Extreme Potatoes

ids k m o ro ’ s r e rit w e h g 2016 n i r p S by t | Issue 2 e5| Volum

Copyright © 2016 The Writers’ Exchange This book is a collection of the kids’ favourite writing and art that they created in the Writers’ Room during the winter and spring of 2016.

The Writers’ Exchange gets inner-city kids excited about reading and writing through mentoring and creative writing projects like this chapbook. All Writers’ Exchange programs are free for the children and families we serve, so we could not exist without the support of amazing donors, including Marily Mearns, the Waterbury Foundation, Megan Abbott, Bernard MacLeod, Linda Louis, Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, TELUS Vancouver Community Board, Leo and Florence Helzel, Nancy and Ted Maitland, Lindsay Mearns, the Greyross Foundation held at the Vancouver Foundation, the City of Vancouver, the Edith Lando Charitable Foundation, Dun and Bradstreet Cloud Innovation Center, the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Canada and the students at Dr. Charles Best Secondary School. Thank you.

881 East Hastings Street Vancouver, B.C. v6a 1r8 vancouverWE.com Design and layout: Setareh Ashrafologhalai, setarehashraf.com These kind organizations support the Writers’ Room after-school program:

The Writers’ Room after-school program runs in partnership with Queen Alexandra FA MILY School and the Vancouver School Board’s Van Tech Community School Team.

Printing for this chapbook was generously supported by Hemlock.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Front-Page News Covered in Red, by Charlotte and Daniella 5 The Dream, by Justice 5 Coleeper Daily, by Cole 6 The Dog that Only Ate Potatoes, by Sabrina 8 The Daily News, by Ella 9 Superpoop Saved Mrs. Poop from Getting Stepped On. Then They Kissed but They Didn’t Kiss., by Clara 10

Out-of-this-World News Death, by Edwin 11 The Witch and the Potion.

BEWARE?, by Semira 11 The Turtle Who Got Out of Time Jail, by Joey 12 Planet Elijah, by Elijah 12 Arguing About Fish,

by Ryan 13

My Magic Seeds Will Grow Me . . ., by Nancy 13 I Am an Awesome Superhero: Words and One Photo From a Photo Book, by Jaykwon 14 To Get into the Treasure Chest . . ., by Max 15 Diamond War, by Corbin 15 Stormtrooper Saves R2D2,

by Jachin 16 The Ultimate Battle,

by Cathy 16 Wrestle Mania, by Eleazar 17 The Zombie, by Ohiyesa 17 Lego Minecraft,

by George 17 Fresh Lime, by Reilley 18 Haunted Skull, by Tyler 18

Advice How to Escape Boys,

by Danielle, Daniella and Tessa 19

TABLE OF CONTENTS Gamers’ Guide

Food

League of Legends,

by Victor 20

Ice Cream, by Noel 24

Rhythm Heaven Remix,

by Jared 20 Farming Simulator 2015,

by Robert 20 Super Mario, by Chad 21 How to Escape from . . .

Roadblocks, by Coleen 21 How to Escape FNAF (Five Nights at Freddy’s),

by Summer 21

Things to Think About

The Most Dangerous Kitchen Ever, by Antoni 24 The Most Awesome Kitchen Ever, by Cami 25 BB-8 and Jasper’s Book of Junk Food, by Jasper 25 Fruit Cake, by Kyanna 26

Profiles Queen Alex Critters: Hello, People!, by Fiona 27 Dean Ambrose, by Linden 27

Comics

Would You Rather,

by Jenessa 22

Happily Ever After,

by Zainab 28

Would You Rather . . .,

by Aydin 22

Billy-Bob, by Andrew 29

If You Give a Lion a Lollipop, by Tatiana 23

Change the Future,

by Isabella 30 Keira and Mireille Love Animals, by Keira 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS Cats vs. Dogs, by Gabby 32 True Love, by Kharizma 33 Sky Volt, by Farhin 34 The Donut, by Chloe 35 Caterpillar Goes to the Store, by Darlene 36

Snake Heading Home,

by Eathan 44 The Riddle of the Aeons,

by Patrick 45 About Aliens, by Nirbhay 46 String, by Coebe 46

Ordinary Girl, by Thu 37

Haikus

Goosebumps, by Celest 38

Meta Knight Is Nice,

by Ari 47

Snake Goes to the Movies,

by Lawrence J. 40 Optimus Prime Smacks a Rocket, by Lawrence P. 41 He Is On a Skateboard,

by Xisiwe 42 Dinosaur Goes to the Movie,

by Braiden 43

Meta Knight Is Cool,

by Nicholas 47 Kawaii Kirby Haiku,

by Maggie 47 Not a Regular Princess,

by Ruby 48

FRONT-PAGE NEWS Covered in Red

By Charlotte and Daniella, both age 9 Once there was a girl named Amelia and she had a brother named Jacob. They were in the woods because they were hunting. It was dark and they were still out. Amelia heard a twig snap and turned around. Jacob screamed, “Leave while you can!” Amelia ran as fast as she could. She tried to climb a tree but she couldn’t . . . so she decided to look for Jacob. She walked around the woods. Three hours later, she did find Jacob, but Amelia was not happy, because she found him covered in red. Amelia screamed and Jacob said, “What? It’s just raspberries!”

The Dream

By Justice, age 9 Once upon a time there was a little boy named Jakeup. One day when he went to school, no one was there. So he decided to go home, and when he got home, no one was there except for a man in a big sweater made out of cheetah fur, and Jakeup got so scared that he went to his best friend’s place, and his friend said, “April Fools,” and Jakeup was like, “It’s April Fools today?” And his best friend said, “Yes.” So when Jakeup went home, he heard something.

It was something like this shhhh krrrr chchchch, so Jakeup said, “Is this another prank?” and he heard, “No.” Then Jakeup said, “Who said that?” “It is I. Look down.” The little boy looked down and saw an ant. The ant said, “You’re dreaming.” Then Jakeup woke up and said, “Thank heaven it was just a dream.”

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FRONT-PAGE NEWS

Written and illustrated by Cole, age 12

FRONT-PAGE NEWS

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FRONT-PAGE NEWS The Dog that Only Ate Potatoes

By Sabrina, age 11

There is a grandma named Glenda Herbivore. She is 74 years old and her birthday was on March 12, 1942. She was born in Paris, France. She is also very smart. Glenda is a legend to her grandchildren. They love going to their grandma’s house. They also love eating her pastries and food. She is a legend to her grandchildren because she went all over the world to competitions when she was little.

Glenda Herbivore lives on a farm, where she loves farming and growing potatoes and other plants. She also has a lot of farm animals, such as horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs and a dog.

One day, Glenda ran out of potatoes because all the crows ate them all. Then she drove her tractor to the closest supermarket to buy 15 sacks of potatoes. But when Glenda left for the store, she forgot to feed her dog. Then her dog started crying because he was so hungry. Then her dog, Henry, started jumping and running around all over her house.

When Glenda got back, her dog’s eyes were red! Then Glenda got some potatoes for her dog because it would take too long for her to get something else. Then her dog only ate potatoes for every meal.

FRONT-PAGE NEWS The Daily News

By Ella, age 9

One day a dog was found. His name is Echo. He was found in a basket in a lake. But who put him in the basket? It was Kitty, a bad kitty.

Echo is a superhero. He saved a baby from Kitty.

Is Echo’s family out there?

One week later . . . His family is out there. Wow the mom, Chloe the dad, Echo the puppy.

Kitty’s family: Kitty the sister, Misu the mom, Rich the dad.

One week later . . . Echo saved a kitten that Kitty put in a basket.

Echo was happy that he saved a kitten. Echo made friends named Clara and Ella. Echo, Ella and Clara said, “Yay,” “Yay,” “Yay,” “Yay,” “Yay,” “Yay,” Yay,” “Yay,” “Yay” . . . for five hours straight. Echo gave his mom and dad a giant hug, then said, “Yay, yay, yay, yay,” again.

Then Kitty came and scared them. “Ahh!” shouted Ella and Clara. Then Kitty took them away DUN DUN DUN. But Echo saved them.

TBC (to be continued)

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FRONT-PAGE NEWS Superpoop Saved Mrs. Poop from Getting Stepped On. Then They Kissed but They Didn’t Kiss.

Written and illustrated by Clara, age 10

Superpoop saved Mrs. Poop! She wanted to kiss him, but he didn’t know—so he stuck his tongue out! Superpoop heard her scream before she got stepped on, and he came over all the way from China to save her! Ella was walking Pooch and she didn’t see where she was going, so she almost stepped on Mrs. Poop!

To be continued . . .

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS Death

By Edwin, age 9 Electrical volts can kill you and you can’t heal Food can kill you Fresh air can kill you Do not go outside or you will die Responsibility can kill you Barbies can kill you Death can kill you

The Witch and the Potion.

BEWARE?

By Semira, age 7

One day a boy took a vacation and he was an adult. He walked into the rainforest and he got lost. Then he saw a cave—and you already know he was lost—and then he went in the cave and then he didn’t know the witch had hid her potion. There were goblins in the cave and they were protecting the witch. And the boy ran for his life because he saw the GOBLINS. And then the boy hid and he found a shovel and he dug a hole and he hid in there. And then he found where the GOBLINS sleep—so he was very quiet. The witch was hiding behind him.

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OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS

The Turtle Who Got Out of Time Jail Written and illustrated by Joey, age 8

A turtle was at home. And he walked into a lab. He said, “I like the colour of that machine. A A A A A A A!� Then he fell into a time machine. Then he went to time jail. And he got out.

Planet Elijah

By Elijah, age 7

In Elijah Planet, it has . . . BINGO! In Elijah Planet, it has . . . a train!

In Elijah Planet, it has . . . a Christmas tree!

In Elijah Planet, it has . . . an apple!

In Elijah Planet, it has . . . a Z-Bar. In Elijah Planet, it has . . . a cracker.

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS Arguing About Fish

By Ryan, age 9

Once upon a time, there was a house and a guy. They were arguing about fish. They wanted to / to not flush fish down the toilet.

Guy: No, no, no! No flushes!

House: Yes flushes!

Guy: No flushes!

House: Yes flushes!

Guy: Let’s not flush.

House (OK mood): No fighting, rock and paper.

Guy: OK, let’s stop forever. We are friends forever.

They were friends forever!

The End.

My Magic Seeds Will Grow Me . . .

By Nancy, age 6

A big box of Shopkins A big box of LPS A kitten Some LPS stuff Pretty dresses Never-ending flowers that don’t need watering A real phone and a charger

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OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS

I Am an Awesome Superhero: Words and One Photo From a Photo Book

Writing and photography by Jaykwon, age 10 I am an awesome superhero.

I help the chef in the school cafeteria chop lettuce.

I’m not in this picture.

This is where we grow vegetables for school lunches.

This feather has nothing to do with this story.

Superman and Batman are fighting each other. Superman lost.

This is Batman. Batman won. Batman can climb things.

Superman lost.

This is Superman.

They are fighting a villain together.

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS This is Superman.

Superman is dead.

Batman is fighting a giant.

The giant attacks Batman and Batman loses.

I’m hiding.

I get pinned to a wall and then a hand comes out to get me.

I escape and hide.

I hide on the other side of the wall.

Then I die smiling.

That’s me going to heaven.

To Get into the Treasure Chest . . .

By Max, age 8

Remember the password for the door. The password is 1112391Pe11000 to the treasure chest.

Diamond War

By Corbin, age 7

There are diamonds hidden all across the land. Something’s peeking through the bushes. It looks like Doctor Zomboss, who instantly turns into a monster and fights. He fights lightsaber people. They build back their suits and start fighting. Lightsaber people defeat the monster.

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OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS Stormtrooper Saves R2D2

Written and illustrated by Jachin, age 9 Once upon a time, a person jumped off a roof and he jumped and he survived. And then R2D2 fell.

“OH NO!” BOOM. “I will save you! I will fix you!”

“You are fixed now.”

The End.

The Ultimate Battle

By Cathy, age 9

One day there was a girl called Mashed Potato (her mom was a really bad namer). Ms. M.P. was born with sprinkle-puke. So every time she got bullied, she puked. But every time she puked, it tasted like sprinkles. Then her mom had another baby. It was a girl and it was born with invisibility, so whenever she wanted to, she could just fart! When she went to school, she farted and then she was expelled. When their neighbour had a baby, the baby kept teleporting everywhere. But they lived happily ever after.

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS Wrestle Mania

Written and illustrated by Eleazar, age 7 Ding ding ding! You fight! Wrestle Mania. Earth is beside the planet Wrestle Mania. The planet Earth and Wrestle Mania are close together.

earth wrestle mania!

The Zombie

By Ohiyesa, age 7

The zombie eats a human. The zombie eats a brain today. The zombie is old.

Lego Minecraft

By George, age 9

“Where am I? I am at the forest.� Oh no! There is a Creeper. I am scared. I need armour. I am going to the Ender Dragon so I can kill the dragon. I am at the Nether and he dies.

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OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD NEWS Fresh Lime

Written and illustrated by Reilley, age 7 The monster eats fresh lime juice.

Monster goes to Carnival Pink.

Monster is in a band. He plays guitar.

Haunted Skull

By Tyler, age 6

Deadpool and Colossus rescue me when I’m bored and take me to the playground and they disguise me as a ninja Jedi. We go and find the skeleton hideout and then throw diamond bombs at it, too!

ADVICE How to Escape Boys

By Danielle and Daniella, both age 9, and Tessa, age 10

Part 1 Step 1. Swing really high on the swing!

Step 2. If step 1 does not work, call him, or him and his friends, “GERM!” Step 3. If step 2 doesn’t work, trap them in a BOX! Step 4 . If step 3 doesn’t work, give them candy, then run away.

Step 5 . Do a back flip in their faces to make them flinch!

Step 6. If all of the steps don’t work, rent a horse and surround them.

Part 2 Step 1. IGNORE THEM!!

Step 2. If step 1 doesn’t work, throw a pink tutu at them!

Step 3. If step 2 doesn’t work, try to climb a tree and get away from them.

Step 4 . If step 3 doesn’t work, leave them on their planet and go to a different planet.

Step 5 . If step 4 didn’t work, just ditch them.

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GAMERS’ GUIDE League of Legends

By Victor, age 12

There are tons of champions. Pick and play to find the right one for you. In League of Legends, I hate it when it lags sometimes and it also has some bugs. No, I would not change anything. The graphics are great! My favourite character is Syndra. I would give this game 8/10.

Rhythm Heaven Remix

By Jared, age 12

I am reviewing Rhythm Heaven Remix. I like that that game has a lot of stages (10), and that it is really quick. Each stage has a number of little stages in it. My favourite stage is number 3. I like that there are no characters, because the game doesn’t need any characters. I give it 8/10.

Farming Simulator 2015

By Robert, age 11

Farming Simulator 2015 is my favourite game. The maps and the equipment are my favourite parts of the game. There is nothing that I hate about the game or would change. The tractors are my favourite things to use. I would give this game 10/10!

GAMERS’ GUIDE Super Mario

By Chad, age 11

My favourite part of the game is Super Mario. I hate about the game that the game always takes a long time to play. I would make it more interesting so lots and lots of people would like it. I would like to add more details to the videogame. It is very complicated and fun. I will give it a 9/10.

How to Escape from . . . Roadblocks

By Coleen, age 9 Hide.

I’m going outside.

And the zombie is coming. I have my sword. I get him.

I am a vampire.

How to Escape FNAF (Five Nights at Freddy’s)

By Summer, age 7 One day Summer got a job at FNAF. Summer went in one night and all of the animatronics moved. She was scared. She screamed.

She ran.

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THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Would You Rather . . .

By Jenessa, age 9

Would you rather be a scientist or a teacher?

Would you rather live in Paris or New York?

Would you rather be a pig or a shark?

Would you rather have an iPad or an iPhone?

Would you rather eat grass or a leaf?

Would you rather be a star or be a sun?

Would you rather play soccer or dance?

Would You Rather . . .

By Aydin, age 7

Would you rather be John Cena or Big Show?

Would you rather have a boyfriend or have a girlfriend?

Would you rather be Taylor Swift or kiss a boy?

Would you rather be rich or have a new car?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT If You Give a Lion a Lollipop

Written and illustrated by Tatiana, age 9 If you give a lion a lollipop, she will ask for a lemon, and then she will want to make lemonade to make a lemonade stand. So she will get wood and nails and a hammer to make a lemonade stand. She will find her little blanket from when she was a little baby lion—it is still red, bright red and pink, and it is still big and perfect for her, so she will have a nap. Then she will dream about a lollipop. Then she will wake up. Then she will ask for a lollipop, and she will ask for a lemon to go with it.

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FOOD Ice Cream

By Noel, age 7 Sara, a donut, and Amandine, a human, live at Sara and Amandine’s house. They are at the ice cream store. Amandine loves Sara. They love ice cream. Amandine never eats Sara. Sara is her best friend. They are BFFs. “I love candy,” says Amandine.

Amandine loves cotton candy. She likes gummy worms and pudding and popcorn and cake and cupcakes and brownies. Her favourite place is the playground! Her favourite school is QA. Noel’s best friend is Amandine. Noel is ice cream, so if there is sun, she will melt. Every time Noel comes to work, she eats her favourite foods. She buys invisible markers at the book fair. She writes to Amandine. She writes lots of things and always reads. Every time it is sunny, Amandine keeps Noel cold. She has an ice cream pocket.

When the teacher gives everyone pudding, she eats it first and eats it all!

The Most Dangerous Kitchen Ever Written and illustrated by Antoni, age 7

Arrow

fire

soccer

FOOD The Most Awesome Kitchen Ever

By Cami, age 8

The most awesome kitchen ever is located in New York City. It has the finest sinks and ovens, fridges and stoves. And lots and lots of ingredients. It is super safe and gets cleaned twice a day. And you can get normal chocolate and/or melted chocolate. And there are three cupboards stocked with mittens for baking. Everything in there is super safe and everything is safety tested. And they have the most delicious chocolate-chip cupcakes. It’s so special and awesome that you need a VIP pass and ID to get past the scanner.

They have a cordless laptop so they can search and print off recipes.

They have an unlimited supply of ink and printer paper. It also has wifi connection. There is a bathroom and chairs connected to the outside of the kitchen.

BB-8 and Jasper’s Book of Junk Food

By Jasper, age 6 Bubblegum and Donut Popsicle Just-icing cake Yes. No. Yes. The End.

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FOOD Fruit Cake

Written and illustrated by Kyanna, age 6 Blueberries and strawberries and blackberries and oranges.

Grapes, cheese, candles.

Ice cream with marshmallows and popcorn.

Slurpee with candy.

This is a cake that has marshmallows inside. Guess what kind of cake this is . . .

PROFILES Queen Alex Critters: Hello, People!

By Fiona, age 8

My critter is a butterfly. My critter’s name is May. My critter lives on a leaf so it can also eat it. My critter hides in a tree so people can’t see her. My critter is friends with my critter. At night my butterfly sleeps.

Dean Ambrose

Written and illustrated by Linden, age 9 Type: Fighting HT: 6 feet WT: 225 pounds Dean Ambrose lives in a W WE arena. He sleeps in a W WE arena.

His strongest move is Dirty Deeds.

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COMICS Happily Ever After

By Zainab, age 12

COMICS Billy-Bob

By Andrew, age 9

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COMICS Change the Future

By Isabella, age 10

COMICS Keira and Mireille Love Animals

By Keira, age 8

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COMICS Cats vs. Dogs

By Gabby, age 10

COMICS True Love

By Kharizma, age 11

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COMICS Sky Volt

By Farhin, age 11

COMICS The Donut

By Chloe, age 9 This is the special artisan-sprinkled donut.

Yummy

These are donuts.

She has to fly a plane

to get there.

Then she sees a donut store.

Then she takes a

ship.

She wants it so bad!

And then a

SkyTrain.

She found the special donut!

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COMICS Caterpillar Goes to the Store

By Darlene, age 8

Rainbow is in the store now.

Hi This is Rainbow. She wants to go to a store.

She eats an apple and an orange.

Rainbow likes the foods. Yum yum yum yum.

Then Rainbow goes home and goes to sleep.

Yum!

The next day, Rainbow walks to the store.

The end

COMICS Ordinary Girl

By Thu, age 11

Once there was an ordinary girl.

She flew to school.

Or was she?

She was quiet. . .

She was invisible.

Choco Muffin

She read Muffin’s mind.

Then they were friends!

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COMICS Goosebumps

By Celest, age 10

AAAAAA!

I am scared.

AAAAAAAAA! ROAR!

Haley, wait up.

Wait up, guys.

Tsssss What are we doing?

ROAR!

COMICS

Hello again.

I’m watching you.

blob monster

invisible box Spike mad scientist Hee Hee Hee Hee Hee Hee

scary poodle

clown Hee Hee Hee Hee

poisonous plant ghost

scary pumpkin

witch

zombie The End.

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COMICS Snake Goes to the Movies

By Lawrence J., age 8

I’m going to see the Minions.

COMICS Optimus Prime Smacks a Rocket

By Lawrence P., age 7

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COMICS He Is On a Skateboard

By Xisiwe, age 8

COMICS Dinosaur Goes to the Movie

By Braiden, age 7

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COMICS Snake Heading Home

By Eathan, age 7

COMICS The Riddle of the Aeons

By Patrick, age 7

The Aeons are here. The Aeons are good guys. They came from heaven.

The Aeons see trouble. Their old friends are getting attacked by bad-guy Aeons. The Aeons use their brainpowers to stop the bad-guy Aeons.

Then their old friends say, “Thank you for saving us.”

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COMICS About Aliens

By Nirbhay, age 8 His name is Way Big. He is good. He is an alien. He weighs 100,000 pounds. He is 30,000 years old. He is from another planet.

String

By Coebe, age 9 One day a string went to the park and saw a pink eraser. And then the eraser said, “Ahhh!” The string said, “Ugh.” After that, they became friends and went to the lake.

HAIKUS Meta Knight Is Nice

By Ari, age 11

Meta Knight is nice Is better than Mr. Bryce And likes to eat rice

Meta Knight Is Cool

By Nicholas, age 9

Meta Knight is cool.

Meta Knight has a cool sword.

I think he is cool.

Kawaii Kirby Haiku

By Maggie, age 12 Kawaii Kirby

Is cute but really deadly And that is Kirby

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HAIKUS Not a Regular Princess

By Ruby, age 9

Princess always cold.

Lives in a frozen castle.

She wants adventures.

Purple scales and wings.

Dragon breathes fire but likes stories.

He lives in a cave.

Princess meets dragon.

Together they are a team.

Warm fire and great tales.

Thanks to the 51 fantastic volunteer mentors who helped with the winter and spring 2016 Writers’ Room program: Aleksandra, Alix, Amandine, Arya, Britany, Caitlin, Carissa, Chris, Christina, Danielle, Diana, DJ, Fallon, Farrah, Gena, Grace, HaEun, Hiller, Holly, Ivy, Jasmine, Jaspar, Jennifer, Jocelyn, Joe, Judy, Justine, Kat, Kathleen, Katrina, Kirsten, Lillian, Melanie, Mikayla, Mireille, Nikki, Olivia, Paris, Prabhi, Richard, Ronaldo, Ryan, Sarah, Sean, Serah, Terri, Tori, Torrie, Veronica C., Veronica H. and Zahra And a special thanks to the Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House EAT Program and to the children’s librarians from the Mount Pleasant branch of the Vancouver Public Library for visiting the Writers’ Room and running fun activities for the kids!