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Third Place Winner Level I - Molly Zmudka
Hoover Elementary School, Dubuque
"Always Wear Clean Underwear!  And Other Ways Parents Say 'I Love You' "
by Marc Gellman

Dear Marc Gellman:

             It was pouring down rain at Girl Scout camp.  My Brownie Troop was in our cabin reading stories when one of my friends pulled your book, Always Wear Clean Underwear, out of her duffle bag.  We all gathered on a couch around the fireplace, laughing loudly at the title.  When she started to read "Don't Pee in the Pool," I knew immediately that I was going to get your book right away and read every chapter!

            All of the chapters in your book remind me of what my mom always tells me, like "Cover Your Mouth When You Sneeze" or "Because I Say So."  I used to think she would say all those things just to annoy me, but I learned from your book that my mom says those things because she loves me.

            My favorite chapter was "Keep Your Shoes Off the Couch," because now I know what's under my shoes and that many gross things could be on my couch when I sit down.  I also learned that if I do not eat my vegetables, I will not live a long and healthy life.

            Now I know that when my mom says "money doesn't grow on trees," it really means that we should use our money wisely and not spend it on foolish things.

            Most of the rules that my parents tell me over, and over, and over again are in your book.  Now I always try to stand up straight, keep my feet off the couch, and even eat my vegetables.  And, when I hear "do your homework" for the millionth time, I know it's because my parents want me to get a good education.  This is just one of the many ways they say "I love you."

            But most importantly, I want you to know, I never did pee in the pool!

 Respectfully yours,

Molly Zmudka