Roses are red
Violets are blue
Valentinies rock
And so do YOU!
Hang onto your chocolate everyone! It’s time for . . .
The First Annual Pretty Much World Famous Valentiny Writing Contest!!!
Valen-tiny because the stories are not very long and are written for little people 🙂
The Contest: since writing for children is all about “big emotion for little people” (I forget who said that, but someone did so I put it in quotes!) and Valentines Day is all about emotion, write a Valentines story appropriate for children (children here defined as ages 12 and under) maximum 214 words in which someone is grumpy! Your story can be poetry or prose, sweet, funny, surprising or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes someone grumpy (can be the main character but doesn’t have to be) and is 214 words max (get it? 2/14 for Valentines Day 🙂 You can go under the word count but not over! Title is not included in the word count. No illustration notes please!
Post your story on your blog between right now this very second and Friday February 12th by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list below. I apologize that I’m still experimenting with how to use link lists on wordpress – please forgive me for any glitches and I thank you in advance for your patience! There will be no Would You Read It or Perfect Picture Book Friday this week, so the post and the list of links will stay up all week for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t have a blog and would like to enter, you can simply copy and paste your entry in the comments section of this post. (Or, if you have difficulty with the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me and I’ll post it for you! If you email it to me, please put “Valentiny Contest Entry” in the subject line and copy and paste your story, including your title, byline and word count, into the body of the email. NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE!) I’m not sure how posting in the comments is going to work on wordpress… whether there will be room for enough responses to each entry and whether there’s a way to link to specific comments so they’re easy to locate as I did on blogger… so we shall all have to learn together. Pantsing. It’s what life’s all about 🙂
The Judging: over the weekend, my lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 or maybe 6 or possibly 10 top choices (hee hee hee – you know how much trouble I have winnowing, so we’ll see…) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Tuesday February 16th or Wednesday February 17th (depending on how many entries we get and because I will be out of office all day Monday.) The winners will be announced on Friday February 19th. (And there will be no WYRI or PPBF the week of Feb. 15-19 either so that everyone will have time to read and vote and so that we don’t confuse PPBF with announcing winners.) If we get more than 20 entries, I will post 6 finalists, if we get more than 30 or 40, well, all bets are off. I never know what to expect from a new contest. Remember, you’re witnessing pantsing in action 🙂 But I’m hoping we’ll get enough entries to make giving out the 10 AWESOME prizes worthwhile!
Judging criteria will include:
- Kid-appeal/Kid-friendliness – remember, this is a story for kids!
- Creativity in using grumpiness, and success in making us feel the grumpiness!
- Quality of story – we will look for basic story elements and a true story arc
- Quality of writing – use and flow of language, correctness of mechanics
- Originality – surprise us with something new and different! 🙂
The Prizes: Oh. My. Goodness! do we have fabulous prizes! If these don’t motivate you to write your best, I don’t know what will! 🙂
– A Picture Book Read and Critique from literary agent Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis who is actively building her picture book list!
CHRISTA HESCHKE graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in children’s. For YA, she is especially interested in contemporary fiction, thriller/mystery, and horror. She is always on the lookout for a compelling voice combined with a strong, specific hook that will set a YA novel apart in its genre and the flooded market. She is open to all types of middle grade and especially enjoys adventure, mystery, and magical realism, whether in a voice that is more light and humorous or one with more of a timeless, literary feel. For both YA and MG, she is particularly interested in unique settings and cultural influences, interesting storytelling structure, complicated romances, diverse characters, sister or friendship-centric stories, and stories that feature artists of any kind. In picture books she is drawn to cute, funny stories (as opposed to sweet and quiet) with strong hooks that will grab both kids and their parents as well as the occasional nonfiction biography on a unique subject whose story has yet to be told.
Please feel free to follow her on twitter and enjoy her blog! Twitter: @ChristaHeschke
Blog: Neverending Stories
– Enrollment in Julie Hedlund and Emma Walton Hamilton‘s Complete Picture Book Submissions System!
– Enrollment in literary agent Jodell Sadler‘s Pacing Picture Books 2 WOW picture book writing class in March 2016!
– A spot in an upcoming Ariel Richardson webinar, Rule Breaking In Picture Books: The Chronicle Books Edition offered by Jodell Sadler
– Winner’s choice of free enrollment in ART OF ARC: HOW TO ANALYZE YOUR PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT OR a deep analysis critique from Alayne.
ART OF ARC is a self-study course that will deepen your understanding of picture books written with a classic arc and introduce you to other picture book structures. The course gives you tools to analyze your work prior to investing in professional critiques. It shows you how to avoid common writing errors and how apply writing elements that will enhance your stories to take them to a higher level. It includes 217 pages with ten lessons, seventeen supplements, and eighteen worksheets. Plus bonus materials and resources.
– A Picture Book Critique/Developmental Edit (non-rhyming picture book manuscript) from Beth Stilborn. (Beth does developmental editing and copy editing through her Flubs2Fixes Editing, Consulting and Writers’ Resources service for writers. http://www.flubs2fixes.com )
– A Picture Book Critique from the fabulous Robin Newman, author of The Case Of The Missing Carrot Cake and the forthcoming, eagerly awaited Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep (please don’t miss the fantastic trailer! 🙂 )
– personalized signed copies of The Case Of The Missing Carrot Cake and Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep by Robin Newman
– a personalized signed copy of The Night Before Valentines Day by Natasha Wing! Natasha Wing loves Valentine’s Day because it’s a week after her birthday. Natasha is the bestselling author of The Night Before series (Grosset & Dunlap). To find out more: www.natashawing.com
– personalized signed copies of Clara Bowman-Jahn‘s delightful picture books Annie’s Special Day and Edmund Pickle Chin
– I Heart Picture Books – a 5-pack of Valentine picture books including A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger, Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie B. Friedman, Zombie In Love by Kelly DiPucchio, Love, Splat by Rob Scotton, and Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood PLUS 3 Endangered Species Chocolate Bars!
Once again, please join me in thanking Christa, Jodell, Julie & Emma, Alayne, Beth, Robin, and Natasha for their incredible generosity, and show your appreciation by visiting their sites, buying and recommending their books and services to your writer friends and/or friends with kids, writing them nice reviews on Amazon, GoodReads etc if you’ve read and liked their books, and showing your appreciation to them in any way you can! I truly can’t thank them all enough!
So now it’s time for me to post my little sample. Prepare yourselves 🙂
Who’s A Grumpy Valentine? 214 words
Boris and Irma were making Valentines.
Boris frowned with concentration as he cut hearts from red paper.
“Boris is grumpy,” Irma announced. “His hearts aren’t as good as mine.”
“Don’t be grumpy, Boris,” Mom said. “Your hearts look good to me.”
Boris wasn’t grumpy.
His hearts looked good to him too.
Boris laid his hearts in a row.
He grunted trying to squeeze glue from the bottle that Irma had left nearly empty.
“Boris is grumpy,” Irma declared. “He can’t squeeze glue as neatly as me.”
But Boris wasn’t grumpy.
His glue lines were exactly the way he wanted them.
Boris banged the glitter jar against his hand to break up the clump at the bottom.
“Boris is grumpy,” Irma sang out. “He’s making a mess with his glitter!”
“EVERYone makes a mess with glitter,” said Mom with a meaningful glance at Irma’s mess.
Boris was carefully writing the letters L-O-V-E-B-O-R-I-S when suddenly…
“My VALENTINES!” Irma shrieked.
She had spilled her juice!
“They’re RUINED!”
Boris snatched his Valentines from the spreading puddle.
Mom swooped in with paper towel.
Irma’s Valentines were saved but soggy.
Irma stamped her foot and made a noise like a hive of angry bees.
Boris looked at Mom. “I think Irma’s grumpy!”
But he shared his Valentines with her anyway.
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Everyone feeling better about their stories now? I should certainly HOPE so! 🙂
I can’t wait to read all of yours! I’m so looking forward to them! I hope there will be a lot – the more the merrier! And there are still 4 days to write, so you have time if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!
So!
Contest Entrants, remember to add your post-specific link to the linky list below so we can all come read your awesome stories! (Post-specific means not your main blog url, but the actual url of the post that has your story in it – otherwise if you post again before the contest ends, your link will take readers… and judges!… to the wrong place!)
Eager Readers – you ALSO need to click the “click here” to add your entry button on the linky list just to see the list of links. I apologize profusely for the inconvenience of not having the list visible right here on my site. If I can find a way around it before the contest ends I’ll change it.
Fingers crossed this thingamajig can fly! 🙂
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
And don’t miss the 78 fabulous entries posted in the comment section!
1. Grizzly Grump – Sharon G.
2. Mommy Bunny’s Slightly Grumpy Valentine – Eric
3. My Little Buddy Boy – Tracy
4. A Heart In The Sand – Sharon C
5. Sulky Sky – Cate
6. No Valentines For Porcupines – Jess
7. Treasured Lumps Of Pickled Grumps – Maria O
8. A Groundhog’s Valentine – Jill Proctor
9. Valentines Gifts – Cindy
10. (Un)Lovely Leonard – Lauren
11. I Hate Valentine’s Day – Joni
12. NUTS! – Juli
13. My Heart Thumped – Jim
14. Roman’s Lousy Valentine – Lindsay
15. The Lonely Hearts Club – Samantha
16. The Grizzly Who Couldn’t Bear Valentines – Julie
17. Grumpy Badger’s Valentine – Ann
18. The Stinky Valentine – Judy
19. Mr. Mean – Diana
20. The Chocolate Heart – Kris
21. Porchy And Emma – Valerie
22. Replacement Valentine – Melissa B
23. Violet’s Valentines – Beth
24. My Grumpy Valentine – Gabrielle
25. KEEP OUT! A Love Story – Jen
26. Remembering Hammie – Meagan
27. The Right Angles – Meredith
28. Jim’s Valentine’s Day – Maria M
29. The Valentine’s Day Witch – Lesley
30. Lola In Love – Melissa di T
31. Happy Valentine’s Day, Bear! – Carol
32. The Unexpected Kiss – Mindy
33. Millie Mouse, Will You Be My Valentine? – Laura
34. “I Hate Valentine’s Day!” – Carleen
35. Shape Up – Jill Purtee
36. Valentine Sleepover – Caroline
37. Box Of Secrets – Lisa
38. Jim – Polly
39. Puppy Love – Ellen
40. The Favorite Donut – Helen
41. Cupid’s Sea Shanty – Alice
42. Valentine Birthday Boy – Sara
43. Mr. Grumpy’s Birds – Anne S
44. Grumpy Is Blue – Anita
45. Chomper’s Valentine’s Day Road Trip – Michele
46. Squirrel’s Valentine Surprise – Debbie
47. That’s Not A Valentine! – Anne B
48. Grump Truck, Love Truck – Amy G
49. Matty’s Angel Picture – Jane
50. George The Baker – Jennifer A
51. Every Dog Has His Valentine’s Day – Cynthia P
52. Olivia’s Gloomy Valentine’s Day – Carolyn
53. Cantankerous Claudius: The Grouch Behind The Valentine – Suzanne
54. Valentine Surprises – Kathleen
55. Badger’s Valentine – Lori
56. Roman’s Handmade Valentines – Julie R
57. Grumpy’s New Name – Amanda
58. An Unlikely Friendship – Sandy
59. Shoo Fly Valentine – Kristen
60. XOXO, Your Secret Admirer (Larry) – Christine
61. Rather Take A hike – Pamela
62. Valentine’s Rock – Dina
63. Old Grumpentine – Kirsten
64. No Snacks For Mx – Shelley K
65. Billy Goat Grump – Angela
66. The Valentine Phantom – Heather
67. Chocolate Surprise – JC Kelly
68. Grumps And The Valentine’s Day Dance – Janet
69. My Grumpy Funny Valentine – Ashley
70. The Case Of The Missing Valentine Party Supplies – Robin
71. Valentine’s Day At Sweet Pig’s – Patricia
72. The Grumps – Ingrid
73. Leprechaun Love – Patti
74. A Colorful Valentine’s Day – Susan
75. Valentine Magic – Charlotte
76. Special Valentines – Sara
[77. You Had Me At Oink – Shelley M]
78. Flicker’s Valentine – Jenifer
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Grizzly Grump
by Sharon Giltrow
word count 214
Grizzly Grump was Grumpy.
“I will grump no more,” he said
Grizzly Grump went outside.
He climbed a tree.
“New neighbours?” he said.
“Hi! I’m Lovely Pleasant” said a cheerful voice.
Grizzly Grump fell.
Thump!
Grizzly Grump ran to his room.
He saw Lovely Pleasant from his window.
Lovely Pleasant carried her brother’s toys inside.
How nice. It gave Grizzly Grump an idea.
Grizzly Grump burst into his sister’s room.
Grabbed her toys, and dumped them in the toy box.
His heart tingled, his belly fluttered.
“What are you doing? Mess my room up and get out!” his sister screamed.
Grizzly Grump ran to his room.
He saw Lovely Pleasant give her Dad a glass of lemonade.
Grizzly Grump rushed to the kitchen.
“For you, Dad!” he screeched.
His heart tingled, his belly fluttered.
“Yuk!” spluttered Dad.
Grizzly Grump scampered under the blackberry bush and cried.
“What’s the matter?” asked Lovely Pleasant.
“I tried to be nice but I don’t know how,” he said.
“Tell me something mean you did today,” she said.
“Nothing,” he said.
“Now think of something nice,” she said.
“I tidied my sister’s toys, and made Dad lemonade,” he said.
“There you go,” she said.
Grizzly Grump smiled, his heart tingled and his belly fluttered.
It felt nice.
sharongiltrow@gmail.com
Poor Grizzly – trying so hard to be nice! I think he did a good job 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun, Sharon!
What fun, Sharon! I think you did something nice today, too, by posting your entry & bringing smiles to our faces;)
Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us that we’re pretty okay after all. Now she was lovely and oh so pleasant for being kind to Grumpy.
Grizzly feels like I do on some days. Great job, Sharon. 🙂
Aww, sweet story, Sharon. I’m glad Grizzly Grump’s new neighbor was able to help him see that he was doing something right.
ENTRY POSTED FOR ERIC
Mommy Bunny’s Slightly Grumpy Valentine – 214 words
By Eric Hill
It was Valentine’s Day! Mommy Bunny had a Surprise for her seven Bunny Babies. Their names were Stumpy, Bumpy, Jumpy, Scrumpy, Lumpy, Steve, and Brightly Shining Wonderfulness (who was usually lost in some kind of dream world). Mommy Bunny had baked a triple layer chocolate Valentine’s Cake in the shape of a heart with pink and white frosting and little tasty heart shape candies all over it. After the seven Bunny Babies had gathered around the table for their mid-day dessert, Mommy Bunny brought the beautiful cake out from the cupboard. She said, “Surprise! Happy Valentine’s Day!” All seven of her Bunny Babies began jumping up and down with joy when they saw the incredible heart shaped cake. Well, actually, only six of them jumped up and down because as usual, Brightly Shining Wonderfulness was day dreaming about pure white Unicorns. Unfortunately, Steve got a bit over-excited. He did a perfect double backflip, but stuck the landing right in the middle of the beautiful cake and totaled it. All of the other Baby Bunnies were suddenly very sad, well except for you know who. Mommy Bunny gave Steve one of those looks, and said, “Steve, your well executed uncontrolled back flip has ruined my cake…I’m Grumpy”.
Eric, wonderful entry. Steve got to eat first. Hahaha.
Yummy entry, Eric. I can only imagine how grumpy Mommy Bunny was as she surveyed the ruined cake.
You already know how entertaining I find this story, Eric, but your close association with the head judge might lead to rumors of favoritism were you to become a finalist 🙂 ❤
Hahaha — super funny story, Eric! And now I’m hungry for triple layer chocolate cake. Oh, and mid-day dessert sounds wonderful. That should definitely become a thing.
ENTRY POSTED FOR TRACY
My Little Buddy – 214 words
by Tracy Potash
I glance to my left then I glance to my right. Ah, there it is – that adorable, ebony, wet nose pressed against my warm cheek. “There’s my little buddy boy,” I mumble with a big yawn. “Ugh,” I grumble and slowly slide out of my comfy bed. Bones aching, knees shaking, I stare annoyingly and give him one of those I – know – what – you – want looks, then I spell it out,
W – A – L – K! Jack leaps to the floor, twirls excitedly and bow-wow-wows boisterously. His curly, white tail wagging, his brown eyes big and bright, Jack prances along the winding street. Jack pauses at the corner, approaches the wooden fence, glances left then glances right. Ah, there it is – that adorable, ebony, wet nose pressed against mine. “Bexley, my little buddy boy!” sighs Jack. The gate suddenly pops open and out bounces Jack’s favorite friend and neighbor. Their curly, white tails wagging in unison, their brown eyes big and bright, Bexley and Jack twirl excitedly and bow-wow-wow boisterously together. “There’s my little buddy boys!” I smile happily and give them one of those I – know – what – you – want looks, then I spell it out,
W – A – L – K! Jack, Bexley and I happily prance on.
Aw! What a cute story, Tracy! As a dog lover I can well relate to Jack and Bexley’s joy at being together for their W-A-L-K! It’s amazing how dogs can spell, isn’t it? Thank so much for a sweet Valentiny entry! 🙂
I love your story, Tracy. It’s adorable.
I love dogs that can spell, Tracy. L-O-V-E your entry, too!
I’m smiling too. Love how you showed their friendship.
Thanks bunches.
I know, right! Dogs are super duper smart! Especially my little buddy boy
Super sweet story, Tracy! We spell W-A-L-K when we don’t want our dog to understand, but I do think she’s catching on!
A Heart In The Sand-214 Words
by Sharon Constantino
Valentine’s Day is coming! Hearts are everywhere!
John wasn’t worried, he didn’t have a care,
For mom he made a card, with a pretty purple heart.
It came really good!… He made it in art.
“My mom is the best! I want more than that.”
He made a heart in the sand, really big, and fat!
“A sand heart will be the best gift,” he thought
It would be much better than a present he bought.
He was happy at first, until the rain started to fall.
Then there was a huge puddle, wide, deep and tall!
Now he was grumpy, disgruntled, and sad,
His sand heart was ruined, and he was mad!
John stomped his feet, kicked the ground, he grumbled
He didn’t look up, tripped over the dog, and he tumbled!
Lying there on the floor, with a tear in his eye,
He said, “I don’t like Valentine’s Day,” and he started to cry.
Mom came in then and said, “What happened, dear?
She gave him a hug and wiped away his tear.
He told her his story, it’s so sad and so true
Then mom understood why John was so blue.
He gave her the card, and was so relieved,
When mom said, “This is the best present I ever received!”
Poor John! Haven’t all of us, or our kids, attempted something like this that didn’t quite work out as planned?! But don’t Mom’s always know what’s really important 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun, Sharon!
Love the happy ending. Mommies always make everything better. Heart smiles over here.
Love the happy ending, Sharon. So true, Mom’s are best at wiping away the tears.
Sweet, thoughtful John — I’m glad his efforts paid off in the end. Lovely story.
Sweet, thoughtful John — I’m glad his efforts paid off in the end! Lovely story.
Awwww so true! This reminds me of a certain 4-and-a-half year old girl who must always get it exactly right… 🙂
Sulky Sky
By Cate Carlyle (NS Canada)
Skip was always happy.
He woke up with a smile on his face every morning and bounced out of bed.
Skip was never invited to play tag, and he’d only had tickly hugs from his mum, but Skip didn’t care. He was a happy porcupine.
Skip’s sister, Sky, was not. Sky was always grumpy.
She woke up with a frown on her face, and growled at EVERYONE.
“Go away!”
“Leave me alone”
“Stop smiling, Skip!”
Valentine’s Day was the worst.
Sky refused to get out of bed, trying to sleep the day away. You see Sky had never been given a Valentine.
She was a grouchy porcupine and who wants to make cards for someone like that?
Why would this year be any different?
On February 14th Sky crawled off the top bunk, and slunked to the kitchen table.
She slurped down her cereal, growled goodbye to her mom and dragged herself out the front door.
But this year was different.
When she opened the door Sky was greeted with a crowd of her school mates, each one holding a handmade card for her!
As a rare grin slowly crept across her face, Sky noticed Skip at the back of the crowd a sneaky satisfied twinkle in his eye.
Aw! The true meaning of Valentines Day – doing something kind for someone you love! How lucky Sky is to have Skip for a brother! I love that she “growled goodbye to her mom” – that was perfect! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun Cate!
Now that’s the ticket. With that outpour of love, of course a grin crept across her face. Skip is one cool dude.
Cate, love that Skip shared the love and brought a smile to his sister’s face.
Maybe Sky won’t be such a prickly porcupine now! Sweet story of sibling love!
Treasured Lumps ofPickled GrumpsByMaria Ordish on February 8, 2016, 213 words GloomySundays kept me exploring for treasureInsidewardrobes, under rugs and behind doors, for good measure.Iwas about to give up. My spirit was sinking…Untila key with a heart-shaped bow began clinkingAgainstthe steps by the attic door. Iwas cautiously curious, but ready for more!Amaster key to unlock every hole, Couldfinally help me reach my goal!Attics,of course, are musty and dusty…Eternallyfull of everything rusty.Threehours I searched for my beautiful booty,WhenI spotted a tired old trunk, fulfilling its duty…Restingpatiently in a web of a spider’s bed.Iworked my key’s magic. The trunk groanedwith dread.Therewere oodles of oddities for a seeker like me!Anda note, faded and moldy, stating the owner’s decree… We bestow a curse on all who pillageand raid!Signed, (Respectfully)TheCheesy Egg Pickle Brigade. Ilaughed at the notion and grabbed an old jar.Itslabel read, ‘Lumpy Grumpy Pickly Plumpys’… Howbizarre!What’san adventurer to do? SoI ate one or two… and turned one hundred shades of blue!Iran to a looking glass downstairs in my roomTodiscover I had bloomed a grumpy gloom!Thecurse! I presume… (Boo hoo bloo.)
From: Susanna Leonard Hill To: mariaordish@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, February 8, 2016 2:04 AM Subject: [New post] Be Still My Heart! The 1st Annual Valentiny Writing Contest Is Here!!! #yiv9971349935 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv9971349935 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv9971349935 a.yiv9971349935primaryactionlink:link, #yiv9971349935 a.yiv9971349935primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv9971349935 a.yiv9971349935primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv9971349935 a.yiv9971349935primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv9971349935 WordPress.com | Susanna Leonard Hill posted: “Roses are redViolets are blueValentinies rockAnd so do YOU!Hang onto your chocolate everyone! It’s time for . . .The First Annual Pretty Much World Famous Valentiny Writing Contest!!!Valen-tiny because the stories are not very long and are writte” | |
No Valentines for Porcupines – 214 Words
by Jess Townes
Pip would not go to school today.
He would not ride the bus.
He would not hand out heart-shaped cards
and join in all the fuss.
For every year it was the same.
Each glittered, heartfelt greeting
was passed around with candy treats
for sharing and for eating.
Freddy Fox would slyly smile
at Katy Kangaroo,
while Lucy Lark made googly eyes
at Carl Cockatoo.
But there’d be no note for Pip,
not one small Valentine.
Pip knew no one could ever love
a prickly porcupine.
“Blech!” groaned Pip. “I cannot stand
this lovey-dovey day.
I think I’ll just go back to bed
and wish it all away.”
But Mom and Dad said, “Off you go!”
and kissed their son goodbye.
Pip sulked and moped his way to school,
arriving with a sigh.
The room was full of sugary treats
and Valentines galore.
But Pip sat at his empty desk.
His heart sank to the floor.
“Eh-hem,” Pip heard a tiny voice
and lifted up his head.
Henrietta Hedgehog stood before him
and she said-
“I don’t like pink or candy hearts,
Or Saint Valentine.
But there IS one thing I like,
That’s you, Pip Porcupine.”
Pip smiled a gigantic grin
that chased his blues away.
Maybe he would have to
reconsider Valentine’s Day.
Aw! What a cute story, Jess! You managed to develop character and story arc and a sweet resolution along with making me feel Pip’s grumpiness all in 214 words! Excellent job! Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun! 🙂
Ohhhh this is so adorable. I was hoping someone would do a secret crush. I love it. Well done.
Porcupines & hedgehogs – love the pairing & your sweet story, Jess.
Thank you all for your sweet comments!
What a sweet little pair.
Love the porcupine/hedgehog combo! Well done!
So sweet! You set the perfect tone and I love the ending. This was great to read out loud, too.
Here’s my entry! Follow the link to my blog to read NUTS! (213 words) http://julicaveny.blogspot.com/search/label/Valentiny%20Writing%20Contest
Treasured Lumps of Pickled Grumps
By Maria Ordish on February 8, 2016, 213 words
Gloomy Sundays kept me exploring for treasure
Inside wardrobes, under rugs and behind doors, for good measure.
I was about to give up. My spirit was sinking…
Until a key with a heart-shaped bow began clinking
Against the steps by the attic door.
I was cautiously curious, but ready for more!
A master key to unlock every hole,
Could finally help me reach my goal!
Attics, of course, are musty and dusty…
Eternally full of everything rusty.
Three hours I searched for my beautiful booty,
When I spotted a tired old trunk, fulfilling its duty…
Resting patiently in a web of a spider’s bed.
I worked my key’s magic. The trunk groaned with dread.
There were oodles of oddities for a seeker like me!
And a note, faded and moldy, stating the owner’s decree…
We bestow a curse on all who pillage and raid!
Signed, (Respectfully)
The Cheesy Egg Pickle Brigade.
I laughed at the notion and grabbed an old jar.
Its label read, ‘Lumpy Grumpy Pickly Plumpys’… How bizarre!
What’s an adventurer to do?
So I ate one or two… and turned one hundred shades of blue!
I ran to a looking glass downstairs in my room
To discover I had bloomed a grumpy gloom!
The curse! I presume…
(Boo hoo bloo.)
Hahaha Maria! I guess that will teach your little MC to go pillaging and dare eating the fruits of his/her raiding! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Valentiny fun!
Who would’ve thunk it? A mystery in a Valentiny poem. Happy that the key was obviously seeking attention and the adventure was on. Oh but boy howdy, the consequences. Hahaha
Great alliteration Maria & the image of post-pickle “grumpy gloom.”
Great read-aloud fun and I love “The Cheesy Egg Pickle Brigade”!
Love your Valentiny, Sus. It was fun. But I came for the chocolate? I thought you would have donuts and chocolate. Humph. *wink*
Glad you liked it, Rob. And sorry to disappoint! I don’t know where my head was! I’m afraid I’m still a little out of it! I’ll work on chocolate and donuts… maybe together 🙂
Ha! Susanna, I just read your story and had the *yikes* feeling so many writers get. My grumpy involves a spill, too! I may post it anyway, but now I understand that feeling of seeing something already published that’s too close for comfort! Great minds. . .
Don’t worry at all, Sherry! Mine doesn’t count for anything! It’s just for fun 🙂 Can’t wait to read yours!
Yeah! Linked successfully & finally found the comment button! I look forward to reading all of the entries with a cup of something warm on this wintry day.
Super worried! I tried TWICE now and my comments/link are not showing up. I’m getting notifications from WordPress, but not seeing any of my posts. Any ideas what I might be doing wrong?
I have a feeling it’s because I haven’t been home to approve comments. Hang on… and don’t worry! 🙂
Juli, I’m not sure & I’m also not sure why your reply to (presumably) Susanna ended up on my WordPress feed. It may be, though, that your comment won’t show up until Susanna approves it. That has happened to me before when I’ve posted on other people’s blogs. Good luck!
Oh, hurray! I know eventually all this wordpress stuff will make sense to me… but the learning curve is steep for this old dog 🙂
Agreed! This is a steep learning curve – I haven’t figured out how to place badges yet & I’m sure there is much more I could be doing with the site as a whole.
Baby steps, Patricia 🙂 One step at a time 🙂
Susanna, please let me know if this doubles up somewhere. I tried posting earlier but it never posted! (Eek…)
Here is the link to my blog with my entry, NUTS! (word count 213) for the Valentiny contest: http://julicaveny.blogspot.com/
I’m sure it will show up Juli. I had barn work and haven’t been home this morning. On the job now to approve comments and look into things. I’m sure it will all work out 🙂 Sorry for the delay.
A Groundhog’s Valentine
by Jill Proctor
Valentine’s Day?
Bah, humbug!
What hooey!
Hand-written note,
all mushy
and gooey.
Lacy red heart,
an arrow
and cupid.
Kisses in gold.
How corny!
How stupid!
Dark choc’late hearts
with almonds
and berries,
Wrapped in a box
with flowers
and fairies.
Reading up close,
all grumpy
and bitter,
There is my name
in glue globs
and glitter!
Take it away!
Who needs it?
It’s silly.
Hearts are for girls.
So sparkly!
So frilly!
Valentine’s Day?
I don’t want
to do it!
Well…..
Maybe one peek,
before I
kung fu it.
“Sweetheart, you’re mine.
We’re meant for
each other.
Benjamin, dear,
I love you.
Your Mother.”
Hahaha! SO cute, Jill! I know a lot of boys who feel the same way… although they’re generally open to the candy aspect! Thanks so much for joining in the Valentiny fun!
Ahhhh all kinds of adorableness in this Jill. Love this line: “Maybe one peek before I kung fu it.” So funny. Love reading funny.
Thank you, Susanna! I love your contests…so much fun!
Thank you, Marla! Glad you got a laugh out of it!
Thank you, Pamela! Glad you got a laugh out of it!
I’m so glad you enjoy the contests, Jill! I love them too! 🙂
Awesome rhyme, Jill…and I could just visualize all the illustrations…great story!
Perfect!
Thanks, Marla!! (I inadvertently addressed my above reply to you, instead of Pamela.)
Love the twist at the end of your delightful poem – you captured the sentiment of so many boys on Valentine’s Day.
Thanks for reading my poem! Glad you liked it!
This is awesome Jill.
Thank you, Dawn! (The only thing I forgot was a story arc!) I read your story just a bit ago – I LOVE it! Looks like a first place winner for sure! You are sooo good at rhyming AND telling an awesome story.
Great read-aloud fun and you’ve captured Benjamin’s voice very well! (And this Benjamin reminded me very much of my own Benjamin.) Funny story!
Thank you, Gabi!
I can just hear Benjamin’s mother speaking the last line, very cute story!
Thank you!
Very cute! And fun to read. I love the ending.
Thank you, Mishka!
ENTRY POSTED FOR CINDY
VALENTINE GIFTS 114 words
by Cindy Breedlove
Lulu cockatoo called “Yoo-hoo!”
and swooped down to the ground
to sing a Happy Valentine
to G.P., but he frowned.
“Guinea pigs don’t like this day,”
he growled. Lu was dismayed.
“Go sing your song to someone else.”
She didn’t. Lulu stayed.
She twittered high. She warbled low.
But G.P. stopped his ears.
“I will not listen to your song.”
Then Lulu shed some tears.
G.P. knew he’d hurt his friend.
“I’m sorry.” He cried, too.
“I didn’t want your Valentine,
’cause I have none for you.”
Then Lulu said, “Oh yes, you do!
It’s quite a work of art.
I love to see you smile at me,
a gift straight from your heart.”
What a sweet story, Cindy! So nicely done in only 114 words!!! You did a lovely job of showing grumpiness and giving us a complete story arc. Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun!
Cindy – love your story & especially the ending; a smile and friendship are the true gifts of Valentine’s Day.
Wonderful story — short and sweet! I love the ending.
What a lovely story. You did quite a lot in just a few words.
(Un)Lovely Leonard
By: Lauren Neil, 194 words
Leonard hated holidays.
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year’s.
His mailbag was heavy.
There were long lines at the post office.
And everyone wanted special stamps.
By the time February blustered in, Leonard was exhausted. And then the worst holiday arrived: Valentine’s Day. Everyone sent cards.
This year, Leonard decided to do something about it. Something dastardly. Something devious. Something deceptive.
He told everyone along his mail route that no one was sending cards this year – and they believed him!
When Valentine’s Day arrived, Leonard’s mailbag was noticeably lighter. He had a spring in his step and he whistled a happy tune. But when he arrived at the first house on his route he saw a bright red card out for delivery.
He grumbled, he groaned, he gnashed his teeth.
The envelope was addressed “To Leonard the Mailman.”
Every house had a card for Leonard.
He was so embarrassed he turned as pink as the pinkest card he’d received.
That night he made a card for every person on his route. They weren’t pretty, or pink, and they made his mailbag really heavy. But this time he didn’t mind one bit.
Ah! If only Leonard had realized how much he was loved and appreciated 🙂 Love that he made return Valentines that weren’t pretty or pink 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun, Lauren!
It’s surprisingly hard, isn’t it? But great practice for PB writing! 🙂
Great word choices & thoroughly enjoyable story!
Thank you, that’s so kind! 🙂 This contest was tough but I liked how the word count restriction really forced me to focus and edit down.
Clever to focus on someone who is likely to be made cranky by Valentine’s Day — well done! I enjoyed the story and your wordplay, especially the alliteration of dastardly, devious, and deceptive.
Thank you Gabi! I realized after writing it that it is probably the only PB story I’ve ever written from the adult perspective – it was kind of tough finding that voice (though I can certainly identify with adult grumpiness – ha!). 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR JONI
I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY!
By Joni Klein-Higger
Engelbert stepped one foot out the door and moaned.
“Valentine’s Day. Not again!”
Silly cards and paper hearts
Tacky tees with Cupid darts.
Goofy sayings on sweet tarts.
“I hate Valentine’s Day!”
Engelbert kicked a pebble only to discover it was a chocolate-covered caramel.
“Yuck!
Caramels in heart-shaped tins.
Secret notes and sappy grins.
Ugly sweaters, hats and pins.
“I hate Valentine’s Day!”
“Yeowtch!” Engelbert bumped into the bouquet Gus held out for Sophia.
“Grrrr…”
He despised this holiday…
Thorny, corny, foolish day.
Time to make it go away.
“I hate Valentine’s Day!”
So, Engelbert did what any grumpy kid would do. He…
Snatched the flowers. Crushed the tins.
Yanked the cards and hats and pins.
He destroyed their goofy grins.
“I hate—”
“For me?” There Petunia stood wearing the happiest smile Engelbert had ever seen.
“Thanks! Happy Valentine’s Day, Engelbert.”
“Hmmm….”
Suddenly, he wasn’t mad.
In fact, Engelbert was glad.
Maybe this day’s not so bad.
“Hurray, it’s Valentine’s Day!”
So Engelbert did what any respectable kid would do.
He…
Decorated cards and pins.
Glued and painted heart-shaped tins.
Baked sweet treats with sprinkled trims.
On this Valentine’s Day.
Then…
Filled his cart and one by one…
Fixed the wrongs that he had done.
Cards and gifts everyone!
“I
LOVE
Valentine’s Day!”
What a great story, Joni! You developed your character and showed a complete story arc with a nice resolution all within the word count! Well done! Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun! (And I love the name Englebert! :))
Thanks, Susanna! Your contest was my inspiration for this story. Thanks for creating this contest and for writing a terrific blog:)
Thanks so much, Susanna! Your contest inspired this story:)
Great story Joni! I love it!
Thanks, Kris!
Thanks so much, Kris:)
Fun story with a great twist at the end – loved how you tied it all together!
Thanks:)
I’m so glad if the contest inspired you, Joni, and thanks so much for your kind words about my blog – I really appreciate your support! 🙂
Fun story and great use of repetition! And I love the name Engelbert.
Thanks, Gabi!
Posting this a different way! Here’s my Valentiny story, NUTS! (213 words).
NUTS!
Juliann L. Caveny
Word count: 213
Reggie Rat twitched his nose. It was Valentine’s Day!
“Hurry,” his mother called, “you’ll miss the bus!”
DARN!
Reggie grabbed a large bag and raced out the door.
His friends, Doogie Dagu and Henry Hamster sat near the front.
“Sorry, Reggie. There’s no room.” Henry pointed at the decorated boxes.
SHOOT!
Reggie scanned the rows. Gertie Guinea sat alone.
FIDDLESTIX!
ACHEW!
“Sorry.” Gertie sniffled. “Allergies.”
BOOGERS!
Reggie didn’t want allergies! He sat the bag between them.
In the classroom, the students chittered. Everyone was excited!
Reggie placed his bag near the other treats. The party didn’t start until noon.
HECK!
He slumped into his seat and waited.
“Party time!” Ms. Vole’s whiskers twitched.
Students grabbed their treats.
Reggie looked at his bag. It was dirty and dingy. He slid it into a corner.
FUEY!
Henry brought sugar cookies.
Doogie handed out chocolate hearts.
Marty Mouse made cream-cheese cupcakes.
Treats towered on desks.
Reggie glanced around the room.
Gertie sat in front with not one cookie, cupcake or candy. Tears welled in her eyes.
Reggie tiptoed closer.
ACHEW!
“Allergies?” he asked.
She nodded. “Mold, hay and…” she sniffled, “gluten!”
NUTS!
Reggie scurried away and returned with his bag. Seeds spilled out.
He scooped a handful onto Gertie’s desk.
“NUTS!” She beamed.
Nuts….
Reggie smiled.
Aw! Poor Gertie! And how nice that Reggie had a gluten-free treat for her! 🙂 Thanks for your persistence in posting, Juli, and for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun with this cute story! 🙂
Thanks! My husband is such a good critique partner…. He’s made me keep the three longer versions (378, 293, 264). It was a real challenge to narrow to under 214 words!
Cute resolution to a fun story, Juli!
Sweet story about empathy! I’m glad Reggie made Gertie smile.
My Heart Thumped
By Jim Chaize
After Farmer Tom stuffed me with straw and drew my face, I could see, hear and smell.
“It’s Valentine’s Day, but I still don’t like crows,” said Tom. “Always eating my corn. Nobody likes them!”
He added my mouth, and I spoke, “Crows don’t have any friends? That’s sad.”
“We don’t all need friends,” he said.
He carried me to a cornfield, and tied me onto a pole.
“Must be hard to meet friends out here,” I said.
“You’re working … it’s not a summer camp,” said Tom.
Watching for crows got boring, and I dozed off.
“CAW! CAW!”
I nearly jumped out of my clothes.
“So, Tom made a scarecrow,” Crow said, from my shoulder.
“I’m friendly, but Tom’s as grumpy as a hungry bear.”
“What’s that?” Crow asked. He slid a photo out of my pocket.
“Is that Tom?”
“Yeah, he was happy when he had his dog,” said Crow.
Crow pecked at my back, and I slipped off the pole.
“Follow me,” he said.
We stopped at a farmhouse with a Free Puppies sign.
“It’s for Farmer Tom,” I told the woman, “for Valentine’s Day.”
The puppy ran to Tom when he stepped out of the barn.
His eyes twinkled. His smile sparkled.
As my heart thumped, I felt fully alive.
Lucky for Tom he made that scarecrow! 🙂 What a cute story, Jim! Favorite line: “You’re working … it’s not a summer camp,” ! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun!!!
Thanks Susanna, for all you give to the children’s lit community.
Such an interesting take on the contest! Loved the story & the resolution!
I truly appreciate your comment, PTNOZELL. It is always wonderful to get positive feedback that affirms what we are all doing.
Great unexpected plot twists here! And I also loved the “summer camp” line — so funny!
Thanks, Gabi.
ROMAN’S LOUSY VALENTINE
By Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
195 words
Roman Lovebird cackled as he looped the bow on his Valentine gift.
“To Rubina—my true Lovebird. Mwahahaha!”
Inside the box, a complete set of train-shaped chocolates—locomotive to caboose—waited
for their rightful owner.
“I hope she hates them!”
Roman flapped to Rubina’s tree with the package.
Tap, tap, tap!
“Come in, Valentine!” Rubina sang.
She nuzzled her friend. “Is this for me?”
A suspicious grin spread over Roman’s face. “Open it . . . quick!”
“If you insist . . .” Rubina giggled.
Pfft, pfft. She tore the tape carefully.
“Oh, just rip it!” Roman yelled.
So she did.
“Well?” Roman panted eagerly.
“What a nice surprise!” Rubina exclaimed. “It’s a keeper!”
“Nooooooooo!” Roman swooped out the door.
Rubina furrowed her brows.
She set down her train, grabbed a wrapped package and darted after Roman.
Finally, she caught up.
“What’s the matter?”
“You’re not following the plan,” Roman moaned.
“Plan?” Rubina asked.
“You were supposed to hate the chocolates.” Roman slumped.
“Why should I hate your thoughtful gift?”
Roman blushed. “So you would . . . give it back to me.”
“Silly Roman.” Rubina nudged her wrapped package toward him.
Roman tore it open.
He gasped.
“Train chocolates?! You shouldn’t have!”
Great twisted ending Lindsay!
ROMAN’S LOUSY VALENTINE
By Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
195 words
Roman Lovebird cackled as he looped the bow on his Valentine gift for Rubina.
“To Rubina—my true Lovebird. Mwahahaha!”
Inside the box, a complete set of train-shaped chocolates—locomotive to caboose—waited
for their rightful owner.
“I hope she hates them!”
Roman flapped to Rubina’s tree with the package.
Tap, tap, tap!
“Come in, Valentine!” Rubina sang.
She nuzzled her friend. “Is this for me?”
A suspicious grin spread over Roman’s face. “Open it . . . quick!”
“If you insist . . .” Rubina giggled.
Pfft, pfft. She tore the tape carefully.
“Oh, just rip it!” Roman yelled.
So she did.
“Well?” Roman panted eagerly.
“What a nice surprise!” Rubina exclaimed. “It’s a keeper!”
“Nooooooooo!” Roman swooped out the door.
Rubina furrowed her brows.
She set down her train, grabbed a wrapped package and darted after Roman.
Finally, she caught up.
“What’s the matter?”
“You’re not following the plan,” Roman moaned.
“Plan?” Rubina asked.
“You were supposed to hate the chocolates.” Roman slumped.
“Why should I hate your thoughtful gift?”
Roman blushed. “So you would . . . give it back to me.”
“Silly Roman.” Rubina nudged her wrapped package toward him.
Roman tore it open.
He gasped.
“Train chocolates?! You shouldn’t have!”
Wonderful, Lindsay! I know quite a few people who give gifts like that 🙂 My dad once gave my mom a chainsaw 🙂 Thanks so much for entering your delightful story in the first ever Valentiny Contest! 🙂
The Lonely Hearts Club
211 words
It was Valentine’s Day, and Candy Heart Box sat stewing on the drugstore shelf.
“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled. “All I want to do is spread love, but no one will buy me.”
“Tell me about it,” said a voice on the shelf below.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Noseless Teddy Bear,” said the voice. “I’m missing my nose.”
“I’m still here too!” piped in another voice. “Nobody seems to want to buy a chocolate and beet rose.”
“Gross,” said Noseless Teddy Bear.
“I’m peeved because someone messed up my lettering,” groaned Candy Heart Box. “Instead of Love Bug, it says Glove Rug. Instead of I’m Yours, it says Time Fours.”
“We will never be bought,” moaned Gross Rose.
“This one says, “You and Pee,” whined Candy Heart Box.
Just then, a girl stopped in front of the shelves.
“Hmmm.” said the girl, “What Valentine’s Day gift says I love my brother, but he is still a pest?”
She searched the shelves.
Noseless Teddy Bear puffed out his chest.
Candy Heart Box pushed “DANGER” to the front of her box.
Gross Rose displayed her ingredient list.
“Ah ha! A noseless teddy bear, a gross rose, and a weird candy heart box. Perfect!” said the girl, bringing them up to the register.
Ha! Just wanted to say that your entry made me laugh. I liked the twist, nicely done!
LOVE this, Samantha! It’s like a slightly twisted Valentine version of the island of misfit toys – only funny! 🙂 Favorite line – “Candy Heart Box pushed “DANGER” to the front of her box.” 🙂 What perfect gifts for a brother! Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun!
fun story from a unique point of view with a super ending! What fun!
The Grizzly Who Couldn’t Bear Valentines
Julie Abery (211 words)
In the beautiful village of Valentines Bay,
People just lived for each Valentine’s Day.
But the grizzly postman, a grumpy old bear
Said “I never get one…it just isn’t fair!”
“In fact!” said the grizzly “I’ve had quiet enough!
I’m really fed up with this luvvy-dove stuff!”
He threw cards down driveways, he hid them in trees,
He even stuffed some in a hive full of bees!
Then things just got silly, he flicked them instead,
Like little card Frisbees up over his head!
The bear didn’t care, till he spied in the air
A card which was marked to Dear Grizzly Bear.
He scrambled to catch it and shouted with glee,
“I can’t quite believe it, but this one’s for me!?
Does somebody love me? Who can it be?”
He tore it straight open, he just had to see…
MEET ME AT THREE AT THE VALENTINE’S TEA.
That’s when it hit him “I feel really bad!
Throwing those cards will make everyone sad!”
He scrabbled and grabbled,
He paddled and dabbled,
And finally found all the cards he’d unravelled.
He posted them quickly through everyone’s door,
Waving and smiling at people he saw.
Then he rushed to the park and the Valentine’s tea…
Wondering who his admirer could be?
Wonderful story as always, Julie! And you with the clever titles! 🙂 You certainly left me wondering who Grizzly’s secret admirer is! Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun, and for getting a wordpress account just so you could post on my blog! MWAH! ❤
Ha ha…spent most of yesterday trying to figure out my WordPress blog…am happy with it though ☺️ and now I can post again! Yay! Thank you for hosting another awesome contest! 🐻
Ooh! I will have to come see it! url?
https://littleredstoryshed.wordpress.com
Sweet, Julie:)
Thanks, Joni 🐻
GRUMPY BADGER’S VALENTINE
by Ann Magee 212 words
Spying a red card with pink hearts inside his mailbox made Badger grumpy.
“I don’t want a Valentine,” he muttered.
Back in his burrow, he folded the offensive red square this way and that, attached a bit of string, and scurried back outside, hoping for a little bit of wind.
Badger’s new kite took flight and flew away. “Good riddance,” he grunted.
The next day the valentine appeared in his mailbox again. Badger felt grumpier.
“Valentines are silly,” he protested.
Back in his burrow, he folded the repulsive red square this way and that, attached a paper clip, and lumbered back outside, hoping for a little bit of wind.
Badger’s new paper airplane took flight and flew away. “Goodbye forever,” he huffed.
The next day the valentine appeared in his mailbox yet again. Badger felt grumpier than ever.
“I don’t like Valentine’s Day!” he grumbled.
Back in his burrow, he folded the horrible red square this way and that, attached a little flag, and scuttled back outside, hoping for a little wind.
Badger’s new boat sailed down the stream and away. “Don’t come back!” he growled.
The next day his neighbor, Lovey Badger, found him on his porch. She kissed him, thanking him for her three valentines.
Badger’s not so grumpy anymore.
Hahaha! What a clever ending, Ann! I didn’t see it coming! And I love all the creative things Badger found to do with his offensive, repulsive, horrible valentines! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun!
Ann…what a GREAT story…so clever how you came up with three kid-appropriate toys to make with the paper…LOVE THIS! And love the ending!
What a wonderful turn of events. I really enjoyed it. I thought he was unwittingly doing origami the first timebut see how cleverly he found a new love without trying.
The Stinky Valentine
By Judy Sobanski
214 words
Rory Rabbit was grumpy, in fact, he was hopping mad. Sylvia Squirrel had told all the third grade girls she loved him. Tomorrow was the Valentine’s Day party. Time for revenge!
Rory took a pink paper heart and dragged it through the garbage pail until it smelled of rotten lettuce, sour milk, and moldy Gorgonzola cheese. He wrote, To Sylvia: Love Me Now? He signed it and gave it to his friend, Oliver Otter.
“Put this on Sylvia’s desk, but don’t tell her who it’s from.”
“Ok”, said Oliver sniffing the envelope. “Guess you know what she likes”
Oliver put the valentine on Sylvia’s desk all right- Sylvia SKUNK! Sylvia batted her eyes at Oliver.
“It’s not from me,” said Oliver scurrying off. Sylvia Skunk opened it up.
“It’s the most wonderful valentine I’ve ever gotten!” she said showing it to Sylvia Squirrel who was standing next to her.
Just then Rory sat down at his desk. Sylvia Squirrel stomped over to him chattering.
“Why you two-timing, cheating cottontail! ” she said scampering away.
“Oh Rory, you made me such a nice valentine” said Sylvia Skunk.
“Wait, Sylvia Skunk how did you?”…
“I don’t know if I love you, but I’d sure like to be your friend.”
“Sylvia Skunk, a friend would be perfect.”
Golly, things have a way of turning out differently than expected sometimes, don’t they? A little case of Valentine confusion… but it all worked out! Thanks so much for a delightful entry in the first ever Valentiny, Judy!
Thanks,Susanna. This was really a fun contest. Such wonderful entries. Looking forward to the next one!
Mr. Mean
by Diana Aleksandrova
212 words
“Go away! Not on my driveway! You are making too much noise!” Mr. Mean waved his cane at the kids.
The kids ran. They hated Mr. mean, but most of all they were afraid of him.
When he was yelling at them his bushy eyebrows jumped up and down like two angry caterpillars.
Molly Maloney didn’t run. She slowly spun on her heels and went home sad. Molly was the only one who was not afraid of Mr. Mean. She was sorry for him. She remembered one happy and friendly Mr. Mean. That was before his kids grew up and left town. Molly had to do something. An opportunity showed up on her doorstep when she was leaving for school the next day. A homeless puppy was sitting there. What can better warm someone’s heart than a puppy?
Molly left the puppy in front Mr. mean’s door, rang the bell and ran to catch the school bus.
That afternoon, Mr. mean playing with his new puppy on his driveway. The old man was laughing out loud; he didn’t look so scary anymore. The kids forgot they were afraid and joined him playing with the puppy.
No one knew who had a better time that afternoon, the puppy, the kids or Mr. Mean.
Aw! Puppies make everything better, don’t they, Diana?! And how lucky for Mr. Mean that Molly was so kind! Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun!
The Chocolate Heart
by Kris Allen – 145 words
On February fourteenth
Zack brought a heart to school,
A big one made of chocolate
That made his sweet-tooth drool.
Zack pondered who should get it.
He saw Rue slumped and slouched.
“Hey Rue, you want my choc’late heart?”
“Leave me alone.” she grouched.
“Hmm,” Zack thought and glanced around,
“Who else could be my pick?”
“Hey Chuck, you want my choc’late heart?”
“No thanks. I’m feeling sick.”
And then Zack thought, “I got it!
I’ll give it to Miss Wyatt!”
“Would you like my choc’late heart?”
“No dear, I’m on a diet.”
“Well,” thought Zack, “I’ll give it to
The BEST person that I know.
That’s who’ll eat this choc’late heart.”
Bzzz! School’s out. It’s time to go.
And when Zack’s mom pulled up to school,
She thought he looked suspicious.
So she asked, “How was your day?”
Zack smiled and said, “Delicious.”
————————————————————
Gosh, the format didn’t post right for some reason. I’ll try again.😊
The Chocolate Heart
By Kris Allen
On February fourteenth
Zack brought a heart to school,
A big one made of chocolate
That made his sweet-tooth drool.
Zack pondered who should get it.
He saw Rue slumped and slouched.
“Hey Rue, you want my choc’late heart?”
“Leave me alone.” she grouched.
“Hmm,” Zack thought and glanced around,
“Who else could be my pick?”
“Hey Chuck, you want my choc’late heart?”
“No thanks. I’m feeling sick.”
And then Zack thought, “I got it!
I’ll give it to Miss Wyatt!”
“Would you like my choc’late heart?”
“No dear, I’m on a diet.”
“Well,” thought Zack, “I’ll give it to
The BEST person that I know.
That’s who’ll eat this choc’late heart.”
Bzzz! School’s out. It’s time to go.
And when Zack’s mom pulled up to school,
She thought he looked suspicious.
So she asked, “How was your day?”
Zack smiled and said, “Delicious.”
————————————————————
Hahaha! I’m sure Zack thoroughly enjoyed his chocolate heart! And why shouldn’t he, if no one else saw fit to appreciate it! Thanks for a fun entry, Kris!
Adorable,Kris:)
Love it! I’m totally with Zack on this one.
Thanks Marla! 😊
Adorable Kris! Zack tried to give it away … he really had no choice! 🙂
Oh my gosh…I am so excited, Susanna! It took me 10 minutes to scroll through all the comments…what a fabulous turnout…and it is only day one!!!! I’ll be posting mine on the linky list (hopefully I will get it to work). I LOVE your entry…you are so silly…your writing is so darned good even when you say it isn’t. 😉 Thank you for giving us a platform to exercise our love of writing for children. 😉
I’m blown away by the turnout so far, and having trouble keeping up with my inbox!!! I’m so glad everyone is so enthusiastic! As for my sample, I literally wrote it in half and hour at the last minute, due to the difficulties of last week, so I have no illusions! But the whole contest is fun! 🙂 Can’t wait to read your entry!
PORCHY AND EMMA
Valerie McPherson
213 words
“I’m Emma,” the young girl said to the older woman on the back porch. “We just moved here.”
“I don’t like talking.”
Emma left and came back holding a sign: I like to BAKE COOKIES. WANT to share what’s LEFT?
“Go away,” Porchy said.
Emma went home. She wrote “GUESS my age” on a balloon and floated it toward Porchy.
Porchy peeked at the balloon, but popped it and went inside.
That night Emma made tags and hung them on a ribbon across Porchy’s fence. They said, I DIDN’T ever move before. I’m SCAREd I won’t HAVE MANY FRIENDS.
Porchy read these tender words then tugged them down.
Emma sailed a kite into Porchy’s yard. It read, DON’T YOU want TO be my friend?
As Porchy grabbed the kite, she saw Emma blink back tears.
The next morning, Valentines Day, Emma heard a thump outside.
On her porch, she found a heart. Emma studied its words until she knew why they looked both familiar and odd. They were her very own words cut from the sign, the kite, the tags and even the balloon
The words said, GUESS I DIDN’T SCARE YOU. I DON’T HAVE MANY FRIENDS LEFT. WANT TO BAKE COOKIES? -from Gladys-
“Mom,” Emma called, “Can we go visit my friend?”
Aw! How nice that two lonely neighbors could find friendship for Valentines Day! And they share a love of cookies – that shows good taste! 🙂 Thanks so much for your sweet entry, Valerie! 🙂
How amazing that you respond to each of us with words that let us know you read our work and care!!!
The Lonely Hearts Club
211 words
It was Valentine’s Day, and Candy Heart Box sat stewing on the drugstore shelf.
“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled. “All I want to do is spread love, but no one will buy me.”
“Tell me about it,” said a voice on the shelf below.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Noseless Teddy Bear,” said the voice. “I’m missing my nose.”
“I’m still here too!” piped in another voice. “Nobody seems to want to buy a chocolate and beet rose.”
“Gross,” said Noseless Teddy Bear.
“I’m peeved because someone messed up my lettering,” groaned Candy Heart Box. “Instead of Love Bug, it says Glove Rug. Instead of I’m Yours, it says Time Fours.”
“Nobody is ever going to buy us,” moaned Gross Rose.
“This one says, “You and Pee,” whined Candy Heart Box.
Just then, a girl stopped in front of the shelves.
“Hmmm.” said the girl, “What Valentine’s Day gift says I love my brother, but he is still a pest?”
She searched the shelves.
Noseless Teddy Bear puffed out his chest.
Candy Heart Box pushed “DANGER” to the front of her box.
Gross Rose displayed her ingredient list.
“Ah ha! A noseless teddy bear, a gross rose, and a weird candy heart box. Perfect!” said the girl, bringing them up to the register.
Replacement Valentine
CRASH! BANG! CRACK! The heart shaped bowl Mia painted Mom for Valentine’s Day fell to the floor as her older sister dashed out the door, late as usual.
“EMILY!” Mia yelled, with a fiery face. Her heart burned like red hot candies.
What could she give her mom now? she thought.
She knew Emily planned to cook breakfast for Mom on Valentine’s Day morning.
Mia wished she knew how to cook. Then she pictured the mess Emily was sure to make. Mom would have to clean it all up.
I’ve got it! Mia thought. She went to the store to buy a new valentine.
When she got home, she attached a note with a pink ribbon.
On Sunday morning, she rushed downstairs.
The counters were covered with dishes that Emily had dirtied.
“Pancakes are ready!” Emily said as she reached into the cabinet for some plates.
“I think we should use these instead,” Mia said, handing her mom the gift.
Her mom read the note:
My gift to you this Valentine’s Day – Dishes you can throw away!
Love, Mia
“How thoughtful! And what a perfect occasion!” her mom said scanning the kitchen cabinets.
After breakfast, Emily even offered to do the dishes…the paper ones, of course!
How perfectly you’ve captured sibling rivalry! And what a great idea Mia had – paper plates – what could be better than not having to do the dishes on Valentines Day?! Thanks so much for your creative, beautifully written story, and for joining in the first ever Valentiny Contest! 🙂
Here’s my entry! 🙂
Violet’s Valentines
214 words
Violet twirled, sang, and danced through the neighborhood and home from school each afternoon. “Why do you always leave footprints in my garden?” yelled Mrs. Pitwiggin from her tiny front porch next door, raising her bony hands in the air.
Violet was the best baseball player on her block. “Why is your baseball always in my yard?” complained Mrs. Pitwiggin in her scratchy voice.
Violet had crowds of friends to play in her backyard. “Why are you kids always so darned loud?” screamed Mrs. Pitwiggin, her white wispy hair wrapped around pink curlers.
Violet had a lemonade stand to earn money for the fair. “Why must you attract wasps and strangers to the neighborhood?” shrieked Mrs. Pitwiggin, as she swatted at imaginary insects.
Violet loved her little dog, but Niblet loved Mrs. Pitwiggin’s flowers. “Why can’t you keep your mutt out of my begonias?” howled Mrs. Pitwiggin, as she swung a rolled up newspaper in Niblet’s direction.
Violet loved making her own valentines with glue and lots of glitter. She skipped around the neighborhood and slipped them into mailboxes.
“Why are you such a darling child?” whispered Mrs. Pitwiggin when she opened the pink sparkly envelope she’d removed from her mailbox. A radiant smile lit her face as she shuffled back into her cottage.
Aw! Even grumpy Mrs. Pitwiggin (FABULOUS name!!!) isn’t immune to Violet’s charm! Just goes to show that if you spread sunshine, eventually everyone warms up! 🙂 Thanks so much for your sweet entry, Beth!
Perfect ending, Beth! I’m so glad Violet didn’t forget Mrs. Pitwiggin when she handed out Valentines. 😉
Hi Susanna I was reading the entries for the Valentine competition and i had my wordpress account open checking on different things. when i pressed the entry number 10 Cupcake Party , i was directed to my account! Then i thought something wrong is going on and i checked out from wordpress so i tried again in case i have done something wrong or i was confused. But even now in the morning when i tried to open the entry number 10 i am directed to the wordpress login page. Please let me know what is wrong? I can’t believe that this has happened having my wordpress account open only for me to see and then people were directed to my settings and all these things? I can;t figure out how this has happened. I read all the other entries only three of them refered that the address doesn’t exist.Agatha
Agatha Rodi Author agatharodi@hotmail.com | https://agatharodi.wordpress.com/ | Skype: agathi.rodi Get a signature like this: Click here! Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2016 08:04:02 +0000 To: agatharodi@hotmail.com
Thank you for letting me know, Agatha! By a miracle, I think I have fixed it! 🙂
Thank you Susanna, now i can continue writing my Valentine story, i was so worried by this,greetings to you!
So many good grumps!
by Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield
My Grumpy Valentine 214 words
Maggie wanted a valentine.
Mamma had a valentine. She called him Sweetie. Maggie called him Daddy.
Daddy had a valentine. He called her darling. Maggie called her Mamma.
Where am I going to find a Valentine in just three days? She thought as she peered out the window in her bedroom.
“Maggie, time for errands!” Mamma called. Let’s go!
At the library, Maggie dropped her books in the book return. She saw Mrs. Pickles. She was the librarian. Would she make a good Valentine? No, she shooshed me too much!
At the grocery store, she saw Mr. Mackie, the butcher. Would he make a good Valentine? No, He was too scary looking.
Back home she waved to Mr. Gus. He was their neighbor. Would he make a good Valentine? No, he was always grumpy. He never smiled and only “harrumph” whenever Maggie said hello.
Maggie decided to make a Valentine just in case she found one in time. She opened her craft box and got to work. When she finished she had made the most beautiful valentine ever! It made her smile! Then she had an idea…
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr. Gus! She said as she handed him the card she made.
Mr. Gus read the card.
Mr. Gus just smiled.
So cute, Gabrielle! Nicely drawn child character! I love how she shopped for potential Valentines! And how nice that she could cheer a grumpy neighbor! Thanks so much for joining in the Valentiny fun!
Jen Bagan
Word Count – 210
KEEP OUT! A Love Story
“KEEP OUT!” The note said. “AND THIS MEANS YOU!”
I knew who the you was – me that’s who.
My sister was mad, that much was clear.
And I didn’t know why so I started to sneer.
I’ll write my own note. See how she likes that.
I bet then she’ll get that she’s being a brat.
“DO NOT ENTER – EVER!” It said.
I heard her outside and knew it was read.
She huffed, she puffed, then she stomped down the hall.
I sat on my floor and just stared at the wall.
I didn’t feel happy my sis was upset.
In fact, I felt worse and my eyes were all wet.
Just then I realized why maybe she’s mad.
At breakfast I said that her picture was bad.
But now I remembered … pink hearts in a swirl.
And right in the middle – a boy and a girl.
Oh I felt awful, but then had a thought.
I would show my sister that I loved her a lot.
I got straight to work with my glitter and glue.
I knocked on her door, “I have something for you.”
When I saw her I said what I went there to say,
“I’m sorry. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Aw! What a beautiful job you did capturing a sibling relationship! Isn’t that love-hate thing just the way of it?! Nicely done, Jen! Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun!
Thanks so much Susanna! This story was inspired by my kids’ real life notes on the door 🙂 Great contest – as always.
That’s just how siblings are, right Jen? Great story and fun rhyme. 😉
Aw, this is so sweet. Wonderful job of making us feel the mix of emotions. I really like the beginning: I knew who the you was – me that’s who. 🙂 And what a sweet ending. Nice work, Jen!
Thank you so much Cheryl! I really appreciate the kind words 🙂
Meagan Friedman
Remembering Hammie
214 words
“It’s going to happen again, I just know it. Twice this week – twice! – they’ve been late feeding me. Cutting out red hearts, gluing stuff, coloring Valentines. But will anyone remember the hamster today? Noooo. Just watch them forget me during their party,” I think.
I wait.
“Maybe if I drink loudly, they’ll hear and remember I need food!”
Drink, drink, drink, gulp, gulp, gulp.
Burp.
“That’s not working. They’re still ignoring me. Big surprise.”
I wait.
“Maybe if I run in my wheel, the squeaking will get their attention.”
Run, run, run. Squeak, squeak, squeak.
Wheeze.
“Whew. That’s not working either. Still no food. I’m exhausted. And sloshing. May as well go in my burrow, hope the teacher feeds me after school,” I grumble.
“Mrs. Jenkins? Can I feed Hammie early? I brought him a special treat, see?” someone says.
I overhear my name and poke my nose out.
“Go ahead Ashley. I bet Hammie will love heart shaped carrots,” the teacher says.
Next thing I see is a bag of carrot slices being emptied into my bowl. I rush out and see that they’re funny shaped but smell the same. I shove several in my mouth and scurry back to my burrow.
“Happy Valentine’s Day Hammie!”
“It is now human, it is now.”
LOVE this story from the POV of a hamster! Favorite line – “It is now human, it is now.” – what a great ending! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the first ever Valentiny fun with this entertaining story, Meagan!