Charley's Backyard Stars
By Abi Crawford, a 5th grader in Mrs. Winslow's class, Columbia Jewish Day School.

As I walk outside into my dazzling, enchanted backyard, my senses go wild. I hear the birds chirping, the leaves crackling, and wind blowing crazily into my face. I smell the flowers blooming, popping out of the ground like a chick coming out of its shell. I smell the pines, their sweet smell filling the air. I feel the shiny grass, cut and fluffy. I see beautiful trees, bushes, flowers, and my swingset, creaking back and forth by the wind. I see my favorite tree, its leaves a lovely green, as green as the grass that grows beneath me. I taste an apple, red as roses, juicy and crunchy, as I sit on my step - hearing, smelling, feeling, seeing, tasting in my dazzling, enchanted backyard.

Charley's Backyard Stars are young South Carolina students who have read the Official Children's Book of Columbia, Charley's Columbia Backyard, and wish to tell others about their own backyard experiences. Author Caroline Bennett has visited schools and collected writings and art from participating students. Visit www.BAreader.com .

By Armonté Flowers, a 5th grader in Mrs. Jones's class at the Center for Achievement.