. Grumpus

It had been a day since Critique was gone. Storee has been beginning to feel worser as the hours passed.

“Honey, Storee was right, Critique was missing yesterday. We should start to put out posters around town,” Mom said.

Dad was finishing the last poster when Storee walked in. “C’mon Honey, we are going to put posters up,” Dad announced.  Storee glanced at the poster. It said:

Critique Gone Missing!

If you see a BLACK AND WHITE FEMALE cat

Report to 47 Elk Street. OR call 111-379-2015.
Reward is $25.06

Storee nodded, OK. “I’m ready when you are.”

Storee and her parents walked around town putting up posters on almost every visible tree. But when they got to a white house with a red door, and elderly lady stopped them.

“You can’t put one of those mangy posters on my property. I forbid it!”

The Wryters stopped instantly. Storee peered at the lady. “Who are you?”

“I’m Mrs. Grumpus, duh!” She had white curly hair and looked like her age was in the sixties. She had leathery skin and glasses that slid all the way to the tip of her nose. “Now get away from me, you cat lovers! Or I’ll beat you with my cane!”

The Wryters walked away quietly.  “That’s some lady, let me tell you,” Dad said as they walked back home. “She may look old and helpless, but she has rough guts, and she looks like she isn’t afraid to use them.”

Storee was thinking of that too, but a story popped in.  An elderly lady who had stolen Critique, thought Storee. That can happen, Storee thought as she walked in through the door.

Chapter 3 – Black Belt Jake

Storee was walking home from school when she decided to go to Mrs. Grumpus’s house. When she rounded the corner she heard a, Yah! And COCOW!” in the back yard.  Storee quietly went to check to see the person with the funny talking. There in the backyard stood a boy in a karate uniform! He had brown hair and a black belt around his waist. He was practicing his stance and looked like an elephant. Storee giggled. But the boy heard. He busted the gate down with his right foot and stalked over to Storee. “Who are you that insulted my elephant stance?”

“I’m Storee Wryter and I insulted your elephant stance. Who are you that heard me giggle?”

“I’m Jake Grumpus, grandson of Mrs. Grumpus and I heard you giggle. I suggest you get out of …” The door to the backyard opened and Mrs. Grumpus stood on the patio.

“Jake, who in heavens are you talking to?” You should be practicing karate.” Then she saw Storee. “So you’re back, cat lover. I told you not to and you disobeyed me, huh? Jake! Get me my cane!”

Storee started to run but that lady was fast. Soon she was a foot behind her.  As soon as Storee got home she got ten cane beats. “I’m going upstairs,” Storee called. As she got to her bedroom a story popped up again.

Karate boy and his grandmother held Critique in a cage. Then they decided to beat her with sticks. How horrible, but it would be a good story, Storee thought as she grabbed her notebook and pencil.

Chapter 4 – Trapper and Black and White Fur

Critique wasn't found and it had been a week now. Storee though she must be starving! Then her dad burst in.  “Storee your mom and I might have found a clue about Critique!” This made Storee very happy.

“Show me!” Storee followed her dad all the way to Mrs. Grumpus’s house. Her mom was there with a man. They sounded like they were arguing!  Her dad picked up the pace with Storee right on his heels.

“Sweetie, you must let me do my job and catch the cat!” Mrs. Wryter ain’t gonna put up a fight. “We can manage ourselves, you know. Who are you anyway?”

The man held out his badge. “I’m Trapper and I;m part of animal control Catching lost pets is my priority. Those fliers tell me you have a lost cat.”

But before Mrs. Wryter can say anything, Mrs. Grumpus and Jake came out.  “What are you cat lovers doing out here?”

Trapper held out his badge. “Animal Control, ma’am. I hear you have black and white fur on your bed.”

While everyone was complaining, Storee ran into Jake. Jake knelt on the ground and said, “ Help me get out of this, Storee. I’ll do anything for you. ANYTHING!”

Storee saw the plea in his eyes. “Help me find my cat and you’re in.”

Jake nodded and they shook hands on it. Mrs. Grumpus looked bewildered.

“That’s not cat fur! It’s my old fur coat when I went to prom. I’m throwing it out.”

Storee wasn't  buying any of this when Trapper sniffed it. “It doesn’t have cat smell on it. She’s not guilty.” 

So Critique is not here, Storee thought, strange.  Then a new story came in! Trapper and Mrs. Grumpus working together. What a story that will make!

Chapter 5 - Critique is found!

It has been 2 weeks and Critique isn't back yet. 'I give up. Critique is dead.' Storee thought. She and Jake looked all over town. They asked all the neighbors and examined all the houses. No Critique. Then there was a knock at the door. Storee got up and slugged to the door.

Guess who was there? Jake Grumpus.

"What do you want Karate boy?" That was her new nickname for him. Jake gave her sparkling eyes. "I think I found your cat."

Now THAT woke Storee up. "Come on in and explain to me and my parents." Storee rushed into the kitchen.

"Mom! Dad! Karate boy might have found Critique! Meet us in the family room,Okay Karate boy?" Soon everyone was in the family room. Storee was bouncing in her seat.

"Now Jake, please tell us how you found our cat." Her dad asked calmly. Jake took a deep breath and started.

 "Well, when Storee and I finished checking the neighborhood, I decided to go back to Mrs.Grumpus when I started to hear a "MEOW!"  I froze and thought for a moment if this was a trick. Then I heard it again and again until I decided to go check it out. The meowing led me to a cave at the very back of the animal control center. Lucky for me, I had a flashlight.

At the very end of the cave was a female cat with black and white fur. This part might be weird, but I asked it something. "Are you Critique?" It responded by nodding yes and held up small chains hooked to it's feet." Jake must of been out of breath because he was panting for water.

"So it was animal control who took her!" Storee announced.

"Yes and we should get Critique back." Mrs. Wryter declared. Storee felt SSSOOO happy that she kissed Jake and said "You’re my hero. Now, why don't you go back to Mrs. Grumpus and tell her we found her."

Before Jake could say anything, Storee and her family were out the door.A few hours later, the Wryter family was at animal control.

"Why did you need Critique anyway?" Storee asked. Trapper admitted that the animal control needed animals so they can analyze their behavior so if they try to escape, the guys and girls can be prepared. "I would of made it too, if it weren't for you meddling girl and your parents!" Then Trapper shut the door shut.

"Well it doesn't matter right now. I have critique back!" Storee exclaimed. Then a story floated into her mind. 'A girl and her neighbor's grandson finding her cat,' Storee thought. That calls for a true novel!

 **** Young writers ( those in grades K-8) are invited to send a Storee Wryter Adventure or a completely original story of any genre  to storreewryter@gmail.com  select submissions will be published on Storee's blog.

Book Signing This Weekend

Meet the author and purchase an autographed copy of Storee Wryter Gets a Dog.
Where? Borders Express at Dulles Town Center, Dulles VA.
When: Saturday, June 11, 2011.
Time: 12PM -4PM.
There will be cookies and Kyria Henry, one of the main characters in the book and Founder of paws4people, will be there from 12:30 -1:30 with golden retriever puppies.

Kids, You Can Be A Story Writer Too! - Writing Prompt

Imagine you are on a magic carpet that can take you anywhere you choose. Think about what kind of story you want to write. Is it a mystery. Is it funny? Is some of it true? Post your story here or keep it to yourself. Have fun and write away!

Where will you go?

Who will go with you?

Are you frightened?

Who will you meet?

What will you eat?

What will you learn?

How do you get home?

Critique might like to go to Katmandu, would you?

Idea for a new book

Below is a first draft of a story idea for a new book I'm working on.  Critique thinks it's off to a good start. What do you say? What would you like to see happen in a story like this? I look forward to reading your comments.

The Cat Who Invented Pizza

“Storee, the pizza’s here.” Mrs. Wryter called to her daughter. 

“Coming Mother,” she replied.  Her cat, Critique, was already moving toward the kitchen drawn by the delicious aroma of sauce and spices. Critique always purred when  Storee  allowed her to lick the sauce off her fingers when she finished eating. 

“What kind did you get?” Mr. Wryter asked, tucking his napkin into his shirt collar. Critique is probably hoping for anchovies but I like pepperoni better.”

“I know you do,” Storee’s mom answered. “But I don’t think your doctor would approve. Didn’t he suggest you eat healthier foods?”

“Yes, he did.”  Mr. Wryter sucked in his tummy, trying to hide the round belly that had started to fill out over the winter.

“Is pizza healthy?” Storee asked.

“It can be,” her mother answered.  She lifted the pizza from the box and placed it on a round platter in the middle of the table while Storee gathered a plate and napkin for each of them.  “But pepperoni isn’t the best topping to have when trying to eat well.”

“So what’s on it?” Mr. Wryter asked wrinkling his nose at the thought of spinach or mushrooms on his pizza.

“It’s made with the most delicious things,” she answered. “I know you’re going to like it.”

Mr. Wryter wasn’t convinced. He cast a sad look at Critique, wondering if her dinner would taste better than his.

“What’s that green stuff?” he asked in horror. “And why does the cheese look like that? It doesn’t even cover the whole pizza.”

“It’s a rustic pizza,” Mrs. Wryter answered.

“What does rustic mean?’ Storee asked.

“Rustic means simple or from the country,” her father said.

“In the case of pizza it means it made like it was a long time ago, Mrs. Wryter added. “This pizza is made with whole wheat flour. The sauce is made from fresh tomatoes and garlic and the cheese was made by a local farmer. It was cooked on a pizza stone, too.  Just like pizzas were made in Italy, where pizza originated.“  

“What about that green stuff?” Storee’s dad asked again. “And you still didn’t tell me why the cheese is so skimpy.”

“I know what the green stuff is.” Storee smiled at her father trying to reassure him. “It’s basil. I can tell by the smell. Grandpa grows it in his herb garden.  It’s good with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.”

“Now I get it,” Mr. Wryter grinned.  “You want to help me eat better and still enjoy my dinner.”

“That’s right,” Mrs. Wryter said placing a big slice of pizza onto his plate. When made with whole wheat dough, fresh herbs and garden tomatoes you don’t need a lot of cheese on the pizza for it to taste good.”

I agree,” Mr. Wryter said, adding a dash of olive oil and vinegar to his side salad and then taking another big bite of his pizza. “I think this pizza is my new favorite.  Thank you for buying it.”

“Surprise.  I didn’t buy it. I made it.” 

“But I saw you take it out of the box,” Mr. Wryter said.

“When I went to the farmer’s market to get the ingredients to make dinner I stopped by the local pizza shop and asked them if I could buy a box so I could surprise my husband with a present.  The manager was kind enough to give me one and it worked. You didn’t know the difference. “

“I sure didn’t,” Mr.Wryter agreed. “But, I wonder how that guy is going to feel about giving you that box when we don’t order his pizza anymore.”

“Oh, we can still get pizza there sometimes. They have a new brick oven and lots of healthier options. But I liked making it here and hope you don’t mind if I try it again.”

“I don’t mind,” Storee assured her mother while slipping her hand under the table to give Critique a taste of the wonderful tomato sauce her mother had made.

“I don’t mind either,” Mr.Wryter said reaching for another small piece. As he did let a tiny piece of pizza fall to the floor hoping Storee and her mother didn’t catch him feeding the cat at from the table.

Later that evening Storee sat in her thinking chair, with Critique in her lap, wondering who made the very first pizza.  Three  days later, after a visit to the library to do some research Storee sat down to write.

 “Oh my”, the old Italian lady sighed. “How can I make dinner for my family when all I have is flour, herbs, and a few tomatoes? She didn’t notice her favorite  black and white cat lifting it’s paw and swiping a small ball of mozzarella cheese off the table sending it rolling toward the brick oven in the hearth.  But that evening when her husband bit into the delicious dinner she had made for him out of almost nothing he suspected she’d been inspired by an angel.  ”