2003 Children's Story Contest Winners

FIRST PLACE
"Stella, the Sea Star"
by
Patricia A. Andjelkovic

Patricia Andjelkovic teaches French at the International School of Belgrade, Serbia/Montenegro and writes short stories and articles in her spare time. She is the author of two children's books published in English and in Serbian. Ms. Andjelkovic enjoys long dog walks, photography, and curling up with a good book.

SECOND PLACE
"Beauty...Plain and Simple"
by
Deborah Langseth-White

Deborah Langseth-White is a Southern California based writer of children's stories and poetry. As a child, she could be found in the back yard, laying under a tree, making up tunes, stories and poems (or eating her own mud pies).

This lifetime of creative expression has honed an elegantly simplistic and subtle writing style, that rolls easily off the tongue and slips instantly into the heart. Her clever rhyme couplets often pose a curious question, or examine an intriguing aspect of everyday life, always with a witty twist or insightful observation.

In this sense, the spirit and curiosity of childhood is examined and enriched through the perspective of someone who has moved into adulthood. Yet, still remembers the joy of nibbling a sprig of grass, studying cloud formations, or commandeering a cardboard box down the steepest hill she could find.

Now married, and with children of her own, Deborah's writing is based on the simple premise that there's a story in everything. When her creativity needs a jump start, she'll quietly observe her surroundings. Something as simple as a singing bird, or a cat on the prowl will set the wheels in motion. The result is a truly delightful faire that reminds us all of the importance of taking time to know the world around us. Her goal is to write stories that delight the senses, spark the imagination and bring joy to the hearts of her readers, both young and old.

There is comfort and inspiration in Deborah's writing. Those who have read her work, find themselves imbued with the spirit of a young insightful child, intrigued by the wonderment of the world around them.

ISBN: 0-9742652
Knoxville, TN

2003 Childrens Story Winners