TROFEO 2.0 When Santa Came Home [Category : Middle Entry No. : 1]

He came in the dead of the night

When the blue of the sky was deep

He sailed so silently over our world

When every person was asleep

He floated through the starry sky

Past the gleaming moon

He must hurry, for he was running late

The sun would be rising soon

Ours was the last town he visited

And mine was the very last house

So he began climbing down the chimney,

Quickly, but as quietly as a mouse

After visiting so many children

And eating their cookies and cakes,

Santa was rather full, and hadn't realized

How much effort chimney climbing takes

He sucked in his belly as much as he could

And began to wriggle down

But he was stuck, well and truly jammed

Yes, that is what Santa found

But here is what Santa did not know –

Our house was enchanted

Our house was home to a number of elves

A number that cannot be counted

They found poor Santa in a soup

They told him he needn't worry

They set about their elfish work

And soon they ceased to scurry

They had dug the sides of the chimney

Till Santa Claus could go through

But where they went after that

Santa wished he knew

He climbed down; it was easy now

He soon reached the ground

He tip-toed towards my stocking

Without making a sound

He stuffed in the presents

Oh, and what presents they were

Then, he was finally done with his job

He exited through the front door

Those elves loved snow more than any else

But they could find none here

And our guests were just temporary,

For they stayed out of fear

Of the wicked, oh, so wicked

Froozotapplegadeese

Who would search for and feast on

Just such elves as these

Santa, of course, was grateful to them

He owed them a major debt

He knew that quick workers like these

Were difficult to get

So he sought out the elves and said to them,

"Come with me to the North Pole

You'll find plenty of snow there

For it is freezing, and that is mighty cold"

You will be safe and sound from the

Froozotapplegadeese

For, if he comes to look for you,

I can tell you for sure that he will freeze

I would like you to do me

Another tremendous favour

And in exchange for I will give you

Snow cream of any flavour

Could you help me with the presents –

Could you make them and then wrap them?

For I know that elfish craft

Is certainly a gem

The elves were delighted – this deal was great!

They all jumped into the sleigh

Santa was pleased, and he smiled and said,

"Up, up, and away!"

That is how Santa got his trusty elves

They make each and every toy

For Santa to give as gifts for Christmas

To every little girl and boy

I wonder what became of the

Froozotapplegadeese

Did he go looking for the elves?

Tell me, did he freeze?

JUDGE’S VIEWS:

Renee : This was a wonderful story that explains how the elves came to live with Santa at the North Pole.  The use of poetry is very effective and you maintained the rhythm and rhyme throughout, which is not always easy to do.  I liked how you called the evil elf by a fun name – it adds to the appeal of this Christmas poem.  On one line, you said they ceased to scurry – perhaps you meant that they started to scurry?  This would have made more sense.  Other than that, this is a fun way to explain how the elves came to live with Santa and why they are so grateful that they constantly work to help him with his presents. 

Neha : It’s a good poem, well organized.The coining of a new word ‘Froozotapplegadeese’ is commendable and so is the creativity behind the whole scenario. The story in the poem is well thought out. The personal twist about the elves legend is a stroke of genius. Shows that the writer has skill, imagination and creativity. The skill though should have been used to make the poem crisper.

I liked the ending with a question. Leaves the reader thinking

For a middle level student, the arrangement of words and correct grammar is achieved commendably

Sandhya : Delightful! Loved the story within the story about how the elves came to be at the ‘freezing’ North Pole! And the rotund Santa trying to get in through the chimney after a bellyful of cookies and cake and getting stuck a-la Winnie the Pooh – that’s certainly a cautionary tale. Also the ‘Froozotapplegadeese’ is a nice touch, very imaginative. Maybe this could be made into a longer story sometime?

Well written, with a good sense of verse. Keep reading and writing.

The Vigil and Other Stories by Gita V. Reddy

Title: The Vigil and Other Stories

Author: Gita.V.Reddy

Publishers: Frog Publication

 

A collection of stories by a woman writer has to be women oriented. Gita also has written most of them with a woman’s point of view, but it’s a refreshing view and a balanced one. Fifteen stories, each with a different theme, diverse characters and myriad emotions.

‘The Vigil’ is the story of Naina who is so organised and efficient at work that she forgets her own emotional being and is not able to savour the joys of being an expectant mother until its almost too late. ‘Time and Space’ delves on the need for a woman to be able to find her own space in a demanding family and how she has to assert herself at the end. ‘Delusions’ is a story at two levels, one of Rohit the actor and two of the lovers who know each other so well that Devika his wife finds a novel way to get him out of his delusions, but are they really delusions? Sita’s Lives is an exceptional story of how the woman who became the ideal of womanhood had suffered and how she felt. It’s an out and out feminist story of how she really must have felt and how and why she took the last recourse of finding a refuge with mother earth. ‘Reflection’ is another notable story where two women exchange their life stories only to discover that they have been on a similar journey: does this discovery bring a change in even one of them?

‘Alive’, ‘Mr. Krishnan’ ‘The Seeker’ and ‘The Life and Death of Shiva’ are neutral stories not concerned with either men or women but with discovery of meaning of life and its process, of its idiosyncrasies and our greed, selfishness and meanness. ‘The Square’ is a story which makes one realise the folly of being ensconced in one’s own thinking and rating our success accordingly without ever trying to look outside our self-created comfort zones.

More than the first story, the next one, ‘The Gift’ remains with the reader. It’s a story of long unrequited love and resultant pain which causes the protagonists to delve into the depths of their being and evolve creatively. The protagonist Mukul’s character is endearing and ‘Nandu’ haunts one for many days. ‘Open Court’ and ‘A Dangerous Bend’ are stories of the turmoil in a man woman relationship. Along with ‘The Gift’ the two most touching, almost haunting stories are ‘A Lifetime’ and ‘Dreams can Tell’; stories of enduring, long lasting love and affection which transcends worldly life and death.

An extremely readable collection of fifteen stories, it is very well written and edited. Each story has a different milieu and reflects our life situations are some phase or the other. A must read by lovers of the genre and a good book to start with for those who want to explore short stories. The language is simple and lucid. The characters have been very well developed, themes, plots and story lines are interesting, taut and nicely outlined.

TROFEO 2.0 When Santa Came Home [Category : Junior Entry No. 3]

I, Jane and my parents were having hot Choco on X-Mas eve. I had decorated the X-Mas tree. I had kept tree stockings near the X-Mas tree.

One stocking was for my mother, second stocking for my father and third stocking for me. I kept some cookies and milk also. After we finished drinking hot Choco I went to my room and started reading a book. After some time I heard a constant tapping on the door. When I opened it I saw SANTA CLAUS standing right in front of me sudden went through me. Santa looked very different. He wore a red color shirt and red color jeans. He had worn a X-Mas hat over his head. He was looking very grumpy. He had also got his reindeer sleigh which had four reindeers instead of eight. My parents invited him inside. He sat on sofa with a thud. I then offered him cookies and milk. Heate all the cookies in one gulp. Then my mother went to cook dinner and my father went to work on the laptop. Now it was just me and Santa. I asked him the reason for being so grumpy. He said that he cannot distribute gifts this time. I got very shocked. I asked him the reason for his decision.

He said that his elves were ill and could not work. I felt very bad about that. I offered to help.

He took out all his gifts and we started packing them up. Till morning all of Santa’s gifts were packed and delivered. He then thanked me and went home. This was the best X-Mas ever.

JUDGE’S VIEWS:

Renee : This story conveys the true meaning of Christmas with a young person helping someone else.  In this story, Santa receives the gift of help because his elves are sick.  Stories that show people being kind to others in need are always wonderful to read.  You describe Santa’s clothing and grumpiness very well. There are a few grammatical errors that need correcting, but the basic concept of this story is outstanding.

Neha : A very good attempt. I liked the modernization of Santa and also that his elves were sick. Even the fact that he was grumpy is a stroke of creative thinking.

The writer has good imagination and creative skill. It is a simple but well written story in terms of language.

No errors. The best entry in junior section

Sandhya : Loved the idea of a beleaguered, grumpy Santa who comes looking for a helper! I also found this sentence very amusing: ‘Then my mother went to cook dinner and my father went to work on the laptop.’ Children clearly notice more than we give them credit for – parents who go back to whatever they are usually busy doing!

What happened to Jane, though? She was there when Santa came. I was looking for her at the end. Also, the talk between Santa and the child could have been put in the form of a dialogue. This creates more interest in the narrative.

Well narrated. Keep reading and writing regularly.

TROFEO 2.0 - When Toys Had a New Year Party [Category: Junior Entry No.: 2]

Yipeeee!! New Year has come at last bringing joy and happiness along. It is chill outside and I feel the thrill inside me because it is new year today. I thought why not watch a movie on this cold wintery night. So we all sat in a bed and packed ourselves nicely in quilts and blankets. I was feeling as warm as a walrus. We started watching the movie of Toy Story. It was movie in which toys get alive when no one was watching them. We watched the movie till late in the night. Then my parents went to sleep and my brother and I came to our room. While we were sitting there silently still thinking about the story of Toy Story, we wished that our toys also come alive some day. Lo and Behold!!! our toys were standing there, all alive, looking at us. We both were very happy to see them. Then a toy said, since it is new year today, why don't we have a party here. We all happily agreed. Some of the toys prepared drinks, some baked chocolate-chip cookies, and some got packets of chips. We ate and ate till nothing was left to eat. This made me very sleepy. The next day when I woke up, the toys had gone back to being toys. But we both had a big smile on our faces as we both knew the secret of the previous night. This was perhaps the best New Year ever and I am sure our toys will play and party with us next year too.

JUDGE’S VIEWS:

Renee : What fun to think that toys might come alive and party every New Year’s Evening!  Your use of a simile to describe your warmth like a walrus was very effective.  Your story tells much about what happened but little about how your characters felt about their fun New Year’s.  Feelings make a story come alive for the reader.  This short story has the potential for a very funny longer story when you describe all the mischief that the toys create.

Neha : Good story, good premise and a good ending. A major flaw is the change of tense from present to past.

No grammatical errors and creative skill is evident.

A good attempt

Sandhya : I was a bit intrigued by the expression “warm as a walrus”. I have never come across it before, so I did a Google search on it. I found this very informative article that explained how, indeed, walruses do stay warm in freezing waters. An interesting usage!

Very well narrated. Would have loved to read some dialogue, though. Maybe some talk between you and the toys?

Keep reading and writing.

TROFEO 2.0 - When Santa Came Home [Category: Junior, Entry No.: 1]

WHEN SANTA CAME HOME

It was the night before Christmas when Santa came home. It struck 12O’clock at night. I heard some noise .I woke up and went near the study table. I saw a gift and I saw Santa at the window. While he was going he promised me he would come today at our party. In excitement woke up early and started decorating the hall where party will be held. I was done with one wall mom woke up. She also helped me in decorating the hall. Then I helped mom in baking the cake and many other recipes for party. I was expecting that Santa would come at starting but he came in between the party. When the light had gone and had come again we found Santa at the dancing floor. All shouted and hooted when they saw the Santa at dance floor. We all cut the cake which I and mom had made. Then mom served the beverages to everyone and I helped. Every one enjoyed the party and danced a lot with Santa. When it struck 12O’clock Santa disappeared but when I went to my father’s room I came to know actually my father was dressed as Santa. We had a happy ending.

JUDGE’S VIEWS:

Renee : This story is a fun reversal of the Santa coming at midnight story.  Instead, you show what Santa does before midnight.  It has a good opening and conclusion that pulls the story together nicely.  However, I would like to see more sensory imagery to describe the sights, sounds, textures, flavors, and aromas of your Christmas setting.  You have a few grammatical errors, as well, but overall, this is an interesting story.

Sandhya : Lovely, the way Santa appears in the midst of the party when lights are off!

Very well narrated. You need to break the narrative into smaller paragraphs, though. Maybe add a line or two of dialogue? That would have really perked up the story more.

Keep writing regularly, and read a lot too!

Neha : A fairly written write up. It is a good try at plot construction and story line. Well written and good use of language. There is even a revelation at the end but it is very predictable

No notable errors except the omission of I in sentence seven. Also ‘would’ should have been used instead of will in the same sentence.

It is a fair attempt.

Introducting Panel Members For TROFEO 2.0 Event

Renee Heiss :  Renee Heiss is the award-winning author of seven books and hundreds of magazine stories and articles.  Most recently, her middle grade book, Woody's World, earned a silver medal in the 2013 International Children's Literary Awards. With a co-founder, she has started her own children's publishing company, Entelechy Education, LLC, featuring their signature characters, The EnteleTrons.  Find information about Renee, her blog, and her other books at Renee Heiss. 

Sandhya Renukamba : The books she reads define Sandhya Renukamba - they take her to places that can only be dreamt of. Between her and her daughter, who is also an avid reader, they have many adventures of the bibliophilic kind. She shares these on her blog, and at Saffron Tree, Zealot Readers, and at ArtsyCraftsyMom as a guest blogger. She also writes regularly for Women's Web.

Neha Kalra : An avid reader, a book lover, a reviewer, a blogger, a poetess and someone who is managing social media for a couple of companies. Her poems have been published in various online publications.

DELHI MOSTLY HARMLESS by ELIZABETH CHATTERJEE

Title: DELHI MOSTLY HARMLESS - ONE WOMAN'S VISION OF THE CITY

Author: ELIZABETH CHATTERJEE

Publication: RANDOM HOUSE INDIA

Price: INR 299

An Indian with a Hitler-type moustache goes abroad and marries a Finnish Ice-hockey player twice his height. They have kids and the Indian surname is retained by the son, who passes it on to his two sons and a daughter. This daughter, Yorkshire born Elizabeth Chatterjee is the author of this book. Research work for her PhD brings her to Delhi frequently and this book is a collection of most of her experiences (read horrid experiences) in Delhi.

From the calm and quiet of Oxford to the sweaty wretched culture of Delhi and then back home, the book captures some of the most intimate experiences and feelings of the author. She has captured almost all of her feelings about Delhi, right from landing till the time of leaving for home back in Yorkshire. This journey for her has been a ruthless one and overflowing with hardships. She even managed to find some links into her very complicated ancestry. 

Delhi is much like a cruel step-mom and life for everyone here is difficult. It isn't a city that pampers you. Each step towards progress is a barefoot uphill journey here, but yes the ladder to progress is available here (for most people).

The book goes on to explain how each and every person you come across in Delhi is a cheat and just born to harm others. Almost every page of the book has some details that sting your self-esteem, understanding that in the eyes of an Englishperson, you as an Indian (and specifically as a Delhiite) and your very existence is a shame. The things that we consider the best, that which we pride upon are as wothless as we are (for instance, Sathya Sai Baba was a spiritual rockstar who used to wear orange prison jumpsuits, Akshardham is a big, glossy, self-congratulatory theme park obsessed with numbers and statistics, Chandigarh - the so called city beautiful of India is Le Corbusier's architectural psychosis and is a desert of slabs .. and many more). The part that I am yet to clarify as good or bad, is the fact that as the book progresses, you, as the reader, become addicted to these stings and by the time the book comes to a close, you are smiling from ear to ear. Atleast some accomplishment for a hopeless Indian (or a Dilliwaalah maybe). eh?

The author has supreme and complete knowledge about all things about Delhi, India and the world. Besides providing factual data and description of many many aspects related to the city (some unfortunately incorrect), the book also provides general knowledge about India and many of her related aspects. Before reading the book, I had no idea that Indians were colonized by the British precisely because Indians were just too lazy to fight back. How bad. I just realized, much of my education beyond the 4th standard is on farcical grounds. I also learnt that Diwali is nothing more than diabetes.Well.

Well, all is well till the book does not somehow reach those who take religion a little too seriously, for, any relation between 'Hari' and 'whorey', however small, IS offensive. 

So, much like my existence, my city, my festivals, my education - my religion too is worthless. Lesson learnt, Professor!

There are a few big consolations that the book provides. First, the title, 'Delhi mostly harmless' is an encouraging one, surprisingly positive for all that the book offers. Second, it is mentioned somewhere in the book that statistics show that it is unlikely that a resident of Delhi would be murdered. Yay!! Third, the fact mentioned earlier that the stings are addictive. For all this, you can actually read the book real quick and also manage to smile. Somehow. Fourth, any mention of any other city/country, even Britain, is in equal shade of contempt, so maybe the author's level of expectation from the world to just too high. Chalo theek hai!

I, having lived in Delhi for almost 2 decades, can say for sure that many of the tears and fears expressed by the author are held by most of the people. Life in Delhi is cruelly harsh. Not two words about it. But I fail to get myself to endorse the fact that if there were hell somewhere, it would be much better than Delhi (though this is not directly expressed by the author).

Go read this book, if you please. As for me, I shall happily feature in the author's next book, as just another example of the all-pervasive fiendishness that this city offers.