Remember, your assignment is simple. Write at least five vignettes, and have at least five photos, illustrations, or a combination, and construct it into a book. You will be graded on the following:

  • Vignettes – 50%
  • Illustrations – 25%
  • Creativity in design – 25%

Here are the due dates:

  • Five vignettes due in class: Per. 6 – Oct. 30, Per. 7 – Oct. 31
  • Completed books due: Both classes: Nov. 5

Here’s an example of a short vignette:

My Best Friend

The first time I saw him, he dripped with water. His hair stuck to his body as he ran down the flooded street with a pack of barking dogs.

I didn’t pay much attention at the time, but found myself thinking about him when I should have been listening to Mrs. Burke teach about math, science, English, or some of that boring crap she always spewed from her mouth.

It still rained when the final school bell rang. And I walked home sad that I wouldn’t see the dog again.

But it’s as if there was some invisible connection. It’s as if the dog knew I wanted to see him.

When I arrived in front of my house, on the porch, hiding from the constant storm, was the little gray mutt.

I pet him, went into the house and brought out a piece of bread.

I could hear my mom tell me, “Never feed a stray.”
But I didn’t care.

I went into the house, but didn’t dare let the dog in. However, I sat on the cold wooden floor in front of the screen door and stuck my hand beneath the door so that the mutt could lick my fingers.

He did.

“I know you didn’t feed that ugly dog,” my sister said while she lay on the couch watching MTV.

I didn’t say anything in return.

“If you feed the dog, he’ll never leave,” she said.

“Good,” I wanted to say. I wanted the dog and would do everything in my ability to keep it. But I stayed silent letting the dog continue to lick my fingers.

I’ll admit, he was an ugly dog. He had too much fur, a floppy tail, and his ears poked straight up. But I didn’t care. I knew that this dog, more than any of my friends, would be loyal to me.

And for 14 years, he was the most loyal friend I had.