By the Writers’ Exchange Kids
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2016
Copyright © 2016 The Writers’ Exchange This book is a collection of the kids’ favourite writing and art that they created during the winter and spring 2016 after-school programs at the Writers’ Exchange. 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, 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.
Writers’ Exchange 881 East Hastings Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8 vancouverWE.com Design and layout by Claire Balderston, cbalderston.com
These kind organizations support after-school programs at the Writers’ Exchange:
Printing for this chapbook was generously donated by Hemlock.
Contents Super Suspense The Yellow Cab by Keona 3 Minecraft by Noah 3 Crazy Eightsss by Sam D. 4 Cucumber Madness by Joe 4 The Adventures of Lemmy by Thor 5 Never Be Late by Stephanie S. 5 The Most Funniest Book Ever by Tony L. 6 The Ghost of Time by the Ghosts of Writers’ Exchange, T.F. and J.H.Y.L. 7 Where Is My Baby? by Joey 7 The Girl Who Cried Monsters by Veeco and Niki 8 Dinosaur by Kiki 8 Toy Boy by Nicholas 9 Dolphin and Me by Joanna 9 Animal Weirdos! by Sara R. 10 Monster in Jail by Anthony 10 Minecraft by Izzy 10
Powerful People When I Become President by Fiona 11 Golden by Anson 11 The Triangle by Jordan 12 All the Ninjas by Raymond 12 The YouTubers by Kyson 13 Slime by Tommy 13 Sam’s Story by Sam C. 13 Three Guys by Gavin 14 John Cena vs. Hulk by Phillip 14 Once in Adventure World by Ray 14
Magic The Book of Spells and Would You Rather by Benny 15 Book of Spells by Selena 15
A Cat in a Toilet by Allen 16 Pieces of Gold by Chloe 16 The Story Book by Kylie 16
Is This Real Life? Lives of Small Things by Emma V. 17 China by Wilson 17 Your Fortune by Jacob 18 My Life After I Played MASH by Alexa 18 Secret Food Club by Aiden 19 I’m Not Dreaming by Christy 19 Bethany’s Crush by H’mlack 20 Summer Ice Cream by Sylvia and Valentina 22 A Life by Lily 23
Amazing Animals Half-Bird, Half-Fish by Kenny 24 A Fish Name Nara, by Doris 24 The Mythical Creature by Vincent and Johnny 25 Catsena the Cheetah by Samarah 26 Little Kitty by Matalin 26
Continued from the Book of Everything Millionaire Mystery: Part 2 by S.F. 27 The Guy Who Ate a Banana: The Shortest Story Ever, Part 2 by Stephanie M. 28
Comics T. Rex from the Future by Legend 29 The Special Blue Pear by Stella 30 How Not to Eat a Giant Pear by Sailor 31
Last Look Creatures of Strathcona by Margie 32 Alien Ransom by Anabel 32 Colour This! by Jeff 33 Scary Story by Dragon 34 The Riverdale Surfing Contest by Emma B. 34
SUPER SUSPENSE The Yellow Cab By Keona, age 10 I just got home from Arizona. It was late at night so I took a cab that just happened to be yellow. I got in and said, “Can you take me to Chinatown?” The cab driver said (in a creepy voice), “Yes, for $80.” Then I said, “I don’t have $80.” He said, “How much you got?” I said, “Only $40.” He said, “I’ll take it.” So he took me home. Later… I got out of the cab and he asked, “Can I help you carry your suitcases?” I said, “Yes, please, thanks.” The End. (Don’t judge people by their voices.)
Minecraft By Noah, age 8 Ender Dragon destroys Friendly Town. John Cena slays the dragon.
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Crazy Eightsss By Sam D., age 10 One day in a city, there was a crime. The crime happened on a boat. The boat was hijacked. Eight people weren’t on the boat but everybody else on the boat was tied up in the storage room. ****** Somewhere else on Earth, a man named Joe, from his point of view: Hi, I’m Joe and I live in the city and I’m a police officer. I’ve just caught a psychopath who is obsessed with . Now I’ve been hired to catch the yeti, which I believe doesn’t exist.
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That night, Joe went in the forest. He met a man there. The man told Joe that he had been seeing the yeti around the hill at the right corner of the forest. Next, Joe travelled to the edge of the forest. Over there, Joe saw an eight appear in front of him, then a whole bunch of eights, and it seemed to go on for as far as he could see and probably even farther. Then they all disappeared and eight graves were on the ground, seven of them covered with dirt and one open. Joe could only see it for a second, though, because everything went black.
Cucumber Madness By Joe, age 8 Once upon a time there was… a jelly donut named Banana Peel Cucumber. Then, after twenty-two hours, the world was filled with jelly donuts! Then everything turned into cucumbers. I mean everything— the universe, humans, everything! So everybody went crazy because every single thing was a cucumber. BTW, poor Jen, she has to eat cucumbers for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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The Adventures of Lemmy By Thor, age 9 Lemmy is a skeleton with a pumpkin as a head. Lemmy also wears clothes like a human. Now to start the story. Errrrrr, wait. I’m not ready. Uh, um, okay, okay. I’ll start the story. So Lemmy went to go walk in the woods and then he saw a wizard. The wizard looked evil, so he punched the wizard—“Take that, evil wizard!” And then the wizard said, “Why did you hit me?” “Well, duh, because you’re an evil wizard.” “I’m not an evil wizard. I am your father.” “Nope.” And then Lemmy quickly took out a lightsaber and cut the wizard’s hand off. Jeez, you can’t just put Star Wars references in a book like that! Wait, uh oh. And then Lemmy got arrested by the book police. “Bye!!” said Lemmy.
Never Be Late By Stephanie S., age 11 Andrea was late for school. The worst part of being late is missing school tests. How much worse could this get? When Andrea got to school, she noticed no one was at school, not even the teachers or principal. Andrea got a strange feeling, so she went to the entrance of the school and tried to get out, but the door wouldn’t open. She kept hitting the door, but it wouldn’t break either. Suddenly, the sun disappeared and the door opened. When Andrea went out, everything was normal. After that, Andrea was never late for school again. But Andrea could never forget the feeling of the day she had gone through.
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The Most Funniest Book Ever By Tony L., age 7 So this is a book that will make you laugh out hard. Enjoy. Oct-27-2001 One day the robbers have a plan. They will camouflage themselves and drink invisible drink, and after that they’ll break into the bank and steal money and diamonds and sleep before it’s 12 o’clock midnight. After they made the plan for the bank, they slept. Oct-28-2001 So the robbers don’t have clothes so they had to wear paper to the bank. So they got there and slept near the vault and someone screamed, “SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE BEFORE THE ROBBERS SEE!” So the police came and the robbers went to jail for one year. Oct-28-2002 So they get out of jail. So they go to the diamond store and they run and break the glass but someone screams, “SOMEONE CALL THE RCMP BEFORE THE ROBBERS GO OUT!” So the RCMP says, “Take them away,” so they put them in jail for 1981 years and throw custard pie in each robber’s face. Oct-28-3983 So they run fast to the bank and get caught again for years.
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Epilogue Oct-28-∞ So the robbers will have to try a lot times before they win, but they will win in the future… Wait. But are you still reading this? The End. Text © 2016 Tony L. You must have permission to copy.
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The Ghost of Time By the Ghosts of Writers’ Exchange, T.F. and J.H.Y.L. Part 1: The Five Years… Once there was a boy named Nikey. In the 1500s, Nikey was born. Little did he know, he would die because of the ancestors of the peasants. He was born into wealth, because his parents were us, emperor and empress. Our son enjoyed only five years of luxury, and then the peasants, they were so bitter and jealous, they (peasants) planned to burn down our building and kill us with it. Nikey was awake, afraid. He heard the yells of the peasants. He hid in the secret attic. He didn’t realize my husband and I were surrounded by peasants. We tried to fight them off, but we were no match. But that’s only the beginning. Stay tuned for these in the next four years: Part 2: The Hunt Continues Part 3: The Ghastly Form Part 4: The Death of… Part 5: The Race Ends
Where Is My Baby? By Joey, age 8 One day a mother kangaroo was in the herd with the other kangaroos and her newborn baby. Cheetahs were hiding in a bush. The kangaroo herd hopped away when they saw the cheetahs. When Mommy Kangaroo look back at her baby, it was yellow with black spots and claws—that was not her baby! Mommy Cheetah had the same problem. Her baby was brown and it jumped. Mommy Cheetah called Mommy Kangaroo. They switched babies and lived happily ever after.
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The Girl Who Cried Monsters Written and illustrated by Veeco, age 9, and Niki, age 8
Once there was a girl. She was bored so she went outside and she said, “Monster! Help! Help!” So her friends went over, but they said, “Nothing’s here.” They were angry because monsters are nothing to joke about. The girl, Avery, did not care. She did not like her friends anyway. She never wanted to play with them. They were so boring to her. The next day, she saw a truck and ran up to it and said, “Help! Wake up, baldie! There is a monster!” The driver was startled. He said, “There has never been a monster and there will never be one. Now get out of here.” Then she went somewhere else. This time there was a monster. No one believed her. The End.
dinosaur By Kiki, age 8 An egg hatched. His name was Roary and Roary couldn’t find his mom. Roary was sad. A dinosaur came to help and the dinosaur found his Mom and Roary was happy.
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toy boy By Nicholas, age 8 One day in a toy store, there was a professor named Professor Dingledush. He created an action figure. He dropped the action figure into vinegar explosive. And the action figure turned into Toy Boy. He can use toys to protect the city from evil. And then a hideous creature came from underground. Dun… dun… To be continued…
Dolphin and Me Written and illustrated by Joanna, age 9
Once upon a time, I went to the aquarium and I saw a dolphin and it liked me. The next day, I went to the aquarium again. I saw something bad: The dolphin swam to a trap. They took her to the fire land. The dolphin did not get water at all. She was going to get eaten. But I got her back. Everything is good again and again. 9
Animal Weirdos! Written and illustrated by Sara R., age 10
Hi, I am Goat Face Jo! And me and my friends—Sheep Face Larry and Pig Face Frank—are going to Candy Land! We’re there! Pig Face Frank fell in the sewer with all of the chocolate and lemonade! Goat Face Jo and Sheep Face Larry helped Pig Face Frank get out of the sewer and Pig Face Frank never fell in there again.
Monster in Jail By Anthony, age 7 One day some people buy some ice cream. A monster stares at the ice cream. I send the monster to jail. I am invisible and my friend helps me.
minecraft By Izzy, age 8 Diamond. I am mining for diamonds. And then zombies attack, but luckily I have a diamond sword. Me and my mum save the town. 10
POWERFUl PEOPLE When I Become President By Fiona, age 12 When I become president, pets will only be one dollar. It will be illegal to eat cheese because cheese is basically rotten milk. But the president will be allowed to eat cheese. You will have to own at least 20 pillows or else you won’t be able to live in Canada. Pillows will only cost five cents. You’ll have to have one item of every colour of the rainbow in your house. Awkward silences will be illegal. If there is an awkward silence, you will step on one of those circular plates on the sidewalk and it will start playing music loud enough to cover the silence. No one will be allowed to own stoves. Instead, you will buy ready-made meals from the supermarket. They will only cost one cent, but because pennies don’t exist anymore, they will be free. Each store will have to have at least one section that sells candy, and if they don’t, we’ll give the stores free candy. Boats will be illegal. Instead, there will be kickboards. And you’ll have to stay away from shark-infested water. It will also be illegal to stare at animals while they’re doing their business, no matter how exotic or beautiful they are.
Golden By Anson, age 6 The Golden Ninja has a sword. He fights bad guys. He jumps. 11
The Triangle By Jordan, age 9 Once upon a time there was a triangle called Illuminati. He used to be a broccoli. He wanted to be like his parent. He wanted to be a president like his parent. To take over the world.
all the ninjas Written and illustrated by Raymond, age 10
There is a green ninja, a blue ninja, a white ninja, a red ninja and a black ninja. The black ninja’s name is Cole. Kai is the red ninja. Kai is fire. He has a car and a plane and a motorcycle. The blue ninja’s name is Jay. The white ninja’s name is Zane. The green ninja’s name is Lloyd. He has a motorcycle. Sensei Wu is evil. Nya is a samurai.
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The YouTubers By Kyson, age 8 There was a YouTuber called Gen. She went in the school office with two spiky fists, and another YouTuber wanted to vs. her. His name was Pat. Two hours later, Pat won the match.
Slime Written and illustrated by Tommy, age 6
The slime is mean. He rains down so hard. The slime is magic. He rains down so hard and he disappears all of the people. And he finds some sharks and he disappears all of the sharks.
Sam’s Story By Sam C., age 8 Today I saw a Hulk break a castle and I was scared. I was running away back home. 13
Three Guys Written and illustrated by Gavin, age 7
Fire Guy: He burns people. He is also very fast.
Ninja Star: Fights and can fly to Sam’s ninja star’s house.
Chiyinggo Guy: He can poke people. He can also turn things into food.
John Cena vs. Hulk By Phillip, age 7 Once upon a time at the WWE, there was a champion named John Cena. At the WWE, John Cena was against the Hulk! Then Hulk was like, “What the heck is happening?” Right away, John Cena punched Hulk with the deadliest punch he could. Blood almost ran down Hulk’s face! Quickly, John Cena deathlocked Hulk, punched Hulk, carried Hulk—slam-down! John Cena won and Hulk didn’t even punch!!!
Once in Adventure World By Ray, age 7 My name Chan the 258th. I killed Doom Overlord and he’s a boss. I killed him with pirate class. When I killed him, I finished my quest and I upgraded to 31. I do more damage and I have more health. Then a super powerful healer landed on my face and then I fainted. 14
magic The Book of Spells and Would You Rather By Benny, age 8 Spell name: Bye Bye It makes them disappear back into their houses.
Spell name: Back Makes them go into the past. Spell name: Freeze It stops time.
Spell name: Vanille Makes them into a baby panda.
Spell name: Unfreeze It unstops time.
Spell name: Go Makes them go into the future.
And would you rather be a monkey for the rest of your life or be a panda for the whole Christmas?
Book of Spells By Selena, age 6 Spell name: Panda The panda eats people.
Spell name: Dog The dog eats dog food.
Spell name: Unicorn The unicorn runs.
Spell name: Lulu Lulu plays tennis.
Spell name: Cat The cat eats cat food.
Spell name: Crocodile The crocodile plays tennis. 15
A Cat in a Toilet By Allen, age 8 When I point my magic finger at the table, the children get fun, like playing in the playground. When I point my magic finger at home, it makes people eat candy and lollipops when they cry. When I point my magic finger at the cats and dogs, the cats have people faces. When I point it at the toilet, the toilet fills up with magic fairies, and then the fairies say, “Magic, magic, in the hat trick.”
Pieces of Gold By Chloe, age 10 One day I was standing and an idea popped up! Someone needs to turn paper into GOLD! So I did that. I had to make a ring to make it into GOLD. It took me a while to think of what I should use for my ring… Then, I got it! All you need is a gold ring and some luster dust! So I did that and it worked and I was so happy!
The Story Book By Kylie, age 8 When I am scared, I point my finger and I am at my happy place— Writers’ Exchange! When it’s raining, I point my finger and say, “Ice cream!” After, there is vanilla ice cream and green-tea ice cream falling from the sky. When I am sad, I point my finger and say, “Take me to the pool,” and then I am swimming for free. When I am thirsty, I point to a cup and say, “Water time,” and there is water in my cup. 16
IS THIS REAL LIFE? Lives of Small Things By Emma V., age 12 Nerve Cell: Hi, I’m Sydney Synapse. I’m a nerve cell. You see, a nerve cell is a cell that makes up the nervous system. Unlike my friend Sadie Stomach Acid, I know what is happening through my dear friend Bob’s eyes. They call Bob a “human.” I like to think of him as a “mass of cells.” Atom: Hi, I’m Alice. I’m an atom! I’m made of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons make up the core of atoms and electrons spin around the outside, helping with chemical reactions and atomic bonds. I think I make up a table, or a book, or an apple, or a cell, or an oxygen molecule, or something, OK!
China By Wilson, age 10 This beautiful country is my home: China. China is an economic powerhouse. In military, China ranks second in the world. China does not have a national army but its military is called the Chinese Communist Party. This place is the producer of the most rice. I recommend you go because of the Great Wall of China. 17
Your Fortune By Jacob, age 7 Choose your favourite number and that is your fortune. 1. You will build a tower! 2. You will see a unicorn later. 3. You will starve. 4. You will go home. 5. You will go to space. 6. You will be seen by a bear but you will not get eaten. 7. You will get a new cell phone. 8. You have seen the new Jungle Book.
My Life After I Played MASH By Alexa, age 10 Hi, my name is Scout. It was 1897. Me and my friend Tim were playing MASH. It said that I would marry dirt-bag Harry (we called him “dirtbag Harry” because he ate dirt). It also said I would live in an outhouse, have 130 kids, have no job and have no car. Tim was lucky. He was going to marry Jill, the prettiest girl in school, have two well-behaved kids, be an actor and she would be an actress, have an Acura and a Toyota, and they would live in a mansion. We both thought it was a joke, but when I turned 23, it all came true for Tim and me. Those years were the worst. That’s a warning, kids. Don’t play MASH. It’s evil.
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Secret Food Club By Aiden, age 7 Today I pick pizza and I pick hamburger. I am hamburger. Sam is pizza. Then me and Sam go to the park. Sam likes being it because Sam’s run is fast. Then Sam tags me. I am like, “Tam, tam, tam, tag.” It is fun to play tag. Then me and Sam go back home. I go home. Then Sam goes to his cousin’s home. Then I knock on Sam’s cousin’s door. Then Sam opens the door. Then I say, “Could you play?” Sam says, “OK, I will play with you.” Then I say, “Yea! What are we playing?” Then Sam says, “How about we play tag?” I say, “No! I don’t like playing tag. Tag is boring.” Sam says, “How about we play octopus?” Then I again say, “No!” Then Sam says, “You don’t like to play octopus? Aaaaahhhhh! Are you sure?” “Playing? What are we playing?” “Octopus.” “Yes, I like to play octopus. That is my favourite game.” Sam likes to be it. Then Sam says, “Octopus.” I run so fast. Sam does tag me. Sam says, “Octopus,” again. And Sam can’t tag me.
I’m Not Dreaming By Christy, age 11 Once there was a girl named Lucy who was bullied a lot and she wanted to hang with some people, but they rejected her. Lucy went home after school and started going to her bed and crying. Lucy told her parents and her parents told her it was okay, she will hang with some people. After her shower, she went to bed. Lucy was dreaming and all her wishes came true in her dreams. After she woke up, she was 15 minutes late and she quickly went to school. After Lucy went to school, those girls apologized to her and Lucy was super happy. 19
Bethany’s Crush By H’mlack, age 10 Before I woke up, my iPhone rang. It was my BFF, who is Taylor. She said, “Hey! Want to go to the beach today? My boyfriend, Mike, is coming and Emma is coming with her boyfriend, Jake, as well. Are you?” I said yes since I had no plan for the day. Then I brushed my teeth and went downstairs. I picked yogurt and strawberries for breakfast. I put my dirty bowl in the sink, then went upstairs. I picked an outfit: jean shorts and a shirt that is hot pink with braid string at the bottom and a designed hole in the back. And I would never forget my sunglasses— coloured hot pink, pink and light pink—and my floppy straw hat that my grandmother made for me. Then I headed to my very own car. When I got to the beach, my friends and my friends’ boyfriends were already there. They said, “Hey, where’s your stuff?” I said, “Oh dear. I forgot!” And so I rushed back to my car and headed home. I packed my sunscreen, bikini, phone, flip flops and a towel. So then I went back to the beach, but my friends were not there, but I did see their stuff. I started to look for them, but I couldn’t find them! All of a sudden, a volleyball hit me and I was on the ground. A boy said, “Excuse me, are you okay?” I said, “Ummm… I… am… okay, I guess?” He said, “I am so sorry!” And then he asked my name. I said “It’s Bethany. How about you?” He said, “Justin.”
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I said, “What a cool name!” But actually, I was going to say, “What a handsome name!” He said, “Do you want to hang out sometime?” I was freaked out. I said, “Sure, what’s your phone number?” He said, “It’s 555-5309.” I said, “Mine is 555-8919.” So we both put them in our iPhones. All of a sudden, my friends and their boyfriends came back and asked if I wanted to go shopping. I said, “Sorry. I’m busy now.” So they went to the mall to have fun shopping while I hung out with Justin. Justin and I hung out for the whole summer, but the even greater news—he went to the same school as me and for the last year, he asked me to be his girlfriend.
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Summer Ice Cream Written and illustrated by Sylvia, age 9, and Valentina, age 10
Once there was a girl named Betty. She was running laps to exercise. She ran 10 laps and then she was done. When she was done, she was sooo tired, hot and sweaty. She was so thirsty that she wanted something cold. She was walking towards her stuff to go home, but while she was walking, she saw an ice-cream truck and ran to it and she bought a vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and she enjoyed the ice cream while she was walking home.
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A Life Written and illustrated by Lily, age 11
A life is to Treasure Forever and Ever Live, love and Shine beyond with glitter Never give up and always Follow your dreams
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AMAZING ANIMALS Half-Bird, Half-Fish By Kenny, age 10 It has scales. It lives half in a tree and half in water. Also it flies in the sky. It hunts bugs to eat. It is poisonous so it can poison its prey. The bird-fish can be in the wild and it can be a pet. If I had a bird-fish, I would name it Flying Nemo. The bird-fish are rare to find because they’re going extinct. Sometimes they can go nuts, so you have to be careful if you have one. They have sharp claws and sharp teeth. They can eat fish, birds and mice.
A Fish Name Nara By Doris, age 9 Once upon a time, there was a fish named Nara. Nara lived in a lake. That lake’s name was Lion Dream. Nara had a best friend named Jan. One day Nara was sick. Then Jan went to visit Nara. Jan bought some flowers and some foods. Nara said, “Thanks,” to Jan. Jan said, “You’re welcome.” After a few days, Nara was feeling better. She went to Jan’s house and knocked on Jan’s door. Jan opened her door. “Hello, Nara. Do you feel better?” “Yes,” said Nara. And they played hide-and-seek in Lion Dream Lake! 24
The Mythical Creature Written and illustrated by Vincent and Johnny, both age 11
Once upon a time, there was a big mythical creature who knew how to blow fire. People were always scared of him even though he was kind and helpful. He was very lonely. Nobody, not even a dragon, would come near him. He thought to himself, “I’m going to put a stop to this.” And so he tried, he tried to help, but all the city people and villagers ran away. He got angry and went on a rampage, trampling over homes and buildings. When he finally calmed down and gave up, all the people came and were kind to him. 25
Catsena the Cheetah Written and illustrated by Samarah, age 7
Catsena was a nice cheetah. She would turn on the DJ music and have a big party with all her friends. She would have Coca-Cola, race out to sea and catch fish, and her tongue would be tired.
Little Kitty Written and illustrated by Matalin, age 7
One day Nibbles went to the park with me. We found my friends there. Mimi and Ellie gave me a purple yarn ball. My owner knitted it into a coat. We played hiking with my new coat. 26
CONTINUED FROM THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING
Millionaire Mystery: Part 2 By S.F., age 10 Madison and Lulu were not just excited, but puzzled. How were they going to solve a mystery without the Agency? But they hated cleaning the lab, so they really had no choice. They walked out of the mall, only to run into a man with a humongous stack of fliers. “Oh, sorry,” he said. “Handing out fliers for Scarlet Steel’s running competition is sure hard work!” Madison and Lulu looked at each other, shocked. “Did you say Scarlet Steel? Our favourite running athlete?” said Madison. “Of course I did! They sell tickets just around the corner.” But before he could finish, they started to run for the corner. “Well, if only I could warn them…”
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The Guy Who Ate a Banana: The Shortest Story Ever, Part 2 Written and illustrated by Stephanie M., age 9
I like bananas.
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comics T. Rex from the Future Illustrated by Legend, age 10
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The Special Blue Pear By Stella, age 10
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How Not to Eat a Giant Pear By Sailor, age 10
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last look Creatures of Strathcona By Margie, age 6 My creature is named Pam Pam. It lives in a berry bush and eats strawberries. My other creature is named Bob. It sounds like, “BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB.” Bob likes to hide behind a bush. Bob is friends with Pam Pam.
Alien Ransom By Anabel, age 8 Once upon a time there were smiley faces. They had a pet lady. They lived in a toilet roll. One day a bigger smiley face came and bragged and bragged. It said, “I am bigger so I am better.” The smiley faces hated it, so they had to do something so they bragged back. The bigger smiley face was mad. It decided to go. So the smaller smiley faces lived happily ever after.
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Colour This! Written and illustrated by Jeff, age 8
The fire is red. The pitchfork is a yellow colour. Everything else is light red and the heart is black.
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Scary Story By Dragon, age 12 Monster:
Smiley Face (who is Dragon, but we don’t know that yet)
Setting:
Walking through a dark park
Year:
2004
People:
ieldtrip with everyone from the Writers’ Exchange. F We’re going to have a picnic in the park with our cupcakes.
What happened after that is too scary to write down here. Although they were never seen again, let’s just say that they never stopped smiling. P.S. If you want the actual story, talk to Dragon.
The Riverdale Surfing Contest By Emma B. Riverdale, a little town in the USA, was preparing for their yearly tradition: surfing! This year there were six contestants: Rian Ramca, Carl Wong, Maiya Mclenal, Hamilton Cahill, George Dunlop and Nancy Baker. Most people in Riverdale had a strange feeling about Nancy but they ignored it and continued their day. On the day of the race, the first people in the water were Rian and Carl. After they got to the starting, the judges said, “ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO!” And so they were off doing amazing tricks. But suddenly the audience and the judges saw a whirlpool heading straight for the surfers! They yelled at them to get out of there but the surfers were concentrating too hard on their tricks to hear them. So the giant whirlpool took them into it. They tried to escape but the whirlpool was 34
too powerful. So they got sucked down to who knows where. After that, the whirlpool vanished like it had never been there before. The judges were very concerned about the surfers but they were forced to move on to the next race because they only had one day to surf because after today, all the surfers had to go to another race in Ontario, a long way from Riverdale, USA. So they continued the race. Next up was Hamilton vs. George. They started their routines of fantastic tricks, but both of them were cautious after seeing Rian and Carl be taken by a whirlpool. Just before they came in, the same whirlpool appeared underneath them. It took Hamilton and George by surprise so they were taken easily down into the ocean just as Rian and Carl were taken. The whirlpool vanished. The judges were in shock but they had to keep going. Last up were the two girls, Maiya Mclenal and Nancy Baker. Maiya looked absolutely terrified because of the whirlpool, but Nancy looked like it was a normal day. Everyone in the crowd was suspicious of Nancy. When the girls started, they were both doing spectacular tricks, but then Maiya was doing better ones than Nancy. When they went back to the judges’ table, the judges chose Maiya to be the winner. Nancy wasn’t happy about that and grabbed a microphone and screamed into it, “I know where Rian, Carl, Hamilton and George are, and if you give me the money and the trophy, I will tell you so that you can go and rescue them!” “That won’t be necessary,” said voices behind Nancy, just before she was tackled to the ground by Hamilton, Rian, Carl and George. The judges and the crowd were confused, so George started explaining, “We were caught by the whirlpool that took us into a submarine, with guards all in the submarine. Then the submarine kept us in the area. The guards got bored and all decided to leave. We still had our surfboards with us and so we smashed the door open with our surfboards and we floated to land.” The others who were captured nodded. “And we heard the guard talking about Nancy. She’s rich. That’s how she hired the guards. Also, Nancy’s real name is Ella Vanderburg, who is wanted in five countries!” So, the police took her to jail and everything went back to normal. For now.
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autographs!
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Thanks to the 71 fantastic volunteer mentors who helped with the winter and spring 2016 after-school programs at the Writers’ Exchange: Aleksandra, Alyson, Ann, Anneliese, Arya, Ava, Barkha, Beau, Bern, Britta, Bryan, Caitlin, Carissa, Carlin, Carlo, Caro, Catina, Chastity, Christina, Daniel, Dave D., Dave E., Dylan, Elizabeth T., Elizabeth T. (yes, there were two volunteers named Elizabeth T.), Emi, Emily, Erika, Esther, Genevieve, Grady, Jane, Jared, Jessica, Judy, Karina, Karolina, Kat, Kristin, Kyle F., Kyle S., Lauryn, Lizzy, Maddy, Mariah, Matt, Mecca, Melissa, Mike, Michelle, Mischa, Noor, Paolo, Patty L., Patty O., Paul, Pavneet, Robin, Rosemary, Sadie, Sam, Sarah, Sean, Selena, Stacey, Susan, Tara, Taus, Tegan, Wendy and Yasmine