Cooking Up Halloween Decorations

Posted byauthorlaurablogPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , , ,

I am pleased to share my entry for Susanna Leonard Hill’s 9th annual writing contest. The full details and rules can be found here: Halloweensie Contest – the fine print

This is a wonderful way to connect with other picture book writers and there are some amazing prizes, too. The basic rules are that the story must be 100 words or less not including the title, no illustrations or illustration notes, and must include the words potion, cobweb, and trick. 

Here’s my story.

Cooking up Halloween Decorations (96 words)

While Mama slept, Casey and I decorated for Halloween. 

Melt sugar, water, and corn syrup into spun sugar. 

Drizzle spirals on parchment paper. Drape from the doorframe. 

Spooky, delicious cobwebs. 

“Don’t eat them yet!” Casey warned.

Black whip licorice and jumbo gumdrops create perfect spiders. 

“Stop eating the licorice, Randy. We need eight legs for each spider.”

Hang them from the cobwebs.

Potion time!

Warm the milk.

Add chocolate. 

Stir. 

Taste. 

More chocolate. 

Stir. 

Taste. 

More chocolate. 

“Ready?”

“Yes, drink up.”

Mama appeared in the doorway framed by spiders.

“Trick-or-Treat?”

“Treat!” We all shout.

******************************************************************

If you want to make your own candy web, check this out. spun sugar spider web

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.

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