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Writing Challenge 50 Precious Words

March 6, 2017 Claire Annette Noland 6 Comments

I’m always up for a challenge and this one looked especially fun:

Write a story for children using only 50 words.

This challenge was organized by writer Vivian Kirkfield who based it on a challenge that Bennet Cerf made to Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, to write a book using only 50 unique words. Dr. Seuss came up with the classic Green Eggs and Ham which is over 700 words long but uses the same 50 words in the entire story.

Now, how hard can it be to write a 50 word story? Well, it is harder than it would seem. Here’s my attempt:

THE GIFT

            Ambrose chose a red, red rose. Willy found a pure white lily. Little Bea plucked a pink sweet pea.

Cyrus picked a purple iris. Maisie carried a yellow daisy and Grace brought a pretty vase.

Each flower, one by one, made a beautiful bouquet – “For you, Grandma. Happy Birthday!”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vivian Kirkfield says

    March 6, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Oh, that is lovely! I really enjoyed how you found names that rhymed with the flowers…and I LOVE your ending. Thanks so much, Claire, for joining in the #50PreciousWord challenge. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Nadine Cranenburgh says

    March 7, 2017 at 6:07 am

    A gorgeous story! Very visual and a whole story in so few words.

    Reply
  3. Katelyn Aronson says

    March 7, 2017 at 7:24 am

    Lovely, Claire. Just lovely! Best of luck.

    Reply
  4. Joan Schoettler says

    March 7, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    Claire, What a great challenge for creativity in character, plot, word choice, and short, tight text! I’ll let you know how the challenge works for me!

    Reply
  5. Lynette Oxley says

    March 8, 2017 at 4:58 am

    The perfect bunch, Claire!

    Reply
  6. evelyne holingue says

    March 8, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    So cool, Claire! Too bad I missed the challenge! Great exercise for tight PB, too. Lovely poem for a grandmother.

    Reply

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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claireannettenolandbooks

Author | teacher | Field Trip Planner
books that take you places
Raven’s Gift
Nancy Bess Had a Dress
Evie’s Field Day
Out and About w George series

It’s the last day of summer and a great mail day It’s the last day of summer and a great mail day!
I returned home from the @SCBWICENCAL Writer’s Day to a full mailbox.
I first opened a lovely letter from my dear pen pal friend, Naida. We met when I was new to town because the mail carrier kept delivering mail to the wrong houses. Naida lived at 1203 Campus and I lived around the corner at 1203 Westwood. We bonded over letters and continue to this day (we do love seeing each other in person often).
I also opened a package containing SUNFLOWER HOUSES by Sharon Lovejoy. Years ago, I visited Sharon’s shop, Heart’s Ease in the beautiful town of Cambria. I took the children there to wander the gardens and be inspired to grow our own. We enjoyed her Fairy Festival and whenever I saw her, I knew she was someone I would love to have as a friend. And now we are which makes me so happy!
Finally, I opened an envelope to discover THE SUMMER BOOK, 30th Anniversary edition, by Susan Branch. I think we have made everything in our original copy, and I read it cover-to-cover. I own all of her books, but this is my favorite. Now I can gift the new edition to my children who are making their own memories with their families. Hopefully, I will meet Susan one day as she has moved back to Central California and is a friend of Sharon’s.
Here's to letters, books, friends, and summer days.🌻
@aussienonna @sharonlovejoyauthor @susanbranchauthor
#letters #bookmail #sunflowerhouses #thesummerbook
Thank you @workmanpubkids for sharing Roots, Shoot Thank you @workmanpubkids for sharing Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots. Our copy is worn and tattered but continues to be loved and used. @sharonlovejoyauthor ‘s books gave me the tools to introduce the wonders of gardening to my children and now my grandchildren.
I just wish Sunflower Houses would come back in print. I love gifting it to young families.🌻@scbwicencal #kidsgardening
EL NIÑO, by Pam Munoz Ryan, is a lush and lyrical EL NIÑO, by Pam Munoz Ryan, is a lush and lyrical middle grade novel for everyone who loves the ocean and mythology. Kai, who is dealing with grief over the loss of his sister, Cali, discovers a book that she had repeatedly checked out about a “Library of Despair and Sorrow” inhabited by mermailens who are charged with protecting feelings that are stored in the library’s vaults. Kai’s life intersects with the mysterious underwater world in dramatic ways. This was the perfect book for a California summer- especially as I read it on a San Diego beach where the book is set. 
The book is gorgeous with blue ink and delicate drawings by illustrator Joe Cepeda, that made me feel like I was in the water with Kai. I can’t stop thinking about this one.
#pammunozryan @joe_cepeda #booktravel #afieldtriplife
🌟 “Writers, dreamers, storytellers…let’s 🌟 “Writers, dreamers, storytellers…let’s connect! I’ll be at the Central Coast Writers’ Conference September 26 & 27 in San Luis Obispo, CA and I’d love for you to join me. 📚 Reserve your spot today at centralcoastwritersconference.com 

@claireannettenolandbooks @scbwicencal #writingforkids
It’s #nationalreadabookday and @mrernierecommend It’s #nationalreadabookday and @mrernierecommends and I are enjoying reading Books Travel The World by @joan.schoettler illustrated by @helena.Perez Garcia

This celebration of librarians and readers takes us from Columbia to Thailand to San Francisco and many locations in between. It is extraordinary to see the dedication and perseverance of those who want to make sure that children have books to read. Kids will be fascinated to learn that books are delivered by elephant, ship, and camel. The lyrical, free verse text shares how, in each location, books are shared, and children always request, “One more story, please!”
Each colorful spread is a visual delight showing details of each country, animals, plants, storytellers, and the excited children. 
BOOKS TRAVEL the WORLD is a love letter to all who care about books, reading, and accessibility for those in far-flung locations. It offers an appealing invitation to open and share books and is a tribute to those who help readers discover the world through books. 
I love Joan's beautiful dedication. ❤️
THE STORY Of FERDINAND is an all time favorite pic THE STORY Of FERDINAND is an all time favorite picture book but the animated movie…
Too scary for a three-year-old. We’ll stick with the classic book.
#thestoryofferdinand #book/movieclub
What fun- reading around the country! Thank you @c What fun- reading around the country! Thank you @cindyschrauben for including Nancy Bess Had a Dress which is set in Central California 
@gnomeroadpublishing @angelac.hawkins #floursacks #booktravel #afieldtriplife
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I’m booking author visits for 2025-2026 school year. In person for local classes (Central California) or zoom. Message me if you’re interested.
Highlights Summer Camp inWriting: Create and Dream Highlights Summer Camp inWriting: Create and Dream was definitely a highlight of summer 2025!
A week of inspiration from wonderful mentors, writers, and staff was just what was needed to fuel creativity. I’m excited and ready to work on my next project. ✍️
@highlightsfound @jkaybanta @devas_t @heidieys @nonieqa.ramos
It’s always a good day when I’m with Mr. Ernie It’s always a good day when I’m with Mr. Ernie!
Central Valley Friends, join me on September 4th t Central Valley Friends, join me on September 4th to hear my critique partner’s amazing talk. You don’t want to miss this special evening!
@lindagavroian @cstatton @amyspencer54
I had a great day sharing Nancy Bess Had a Dress w I had a great day sharing Nancy Bess Had a Dress with lots of students at the beautiful Three Rivers Public Library. I read, shared the history of flour sacks, and answered lots of fun questions. The students then designed their own satchels.
Thank you @tularecountylib and the Three Rivers Friends of the Library.

I love visiting libraries, classrooms, and civic organizations and am scheduling for the fall but I’m almost full so if interested, let me know.
@angelac.hawkins @gnomeroadpublishing 
#threerivers
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