ywcHughes :

by Makala

I asked my mom if I could go to the pool. She said okay. "But only if you stay with Michael. And also, stay off that diving board."

I did hear her say to stay with Michael and stay off the diving board, but I really wanted to try it! So I disobeyed Mom's rules.

I went with Michael, my friend, who is nineteen years old. (Mom trusts Michael.) I trust Michael, too, but I don't think Mom should trust him.

"Bye, Mom! See you at 4:30! I'll miss you."

Mom told Michael to make sure I stayed out of the twenty foot water and to watch me at all times. He said he would. I couldn't trust him on that one, though.

We got in his broken-down bug. "Michael, will you lety me go on the diving board?" I asked.

"Sure! You can go in any part of the pool you want. I don't care. I'll watch you, but I will also be watching my girl friend."

I swam thirty-four laps, but I stopped every time. The guy behind me kept saying to go faster. I was scared. I sat down on the diving board crying. I wanted to go back down to Michael. But I saw Michael with a girl. I didn't know what to do. "I should have listened to Mom," I said to myself. The guy behind me kept screaming. So he said, "You stupid kid, come on!" He got so mad he pushed me down into the water.

"Ahhhhhhh! I don't know how to swim! SAVE ME! SAVE ME!"

I saw Michael looking at me. I kept yelling. Then everybody looked at me. Michael just kept burping in his mouth. I was really scared. Finally, a lifeguard saw me. I almost drowned. The only thing that was up was my hand. The lifeguard jumped in to rescue me.

Five minutes later the lifeguard called 911. 911 called the news channel. The news channel called my mom. My mom cried and cried. Then the newspaper reporter interviewed me. She asked me a whole bunch of questions. "Well, the guy behind me is named Josh. He pushed me off the high dive. I almost drowned. But luckily a lifeguard jumped in the water to save me."

I watched the show later that day. It was cool to be on TV.

My mom put Michael and his girl friend in jail for six years. I got in trouble, too. I was grounded for two months.

But I lived happily ever after.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/14/06; 10:10:37 AM - Discuss

by Makala

Once upon a time, a five year old boy came out with a permanent orange marker, orange paint, orange pastels, orange crayons, orange-colored pencils, orange graffitti markers, and orange dye. The boy tripped over an orange rock in his sandals. Orange was on the ground in between the rock and an orange tree. All the stuff opened up and turned orange -- permanently orange. That's how oranges got their color.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/14/06; 9:43:30 AM - Discuss

by Makala

I am as sweet as a strawberry because I love to help people with things.

I am as cold as winter when I'm sick.

I am a library because I love books.

I am a school because I love to learn.

I am rain when I am crying.

I am a desert when I am thirsty.

I am a rabbit when I am quiet.

I am a rose when I smell good.

I am a museum because I like to show things.

I am a famous musician when I play piano.

I am a maple tree when I am sticky.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/14/06; 9:36:44 AM - Discuss

Why I Was Late for School by Jin Hyun

When I was walking on the street, a coyote hit me and broke my bones. I had to take an x-ray inside a dark, smelly room. When it was over, the doctor said, "Terrific!"

Now you know why I was late for school, so I'm not in trouble.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 10:13:05 PM - Discuss

Vocabulary Poem by Jin Hyun

I made a GRAVE for my pet. It has ORANGE flowers that look like my PALMS, and they can STICK to my shirt. Also, my pet liked JAM.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 9:59:08 PM - Discuss

Vocabulary Poem by Jin Hyun

My NIECE got in trouble because she CRACKED her AUNT'S favorite, clean, and WONDERFUL COMPUTER.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 9:54:32 PM - Discuss

by Jin Hyun. A dragon with a can opener in an attic was trying to open a can of chicken noodle soup when the can opener became blue and turned into a portal. Of course, the dragon was curious, so he put his nose in. He was suddenly inside the portal nose first! He was going down in blue space. The dragon tried to fly up, but he had no wings! He looked at his hands, feet, and body. His hands and feet were horribly twitching, squirming, and turning from peach to red! They didn't hurt, but he could feel the change, though his eyesight was getting blurry. His brain was getting smarter, but his strength was getting weaker and he was getting shorter. He felt hair coming out of his head. He felt his lungs, other organs, and bones moving around. His skin looked like wax. It looked like human skin and red scales together. It looked disgusting. He had a human brain. He closed his eyes, and when the transformation was done, he hit the ground. He had ragged clothes, bare feet, dark hair, and brown eyes.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 7:31:12 PM - Discuss

by Jin Hyun

My name is like any color that comes along. It also is like the sound of the wind. It smells like the scent of the flower.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 7:14:40 PM - Discuss

by Jin Hyun

I am a chimpanzee because it's closest to a human. I am a turtle because I'm slow. I am a rock because I'm not that flexible. I am an instrument because I sing, whistle, and I have a voice. I am a river when I get thirsty. I am a plant because I am a living thing. I am a naturalist because I like nature. I am a monkey because I am not neat. I am water when I sweat.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 7:11:12 PM - Discuss

Haiku by Jin Hyun

On top of a tree a bird flew out of a tree under the full moon.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 7:01:11 PM - Discuss

What My Name Can Say! by Jin Hyun

Jealous, just, Intelligent, interesting, Nice.

Happy, hard, Young, Unique, unpredictable, Neat.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 6:56:38 PM - Discuss

John Was born on Febuary 17, 1995.

He goes to Park day school and he lives in Oakland, California.

He lives with his parents and two birds.

He likes writing and his favorite sport is archery.

His favorite poem is "I'm a Liar."

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 11:24:35 AM - Discuss

Paul Davis is 10 years old. His hobbies include skateboarding, writing, reading, and playing computer games. He lives in Oakland, CA with his mother, Hannah, 48, his Dad, Mark, 51, and his brother, Luke, 12. He has written multiple stories, including The Autobigraphy of a Cat, and Swords and Staves, but his favorites are Spider Tales, about a Dragon, a Spider, and two stupid humans who are on the spider's side, and Jedi Tales, which is a spoof on Star Wars.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 11:15:41 AM - Discuss

by Jeffrey

I am winter because I explore and hide in the winter weather, and it is nice and cold outside.

I am a rat because I am sneaky and curious.

I am a forest because it is cool and calm and a great place to take cover.

I am a common everyday maple tree with its strongly flavored sap.

I am a water lily because I only show what is at the top of my mind.

I am rain, a moist curtain from the rest of the world.

I am a raspberry, sweet and sour, juicy and crisp.

I am an aquarium, some places dark and sleepy, some places bright, hyper, and alive.

I am a race car driver because I am competitive and rushed, yet relaxed.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 10:59:29 AM - Discuss

by Sophia

A salty snake

sang

to a soccer ball,

and a round eucalyptus

flew

to an asteroid.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 10:51:27 AM - Discuss

by Sophia

Super snakes

Open other

People's palaces,

Hiring hienas

Inside igloos

Absolutely awesomely.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 10:49:48 AM - Discuss

by Diana

My sister and I play.

My sister and I race.

My sister and I swim.

My sister and I read.

My sister and I hide.

My sister and I love each other!

# - Jim Hughes - 7/13/06; 10:43:55 AM - Discuss

by Jeffrey

I am from a small Windows XP laptop sitting on a desk in my room,

from incense sticks and tons of broken toys.

I am from white rice with interesting and simple soups,

from tofu skin noodles and stir fried bok choy.

I am from white, rocky, crystalline fertilizer,

from giant pumpkin plant leaves,

from bright red roses and low yellow and purple flowers.

I am from tons of Razor scooters (mine is a Razor A2),

from two of those electric toy cars you can ride,

from orange basketballs to white, green, and red basketballs.

I am from Awan, Zhuanhong, Jialiang, Karen, Qinglin,

from Jennifer.

I am from "sighs" and "Good job!",

from "Oh my God!",

from the occasional "You're weird,"

from almost anybody I know.

I am from the jet black photo albums,

from my brain and the 512 MB flash memory cards.

I am from the metropolis of Shanghai, China, on Earth.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/12/06; 1:20:31 PM - Discuss

by Remy and Mika

Bunny: "Hey, Kangaroo, I told everyone I beat you in a race."

Kangaroo: "You mean yesterday's race! I totally whipped you in that race."

Bunny: "So, I'm going to beat you in the Great Race."

Kangaroo: "Are not!"

Bunny: "Are too!"

Kangaroo: "Are not!"

Bunny: "We'll find out at the Great Race, won't we?"

Kangaroo: "Yeah, we will. Everyone will see that I totally whipped your butt."

Bunny: "We'll see about that, luzer!"

Bunny and Kangroo go to the race.

Kangaroo: "Hey, Bunny, you look like a luzer today."

Bunny: "Oh yeah? You look like you're sleeping in your underwear at the Great Race."

Kangaroo: "Oh yeah . . . ?"

Voice: "Ready! Set! Go!!!!!"

Kangaroo: "Oh, someone just said 'Ready! Set! Go!' But anyways . . ."

Bunny is way up ahead.

Bunny: "Hey, luzer, don't you know you have to run to win the race?"

Bunny wins just as Kangaroo is about to start running.

Kangaroo: "Bunny, you're not being fair! You put jelly on my feet so I couldn't move."

To be continued . . .

# - Jim Hughes - 7/12/06; 1:02:05 PM - Discuss

by Andrew

I'm from Chinese tables,

from carved dragons.

I'm from rice and soup,

from vegetables and meat.

I'm from soccer balls,

from brown dirt.

I'm from cement,

from blacktop.

I'm from Wendy and Robert,

from Grandma, Grandfather, and Grandmother.

I'm from "Good morning,"

from "Good night."

I'm from albums,

from desks.

I'm from Albany,

from California.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/12/06; 12:47:02 PM - Discuss

by Sophia

This book is dedicated to my mom, my dad, and my little sister who support me with everything I do.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/12/06; 9:51:10 AM - Discuss

by Diana

This book is dedicated to my dad, my sister, and especially my mom, who all support me.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/12/06; 9:33:42 AM - Discuss

by Essy

Through the Fog: I see misty shapes of buildings, domes, and peaked towers gazing through the mist.

Through the Fog: They strain to see the vague faces of others. They tug and pull against their base, but never are they rewarded.

Through the Fog: It has no form and yet it has a hazy, unclear power which frightens me.

Through the Fog: The buildings come alive. There are no laws in the fog. They run wild and free, shrieking about the many things that they have never seen.

Through the Fog: They are devils, crazy, unstoppable demons, cackling crazily to each other.

Until the Fog Clears.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/11/06; 11:48:01 AM - Discuss

by Sarah

I was looking out the window on a bright sunny day. Then a boy came out of the house in front of mine. He shouted back into the house, "Thanks for the apple!" Then he closed the door.

He started walking down the front porch. Then another, older boy came up and said to the other boy, "Hey, kid, come with me. I have a surprise for you."

I suddenly realized that the older boy was one of the big bullies in our neighborhood! I opened the window and shouted to the bully, leave him alone!"

The bully saw me and shouted, "What's the matter? Do you want to come with us, too? It would be a pleasure for you to come, too."

I spotted a fox coming towards them and screamed, "Run!"

The younger boy heard it first, so he turned around and saw the fox. He managed to get his hand out of the bully's hand and ran away. As for the bully, he didn't care that the boy ran away. The fox jumped on him and started to attack him.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/11/06; 10:15:05 AM - Discuss

by Mika

One day I, Jacob C. Wanabee, went to the pool. I saw Ryan, the class bully. He went on the high dive twenty feet high. I just went to the kidie pool since I can't really swim.

I went out of the pool to get some chips. Ryan said, "Common Jacob C. [that's what I don't like be called], let's go to the high dive."

I gulped and whispered, "That's the twenty foot high dive, right?"

Ryan said, "Yep," in a snikerish voice.

I didn't want to look like a fool, so I went up the high dive. Then Ryan pushed me off. I yelled, "I can't swim! I am going to die!"

But I landed in three and one-half feet water. Everyone laughed. I stood out of the water. I thought that while trying not to humilate myself by not going off the high dive, I humiliated myself more than if I hadn't gone off the high dive. I was so mad. So I went home and never went on the high dive again.

But luckily I learned how to swim.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/11/06; 9:59:00 AM - Discuss

by Sophia

A sour frog

galloped

on top of a baseball

while a square apple tree

broke

the galaxy.

A salty squirrel

sang

to a football,

and a round palm tree

shouted

at a star.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/11/06; 9:46:32 AM - Discuss

by Diana

A sweet dog

flew

to a soccer ball,

and a thin oak tree

climbed

on the moon to get

a piece of cheese.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/11/06; 9:43:25 AM - Discuss

by Remy

One day in summer, I was really bored. My mom asked me if I wanted to go swimming at the public swimming pool. She said I could invite two friends. One of my friends couldn't go. But my other best friend could go.

When we got to the swimming pool, there was this new twenty foot high diving board. Almost everyone wanted to jump off the diving board. Even my best friend wanted to jump off the diving board. I decided to try it.

We both got in line to jump off the diving board. When it was my best friend's turn, she didn't look scared at all. She did a cannonball off the diving board. Now it was my turn. I took a deep breath and jumped off the diving board. I had so much fun!

My best friend and I kept getting in line. We jumped off the diving board at least thirty times. When it was time to go home, we didn't want to leave. But my mom made us. I looked forward to going to the pool again with my best friend.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 1:26:50 PM - Discuss

by Remy

Kangaroo: "I can jump higher than you!"

Bunny: "So? I can hop faster than you!"

Kangaroo: "Cannot!"

Bunny: "Can, too!"

Kangaroo: "Cannot!"

Bunny: "I know! Let's have a race. That will determine who is faster."

Kangaroo: "Good idea!"

Bunny: "Let's race to that tree, then come back."

Kangaroo: "O.K."

Bunny and Kangaroo: "Ready! Set! Go!!!"

Bunny: "Ha! Ha! I'm winning!"

Kangaroo: "Now I'm winning!"

Bunny and Kangaroo: "Darn! We tied!"

Kangaroo: "I'm so tired. Let's go home."

Bunny: "Do you want to be friends?"

Kangaroo: "O.K."

Bunny: "I think you jump higher. But I'm faster."

Kangaroo: "No! I'm way faster than you!"

Bunny: "Let's have another race, then. I bet I'll win."

Bunny and Kangaroo: "Ready! Set! Go!"

Kangaroo and Bunny race.

Kangaroo: "I won! I won!"

Bunny: "Meany! Meany!"

Kangaroo: "I'm going home. I'm going to tell everyone I beat you in a race. So ha!"

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 1:18:22 PM - Discuss

by Mika

A sour monkey

sang

a silly song while

kicking

a round soccer ball

onto an orange tree,

and the star

climbed

up the tree.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 1:08:05 PM - Discuss

by Dannver

I am from lots of books,

from three violins and a yellow, shiny trumpet.

I am from a big piano,

from a heavy French horn and lots of trophies.

I am from white rice and salads,

from spicy noodles and pizza.

I am from orange flowers in my backyard,

from "Good job!" and "Hurry up!"

I am from a computer,

from my brain to keep memories.

I am from interesting bugs,

from Sharon who expects me to play my violin for at least

forty minutes and my trumpet for twenty minutes.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 1:02:43 PM - Discuss

by Jin Hyun

I am from Korean books and English books,

from rice with noodles and kim chi.

I am from soccer balls, rubber balls,

from basketballs.

I am from peanuts and squirrels,

from my mom and dad.

I am from a journal,

from Korea.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 12:53:39 PM - Discuss

by Sophia

"I really don't want to do this, Dad."

"It's fun. Just try it," said Dad.

I hadn't been on a high dive before, and this one was twenty feet high, so I was afraid to jump off it. I started to get down. I didn't think I could do it. But just as I was getting to the bottom, I saw something. It was a girl about my age going off a higher high dive.

"Wow!" I thought. If she can do it, I can.

I climbed up the ladder. When I got to the top, I was still a little scared, but I remembered the girl and I jumped. I landed in the water and climbed back up the ladder because it was fun.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 11:37:21 AM - Discuss

by Sophia

In a rainforest

a monkey swings from a vine

in the afternoon.

In a big forest

a tree grew up tall and green

on a rainy day.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 11:27:47 AM - Discuss

by Mikaela

Marvelous, magnificent,

Intelligent igloos

Kindly

Amaze active aunts

Eating eggs, even

Laughing

At amazing anteaters.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 10:15:51 AM - Discuss

by Sophia

A bitter gropher

flew

into a soccer ball,

and a thin pine

roared

at the sun.

A sweet rattlesnake

galloped

on a football,

and a blunt maple

shouted

at the comet.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 10:09:55 AM - Discuss

by Remi

Dolphin and Octopus were friends. They always played together. One day Dolphin wanted to play by herself. Octopus got mad at Dolphin, so Octopus lifted Dolphin into the air. Octopus kept lifting Dolphin until Dolphin began jumping and jumping.

Now, whenever Octopus is close to Dolphin, Dolphin jumps. Dolphin and Octopus aren't friends anymore. That's why Dolphin jumps out of the water.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 10:07:09 AM - Discuss

by Valarie

A sweet cow

walked and saw

a fat softball

with a star in its middle,

and it rolled away

and bumped into an oak tree.

A moldy elephant

sang

to a baseball,

saw

a round cherry tree,

broke

a branch,

and flew to the galaxy.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 10:02:36 AM - Discuss

by Diana

I am from books taking me on adventures,

from frames that have nice drawings.

I am from posole added with some spicy hot sauce,

from fruit salad with lots of mango, strawberries, and grapes.

I am from oranges to eat with salt.

I am from apples to make apple pies,

from lemons to make cool, icy lemonade.

I am from peaches to have a nice healthy snack.

I am from houses down the street,

from little, big brown, and white houses.

I am from Maria and Agustin who love me, are caring, are proud

to be my parents and are loved by Alma and Diana.

I am from "Get out of bed!" or "Time for school!"

in the beautiful early morning.

I am from picture books

where I keep my memories from the past

and look at all the fun.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 9:39:33 AM - Discuss

by Diana

A salty frog

sang

to a football,

and a square oak tree

broke

a planet.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 9:30:56 AM - Discuss

by Mika

Penguin used to live on the hot beach of Equador. The city was called Guayaquil. Then one day there was a great storm. It blew away all the houses in the village. It got cold, and Penguin got used to it. Penguin got in the cold water. The ocean current dragged Penguin down the coast of South America to the tip of Argentina. Penguin got mixed up. She thought the way back to Equador was south. So down she went, and she landed in Antarctica. It felt like Equador had felt during the storm. The waters were icy. Penguin jumped into the water and loved it.

That is why Penguin swims in icy waters.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/10/06; 9:25:58 AM - Discuss

by Dannver, Diana, Sophia, and Jeffrey

It was a chilly, dark day in November, and I looked out my window. There were banana slugs everywhere.

Suddenly yellow, smiling balloons popped out of the air. Dropping onto the ground, they killed all of the banana slugs violently with cute, pink explosions.

Then banana slugs started falling from the sky. They attacked kids named Jeffrey, Dannver, Sophia, and Diana. Barney came and attacked the banana slugs.

After Barney killed all of the banana slugs, the kids were so happy that they celebrated for one month.

They all lived happily ever after.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 1:55:03 PM - Discuss

by Mika, Remy, Brianna, and Valarie

Once upon a time, a unicorn named Jamie went to town. She was going shopping for candy. She bought a lollipop and a jolly rancher. She went to a store and bought a purse, but it was dirty.

So she went home and washed the purse. After that she went to her friend's house to play. Her friend's name was Ryan. Then they went out to play. The unicorn got all dirty.

So she went home and took a bath. She didn't have a normal bath. She had a bubble bath.

Her friend was actually a bad unicorn disguised as a friend. The bad unicorn kidnapped the good unicorn, Jamie. Jamie called a police officer.

The police officer, who was also named Ryan, rescued the good unicorn. But the police officer was bad, too. So the good unicorn flew away from Ryan.

Jaime lived happily ever after.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 1:45:40 PM - Discuss

by Amberlyn, Essy, Katie, and Sarah

The pink puma slipped quietly away from the scene of the crime. He got out of his coat so people wouldn't know him. Out he ran into the alley and snuck up an apartment building's stairs. He heard sirens in the distance, probably searching for a thief.

What should I do? he wondered.

He ran and ran until he reached the top of the stairs. Then he hid behind a desk. He heard a clomp of footsteps. It was police searching for him. He started to sweat all over. What could he do now? He saw three choices: jump out the window, fight the police, or surrender.

The police went into the room and looked behind the desk. But the pink puma was gone. He was not to be found that day.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 1:35:36 PM - Discuss

by Remy and Amberlyn

Monkey 1: "Me first! I get to go first."

Spider: "Why you? You take too long."

Monkey 2: "I get to go first. I'm oldest."

Monkey 1 and Spider: "Race you there. Luzer!"

Monkey 2: "Hey! That's not fair! Wait up!"

Spider: "I'll get to the toilet first! Slow pokes!"

Monkey 1: "I have an idea. Let's flush Spider down the toilet."

Monkey 2: "Good idea!"

Spider: "Ha! Ha! I'm already using the toilet."

Monkey 1: "You push Spider in. I'll flush the toilet."

Monkey 2: "K."

Monkey 1: "One, two, three, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Spider: "AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Monkey 2: "Now, Monkey, I'll push you down the toilet."

Monkey 1: "AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Monkey 2: "Yes! I can finally use the toilet now. But I don't even have to go. Oh well!"

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 1:29:05 PM - Discuss

by Bria

My name feels like a tornado or a hurricane.

My name smells like a rotten apple that's been sitting out for months.

My name sounds like someone tapping on a table.

My name is the number seven.

My name tastes like blood in my mouth.

My name sounds like my mom playing Mary J. over and over again.

My name sees black everywhere.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 1:21:53 PM - Discuss

by Mika

The window in my room shattered. I looked up from my bed where I was sleeping. I saw the cutest puppy. It started running out the window, so I followed it and fell into a hover car.

I wanted to catch that puppy, but the puppy started to go up in the air. I told the person that was driving the hover car to follow that puppy. We followed it until it landed on Mars, tired and panting. We landed on Mars and were out of gas. How could we go back to Earth?

I also asked myself how could the puppy fly? It wasn't mechanical. I thought so hard that when I figured it out I didn't remember where I was. It could fly because of its ears. They were so big that when it flapped them, it would fly.

Then I realized I was in space and I couldn't breathe in space. Luckily, the hover car person had brought space helmets. Then I realized that I hadn't brought any food. So I said, "Hey, mister! Did ya bring any food?"

He responded, "Mars is like a reflection of Earth, but instead of humans, we have namuhs."

I went outside with my helmet. The namuhs were so nice. They helped me find gas. One year after being on Mars I had enough gas to go back to Earth. It was so hard leaving Mars.

When I got home, it was still dark. In the morning I said to my mom, "Did you miss me?"

She said, "Sure, I missed you for the night."

So I realized that one year on Mars was one night here on Earth. After that the puppy came every night to my window, and I followed it. Every night was a different experience.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 1:18:05 PM - Discuss

by Val

In 1981, there was a woman who had no children. She only wanted two girls but was afraid that wishes no longer came true.

But when she was fifty-six years old, she had her first baby. The woman named her baby Catsy. When the mother was fifty-nine, her second baby was born. She named her Catduralla.

Catsy loved her little sister. She wanted to be with Catduralla all the time. But one day they had school, and Catsy didn't want her sister and her to be in different classes. Catduralla wanted to stay with Catsy, too.

Catsy knew that Mom was dying. She had never seen her dad because he was away at war. She and Catduralla were told they would have to go to a castle to live.

Catduralla was packing and thinking of Mom. She was old, and Catduralla was not okay with her mother because she didn't know what was going to happen to her.

Catsy didn't know what to do. She asked the teacher, but the teacher was no help. Catsy went home and packed. She got out a picture of her family. Later a woman came and picked up Catsy and Catduralla. She took them to a castle, and soon they became soldiers.

But the Queen decided to pick them and let them be her daughters. Catsy and Catduralla got to live in the room with the maids.

Catsy and Catduralla loved their new family. Catsy got a little cat. She named it Cowy. Catduralla got a kitty, too, and she named it Cozy. Catduralla loved to write. Catsy loved to color, and Catduralla loved to draw. When they put the writing, drawing, and coloring together, they made a magazine.

They lived happily ever after.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 10:38:43 AM - Discuss

by Val

I am from Japanese light, stuffed animal cows,

from pianos, flutes, computers, and jewelry.

I am from catfish, rice, sushi, junk food, ice cream,

from cake.

I am from ping-pong, a bike,

from morning glories and violets.

I am from a bed, a carpet,

from a closet.

I am from Albert, Cindy, Angel,

from Grandma and Grandpa.

I am from "Hello" and "Nice,"

from "Hi, Val."

I am from albums, books,

from shoe boxes.

I am from California.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 9:27:36 AM - Discuss

by Mikaela

I am from books that take me to magical places,

from stuffed animals that comfort me.

I am from pupusas with fluffy tortillas and soft, creamy beans and cheese,

from Mexican enchiladas with wonderful, homemade sauce.

I am from flowers in the back yard,

from garden gnomes and green grass.

I am from big and little houses,

from fresh and dried-out front yards,

from Milis and Moncho who expect me to have fun.

I am from family saying "Chi Chi" to Mikaelita,

from pictures on the dresser.

I am from El Sobrante to San Pablo.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/7/06; 9:19:32 AM - Discuss

by John

I am a liar. I lie about everything. If I say "I will," you should go with "I won't." If I say "Go left," you should go with "Go right."

If I say "He's alive," you should go with "He's dead."

I lie about everything. I lie that I'm dead, that I have a ten-block limo, that I have a pet brontosaurus, and that I can make hills grow out of the ground.

But you know I'm not lying. (He's lying right now!)

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 1:53:14 PM - Discuss

by Sophia

I am from stuffed animals,

from pleny of books.

I am from steamed rice,

from chicken.

I am from purple plants,

from tall, green trees.

I am from roses and rocks,

from balls and bikes.

I am from Lucy and Manny,

from Karen and Jenny.

I am from "Do your homework,"

from "Clean your room."

I am from photo albums

from scrapbooks.

I am from California,

from Albany.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 1:37:54 PM - Discuss

by Sophia

I went to play ball,

and met a kind person.

Next I was up to bat,

and then I ate the candy bar

my mom gave me at the bank.

A terrific

zebra that lived in

the desert returned to

the other side smelling

waste by a tree.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 1:31:48 PM - Discuss

by Sophia

I am a snake because I'm flexible.

I am winter because I'm cold.

I am a river because I like to go places.

I am a weeping willow, swooping down.

I am a sunflower, growing tall.

I am rain, falling down.

I am a strawberry that's sweet.

I am a gym because I like to play.

I am an author writing as much as I can.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 1:25:07 PM - Discuss

by Essy

I am the bat,

sneaky and swift, silent and smart,

but of course I'm blind.

I am autumn but never cold.

I'm crisp. I crunch and crackle.

I float through the breeze.

I am a prairie,

with wind through my hair. It truffles through me.

I am the tallest, my head held high.

I am the Sequoia Redwood, a leader of a tribe.

As a fern I'm always busy.

Never stopping to rest,

the wind is moving through me,

I'm always at my best.

I am a strawberry,

the juiciest of them all. The one that is sweet

yet sour, an ever changing taste.

The building I think I'd like to be would be of course the library,

with books to read, an endless supply,

and shelves so tall they'll reach the sky.

I would be a scientist,

inventing the most incredible, nifty gadget.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 1:22:17 PM - Discuss

by Bria

I am from albums and CDs,

from twister hurricanes and TV.

I am from soy drumsticks,

from ice cream.

I am from a yard of grass,

from purple and yellow flowers like roses,

from blue houses with people who live upstairs and

downstairs.

I am from Brian, Fatima, Lionel, Katima,

from Britney, Brandon, and Ari.

I am from ugly and shorty,

from New York, Georgia, and Africa.

I am from New York,

from the Christ who died on the cross in Jerusalem.

I am from winter,

from snow.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 1:12:45 PM - Discuss

by Andrew

I am a fish because I like to swim.

I am winter because I'm cold.

I am a little willow because I'm very small.

I am a rose because I smell like it.

I am thunder when I'm mad.

I am a desert because I'm dry.

I am an apple because I'm healthy.

I am a library because I have lots of books.

I am an author because I like to write.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 12:59:59 PM - Discuss

Frog Haiku

by Andrew

Once in a forest,

a frog leaped from tree to tree,

on a foggy day.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 12:56:53 PM - Discuss

by Dannver

At the ball,

a bat flew by.

It crashed into a fan.

I ran to the bank to get money,

but dogs were barking at people.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 12:53:56 PM - Discuss

by Remy

I am from a box of bears,

from books and a house full of computers.

I am from a swing hanging from a tree,

from a tall basketball hoop and green grass.

I am from yellow and white flowers,

brown deer, doorbells, and doors.

I am from sushi,

from rice and prime rib.

I am from Shelly and Willie,

from "Shut up!" and "Do your homework, please!"

I am from California,

from schools and camps.

I am from my closet,

and under my bed is a box with lots of pictures of my family and me.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 12:50:42 PM - Discuss

by Diana

Running from you,

I stepped on a mouse.

Running from you,

I tripped over a stick.

Running from you,

I slipped on a banana peel and fell in a mud puddle.

Running from you,

I flipped over a scooter.

Running from you,

I crashed into a tree trunk.

Running from you,

I fell into a pool.

Thank God I didn't drown!

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 12:31:47 PM - Discuss

by Jeffrey

On the top of the moon,

in the middle of space,

no wind blows

the soft, white dust.

On the top of the moon,

1969,

Neil Armstrong,

the steps on the moon,

forever imprinted.

On the moon,

forever silenced,

the blue-green-white spot of Earth,

thousands of miles away,

quiet, lonesome, faraway,

on the moon.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/6/06; 11:56:39 AM - Discuss

Rusty, rude,

Eager, energetic,

Mean magic makes

Young yellow yapping yogurt.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:30:22 PM - Discuss

by Bria

The cousins had a blast at school.

They heard a skunk come by.

They smelled a fire alarm,

So they fixed it,

and opened the door.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:23:45 PM - Discuss

by Bria

I like my two birds

that love to fly 'round my house

and are so special.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:21:09 PM - Discuss

by Remy

In the turquoise sea

a dolphin jumps in the air

in the bright morning.

In the dark forest

a pack of wolves are playing

in the dark evening.

In the blue ocean

killer whales jump in the air

in the early night.

In the plain desert

rattlesnakes are slithering

on a blazing day.

In a high castle

kings order servants to work

on a freezing day.

In the deep ocean

great white sharks eat little fish

almost every day.

On a high mountain

a mountain lion eats deer

on a flaming day.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:19:07 PM - Discuss

by Katie,

Tick, Tock,

The clock goes on.

Tock, Tick,

I can't go to sleep.

Tick, Tock,

I hear scratching noises, I'm afraid.

Tock, Tick,

I hear a growl.

Tick, Tock,

There's a monster on the prowl.

Tock, Tick,

Slobber everywhere.

Tick, Tock,

It's on top of me.

Tock, Tick,

I'm suffocating.

Tick, Tock,

It's licking me.

Tock, Tick,

I think it's eating me.

Tick, Tock,

It is snoring.

Tock, Tick,

It's only my dog.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:15:15 PM - Discuss

by Remy

I love the sound of

Prime rib being cooked,

How you land after a flip,

My alarm clock going Ring.

I hate the sound of

Scary noises in the night,

Dishes clattering in the sink,

The telephone ringing all the time.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:07:57 PM - Discuss

by Sarah

The nephew

quickly ran to the top of

the mountain with a pipe

to wait a long time

to duel.

My uncle ran acroos

the bridge. Then he

decided to go

exercise on the

mountain.

The doctor looked at

his case and saw it was vibrating.

He picked up his case and carried

it to wake up his

patient in the other room.

By the river a doctor

happily started to work

and bandaged more than

a hundred very sad

alligators.

In a canyon

a kangaroo saw

a very light

whale start

to drown.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 2:03:58 PM - Discuss

by Remy

Miss Green had a dog.

It barked a lot

At bats.

They were at a fair.

The dog wasn't looking and jammed its nose.

Once there was an alligator.

He scared lots of children.

They always ran away.

Once the alligatgor bit off a kid's head.

All the children wished on a shooting star he would die.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:56:47 PM - Discuss

by Paul

The dark mountain,

Full of coyotes,

As quick as a flash,

They run to the waterfall.

Its water is precious.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:53:38 PM - Discuss

by Amberlyn

The bright yellow sun

was over my head and

the skunk said,

"It's a precious jewel.

I hope it will vibrate the Earth."

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:51:25 PM - Discuss

by Sarah

In a green garden,

a sparrow landed on a tree,

in the afternoon.

In an empty house,

some spiders weave a huge web,

in the dark evening.

In a dark forest,

some rabbits dig their burrows,

when the sunrise starts.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:48:26 PM - Discuss

by Sarah

The octopus that

Liked to duel was

Fixing something in

The river when

He started to drown.

The nephew saw

The very precious

Coyote under a

Waterfall in a

Small canyon.

The rabbit ran

Up the mountain.

Then it decided to

Sing a very

Easy song.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:46:13 PM - Discuss

by Mikaela

Running from you,

I hit my head on the monkey bars and passed out.

Running from you,

I fell off the balcony five stories up.

Running from you,

I fell on the table and got food all over my body.

Running from you,

I fell in a puddle of mud.

Running from you,

I tripped on a bike, went flying over a scooter, and fell onto a skateboard going downhill.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:41:42 PM - Discuss

by Essy

Where did I go: Am I under the bed?

Am I here or there? Am I in the cupboard?

Where did I go: Am I devouring food again?

Did I turn into a nut again? Did I hide under the couch again?

Where did I go?!

Where did I go: Am I on land, water, or air?

Could I possibly be in fire?

Am I in a sea or lake, a bay or river, ocean or pond?

Where did I go?!!

Where did I go: I've called myself out with many names, but all have been in vain!

Maybe I'm in a deep dark cave, to dark to see, to quiet to ever be heard!

Where did I go?!!!

Where did I go: Will my existence ever be known?

Will I be remembered for anything at all?

Where did I go?!!!!

Where did I go: Years have passed since I last spoke, nevermore do I search.

The reason why may cause surprise: I have found myself.

Do you want to know where?

If you truly insist to know where I was found, it was exactly where I left myself!

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:33:24 PM - Discuss

by Mikaela

In the deep blue sea

orcas catch delicious fish

on a sunny day.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:25:25 PM - Discuss

by Amberlyn

I am a cheetah because I like to run.

I am spring because of my ideas.

I am a prairie because I am free.

I am a weeping willow because Sarah went to Wisconsin.

I am a daisy because I bloom.

I am sunny because I am soft.

I am a strawberry because I am sweet.

I am a post office because I like mail.

I am a singer because I like to sing.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:23:49 PM - Discuss

by Katie

Never eat worms,

Said old Sally Mae.

Never eat worms,

Or your brain will decay.

Never eat worms,

Your stomach will jump and churn.

You will not have a chance,

To even take a turn.

Never eat worms,

Momma says too many times.

AHHHHHHH!

I'm eating worms,

And they're good!

Always eat worms

or your noodles will turn cold.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:20:33 PM - Discuss

by Katie

Listen to what Mother says,

'cause moms know what to do.

Listen to what Mother says,

you'll stay safe unless you're doomed.

Listen to what Mother says,

wipe your face very clean.

Listen to what Mother says,

look both ways before crossing the street.

Listen to what Mother says,

'cause mothers are polite.

Listen to what Mother says,

clean your room right now.

Listen to what I say,

avoid listening to mothers at all.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:12:10 PM - Discuss

by Essy

'Round the curve,

You reach a mountain.

'Tis a wild place to be.

Among other fiendish things, there dwell the skunks.

These fiendish furry rodents make quite a stink!

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:07:46 PM - Discuss

by Paul

"The Panda's Breakfast"

In a bamboo wood,

a panda eats his breakfast,

early in the day.

"The Platypus's Swim"

In a shallow pond,

a platypus swims around,

on a sunny day.

"The Dragon's Hunt"

In the mountain skies,

a dragon hunts for his food,

on a cloudy day.

"The Duck"

Floating on the lake,

a brown duck paddles around,

on a summer day.

"The Cows"

In a green meadow,

some cows drift through the green grass,

early in the sping.

"The Moose"

In a green forest,

a moose munches on some leaves,

on a cold morning.

"The Rabbit"

In a carrot patch,

a rabbit steals some carrots,

eating them for lunch.

"The Hippo"

In a murky pond,

a hippo takes a short nap,

under the water.

"The Monkey"

In a hot jungle,

a monkey swings through the trees,

stopping for short rests.

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 1:03:43 PM - Discuss

by Jeffrey

Chapter 1

The glass shattered so loudly it woke me up. The sound didn't seem to be from my room, but, impossibly, my double-paned window was broken to grains. For a second, I had no idea what had happened, but then I remembered I had already woken up once in the middle of the night because of a cold tap on my shoulder. I had pulled myself up and distinctly saw the word "DIE" hovering in the air. It must have been real. I wasn't dizzy or drunk or anything like that, and I was thinking, "Why me? Why now?"

A blue glow cast over my house. This was way too much!

The next morning -- very early morning (only 5:00) -- I woke up, remembering nothing -- that is, until I saw the distinctive sand-like glass shards. For a second, I was happy with myself that I hadn't gone outside. That would have been suicide. But now I easily swung the door open and stode outside to investigate the damage. Nothing was wrong with the house except . . .

Chapter 2

There was a sign:

(~*->

It was burned right on the door. Now this was very scary. Terrifying. I rushed to the neighbors next door that I didn't know. I knocked vigorously. They didn 't open the door, nor did they call out, "Who's there?" But I did know they were home. None of their cars were out of their driveway. Then, I noticed:

(~#->

It was similar to the one of my door. So they met it, too! It had marked our houses, whatever it was. But it wasn't alien, nor was it a ghost, nor was it some drunk idiot trying to freak everyone out. It was . . . nothing -- at least, nothing that the world had ever heard of.

I had just moved into a puny apartment in uptown Richmond, California, not Virginia. I'm thiry-one (ha, gotcha!). I'm thirteen, and I'm a magnet for bad things I don't cause -- very bad things. So who knows what that think who left signs might be? Will it kill us?

# - Jim Hughes - 7/5/06; 12:22:12 PM - Discuss

by Diana and Mika

Rubber Shoe: "Hey, Puppy! Stop chewing me."

Puppy: "Who said that?"

Rubber Shoe: "Me, Rubber Shoe. I already have one hundred stitches."

Puppy: "Oh, really? Sorry but I love to chew you. I need to get my little teeth strong, you know."

Rubber Shoe: "Just think about it. Slobber all over me and smelly breath. And how would you like to be chewed?"

Puppy: "I never thought of it like that. I wouldn't want to be chewed."

Rubber Shoe: "O.K., I'll take the apology. Just stop chewing me, O.K.?"

Puppy: "Fine! But now what do I chew on?"

Rubber Shoe: "Chew on a door or something. Just don't chew on me."

Puppy: "O.K."

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 1:07:29 PM - Discuss

by Makala and Bria

Kat: "La, la, la, la; dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb-b-b."

The dog and the mouse stare at her.

Dog: "She is hot!!!!!!"

Mouse: "Yes, and she is all mine!!!!!"

Kat: "Can you guys get me something to eat?"

Dog & Mouse: "Yes, of course!!!!!"

Dog and Mouse start to argue.

Dog: "Wait a second! Wait a second! She asked moi."

Mouse: "No!!!! She asked me, not you!!!!"

They argue more.

Kat: "I asked both of y'all. Now hurry up!!!!"

Dog & Mouse: "Yes, Ma'm."

They go get the food, arguing the whole time. They put the food in the cart and argue about who is going to push it. Dog pushes Mouse aside.

Kat: "Oh, thank you for delivering my food. What did you get me?"

Dog: "Oh, we got you . . . I mean, I got you a salad, cake, Sprite, and a cheese hamburger."

Mouse: "I got Kat all of that!!! You didn't do anything except push me off!!!"

They argue more. Kat looks at the food.

Kat: "Humph. You guys messed up my meal. Y'all ain't fine or my type. I'm outtie."

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 12:58:55 PM - Discuss

by Remy

The glass shattered so loudly it woke me. I felt my room shaking. Everything was crashing down on my bed. I ran downstairs and called the police. They said they'd be there in a minute.

I waited outside. I waited and waited, but no one came. My house was falling apart. I ran inside to save my hamster. She was still alive! I couldn't find my parents, though. Then I remembered I was an orphan.

I ran to my friend's house. She was an orphan, too. Her house had fallen apart, too. We decided to get all our money and buy a new house and live together.

When we were older, we owned a pet store. It was one of the best pet stores in the world. We were very happy. We both lived to be one hundred years old.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 12:45:25 PM - Discuss

by Makala

I hate the smell of fish.

I hate the smell of feet.

I hate the smell of burned, microwaved popcorn.

I hate the smell of scorched jerseys (a boy once microwaved one).

I hate the smell of gas.

I hate the smell of sweaty armpits.

I hate the smell of burned rubber.

And that is that!

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 11:36:45 AM - Discuss

by John

In a high mountain

a dragon lies on its pile

of shining treasure.

The blue water flows

down the river to the pond

where animals dwell.

Snow falling solftly

as it heightens to a foot

covering the trees.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 11:22:42 AM - Discuss

by Mikaela, Sophia, and Diana

Characters: Sister Rabbit, Sister Wolf, and Sister Tortoise.

Setting: on the side of the path early in the morning.

Scene 1

Sister Wolf: "Help! Help! I am trapped under a big rock."

Sister Rabbit: "I'll give the rock a push."

Sister Wolf: "Hurry, Sister Rabbit! The boulder is squishing me to death."

So Sister Rabbit gave the rock a push. And Sister Wolf grabbed Sister Rabbit.

Sister Wolf: "You will make a nice rabbit pie."

Sister Rabbit: "I think you are breaking the law. Let's go to Sister Tortoise's house to prove that you are breaking the law."

Scene 2

Setting: Sister Tortoise's house in the late morning.

So Sister Rabbit and Sister Wolf tell both sides of the story. (Actors will improvise.)

Sister Tortoise: "This is a very serious case. Let me go see where it happened."

So Sister Rabbit and Sister Wolf took Sister Tortoise to the boulder.

Scene 3

Setting: on the side of the path in the late, late morning.

Sister Tortoise: "Let's see how you were trapped, Sister Wolf."

So Sister Wolf got under the boulder and was trapped there. Then Sister Tortoise and Sister Rabbit walked away, leaving Sister Wolf under the bolder. Finally, another animal helped her.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 11:10:03 AM - Discuss

by Amberlyn

In the open land

a grown cheetah hunts for food

in the cool evening.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 10:12:01 AM - Discuss

by Remy

Running from you, I crashed right into my brother.

He was flaming mad.

Running from you, I slipped on a banana peel.

BAMM! I almost broke my bones.

Running from you, I bumped my head right on a super fat brown horse.

OUCH!

Running from you, I fell into this big stupid hole and hit my head.

BANG!

Running from you, I crashed into you!

And I found out you just wanted to give me a lollipop.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 10:09:32 AM - Discuss

by Dannver

In the high mountains

a bird is hunting for prey

in the bright morning.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 10:03:56 AM - Discuss

by Jeffrey

On a bright spring day

in the sparkling ocean

slowly swim blue whales.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 9:35:37 AM - Discuss

by Diana

In the deep blue sea

a killer whale looks for food

on the sunny day.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 9:27:55 AM - Discuss

by Bria

My dad is so nice.

He works very hard at work.

He is the best dad.

Makala is nice.

We always climb together.

She is my good friend.

My brother is nice.

He loves to sleep in my bed.

He is two years old.

My mom is so nice.

She cares for Ari and me.

I love her so much.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/30/06; 9:04:16 AM - Discuss

by Paul

The dark mountain,

Full of coyotes,

As quick as a flash,

They run to the waterfall,

Its water is precious.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/29/06; 1:31:48 PM - Discuss

by Paul

I am a dragon, soaring in the skies.

I am fall, with crisp leaves blowing in the wind.

I am a desert, with harsh sandstorms.

I am a redwood, reaching to the skies.

I am a cactus, with needles like claws.

I am a firestorm, destroying everything in my path.

I am a mango, with sweet nectar inside.

I am a library, with thousands of books to read.

I am a vet, helping sick animals get better.

# - Jim Hughes - 6/29/06; 1:27:56 PM - Discuss