PBParty Entry #12 : Who Comes Out Under Full Moon's Light ⋆ Mindy’s Writing Wonderland

GENRE: Character Driven, Lyrical, Non-Fiction

WORDS: 554

Query:

Dear Editors, Agents, and Judges,

Thank you for participating in PBParty, and thank you for this opportunity to submit my 554 word nonfiction manuscript, WHO COMES OUT UNDER FULL MOON’S LIGHT.

Called by its folklore name, the full moon’s light will take us through a year, showing different nocturnal creatures and their nighttime activities. Only Black Bear, a monitored bear, will be spotlighted by Moon every month.Their story will start under April’s Pink Moon when a wide-eyed owl lowers his head (hint) to see Black Bear lumber from her den. We’ll go through the year and end up right back to where we started from. Plus! I’ve included tons of back matter and interesting fun facts about the moon and all the nighttime animals.

I have been a longtime elementary school volunteer and substitute teacher. Working with mostly third graders is what motivates me to write stories of truth, about animals, family, and unkown people who’ve made a difference. My stories and poems have been published in the Cricket family of magazines. In 2023 I was thrilled to be chosen as a finalist in PBParty. And in 2024 I was honored to have been on a panel with my critique partners, presenting to teachers at NCTE. My topic was, The Games Teachers Play, emphasizing that teaching and learning can be fun. I have been to SCBWI conferences, retreats, attend classes and participate in StoryStorm, NF Fest, Rate Your Story and other online motivators. I feel that my critique partners are my lifeline to perfecting my manuscripts.

I hope you enjoy, WHO COMES OUT UNDER FULL MOON’S LIGHT.

Excerpt:

April’s Pink Moon spotlights the night.
A wide-eyed owl hoots Whooooooooooo.
He lowers his head in time to see
Black Bear lumber from her den.
Her stomach growls a mighty growl.
When she spots straggly sprouts
she quickly devours them all.

May’s Flower Moon brightens the sky.
Birds fly back and take a rest
before building summer homes.
Black Bear reaches for a branch.
The willow buds taste tart.

What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:

I live in rural Maine where nature’s wonders surround me. I’ve written this and done the research in the hopes that kids will see and hear the beauty that I do. I want to give kids reasons to be excited and want to do their own investigating. And have fun while learning!