Author Susanna Leonard Hill is sponsoring a children’s writing contest, in poetry or prose, about “Spring.” There is a maximum number of 350 words. And, the last line must be “[Character Name] knew spring was here at last. Entries should be posted on your blog between Friday, March 15 and Monday, March 19. And you post-specific link should be added to official “In Just Spring Contest” post. My word count is 348.
The Red Kite
Tommy flapped his arms and raced up the hill near his home. The chilly wind blew through his hair and painted his cheeks rosy. He stopped at the top and thrust his arms towards the sky. Tommy turned and faced four different directions.
“The wind is just right,” he yelled to his sister, Emma. “Today is a good day to fly our kite.”
Tommy and Emma ran to the barn and pulled open the door. Their red kite hung on a post. They had spent two days assembling the kite frame with sticks and string. They cut and folded the paper, stretched it over the frame and glued the sides. The last thing they added was a streaming tail.
“Emma, will you hold the kite so I can attach the string?” asked Tommy. “Okay, let’s go fly Red.”
“I c-can’t wait to see Red f-fly,” stammered Emma.
They climbed the hill and searched for the perfect spot to catch a breeze. Tommy handed the kite to Emma and showed her how to place it above her head. He backed away letting the string slowly unwind until he felt the right amount of tension.
“When I start to run, let the kite go” he instructed Emma. “Ready?”
Emma nodded. She felt a tug and let go. The kite lifted into the air. ZOOM! ZOOM! The kite veered to the left and to the right. It suddenly dove into the ground. KER-PLUNK! Emma quickly retrieved the kite.
“It’s f-f-fine,” she called. “Let me t-t-try.”
Scott held the kite and Emma backed away slowly. She felt the wind between them support the kite.
“Now, let g-go,” she called to Tommy. Emma slowly caught a waft of wind and maneuvered the kite’s ascent into the sky with her magic touch. It rose higher and higher. She handed Tommy the kite string.
Tommy felt the power of the wind and the exhilaration of Red soaring amidst the backdrop of a blue sky with billowy clouds.
“We did it Emma!” exclaimed Tommy. “Red flew.”
“Hooray,” Emma cheered.
Tommy knew spring was here at last!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 05:26:49
I love how they made their own kite and the build ip of excitement. Kites are perfectly Spring. Well done, Pat.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:23:00
Thanks Catherine. I drew upon my own memories of making kites as a child. I loved to fly kites as a kid.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 05:52:50
Love the story…there is a lot in this as we learn that Emma has a stammer yet has a magic touch. :And I love the little illustration.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:24:50
Thank you Niamh. I wanted to show Emma strengths despite her stuttering. And kids love flying kites — I did!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 06:18:56
I love it! This story is so you! Good luck in the contest.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:26:26
Thank you Genevieve. I had fun. Like Cupcake, I have my signature.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 08:18:18
Loved your story Pat! This was so sweet, I too noticed Emma had a stammer. You have weaved and shown us so much. Good luck, Pat.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:28:01
Thank you Diane. I did have fun writing the story as it reminded me of my childhood. That’s what counts.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 08:58:47
This is such a satisfying story to read, Pat. You have conveyed so much about Tommy and Emma to us. Great entry!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:29:41
Joanna, Thank you. I’ll take the compliment. It was just fun writing. Flying my kite was always a signal of spring as a child.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 09:07:16
Success … at kite flying and conveying the feelings of that first flight of spring! You know, I’ve never flown a kite … your story makes me want to give it a try.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:32:07
Barbara, you must have lived in an area where it wasn’t possible. For me it was a rite of spring. I even made kites with my brother. I was surprised to see there are many books written on kite making for the classroom.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 09:17:20
Ah, brings back memories of being a kid!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:33:31
Michelle, it did for me too. I loved flying kites. We had big open field behind our home.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 10:40:31
So sweet! I love it! It was so easy to see the images in my head. A great little movie! And I thought of my husband……he flew his first kite at age 63.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 11:35:51
Thank you Jill. I’m glad you enjoyed my story. Did he fly a kite with grandchildren.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 13:13:48
Perfectly described – I felt like I held the string in my hands myself! Wonderful, Patricia!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:11:37
Thank you Julie — I had fun writing the story.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:13:31
And I liked picturing the red kite against the blue sky!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:23:04
Red, white and blue?
Mar 16, 2013 @ 18:41:18
Nice!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 13:53:53
I love it. I remember that thrill of getting my kite to fly. So fun. Great memories and a perfect way to bring in the Spring!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:00:21
Thank you Gretchen. I always felt like spring was here when I could go outside and fly my kite.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 14:01:46
I was hoping someone would write about flying a kite for the contest! It’s one of the best things about March. Actually it’s perfect kite flying weather today where I live. I just might go out and to that this afternoon!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:01:58
Thanks Heather. It is one of the best things about March — well not this year. It’s been too cold, snowy or wet. You must live in a warmer place.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 14:15:59
I never could get the hang of kite flying but it was one of my favorite things to attempt every year when I was l was little. So thank you for bringing back childhood magic for me!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:07:25
Thank you Teresa. I used my memories.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 14:36:11
Oh, sweet story Patricia. It reminded me of my two trying to fly their kite.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:09:31
Glad you enjoyed my story Jennifer. One of my favorite things to do in the spring. Have been out of touch with you for six months or so. Don’t know why you blog doesn’t show on my WP feed.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 15:38:36
Oh, what a fun story, and how lovely that they got their kite up! Kites are so spring, aren’t they? as temperamental as the March wind
I especially love how Emma, feeling a surge of confidence after getting the kite up when Tommy couldn’t, says “Hooray” with no stutter 
Mar 16, 2013 @ 17:14:26
Susanna, I’m glad you liked my story. Thank you for the compliments. Kite flying was the first thing I thought of — remember how eager I was to get out there and fly.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 16:09:30
Pat…what a charming sweet story! I love the message here…not only about Spring…but also about a brother and sister (?) who work together to get the kite to fly. And, more importantly, the one with the ‘handicap’ (stutter) has other unique and special qualities…she has a magic touch when it comes to kite-flying.:) What a lovely story to help children realize that we are all special and wonderful!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 17:21:28
I appreciate your comments Vivian. Thank you. The beginning of spring for me was being able to fly a kit. We made many. I was surprised to find that there are all kinds of kite books out there for classroom activities. In today’s world, kids normally buy them. Yes, I didn’t say Emma had difficulty with speech, I just showed it, because it had nothing to do with she and Tommy flying their kite. I wanted her to be the average kid.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 18:00:07
Such a wonderful story. Spring with all its gusts really is the best time to fly a kite.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:33:46
Thank you Hannah. Great activity for the kids with spring around the corner.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 18:36:37
Talk about your show don’t tell. You layered so much in this story with few words. Talent my dear, lady. I totally appreciate that Emma is a hero as well in this, with her magic touch. Oh such a good read, Pat.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:35:47
I appreciate your noticing, Pam. Thank you for your compliments. It was a fun story to write.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:34:23
A wonderful story which says so much in a few words!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:36:58
Thank you Darlene, I had fun writing the story. Reminded me of my childhood.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:44:37
Great story. I loved the way Emma and Scott worked together to get the kite flying.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:59:25
Thank you Rachael. I like to see kids working together.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:46:37
Oops! I mean Tommy!
Mar 16, 2013 @ 22:00:40
Funny, I first started to write the story about two brothers, and named the other one Scott. Then I felt a sister worked best. You’re very intuitive.
Mar 16, 2013 @ 22:10:12
That is funny. I’m not sure where I got Scott from?? Yes I agree, having a sister and brother worked really well.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 09:27:38
This captures the power of kites!
Mar 17, 2013 @ 22:51:40
Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 13:03:51
Fun to remember that kite flying feeling. You captured it well, Pat. It made me sad to realize there are too many houses around here now and few spaces big enough to do something like this. It’s a beach activity for us now.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 22:53:06
Yes, it is harder for kids to fly kites around their homes like we did. But, there are parks. And, flying kites at the beach is great fun! We used to with our daughter.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 15:05:07
I love that this is a story about realistic kids. You don’t mention Emma’s stutter outright. It is just part of her and she is a regular kid with a love of kite flying. Great message.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 22:54:32
Thank you so much Laura. She’s just any kid. I appreciate your comments.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 17:31:30
I particularly like the little touches like her more gentle approach, and that after her success she lost her stutter.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 23:05:14
Thank you for your kind comments. I’m glad you enjoyed my story.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 18:44:14
I LOVE this! So great! I LOVE flying kites!
Mar 17, 2013 @ 23:13:30
I loved flying kites too — and making them. We had a big field behind our house where I could fly them without any problem. Spring always meant kite flying. Thanks.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 07:59:33
Terrific Spring story Patricia; it really took me back. I managed to hang on to my favorite ‘bat’ kite till I was in my mid-twenties. :0)
Mar 18, 2013 @ 13:19:36
Donna, it sounds like kite flying brought up a lot of memories for people — a bat kit? That must have been fun.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 10:10:11
Your title hooked me. Who can resist a red kite? I love kite flying and you captured it so well. Nice entry, Pat!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 13:20:45
Thank you Penny. I had fun writing the story.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 07:47:00
Great story! Thanks so much for sharing! Who doesn’t like kites?
Mar 19, 2013 @ 12:04:38
Thank you Wendy, I appreciate your comments.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 09:30:02
Very nice! I like how you chose elements of characterization that were so definable and easy to get across with few words.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 12:05:33
Thank you Beth for your lovely comments. I had fun with the story.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 16:08:37
aw, this was so sweet, Patricia! i adored it very much
Mar 19, 2013 @ 23:07:23
Thank you Denise. Nice to see you again.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 20:13:56
So cute! Excellent entry! And I love the picture that goes with it. Perfect story for spring.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 23:08:20
Thank you Leigh. I appreciate your comments.
Mar 21, 2013 @ 22:04:14
Yes, I forgot about kites…they truly remind me of Spring!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 09:56:36
Thank you Jarm.