GENRE: **Diverse, Character Driven
WORDS: 510
Query:
Dear PBParty Judges, Editors and Agents,
Thank you very much for your participation in PBParty 2025. I am delighted to present my 510-word fictional picture book, YECHU AND THE SACRED FROG, enriched with cultural references and environmental themes. It is complete with engaging back matter including a delicious recipe and is suitable for children aged 4 to 8.
Yechu’s heart sings and her feet dance in the muddy water as she plants rice on her land. But she’s devastated when modernization threatens her beloved home. With the inspiration of Byacha, the sacred frog, Yechu and her friends team up to try and save their homes before the lush green rice fields turn golden.
My story explores the love and connection a little girl has with her home as in The Blue House (2020) by Phoebe Wahl and it presents the determination of accomplishment as in Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea (2021) by Meena Harris and Ana Ramirez Gonzalez. I was inspired to write this story because of the deep sorrow I felt every time I witnessed beautiful green fields being transformed into concrete jungle in the city where I was born and raised.
I enjoy writing stories inspired by my Nepali-Newari heritage and folktales, immigration experiences, inclusion and nature. In 2024, I had a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by the talented Srividhya Venkat through PB Rising Stars 2024 Mentorship Program and was a winner of Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal’s 2024 Springflingkidlit contest.
I hope you enjoy my story. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Yours sincerely,
PBParty Lover
Excerpt:
Yechu’s eyes twinkled as she pushed rice seedlings into the mud. Plop-plop!
Her voice sprinkled joy to the melody of fellow farmers.
And her tiny feet danced in murky water. Squelch-squelch!
“I can’t wait for the rice to grow,” Yechu squealed.
Her father sniffled. “We won’t see it.” He pointed at the huge board. [Modern City… Coming Soon!] “We must sell our land.”
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
I was inspired to write this story because of the deep sorrow I felt every time I witnessed beautiful green fields being transformed into concrete jungle in the city where I was born and raised.
Through Yechu, my main character, I portray the courage and determination I wish I had to protect those green fields.
2 Comments
Leave your reply.