How would you approach writing the concluding paragraph to your own Australian adventure story set in your local community?

Your paragraph needs to be 100 words or less and include the words “local”, “spring”, and the number “150”.

A daunting prospect? Not for avid reader Emily.

This was the criteria outlined in a recent on-line competition with ABC Southern Queensland Radio which was won by Emily.

Her story read:

I looked all around me as Dad drove me home in the muddy ute.

The cool spring breeze was blowing my long, brown hair in my face.

As I looked through the window, I saw the 150- something pink and white galahs on the athletics oval, as usual, chattering while they ate worms. There also were the locals closing their shops for the day, the sunset highlighting the town in pink and orange.

All was well in the little town, and I thought that this ought to be how all adventures should end.

Emily's prize was the entire “50 Books That You Can't Put Down” from the Books Alive List. Books Alive is one of the sponsors of a visit by author Judy Nunn on November 18.

Which books did she read first?

"I've already read five, so I don't think it will take me long to finish them".

Her favorite so far is "Robot Riot” by Andy Griffiths, but she has aso enjoyed “Finnikin of the Rock” by Melina Marchetta.

To investigate the list of books in the “50 Books That You Can't Put Down” and to read through The Guide on each book, log on to www .booksalive.com.au.

Here’s what Emily had to say about “Robot Riot”.

Book: Robot Riot

Author: Andy Griffiths

Suitable for: Primary age children Grades 4-7

Rating: Three of five stars

Robot Riot tells the story of Henry McThrottle who believes that a new girl at his school is a robot, disguised as an innocent schoolgirl named Roberta Flywheel.

He has proof that she is going to take over the class, and the world. Can he stop her before it is too late?

A funny book about accepting new friends.