The Shrimp by Lowell Biller

Saguaro Bird, by Jess Burbank. in Issue 10: An Ekphrasis Adventure

Issue 10: An Ekphrasis Adventure is an appreciation of artwork and the poetry and stories a work of art can inspire. We're excited to feature stories and poetry by young writers who submitted their work for this theme.

Thank you to Lowell Biller for sharing his story, "The Shrimp," which was inspired by the illustration, Saguaro Bird, by Jess Burbank.

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Once upon a time, there was a cactus who was friends with a bird, and right now they are fighting a big shrimp. 

“Shoot your spikes at it!” said Birdy. 

“Okay, Birdy!”

POKE!

“We beat it, Cactus,” said Birdy. “Now let's eat cake and celebrate that we—oh no!”

“We what?”

“Look behind you, he’s still alive!” 

“Wait, that’s a different shrimp!” 

  “And it is super fierce,” said Cactus. “Look out!”   

The shrimp whacked Birdy with its foot. 

BAM!

“Oh no!” said Cactus. “Your wing got injured by the shrimp. Let’s get home, Birdy.” 

They ran super fast to their house and they locked the door.

“Phew,” said Cactus. “I have some tools to fix your wing.”

“Oh no, he’s gonna destroy our home!” said Birdy. 

BAM!

“Don’t worry, I built another house that is more secret than this house,” said Cactus. 

“Let’s go to the house!” said Birdy. 

Birdy went inside Cactus’s hole. It was very cozy. They ran to the secret house.

“We made it,” said Cactus. “I don’t have any more spikes.”

Birdy poked his head out of the hole. “I can’t see anything,” said Birdy. 

“Don’t worry, Birdy. I found the light switch.”

“Phew,” said Birdy. 

And then Cactus found some tools to fix Birdy’s wing.

“Isn’t that great, Birdy?” said Cactus.

“Yep,” said Birdy. 

THE END

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Lowell Biller is a first grade student. He's seven years old, and he likes reptiles, video games, movies, pugs, baking treats, eating treats, Ghostbusters, and Minecraft.

Our Ekphrasis Adventure issue is about using visual art as inspiration for poetry and storytelling.

Can you tell us about what stood out to you in the illustration you chose to write about? What in the image sparked the idea for your story?

I like cactuses! I liked how the bird lived inside the cactus.

Do you have a favorite artist, or a picture book, comic, or graphic novel that you love and want to shout out?

I like the books I make! I also like the Battle Bugs series.

What is your favorite topic to study in school?

Science!

What is the most interesting thing you recently learned?

I learned what congruent means!

What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers?

Battle Bugs # 5, The Cobra Clash. I would recommend it!