Happy Easter, friends!
In addition to the Easter break, this weekend (April 1-3) is all about the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest. (I know, I know, it’s not even spring in Australia, we’re in autumn/fall, but I couldn’t resist this wonderful contest to warm my soul while the lower temperatures are starting to freeze my butt off.)
What does the contest involve?
Well, you choose a gif as inspiration and write a spring-themed story for kids 12 and under in 150 words or less. (Easy, right? No! But I implore you to give it a go.)
Click the link below for more info on how to enter – you’ve still got time! And if you do enter, be sure to let me know so I can check out your spring-themed story and show my support.
My Spring Fling Kidlit Contest Entry 2021
I came up with a story idea weeks ago that involved two sweet friends and a strawberry plant, but it just wasn’t working. So, while I was pottering around the house yesterday, I started brainstorming ideas.
Weirdly enough, those ideas were all bird-related (plovers, magpies, and then bin chickens aka the Australian white ibis that is well-known for scavenging in rubbish bins and stealing people’s food). One kinda led to another until I found some info about how during mating season, male bin chickens stand atop their bin holding a stick while waiting for a female bin chicken to come along and accept it.
A little bit hilarious and a little bit sweet—how could I not take this idea and run with it?
Special thanks to my sister Dayle for talking out the idea with me and for planting the seed for the ending—you’re brilliant!
Here’s my gif and A Bin Chicken Love Story. Enjoy!
A BIN CHICKEN LOVE STORY
by Melissa-Jane Nguyen
Word count: 150
Gerald stood atop his shiny bin with pride.
He’d been awaiting his binmate,
For three seasons he’d tried.
But this one would be different, he knew,
For this spring sun’s beaming,
And the skies forecast bright blue.
Plus, Gerald’s friend Trent had made a pact,
To stay by his side,
‘This friendship, it ain’t no act.’
Sal flew down to check out Gerald’s stick,
All she said was, ‘It’s not very big.’
‘Whaddya mean, Sal? You takin’ the mick?’
Others came too,
But none took Gerald’s stick.
He started to feel blue,
And Trent was feeling sick.
Because he couldn’t believe they couldn’t see,
What a special friend Gerald was,
And so lovely!
Gerald and Trent continued side by side.
While Gerald’s heart swelled,
He admired Trent and his flying glide.
‘Trent, I don’t need someone new.
And I hope you feel the same,
… will you be my boo?’
Thank you for sharing your creative love story for the spring fling Kidlit contest!