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A few months ago after reading Prissy On The Moon to very animated second and third graders, we had an engaging dialog about the art of storytelling.  We spoke not only about my story, but the kinds of stories that they, as authors, might like to write.  It was such a lively discussion I decided to have some writing fun.  For a chance to win a "Sammy the Alien" (Prissy book character) stuffed toy, they had to submit their own original story for review.

They took the challenge very seriously.  For weeks they worked with their teacher to construct their stories.  And when I returned to their school to collect the work, the students stood in front of the class and read their story aloud like true authors.  

To be clear, it was  a tough decision.  The kids were so enthusiastic about their story and hopeful about winning, but the mom and adult in me didn't want to have to choose just one winner.  But since I was short on supplies of Sammy dolls, a decision had to be made.

I called in for backup--my own kids--to help make the decision.  

Ultimately, we decided on a winning story.  The stories were so good we decided to also award a prize to the runner up.  Since the winning story is such a timely holiday story I will reprint below, and will reprint the runner up's story on a separate blog.  

 Perky Turkey

By O.D, third grader

         There once was a farmer named Farmer Brown.  Farmer Brown had a huge farm with Paully Pig, Katie the Cow, Chassy Chicken, Harry the Horse, and last but not least, Perky Turkey.

          Every year Farmer Brown would cook a big turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.  Last year Perky Turkey was too small to eat, but this year he was just right for dinner.  Perky Turkey had to think of a way to keep from being on the dinner table so he decided to ask all of his farm friends to help him.

          Perky went to see Paully Pig about his problem and Paully Pig said, "You are worried about once a year! I go through this every day. I'm sorry Perky, I have problems of my own."

          Perky went to see Katie the Cow and she said, "I'm glad they don't eat hamburgers on Thanksgiving."

          Chassy Chicken was not any help. She said, "I have my little chicks to look after. I'm busy."

          Perky heard Farmer Brown in the house watching football.  Suddenly, Perky had an idea.  Perky ran into the barn and two hours later came out of the barn with a helmet, a number 32 jersey, and a football.  Perky started running all around the farm making noise. Farmer Brown went outside to see what all the noise was outside.  Farmer Brown saw Perky Turkey with a helmet on his head, a jersey on his back, and a football.

           Perky was tackling Paully Pig, blocking Katie the Cow, throwing the ball to Chassy Chicken, and holding the ball for Harry the Horse to kick.

           Farmer Brown said, "Why should I make this turkey my Thanksgiving dinner when I can make him a sideshow and sell tickets so people can see him play football?"

           People came from miles around to see Perky play football, and Farmer Brown made plenty of money. 

Perky Turkey was the main attraction this year, but not on the dinner table.

  The End.

And really, who doesn't love a story about a turkey pardoning on Thanksgiving?