Thank you to all those who entered last month's story competiton.

Unfortunately some very good stories have more than 500 words so are disqualified. Stories already submitted may be resubmitted in future months with some editing to qualify them.

Keep writing your stories about yourself and Emily, Amy, Jasmine and Belle. Remember to keep them short and interesting. Funny is always good too.

Congratulations to Madeline aged 12 victoria,

from the Australian Girl Team!

This is her story...

MADELINE'S AND BELLE'S DISCOVERY

Belle looked out onto the ocean. She turned to face Madeline with a huge smile on her face. Belle loved the beach. More than anything! She had been dying to go for a swim all day. But when Madeline complained about forgetting her goggles, their beach trip was postponed for another 2 hours.

Madeline ran out into the water, without hesitation. It sent a cool chill up her back. Belle soon followed Madeline into the cool water. They both dived under at the same time making faces at each other under the water. They came up to the surface for a gasp of air.

‘This is so fun isn’t it? Belle asked. ‘Yeah, how about a race to the sand bank?’ Madeline asked ‘Sure’ Belle said.

Belle was swimming, full speed towards the sand bank. Belle could probably win the Olympics if she really tried! They soon reached the sand bank. Madeline looked around and saw Belle sitting playing with a blue and yellow shell with sparkly edges. It looked heavy. Belle’s finger traced patterns on the shell. ‘I think it’s going to be my favorite shell. Let’s take it back to my house now.’ Belle said. Madeline helped Belle up. The shell was heavy, even when both of them carried it. Suddenly, a steep change in the sand took them both under water. They dropped the shell. They couldn’t feel any sand on the floor. They swam back and were able too stand up. Belle was the first to speak. ‘Why did the sand drop?’ ‘I don’t know.

A current so close to shore is very odd. Belle, I think we dropped the shell.’ Belle looked at where the sand change happened. Belle really wanted that shell. Madeline burst into laughter. ‘You can’t be serious! We don’t know how deep that water goes! But if you’re going, I’ll come too.’ they dived down into the deep water.

Under the water everything was cool. The pressure started to hurt their heads. Suddenly Madeline screamed. Even under water you could hear it. Belle snapped her head around to only find herself screaming. Jellyfish. And lots of them. They weaved their way in and out of the blue jellyfish. For a first, Madeline beat Belle to the surface. They stood up. Madeline was very proud of herself. The fact that she was first to win the race for the first time was very pleasing to her. Belle on the other hand, was excited about escaping hundreds of jellyfish.

‘That was amazing!’ Belle yelled ‘Yeah it was! And I finally won a race with you!’ ‘I wouldn’t call swimming away from Jellyfish a race. But I hope that the jellyfish move on soon.’ They both swam back to shore. And to their surprise their shell was washed up on the beach! ‘The tide must have brought it in!’ Madeline shouted. Belle and Madeline continued to play on the beach together for a very long time.

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