Longneckosaurus

Would you like to name your very own dinosaur? How about Longneckosaurus? Tinysaurus? Gigantasaurus? Pinkysaurus? Popcornsaurus?

I discovered these dinosaurs when I was out walking one day in Seattle. (OK, they're made out of wood, but they're still very cool.) A yard was filled with fun dinosaurs in all shapes and sizes, and that got my imagination going.

What's happening in this scene? It looks like one of the dinosaurs is being eaten! Or maybe it's a dinosaur cookie. Is this a family? Or a bunch of friends?

Try writing a story about these dinosaurs. The best part is, YOU get to name each one.

Titles

Some writers don't think of a title for their story until after they've written it. Other writers start with a title.

Most likely, you're like me when it comes to titles: sometimes it appears right away, before you start writing. Other times no title seems right, no matter how hard you think. Or the title is hiding somewhere in the story and needs to be coaxed out.

Sometimes you want to write a story but need an idea. A fun exercise is to start with a title. Try one of these:

• Five Fuzzy French Fries
• The Extra Sock
• Mouse Mischief
• How a Porcupine Takes a Bath
• The Missing Fireplace
• The Freaked-Out Baseball
• The Day Things Turned Green
• The Monkey With Bad Manners

Have fun writing your story, and don't forget to write the title in big letters at the top of your page!

Cats and Dogs and Gerbils and Other Pets

This is my cat Max. One day he decided to take a nap on the deck, and I loved the way he stretched out in the sun.

Do you have a cat? A dog? A gerbil, goldfish, or armadillo? Write about something funny your pet did--or didn't do. Maybe your pet sleeps all day. You can write about your pet's dreams.

Maybe you don't have a pet. When I was growing up, I always wanted a dog. I used to think up names for the dog that would sleep in my bed. If you wish you had a pet, write about the animal you've always wanted. Maybe you really DON'T want a pet. Write about why. Animals are all different, and so are we!