I was over-the-moon excited to find my name and story listed among the award winners of Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords International Writing Contest! As a fledgling writer, soaking up as much as I can about writing picture books, it was a wonderful affirmation and just the right encouragement to keep writing!
HONORABLE MENTION AWARD !!!
Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords 2021 International Writing Contest
Gambel’s Quail
by Patricia Franz
Ears alert for Gambel’s quail,
coyote hears a morning wail,
tiptoes off the rocky trail
into the arroyo.
Sniffs the air, picks up a scent,
coyote crouches, taut, intent–
quail suspects a grave event:
flight from the arroyo.
Quail laments, coyote rests.
He found the unprotected nests.
Patricia Franz is a kidlit writer and published poet. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Great job, Patti! Thanks for sharing ❤️