"An Eyeball in My Garden:  And Other Spine-Tingling Poems" 
   Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, August-2010
      - Compiled and Edited by Jennifer Cole Judd and Laura Wynkoop
      - Illustrated by Johan Olander 
                                                         
Including my own poems:  Hixon House, Bedtime Story and Swamp Witch

The Assignment
By Susie Sawyer

My teacher passed out an assignment.

I figured I never would pass.

In ten minutes’ time, he wanted a rhyme that I could present to the class.

I’d never been much of a writer,

And rhyming?  I hadn’t a clue!

My chances were slim, so I pleaded with him, “Is there anything else I can do?

“I’ll scour the floor with a toothbrush.

I’ll stand on my head for a week.

I’ll get up and dance in highwater pants

And tattoo a rose on my cheek.

I’ll pluck out my eyebrows with tweezers.

I’ll kiss all the warts on a frog.

I’ll fill up two pails with thumbtacks and nails

And wear them as shoes while I jog.

I’ll wrestle a walrus bare naked.

I’ll chop down a tree with a spoon.

I’ll build me a ship out of veggies and dip

And fly all the way to the moon.”

Whatever I said must have pleased him.

My words must have brightened his day.

I did something right because to my delight, I ended up getting an “A”.

Completed works, available for publication:

Goodies for You:  A Book of Poetic Treats
A collection of lighthearted and humorous poems revolving around sweets and goodies, ranging from humorous, four-line chuckles to longer, more sentimental works.  No matter how kids like their goodies, this collection offers a wide variety of delicious poetic treats.  Fun, fun, fun!  (ages 5-9)

Turkey Bubbles
Magic toads should come with instructions.  Even better, baby sisters should never talk baby talk.  Charlie’s sure he’s found the answer to his problem in the form of a magic toad.  Unfortunately, things don’t turn out quite the way Charlie had hoped.  This super-fun read aloud reveals the importance of following the rules.  (ages 6-10)

My Giant
Sometimes the journey to finding yourself ends in an unexpected place.  Charlotte could never have imagined where she belonged, or the company she’d keep.  With the help of some unexpected friends, she finds happiness with where, and who, she is.  Children will be delighted with the unexpected twist at the end of this memorable story.  (ages 6-10)

A Monster Took My Homework
David’s teacher is a ruthless, uncaring monster, earning her the nickname, the “Murkel Monster.”  Of course, Mrs. Murkel would describe David as an irresponsible fourth grader with a penchant for playing with paper and making up excuses.  It would seem that David and Mrs. Murkel understand each other perfectly.  However, in an unexpected (and admittedly unbelievable) turn of events, a special girl named Lucy helps the two see each other in a new light. (ages 6-10)

Moon Dance  
Deep in the forest, the animals gather for the midnight arrival of the legendary Wood Faeries and their magical “Moon Dance.”  However, as midnight draws near, the animals begin to disagree about the legend and question whether it is even true.  The animals become so engrossed in their argument they are unaware of the magic taking place around them.  But a tiny field mouse arrives late and witnesses the most wondrous night of his life.  Lyrical rhyme and nighttime setting support the soft, bedtime-story feel of this piece. (ages 4-8)

Like the Rain
Lily is blessed with a strong sense of wonder and curiosity.  When she questions how God is able to provide for all his creatures, she finds the answer in, of all things, a puddle.  Children view the world in a unique, unaffected way.  Through the questions they ask and their insightful comments, they are excellent teachers.  This intriguing picture book follows a little girl's revelation that, like the rain, our blessings shower down on us from above. (ages 6-10)

Stormy Sea
A visit to the beach turns into a dangerous ocean adventure for two little boys.  With its simple, rhyming text and wavelike rhythm, Stormy Sea was created for very young children. However, the adults who read to them will also enjoy this creative story.  My hope for this manuscript is that it would be paired with a highly imaginative illustrator, who could convey the subtle hidden meanings hidden within the story and bring the sparse text and cryptic rhyme to an exciting new level.  (ages 4-8)

The Mouse in the Polka-dot Blouse
A restless night produces a wonderful dream involving a little girl mouse and her growing family.  With the gift of music, the little mouse finds a way to help with the birth of her new brothers and sisters.  The fun twist at the end of this rhyming story will leave its readers with a satisfied smile.  (ages 4-8)

Kora’s Heart
Coping with a parent in the Armed Forces is a subject many children are forced to deal with today.  In Kora's Heart, a little girl tries to celebrate her birthday without her father, who is away serving his country.  Told with sensitivity to a child's perspective, this picture book tells a timely story about the challenges of living apart. (ages 4-8)

Remembering Grandpa
Ten-year-old Theo is struggling with his grandpa's recent death.  As he remembers his beloved friend and fights his own strong emotions, he looks outside himself and realizes he is not the only person grieving.  This story deals with losing someone you love and understanding others' grief, as well.  (ages 6-10)

Lulu (series)
Lulu is a wildly imaginative five-year-old with a unique outlook on life.  Whether she visits the farm, picks a new pet, travels to the ocean, or simply stays home sick from school, Lulu’s quirky behavior invariably influences the world around her.  With silly humor and personality to spare, Lulu’s stories will draw giggles from children and parents alike. (ages 4-8)

Santa’s Helper
On Christmas Eve, Violet’s self confidence comes in handy when her older brother challenges her belief in Santa Claus.  However, with her strength of conviction (and a bit of undeniable proof), Violet may not be the only believer on Christmas morning.  Children have a natural ability to believe in seemingly impossible things.  Their challenge is to believe in themselves and to be supportive of others, even when their beliefs differ.  Santa’s Helper was designed to gently encourage children that believing in someone can be as simple as being supportive.  (ages 4-8)

What Can You Do With a Stick?
Jack is convinced his homework will be a piece of cake.  After all, how hard can it be to think of five things you can do with a stick?  This unusual assignment proves more difficult than he imagined, and Jack finds his answers in unexpected places.  Creativity and an open mind are two powerful gifts children possess.  They see the world clearly, unaffected by the limitations imposed by grown ups.  This story challenges young readers to answer a seemingly simple question.  Certainly, their creative and open minds will enjoy coming up with several more answers.  (ages 4-8)