Highly Commended

DELILAH AND THE WIND OF CHANGE

 

In a golden field of daffodils stood a windmill, the home of a girl named Delilah. Delilah wasn’t just any girl; she had an extraordinary power. She could call the wind when she was in need of help. It was as though the wind was her best friend who was always there for her.

One breezy afternoon, a letter flew through the air, and Delilah jumped up to catch it. The letter read: SOS – From Bryn. Bryn was Delilah’s cousin who was stranded on top of a hill called Mount Debris. Without a moment to lose, Delilah set off to rescue her cousin.

Delilah’s journey began with a walk through a stretch of bleak land. Once a thriving forest, it was now an empty, lifeless piece of land. There, sitting on a lonely tree stump, was a squirrel looking heartbroken. “What’s wrong, little squirrel?” asked the girl.

“The humans chopped down my forest,” the squirrel squeaked sadly. “Now I have no home and no food.”

Delilah called upon the wind and from her pocket, she scattered seeds high into the air. The breeze carried them across the land, planting them gently in the soil. In moments, saplings sprouted, and the forest came alive again. The squirrel’s whiskers twitched with joy as he scurried into his new home.

Delilah soon reached a shimmering sea, but something wasn’t right. Near the surface floated a fish with a miserable face. “What’s the matter, fishy friend?” asked Delilah.

“The water is full of plastic and chemicals,” gurgled the fish. “It’s no place to live.”

Delilah called the wind once again. Together, they lifted the waste and carried it far away, leaving the sea crystal-clear. The fish flipped its tail happily and dived back into the deep depths of the sea.

In a meadow further along, Delilah spotted an exhausted bee, barely able to fly. “What’s wrong, little bee?” she asked.

“There aren’t enough flowers anymore”, the bee buzzed faintly. “I can’t find enough nectar.”

Delilah reached into her pocket once more, pulling out wildflower seeds. The wind scattered them across the meadow, and soon, colourful flowers blossomed. The bee buzzed with happiness, darting from flower to flower.

Finally, Delilah reached the enormous, dark Mount Debris, and it was unlike anything she had ever seen. The entire mountain was made of unwanted electronics: phones, laptops, televisions—all glittering like black crystals. High above, she heard a voice calling for help. It was Bryn! Delilah began a difficult climb with her feet slipping on glossy surfaces.

At the summit, she found Bryn who cried, “I’m stuck, Delilah. The waste keeps piling up!”

Together, they dismantled the mountain piece by piece and discovered threads of gold. The gold was turned into coins that they used to save the Earth, planting trees, cleaning oceans, and restoring wildlife.

With the mountain reduced to nothing and treasure found in scrap, Delilah and Bryn smiled, knowing they had turned a problem into hope.

Helenka Brooks, 11

 

PUFFIN BRIGADE

 

Once upon a time near a rocky island on the coast of Scotland, a family of puffins lived. They had feathers as black as the midnight sky and beaks that were striped like a tiger. They were bold and brave, smart and caring. Percy, Petunia, Poppy and Paul adored their home in the sea near Atlantic Cliff. They spent all day bobbing up and down on the crystal clear waves. Petunia was busy preparing to return to land to lay a shiny, new egg.

The puffins made the journey back to their beautiful cliff top but sadly, things had changed. Poppy cried at the booming noises, Paul did not understand why the grass was covered in crimson bricks and Percy felt angry when he saw ebony oil on the surface of the water below. Petunia tried to make things better by gathering lunch, but could not spot any silver eel.

The family huddled together and made the decision to find a new, safe land. They spied a wooden boat tied to a pole on the sandy beach. The puffins worked as a team to get the boat out to sea and they set sail! Using their flippers as oars, they travelled far and wide across the great ocean. The waves were big and small, narrow and wide, but they stayed strong and carried on sailing.

All of a sudden, a hammerhead shark came into view. It swam closer and closer until it crashed into the rickety boat, breaking pieces of wood in a heartbeat. The puffin family were petrified and Paul started to cry salty tears. The boat began to sink. The heartbroken family had no choice but to swim until they found land. They continued their voyage and swam into the red sunset brushed across the sky.

Daylight turned to darkness with golden stars. As the puffin family finally reached land, strange waves of pink and green danced above their heads. It was the Northern Lights and they had reached Iceland!

The family were welcomed by a huge colony of puffins. They were met by friendly puffins, fluffy puffins and even baby puffins! Percy and Petunia explained what had happened to their home. Penelope the puffin told them all about the Puffin Brigade in Iceland. A group of humans who make sure other humans do not fish too much so the puffins have food, they do not build on the homes of puffins and they make sure the ocean does not have pollution. The puffin family had huge smiles plastered on their beaks. But Petunia knew it was soon time to lay her egg so started to dig a burrow.

Later that summer, claps and cheers could be heard across Iceland as baby Pru was lifted up for all to see. Percy, Petunia, Poppy, Paul and Pru returned to Atlantic Cliff that winter, to tell everybody all about the Puffin Brigade and how to make their land a happy and safe place for the animals living there.

Nell Williams-Ray, 8

 

VICTOR

 

The viscous fuels poured into polluting engines, where a huge company was placed, run by a man called Victor Robinson. A heartless human. Destroyer of any habitat that stood in the way of money.

He owned a huge line of petrol stations and after years of shouting, working, and a bit more shouting, he hired a young boy called Arthur Wood. As he worked he realised Victor’s behaviour.

So, over the next couple of days Arthur secretly made an App. The following night Victor went home and got on the computer. He clicked on an App he had not seen before. Everything went blank.

He woke up in this beautiful place. Then he noticed the sea. His jaw dropped and his eyes refused to blink. He gazed in awe; it was like a diamond and the sun made a beautiful pattern on the shimmering water. He froze, “My home town! It looks just like when I was a kid!”

He looked at his phone, and to his astonishment it said 25th April 1974. Suddenly his phone started counting down: 3, 2….1…Blank!

His surroundings were smoggy. There were sad families carrying bags of possessions. “You feel sorry for them, don’t you?” boomed a voice. “You’re building a massive refinery. People will have to move, but what’s worse is that the climate is at stake.”

“Ha! The earth’s fine. I’m just being helpful, powering cars. And it makes me rich!” boasted Victor. “We’re going to destroy the seas” the voice replied.

Victor went down to the beach and saw tar smothering everything. He shrugged. “Still not convinced”.

“Open the App!” the voice commanded. He did as he was told and to his relief he was in his current date: 25th April 2025. He watched as it counted down again…

He woke up to the feeling of the sea on the tips of his fingers. Water was rising, flooding a village that Victor recognised. “My home town! What have I done?” he thought. He ran through the village and saw people coughing madly all around him. He looked at his phone and it read 25th April 2058.

“You caused this so you fix it” said the voice. “How?” questioned Victor. “You decide” said the voice calmly as a shower of rain poured down on the trees, turning the leaves brown. “Acid rain!” he thought.

“I understand what I’ve done. I’m terrible! Just…please…” he gasped and everything went blank.

He woke up and looked around, still trying to get his breath back. He was back on his computer. It beeped and he jumped. He was relieved to see it was just a laptop. He saw a web page which read in big letters New Company: Powered by Wind Turbines. He picked up the phone and called his designers. He told them the plan and within three months it was a new beginning.

The cool breeze whistles through the turbines where a huge company stands, run by Victor Robinson: An eco-friendly man.

Finn Donegan, 8

 

THE COLOSSAL COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

 

“Race you to the bottom!” called Oscar, dragging his suitcase behind him. Isla panted as she heaved forward her suitcase. “Come on now kids,” called Mr Brown, “hop in the car.”

Laughing, the children ran down the stairs and climbed into the car. The Browns were going to Wales for the summer. Roaring loudly, the car ate up the dull motorway, stopping in traffic every now and again. Unexpectedly, the Browns arrived 2-3 hours later, exhausted from the tiresome journey. They trudged along the cobbled streets, pulling the large suitcases. Finally, the Browns reached the hotel. They trundled up the stairs to the room with little energy.

Early the next morning, Oscar and Isla awoke and jumped out of bed, getting into matching tangerine orange sweatshirts and navy blue shorts. They yelled for their parents to hurry up and get ready quickly.

“Okay, okay no need to scream the hotel down like parrots!” chuckled Dad.

“Wake up sleepy heads” giggled Isla.

“I suppose we have to now!” grinned Mum.

After everyone was ready they went for a walk along the seashore, wrapped up nice and warm in their furry jumpers and waterproof coats. The wind whipped around, swiping at the children’s cheeks, bringing along a dense fog making visibility poor. Eventually, the wind died down and the fog disappeared much to the Browns relief. A smiling sun and salty breeze filled the air, as the family came to the end of the beach. Suddenly, Oscar and Isla spotted a mountain of rubbish nearly as tall as them.

“What on Earth has happened here?” cried Isla, “why is everything scattered everywhere?”

“Why haven’t people used the bins?” added Oscar.

“Because tourists are so careless around here” said an unfamiliar voice.

Oscar and Isla both turned around to see a girl roughly the same age standing behind them.

The girl had ginger hair, loose down to her shoulders. She wore a T-shirt saying ‘SUNSHINE’, a pair of baggy jeans and sandy shoes.

“I’m Amy” said the girl, “I collect as much rubbish as possible, but the heaps just grow each day.”

Oscar voiced an idea,” We’re here for our summer holiday, we could help you clean up the rubbish.”

“I’m grateful,” beamed Amy,” but wouldn’t that ruin your holiday plans?”

“Not at all!” exclaimed Isla,” we could gather as many people as possible and get them to help us, you know like a big clean-up.”

“Yes!” remarked Amy.

Passionately, the three youngsters began telling the local community about the clean-up. Everyone grabbed a couple of bags, a partner and set off to clean-up the junk lying about. From 11am to 4pm the crowd of people collected a colossal amount of rubbish. They also installed recycling bins and signs to help maintain a tidy beach. Their efforts did not go unnoticed. To the children’s amazement, the 10pm news featured a report on the community clean-up of the beach. Oscar and Isla beamed as they were interviewed, creating memories of their best ever holiday.

Vraya Mistry, 9

 

THE FORGOTTEN HEDGEHOG

 

At the bottom of an oak tree, not far from the famous wind turbine painted like a giant daffodil, lived a little hedgehog. He was the smallest in his prickle, but the smartest. One day, when he was out for a stroll, he stumbled on some coins. Being a hedgehog, he couldn’t see them properly, so he went back to his house and got his glasses. When he came back, his nosey neighbour the red squirrel was sat there, studying the coins.

“Hey Hamish!” mocked the squirrel, “Guess what, I’m on the coin and you're not!” “Oh yeah”, teased Hamish, “I bet I am”. But it was true, he wasn’t on a single coin. He decided to bet the squirrel that he would one day be on a coin. So he set out in search of the King but it wasn’t going to be easy - he was soon going to realise the challenges on the way.

Little did he know that just up ahead, there was something waiting for him. Thankfully, he had remembered to bring his glasses so he could see what was in front of him. It was a noisy motorway, and was extremely scary for a little hedgehog like him. To make matters worse, he had to cross two roads humming with cars. If he got hit, it would be fatal. But because he was so determined, he took a running jump and just managed to grab onto a bonnet. It was a very small car and looked old fashioned. Luckily the driver didn’t see the hedgehog because of the wind screen wipers, and he seemed to be heading towards Buckingham Palace. “It must be one of his butlers,” thought Hamish as they arrived at the gates.

Once inside, he made a reservation to meet the King. As soon as he was called up, he dashed (which was walking for humans) straight into his office, almost running into a chair. The King was surprised that it was a little hedgehog visiting. Even more so, he was speechless when the hedgehog started making a speech about how hedgehogs are endangered animals and should also be featured on a coin. Surprisingly, the King agreed!

Later that day, the King took him to where the coins are made. They had a little mine where there was lots and lots of gold and silver. There was a little printing machine in the middle, where the animals were added. He made Hamish his very own coin and started giving orders to the miners to print hedgehogs on a new coin worth £3! The king signed Hamish’s coin, and he asked Hamish where he lived and gave him a royal ride in his best car. Once he got home, the news had already spread and he was celebrated by all the animals in the neighbourhood. Hamish and all the hedgehogs were finally on a coin. Hamish grew up with pride, keeping the signed coin close to his heart.

Isabelle Williams, 11

 

MONKEY’S POINT OF VIEW 

 

The jaguar that growls, the parrot that squawks, The hiss of a snake to celebrate what it’s caught.

A crash on the left, a roar on the right, Sometimes so suddenly, it gives you a fright!

The hum of a hornet as it travels at speed, Looking for flowers to give them their needs.

But then, what’s that, a splash from behind? Then a snap of jaws is what’s on a gator’s mind.

The crack of a branch, a yowl of the prey, Then a creak of a tree as it starts to give way.

The flap of a bird, ready to dive, Prey looking around but there’s nowhere to hide.

Rustle, snap, crunch! Just as an eagle gets ready for lunch.

A swoop, then a swish. Now that rodent’s at risk.

But just as it thinks it’s gotten away, When it turns around, it will no longer see the day.

Then a shuffling sound, Look behind you! It has never been found!

The sizzle of fire as humans slash and burn, But soon enough the tides will take a turn.

Nathaniel MacCoss-Smith, 10

 

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

 

The old woman, Elara, sat unbothered on a park bench, the faded floral print of her antique dress almost camouflaging with the vibrant blooms of a nearby rose bush. London, her London, swirled around her – a kaleidoscope of bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and the gentle murmur of the Thames. But Elara's gaze held a wistful softness, a discernible contrast from the city's frenetic energy. Her heart held a vivid collection of dreams, whispered wishes for this beloved metropolis.

She dreamt of a picturesque London: one where every child had access to a green space, where the scent of wildflowers replaced the smog, and the sound of hummingbirds filled the air. A London where gardens of all sorts thrived; shared meals were commonplace, fostering a sense of belonging and an unbreakable connection that had, in recent years, begun to drastically dwindle.

She dreamt of a London where art flourished beyond the hallowed halls of galleries, where murals painted by local artists decorated every corner, where music trickled into open doorways and echoed euphorically across the whole city. A London where creativity was nurtured; every individual felt enlightened to express their own unique voice.

Her dreams extended to the River Thames: a vibrant foundation to trade and life. She envisioned it sparkling clean, teeming with diverse wildlife, a testament to the city's commitment to environmental responsibility. Boats carrying passengers silently, powered by renewable energy, would glide past historic landmarks, offering a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

Elara dreamt of a London where kindness, respect and teamwork were the only currency, where a smile was exchanged freely, where acts of generosity were normal. A London where the homeless were hospitably sheltered, the vulnerable were protected, and every voice was heard.

Already, there was progress; not enough to fulfil Elara’s dream.

She knew that building this feasible future required more than just dreams. It required ardent action, collaboration, and unwavering belief. But Elara, with her gentle wisdom and unwavering hope, was ready to plant the seeds of change. Her dreams for London, she knew, could blossom into reality, one act of kindness, one spark of creativity, one clean riverbank at a time.

Sharvil Jadav, 11

 

THE GREAT SANAMA TREE

 

Long, long ago, in the town of Sanama a group of Warriors wanted to expand their dwellings by cutting down the trees in the surrounding forests. The forest was inhabited by a smaller group of people known as Foresters, who loved, understood and preserved wildlife. However, the forest wasn't just for the Foresters, they shared it with lots of animals and plants. In the centre was the Holy Tree of the Foresters, known as The Great Sanama Tree. They worshipped the tree every day and told it their worries and problems, as has been tradition of their people for many centuries. It was like an elder parent to them, and they believe that it solved every problem it was told. Legend has it that the reason the tree was so wise was that many rare and special animals made their home and habitat within it.

It wasn't long before the Warriors effortlessly overcame the Foresters and started cutting down their home at a rapid pace. Tree by tree, plant by plant, animal by animal, their forest was slowly dying. The Head Chief of the Warriors was cutting down the most trees and was eager to be the one who cut down the Great Tree. With his axe in his hand, he was about to strike The Sanama Tree when he looked around to see a monkey scampering down it. In a language which he didn't think he knew, yet in that moment he understood perfectly, the monkey told him that a curse will be upon the one who kills this tree.

He ignored the monkey.

As the first blow of his axe dug into the thick bark a snake slithered down the tree. Speaking to him in a language that he didn't know, yet at that moment understood perfectly, it told him that generations of animals have lived in this tree and that misfortune will be upon anyone who kills it. He ignored the snake and his axe splintered the trunk for the second time. The corner of his eye caught a sloth slowly moving his way down the branches. In a language that he didn't know, yet at that moment understood perfectly, the sloth said to him that the ways of man are wrong. They chop down one tree, then get greedy, come back for many more until nothing is left to hold the ground in place. A tragedy will come upon any man who kills this tree.

Mid-swing of his axe, the man suddenly stopped and stared at the tree, his eyes capturing its magnificence and beauty for the first time.

Many years later, in the Forest of Sanama there were plenty of big, tall trees and many Warriors had moved in with the Foresters and man and nature lived friendly and carefree together.

We are cutting down too many trees and we need to do whatever we can to stop deforestation. Every small or big bit helps.

Xander Petersen, 11

 

THE GIRL WHO BUILT THE SUSTAINABLE CITY

 

Once there was a twelve-year-old girl called Hallie. With shimmering blue eyes and straight black hair, she dreamt magnificent dreams. She wanted to build a city made out of candy and make a home inside a rocket. Hallie also loved nature. She read books about magical fairy lands, and how they were covered in life. She studied how different species survived in the wild. She learnt about the origin of each animal.

But her world shut down her dreams.

In this world, there was only one city. Blackball. A place where huge black buildings towered over people and concrete layered the grounds. Gardens were made out of black rock. Not a single tree, flower or meadow was in sight. Large, black cars surrounded the houses. Worst of all, a thick cloud of black smoke covered the city. The city was ruled by an awful king. With a dark black beard, and red bloodshot eyes, he was as mean as could be. He didn’t care about his people at all. He only hungered power. He loathed nature because it took up space for his “precious” kingdom.

His favourite phrase: you get what you got.

Hallie knew that the world was suffering and she had to do something. She was resilient and her wits and intelligence were unstoppable. She began to collect nature friendly things. With a tub of glue, she stuck things together. Making her creations tower high. Wood would turn into breathable homes. Cardboard boxes to bicycles. Plastic bottles to windows. Old lego to playgrounds. Old wrappers to bags. Forgotten soft toys to pillows.

A little outside the town was an abandoned space with little grass. She moved her creations here and rapidly planted anew.

Tall towers and short houses covered in grass stood together in unity, solar panels at the top to make electricity. Museums about nature, schools and community centres, all made of wood, weaved through it all. Playgrounds made of old lego sat happily next to them. Grass and meadows were beneath it all. Joyful bicycles, made of cardboard, stood next to houses. A thin river trickled down it all. Butterflies and bees swarmed happily, appreciating a place to enjoy themselves. Wind turbines were all around to power electricity at night. But the jewel in the crown was the palace. A beautiful six floor home fit for a queen watched from the peak of the city, made entirely out of egg cartons covered in flowers that bloomed all year round.

Hallie had made an eco friendly city.

Soon enough people migrated away from the king’s city to Hallie’s. The builders were later sent to destroy Blackball. The king was bought into the palace. He begged for forgiveness and a chance to be a humble citizen. Hallie just smiled sourly and said, “You get what you got.” And threw him in the eco friendly prison.

Amber Rahman, 9