Children's Poetry Competition

The competition entries have been trickling in, which means that Timmy has eaten his way through mountains of fishy treats and chocolate sardines which might have been prizes. The standard of the entries has, however, been very high and choosing the overall winner or winners is going to be extremely tough. Below are a selection of entries which are in the running for the fabulous prizes on offer, once Timmy has replenished his larder!

The Fussy Eater
By Hannah Lanyon

Mum calls me the fussy eater
Because I won’t eat lamb
I find beef makes me queasy
And chicken tastes too bland

We fight like mad at meal times
But most of the time I win
‘Cause mum knows I’ll eat anything
If it’s got sugar in!

The original entry which inspired the competition and therefore a front runner. Hannah's version of the Fussy Eater has since been published in a Longman's school text book in Hong Kong, so Hannah's poetic future looks bright.

The Fussy Eater
By Sofia Bonetti

Mum calls me the fussy eater
Because I wont eat a sprout
I find olives make me yucky
And curry makes me shout

We fight like mad at meal times
Cos I'm a Bonetti
My Daddy comes from Italy
I only eat spaghetti!

Sofia is 8 years old and lives in Basel, Switzerland. Her poem was sent in by her teacher, Karen Evans, who describes her as a budding poetry superstar! I can only agree.

The Fussy Eater
By Jami3

My Dad calls me a fussy eater,
because I won't eat my greens.
But cabbage make me queasy,
and I absolutely hate beans.

We fight like mad at meal times;
My Dad goes in a mood.
’Cause He knows I'll eat anything,
As long as it’s fast food.

This poem was sent in almost anonymously - I don't know whether Jami3 is a boy, girl, or even an adult - but I really liked it, particularly as the poem includes elements of the MacFussy Eater.

The Fussy Eater
Daisy Mustill-King

Mum calls me "the fussy eater"
Because I won't eat beans
Pepperoni makes me vomit
and raisins make me scream

We fight like mad at meal times
But I don't ever win
'Cause Mum says "If you don't eat up
I'll throw it in the bin."

An excellent poem by Daisy, which is all the more remarkable since she is only six years old. I particularly like the way the final verse has been turned on its head, so that the fussy eater doesn't win...

The Fussy Eater
Aliya Redha

My mum calls me the fussy eater
Because I won't eat fish
Carrots make me queasy
Even though it's the last dish

We fight like mad at meal times
But most of the time I win
Cos mum knows I'll eat anything
If there is fast food within

Aliya, who comes from Egypt, has written an excellent poem. I particularly enjoyed the the win / within rhyme in the second verse.

The Fussiest Eater
Harry Hudson

My mum calls me the fussiest eater
Which drives little sis to her knees,
'Cause she yearns to be so fussy like me
But she can't: she does love her cheese.

We fight like crazy at meal times,
Do my little sister and I,
To see who can eat the smallest...
Portion of mum's fishy pie!

Harry really has raised the game with his complete rewrite of The Fussy Eater, and what a triumph it is! Harry is 12 years old and lives in Oxford. At last, an entry from a boy.