Update February 19 – Sorry folks! We need more time to make our decisions between all these amazing entries! I will get the finalists up just as soon as I can!!!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Valentinies rock
And so do YOU!
Hang onto your chocolate everyone! It’s time for . . .
The Third 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 hopeful! Your someone can hope for something good or something bad. 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 hopeful (can be the main character but doesn’t have to be) and is 214 words (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.) If you are so inclined, you are welcome to enter more than one entry – just remember you’ll be competing against yourself 🙂 No illustration notes please!
Post your story on your blog between right now this very second and Wednesday February 14th by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link on the form below. There will be no Would You Read It or PPBF this week, so the post and the list of links will stay up 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 below. (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! susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com ) Please copy and paste your entry into the body of the email – no attachments! Please only post your entry ONCE! Either on your blog and the associated link list, or in the comment section of my post! Otherwise it gets confusing 🙂
The Judging: My lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 6-10 top choices depending on number and quality of entries (hee hee hee – you know how much trouble I have with the narrowing, so we’ll see) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Monday February 19th (or possibly Tuesday February 20th if the judges need extra time.) The winner will be announced by Friday February 23rd. (And there will be no WYRI or PPBF that week either so that everyone will have time to read and vote and so that we don’t confuse PPBF with announcing winners.) The dates of the judging/voting/winner announcements are subject to finagling depending on how much time the judges actually end up needing!
Judging criteria will include:
- Kid-appeal/Kid-friendliness – remember, this is a story for kids!
- Creativity in using hopefulness and success in making us feel the hopefulness!
- Valentine’s Day appropriateness – this is a VALENTINE story!
- 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, excellence of rhyme and meter if you use it.
- Originality – surprise us with something new and different! 🙂
The Prizes: Oh, boy, do we have some GREAT prizes! I feel certain you are all highly motivated to compete for these!!!
– a PB manuscript read and critique from Nikki Garcia, assistant editor at Little, Brown!
Nikki Garcia
– a PB manuscript read and phone call critique with Nicole Otto, assistant editor at MacMillan Children’s Publishing!
Nicole Otto
– a PB manuscript critique from the superb multi-published award-winning author/illustrator Iza Trapani
http://izatrapani.com/blog
Facebook
Twitter
– a PB manuscript critique (ms not to exceed 800 words please) along with a follow-up phone call if the author is interested from the lovely and talented Katey Howes, author of Grandmother Thorn (Ripple Grove Press 2017) and Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe (Sterling Children’s Books 2018)
– a PB manuscript critique from the fantastic Lynne Marie, author of Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten – illustrated by Anne Kennedy (Scholastic, 2011), Hedgehog’s 100th Day of School – illustrated by Lorna Hussey (Scholastic, January 2017), The Star of the Christmas Play — illustrated by Lorna Hussey (Sparkhouse Family, 2018) and Moldilocks and the 3 Scares (Sterling, pending) . Her stories, poems, folk tales and crafts have appeared in many magazine markets, including Family Fun, Highlights, High Five, Spider, Baby Bug and more. She was a first-round panelis for 2016 Cybils Awards and again, in 2017. In addition, she’s an on-staff writer for Jon and Laura Bard’s Children’s Book Insider and a book reviewer. She lives on a lake in South Florida with her daughter and Anakin, their little Schipperke, as well as several resident water birds. She has offers both critiques and mentorships for writers. You can learn more about her at www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com
– a PB manuscript critique (non-rhyming please) from the wonderful and amazing Melissa Stoller, author of The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: Return To Coney Island (Spork 2017)
– a signed copy of Charlie Takes His Shot: How Charlie Sifford Broke The Color Barrier In Golf (Albert Whitman 2018) from fabulous author Nancy Churnin accompanied by a terrific Teacher’s Guide (created by Marcie Colleen)
– a signed copy of Twinderella from Corey Rosen Schwartz AND a signed copy of The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: Return To Coney Island from Melissa Stoller
– a copy of Laura Purdie Salas’s brand new book Making A Living Writing Books For Kids
– a copy of the 2018 Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market (it’s only February – still very useful!)
I can’t thank these authors and other industry professionals enough for their incredible generosity! Please visit their sites, buy and recommend their books and services to your writer friends and/or friends with kids, write them nice reviews on Amazon, GoodReads etc if you’ve read and liked their books, and show your appreciation to them in any way you can!
Now.
I’m afraid the time has come for my sample (because I would never ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do myself 🙂 )
Brace yourselves for mediocrity 🙂 (I recommend a large quantity of chocolate to get you through – perhaps a dump truck load or so?) and prepare for the return of Boris and Irma (who appeared in the inaugural Valentiny 🙂 )
A Hopeful Kind Of Valentine
(214 words on the nose!)
Three days before Valentine’s, Irma made her list.
“I will make 32 valentines!” she announced. “How many are you making, Boris?”
“Zero,” said Boris.
“Spoilsport,” said Irma. “I hope Norman’s not a spoilsport.”
Irma cut construction paper.
“Are you making pink hearts or red hearts,” she asked.
“Neither,” said Boris.
“Party pooper,” said Irma. “I hope Norman’s not a party pooper.”
The day before Valentine’s, Irma decorated. Confetti hearts and glitter flew everywhere.
Boris ignored her.
But then she said, “I hope Norman will be my Valentine.” She sounded so wishful that Boris looked at her thoughtfully. He had doubts about Norman.
Boris made a list.
On Valentine’s Day, Irma clutched her valentines. “I hope Norman will give me a valentine,” she told Boris on the school bus.
Boris worried.
Tears rolled silently down Irma’s cheeks all the way home. She went right to her room.
Boris went right to work.
At dinner, Irma sat with her eyes downcast and said nothing.
Although Valentine’s was stupid, Boris didn’t want Irma to be sad. If only his plan would work.
He set the pink-frosted, heart-shaped chocolate cake he had made in front of Irma.
“It’s not Norman, but Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said.
“It’s perfect,” said Irma, hugging him.
“Yuck,” said Boris, but he smiled.
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Everyone feeling better about their stories now? I should certainly HOPE so! 🙂 After that horror show you can post yours with certainty that yours is better! 🙂
I can’t wait to read all of yours! I’m SO looking forward to them! I hope there will be LOTS – the more the merrier! And there are still nearly 5 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!!! Also, have I mentioned the number of people who have gotten agents or sold manuscripts to editors based on the writing contest entries over the years? There are quite a few! One of these days I’ll figure out how many and do a blog post 🙂
So!
Contest Entrants, remember to add your post-specific link to the 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!) Please allow a few minutes and possibly refresh your browser before deciding that your link hasn’t posted and adding it a second time or emailing it to me.
Eager Readers – click on the links in the list to visit the blogs and read the stories. And be sure to read the 76 fabulous entries posted in the comment section below!!!
Happy Valentines Week, Everyone! ❤
Scroll through the comments to find these wonderful stories!
- Victoria’s Valentine – Susan
- Victor’s Valentine’s Day Surprise – Sharmaine
- You – Jennifer B
- the most amazing fantastic special Valentine ever – Erin
- The Lost Dog Dilemma – Chris
- Thank You – Katelyn
- Positively Paulina – Nancy
- A Day In The Life Of Cupid – Marty
- Rose And Tulip – M.S.
- The Valentine Monster Crash – Megan
- Valenswine – Susan
- Top Secret Valentine – Marie
- Tiny the Pony Wants to be Special – Kaye
- Grandma’s Cookies – Deborah
- This Will Be The Year – Sara
- Who Sent This Valentine? – Marie
- Hope In A Jar – Anne
- A Fur-Ever Valentine – Beth
- A Card With A Heart – Laura
- Upside Down Valentine’s Day – Ryan
- Not Alone – Amy
- Valentine’s Day Strike – Chambrae
- I Love Ewe – Kirsten
- A Valentine’s Day Adventure – Sarah H
- Adeline’s Hope – Carmen
- Snowy Owl Valentine Delivery – Kathleen
- A Valentine Snowman – Rebecca
- The Heart Art Contest – Marie
- The Right Valentine – Lauren
- The Red Envelope – Karen
- First Grade Love – Darcee
- Mama’s Purple Heart – Anne B
- Valentine’s Day With The Deli Family – Sandra
- Valentine-Making Time – Robin
- Unexpected Valentine – Brian
- The Valentine Tree – Jenny B
- Valentine Treat – Judy V
- A Purrfect Valentine – Mia
- Eliza’s Broken Heart – Anne S
- Porcupine’s Gift – Jim
- Hope’s Valentine – Nancy R
- Yellow And Blue Valentines – Marty
- Tootsie The Wonder Dog’s Valentiny Poem – Kathy
- Sakie’s Flock – Gayle
- Teddy’s Valentine’s Day – Deb
- Dear Daughter – Sandra S
- Mum’s The Word – Judy S
- Hope Floats – Jen B
- Charlotte’s New School – M.R.
- The Valentine Genie – Anne S
- Triple The Love – Brandi
- Emily’s Big Idea – Beth
- Red – Mary
- The Valentine Hat – Gwen
- Winston Wins! – Corine
- Bamboo Panda’s Special Surprise – Liz
- Oh No! Where Did It Go? – Mona
- Sweet Love – Christine
- You Rock! – Karla
- Picture Perfect – Tiffany
- Bunny Hugs – Nina
- Timberdoodle Valentine – Leigh Anne
- Valentine For Mom – Susie
- The Muddy Valentine – Karen
- Chocolaty Delight – Gina
- Valentine Handyman – Meg
- Daisy Power – Patricia
- Cupid’s Graduation Wish – Lucretia
- Huggle And Snug – Stephanie V
- My Valentine – Kurt
- Cupid’s Candy Craving—Marvin’s Valentine’s Surprise – Lucretia
- A Pirate Valentine – Ingrid
- Lily’s Leg – Stephanie K
- If I Gave A Witch A Valentine – Amber
- Bunnies’ Heart-Shaped Hopes – Jen R
Susanna Leonard Hill 
ENTRY POSTED FOR TIFFANY
Picture Perfect by Tiffany Painter
The room is filled with the laughter of happy children.
Molly does not know anyone at the Valentine’s party.
She slides into the nearest chair before anyone notices her.
On the table Molly pulls a piece of paper and box of crayons near.
She begins to draw what she wishes for.
First, there is a little girl who looks like her.
Next, a second smiling face appears.
Both girls are laughing together like friends.
Molly looks at her drawing.
A tear slips down her face as she sits alone.
Her heart feels sad watching the others exchange cards.
She begins to add other faces to her drawing.
Each new picture friend erases some of the sadness.
She imagines a world with boys and girls to play with.
Molly does not see the girl behind her.
She does not see the others coming over.
Soon there is a small crowd admiring her picture.
The small group of children see themselves in the picture.
Molly looks up when the others start giving her praise.
All of the children gather around Molly with Valentines to exchange.
One by one they share their names and stories.
Molly soon joins them in their laughter.
The picture is left behind as they all go out to play.
Very nice! I wish you well with your story.
I love how a creative impulse brings new friends. Nicely done!
I like the way Molly’s drawings bring the children together. Good luck!
Molly has a magical talent. Her drawing draws in the other children. Very creative. Good luck!
So hard to be the one who doesn’t know anybody, Tiffany! I’m glad Molly was able to use her art to feel better and make friends with the other kids! Happy ending all around 🙂 Thanks for joining in on Valentiny!
ENTRY POSTED FOR NINA
BUNNY HUGS
By Nina Nolan
Every Friday, somebody gets to take Buster, our classroom bunny, home for the weekend.
So far, that somebody has been almost everybody. Except me.
I really, really, really, hope it’s me today. Any weekend would be good. But today is Valentine’s Day. And a weekend of bunny hugs sounds perfect. Just perfect!
I don’t know what we have to do to get picked. I think we have to be really smart that week. Or super helpful. Or extra friendly.
So I try.
I finish all my class work. And get gold stars.
I help clean up after snack.
I’m even friendly to Maxwell. And he sticks his tongue out at people!
When it’s time for our teacher to say who gets to take Buster home, I’m so excited, I’m like a squirmy worm in my seat.
“Let’s see,” she says, “next on the list is…”
Wait. What? There’s a list? Is that how we get picked?
I’m so busy thinking about the list, I almost don’t hear our teacher call my name.
But I do.
I’m so happy, that when Maxwell sticks his tongue out at me, I just blow him a kiss.
After all, it’s Valentine’s Day!
And I get a whole weekend of bunny hugs!
Bunny hugs … how lovely! I wish you well with your story.
Bunny hugs sound so warm and snuggly. Very sweet!
Cute! I hope Buster processors of bunny snuggles. Good luck!
Fun story, very kid-friendly, nicely written, Nina! Favorite line: “I’m even friendly to Maxwell. And he sticks his tongue out at people!” – lowest of the low! 🙂 There is something very appealing about the sound of bunny hugs 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Valentiny fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LEIGH ANNE
Timberdoodle Valentine (214 words)
by Leigh Anne Carter
“I hope the Timberdoodle finds his Valentine,” I say.
We are going to watch the birds in the field that gets smaller every year. It’s Valentine’s Day.
“We have to be there before sunrise,” Mom says. “That’s when the Timberdoodles show off their sky dance.”
Quietly, we walk along the path. No one else is awake.
The tall grass tickles my hands. I see lights beside the field.
“It used to be very dark here in the mornings. Those houses are new,” Mom whispers, worried. “The birds need lots of land to survive.”
Will the Timberdoodle be able to find his Valentine?
“Let’s listen,” she whispers. “He will dance, and she will watch.”
We wait in the cold dark. And wait. And wait.
My ears hope to hear. My eyes hope to see.
“Peent!…Peent!…Peent!” a bird calls from the dark grass.
“It’s them! They’re here!” I whisper. Will he dance?
SWISH. I see him lift from the ground, and my heart soars with him. He flies high over our heads.
I hear his wings twittering like music. His sky dance makes a big circle, and he lands.
“Did he find his Valentine?” I ask.
“Peent!” the Timberdoodle calls again. Two dark shapes waddle away.
“I think he did!” Mom answers.
The sun wakes up.
I didn’t know the timberdoodle was a real thing! – another name for the American woodcock. (yes, I looked it up.) What a lovely story. I wish you well with it.
Very happy the Timberdoodle found his mate. A perfect way to end Valentine’s Day.
This was a great story, and I learned something! Good luck to you.
Nice job bringing the readers outside to watch this dramatic courtship!
I didn’t know timberdoodles were a thing but I recognized the woodcock dance right away! What a lovely story, Leigh Anne, where we get to learn something too. Such nice setting descriptions, and nod to environmental concerns. Very creative approach to the contest! Thanks for joining in!
Valentine for Mom
I made a list of special things
that I will do for you,
‘cause you’re my favorite Valentine.
So here’s what I will do:
I’ll give you a new haircut
so you don’t look so old,
and make you eggs like last time
(I know you liked them cold).
I’ll dig through last year’s trick-or-treats
and find some sweets for you.
Once I pick the fuzzies off,
they should be good as new.
I’m sure you’d love some fancy art
to hang up in the hall,
so I’ll use all my colors
and do one on the wall.
In case you feel like dancing,
I found a perfect song.
It’s got 100 verses!
I’ll help you sing along.
I really hope you like my list of things –
and if you do,
I’ll do them every single day
to show that I LOVE YOU!
This is funny! Good one. I wish you well with it.
Hhahha! So funny, and close to heart. Many a parent will identify with this one.
Very funny, and good rhyming!
Sounds about right.
Cold eggs and fuzzy candy, yum!
Very funny, Susie, and exactly the kinds of things a kid would come up with. Love the line about picking the fuzzies off the halloween treats 🙂 Nicely done! Thanks for joining in the contest!
Thank you Susanna and judges for putting on another great contest! These are always so much fun. Just FYI I had to re-submit my entry because I entered the wrong link. I blame lack of sleep and mom brain 🙂
No worries, Shae 🙂 Glad you’re having fun 🙂
I’m so excited to enter my Valentiny! It’s the last day, but I did it. Hooray! And hooray for all who entered! It feels good to make a writing goal. Plus, there’s the thrill, the heartbreak, the satisfaction of cutting over 200 words. 🙂
Here we go!
The Muddy Valentine by Karen LaSalvia
Tommy traced, snipped and pasted a valentine at his school desk. He needed it to be perfect. Earlier, as his Mom swept up shards of Grandma’s bowl, he had wanted to say, “I’m sorry,” but his Mom said, “Go. You’re late.”
With a silver marker, Tommy wrote, “I love you.” A valentine was supposed to hold your love, but his “L” was crooked, the card edges rough and glue showed.
As Tommy left school, a sudden wind filched the valentine. It fluttered and swooped. Tommy leaped and swiped. He chased until gasping. Then it stuck … high. Tommy swayed on a log. He had it! But he was falling and they plunged into a puddle. “I love you,” was unreadable.
Reaching home, Tommy looked at the ruined, muddy valentine. Was his love still in there?
“Mom, Mom! I thought I ruined your valentine, but …” Tommy told her about the sly wind, the long run, the treacherous log. “The ink’s blurry, but now that you know what I did to save it … I tried so hard. I hope you know what it says.” Tommy held his breath.
“I do.” She squeezed him. “And I love you, too.”
Tommy hugged her back. “I’m sorry I broke Grandma’s bowl.”
“I know,” she said.
A valentine confession! For someone with such good intentions. A very sweet story.
Moms know the love hiding under the mud! Sweet!
So much effort, so much love. I wish you well with this story.
Lots of heart in this one, Karen! I felt Tommy’s sadness, determination, desperation, and love all wrapped up in 214 words. That’s difficult to do! Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your kind words and support! It means a lot. 🙂
Any mom would appreciate a valentine her son had gone through so much to make and deliver 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest with this sweet entry, Karen! And good for you getting it done in time and cutting all those words – I know how hard that is!
Hi Susanna – I put mine up .. and entered the link – yet can’t see it …
http://positiveletters.blogspot.ca/2018/02/the-robin-who-hedges-her-choices.html
But no worries! Good luck to one and all … lots of entries – cheers Hilary
The Robin Who Hedged Her Choices? It’s there 🙂
Yes, you did and I am so glad I got to read it. I’m so glad it worked out for Tommy. I love your verbs. They’re wonderful.They put me right in the story. Great job. Best of luck.
A story for all those rescuers and those planning-to-be rescuers out there. Very sweet.
ENTRY POSTED FOR GINA
Chocolaty Delight (93 words)
by Gina Silvester
Oh won’t it come quickly
I really can’t wait
February fourteenth
a magical date
A special Valentine
from Mommy and Dad
A special Valentine
like none that I’ve had
A heart shaped box
in a bright red bag
An overfilled basket
my name on the tag
A special Valentine
made only for me
A special Valentine
oh what can it be
A mountain of chocolate
I take my first bite
It’s super delicious
and sweetened just right
A special Valentine
to show that they care
A special Valentine
the best kind to share
Just the kind of valentines that Susanna and all her minion like best. In fact, I suddenly feel the need for a chocolate mountain…..
I like the rhyme and now I’m craving chocolate too! Good luck!
Delightful! I wish you well with this story.
Great job Gina! So proud of you putting yourself out there.
Simple and effective. Who doesn’t like a heart shaped box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day? Adorable!
Thank you all for the kind words! All of the Valentiny entries are wonderful. So happy to have taken part.
Well, you had me at mountain of chocolate, Gina! 🙂 Anyone would look forward to a valentine like this! Nicely and mouth-wateringly written 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MEG
Valentine Handyman
By Meg Mahoney
213 words
Mom’s been quiet since Grampa died. Sometimes I see tears on her cheeks.
Dad says she’ll be ok, but that her heart is broken.
I know that it must be serious because I know hearts are important. I wonder if it hurts.
At school we decorated paper Valentine’s hearts. Mine ripped when I was cutting it out and I was mad that it was ruined. Miss Kelly taped it together but it’s not the same.
I bring Mom some tape.
She smiles, but she’s just not the same either.
I bring her a Band-Aid. Band-Aids make my cuts feel better.
Maybe it’s broken enough to need super glue.
Maybe a hammer and nails. Or a screwdriver. Or a drill.
I don’t know how to fix a heart.
As I’m falling asleep I see my Valentine heart poking out of my backpack. When I tiptoe into Mom and Dad’s room to leave it for Mom, I find her sitting on the edge of the bed. I crawl up beside her and I hand her my heart. I climb into her lap and listen to stories about Grampa. When we snuggle I know her heart is less broken because I can hear it working: tha-thump, tha-thump. Maybe it was the tape?
Oh, this is so thoughtful and sweet. Thank you for your story. And I like the little spark of humor at the end. Makes it more poignant.
Sweet story. You captured a child’s mind trying to fix a broken heart.
It would be nice to have some kind of tape to fix broken hearts. I wish you well with your story.
This gives me hot eyes. Very sweet–I love your MC.
Oh my goodness, Meg! This is the cutest, sweetest story! What an innocently hopefully helpful child, trying so hard and of course just what will heal his mom’s heart all by himself. Lovely! Thanks for joining in the contest!
Hello Meg,
We are not connected, but I wish we were. This is one of the most heartfelt stories I have ever read. I was right there from the first minute to the last. This is brilliant! Please make this a picture book!
ENTRY POSTED FOR PATRICIA
Daisy Power
by Patricia Finnegan
You love me? You love me not?
You love me? You love me not?
Could this daisy know the answer?
Last month, I had a giant jelly disaster.
I really couldn’t clean it faster.
I tried to make a sandwich after.
You said, “What a peanut buttery disaster!”
You love me? You love me not?
You love me? You love me not?
Does this flower have know-all super powers?
Last week, I had the ultimate shower.
My bubbles made huge soapy towers.
The foam was on the wall for hours.
You said, “What a soapy, slippery-slidey shower!”
You love me? You love me not?
You love me? You love me not?
I hope this flower can explain
Today, I played out in the rain.
Mud followed after like a train.
I don’t think dark brown leaves a stain.
You said, “What a fudgy, mucky rain!
You love me?
You love me!
How did this flower get so wise?
Is that love I see in your eyes?
Mama, since this flower never lies,
I hope we can be valentines.
Mama’s love their kids no matter what the flower may say. Despite the muck and mess. Sweet story!
Flower power! I like it. Good luck!
Very hopeful. I wish you well with this story.
I bet this Mama loves her little darling no matter what 🙂 Love this creative use of the loves-me-loves-me-not daisy and your very believable kid portrayal! Thanks for joining in the contest, Pat!
Cupid’s Graduation Wish
by Lucretia Schafroth (Word count: 214)
Angel Academy buzzed with anticipation for their Valentine’s Day graduation. This year, everyone expected Cupid #11—Ciel to his friends—to be honored as the class’s top student.
He’d whittled the straightest arrows—never nicking himself—in wood shop.
He’d won ‘highest hoverer’ in gym class.
He’d even aced Advanced Archery and Applied Physics.
But Ciel had another distinction—as the tiniest cupid at school. And it wasn’t just his size everyone noticed…
Ciel still had all his baby teeth.
The Tooth Fairy had visited his classmates multiple times—so kids teased Ciel, calling him AADD—academically advanced, dentally delayed.
More than any award, Ciel desperately hoped for a loose tooth—and a Tooth Fairy visit.
He’d tried everything—wiggling his teeth, biting into apples…even asking a friend to throw heavy quivers at his mouth! No luck.
As the students practiced for the ceremony, Ciel thought about his speech. His classmates lined up—sashes tied, bows taut, quivers stocked—and hovered to the stage, their fluttering wings jostling.
“Careful, cupids!,” the principal cautioned. Lost in thought, Ciel didn’t hear the warning, crashing face first into the podium. Picking himself up, Ciel noticed something white on the floor—his tooth!
The Tooth Fairy winked from above. Happy Valentine’s Day, she thought. See you tonight…
Ah yes, I remember those “toothist” comments at school. Those who lost their teeth earlier bragged about it. Those who didn’t felt left behind. Nice mix of two important kid events!
Nice combination with the tooth fairy. Those of us early teethers now face crowns and root canals. Can the tooth fairy come back for those? 😉
Oh my! His hope was realized the hard way. I wish you well with your story.
Nice combo of Cupid/Valentines and the Tooth Fairy, Lucretia! Love all the classes – very creative 🙂 And glad Cupid got his wish! Thanks for joining in the Valentiny fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR STEPHANIE
Huggle and Snug by Stephanie Vassallo
Before the beginning, Huggle lived at home with Mommy and Mama. Huggle got all the attention and toys to himself. Huggle felt special. Still sometimes Huggle wished he had someone else to play with at home.
Mama’s belly was getting rounder. Mama’s lap was getting littler. Baby Snug was growing inside. Mommy said Snug would be a Valentine’s baby.
Huggle hoped for a little sister. Huggle could play with a sister. A girl could be a Valentine’s baby. Huggle hoped he would be the only boy. Huggle wanted to stay special.
Mama made an appointment. Huggle and Mommy went too. At the appointment, the look-inside machine showed a boy. Huggle cried. Huggle’s whole body cried. Huggle wouldn’t be special anymore.
Right then, Snug gave a thumbs up sign. Mommy said Snug’s thumbs up meant, “It’s ok, Huggle.” Mommy said Snug hoped Huggle would play with him at home. Mommy said a boy could be a Valentine’s baby. Mommy said Huggle would always be special. Huggle got quiet.
On Valentine’s Day, Snug arrived. Snug peeked at Huggle. Snug held Huggle’s finger. Snug gave Huggle a lovey. Huggle loved his soft lovey. Huggle felt special. Huggle cuddled Snug. Huggle sang Snug a welcome song.
Now Huggle can play with his little brother Snug at home.
I like how the wariness of a new sibling melts away at the end. Nice!
Sweet story. Thanks for sharing it.
It’s nice he was reassured before his baby brother arrived. I wish you well with this story.
What a sweet story, Stephanie! Love the names! And what a beautiful job you did showing the worries a sibling-to-be has and how things change when the baby comes. Lovely job! Thanks for joining in the contest!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KURT
MY VALENTINE by Kurt Wetherill
Will you help me with my valentine?
I want it to be perfect because I’m giving it to someone really special.
Should it be fancy with lots of glitter? You make life sparkle.
Or simple with only words? Be my valentine.
How do you feel about rainbows? You add color to my day!
You think there should be hearts? How many? One? Two? Twenty? If I had more hearts to give, they’d all be yours.
Perhaps one with a polar bear? Thanks for being the coolest!
I like cats, but I also like aliens. Here’s one with an alien cat. You’re purr-fectly out of this world! Too much?
How about one that rhymes?
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
You’re super awesome.
And amazing too!
Maybe something silly? Everything’s BUTTER with you!
You can’t go wrong with a message from the heart. You’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met!
So many great valentines. I love them all, but it feels like they’re missing something.
I didn’t put who they are to!
To someone really special, YOU!
Now they’re perfect, just like you. Happy Valentine’s Day!
This story answers the question: What’s a valentine without a recipient? Just paper and platitudes. Nice twist at the end.
Very nice for a young reader to feel special. I wish you well with this story.
Great job showing all the things a kid wonders and worries about when making a valentine, Kurt! So many choices… and the right one depends upon who is receiving the valentine! Thanks for a very believably kid story!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LUCRETIA
Cupid’s Candy Craving
—Marvin’s Valentine’s Surprise
by Lucretia Schafroth (Word count: 214)
Marvin awoke, sniffing the air groggily. Ugh! Still winter…
“Snack time!,” grumbled his tummy. Then, he remembered eating all his Christmas candy before his long nap.
Massaging his twitching sweet tooth, Marvin thought, “I’ve gotta get sugared snacks—soon!”
“Surveillance time!,” Marvin decided. Glittering hearts decorated several windows. Valentine’s Day was almost here! Marvin hoped that meant chocolate—his favorite.
“Scheming time!,” Marvin grinned. Devising a mission, he nipped and snipped, gnawed and clawed until…
“Perfect!,” he smiled.
Once inside, sweet aromas guided his feet. Shimmying up a table leg, Marvin tucked himself behind a fluffy bear guarding two heart-shaped boxes.
FWAP! Instantly, yapping and skittering feet approached.
Marvin dove for cover.
“Fluffy—Stop barking!,” said the eldest. Then, to her little brother—
“C’mon! Let’s finish dinner so we can open our chocolates.”
“Show time!” Marvin thought.
“That’s a funny-looking Valentine…,” said the eldest, reaching for her box.
“I wanna see,” said the boy, peering up.
At that moment, Marvin leaped outward…
launching into the air…
flinging out his arms…
and yelled, “HAAP-PPPY VALL-LENTINE’S DAY!”
“CRAZY CUPID! RUN!” shrieked the kids. Dropping their chocolates, they scrambled out of the room.
Nibbling on a scrumptious, velvety chunk while admiring his new snack supply, Marvin, the chipmunk, thought…
‘OPERATION CHOCOLATE HEART’…
SUCCESS!
Moral of the story? Watch out for sneaky chocolate chewing chipmunks. Let’s hear it for Marvin! Reminded me of Alvin and the chipmunks. Fond memories….
Marvin gives Alvin a run for his momey! Naughty funny chipmunk, Marvin makes me laugh!
oh my! a chocolate craving chipmunk livens things up! I wish you well with this cute story.
I love Marvin every time he shows up, Lucretia! I feel like you’ve got a whole series of holiday candy, Marvin scheming, disguise operation picture books right here in your hand! Thanks for another fun installment!
LILY’S LEG, 213 words by Stephanie Routt Kotara
Lily’s leg cast had been on for soooo long. Years!
(Her brother Ben said it wasn’t years).
Valentine’s Day was her next check up.
“My cast has to come off,” she declared.
“I miss baths and wearing pants and chasing Ben.”
“Nope,” said Ben.
Waiting was hard.
To distract herself, Lily wrote out her Valentines.
“What to do with the extra one…?”
“Eat it?” said Ben.
Lily remembered a flier in the doctor’s office: ‘Happy, hopeful? You might heal faster.’
An idea!
‘Dear Leg,’ she wrote.
‘I miss you. I want us to swim and karate kick and sit crisscross applesauce.
Please get well soon. You’re the best (except for my other leg)!
Love, Lily.’
Lily showed the special Valentine to her best friend Hannah.
“A great idea!” said Hannah.
At the check up, Dr. Walker told Lily she’d taken good care of her cast. “Your leg’s almost ready.”
“Almost?” groaned Lily.
“It needs a little longer to heal,” said the doctor.
“Can’t be too careful,” Ben agreed.
“Maybe your leg needs more than one Valentine,” said Hannah, as she helped Lily into school.
“Surprise!” Lily’s classmates presented her with 20 Valentines, all dedicated to her leg.
Lily beamed. “With these, I’ll be hopping around by Easter.”
And she was.
(Watch out, Ben!)
Oh dear, time is running out so I will go ahead and post. This is lucky revision #13! Thanks again Susanna for providing such a fun and creative outlet for all of us!
A Pirate Valentine
209 word Valentiny
By Ingrid Boydston
A pirate valentine, my friend, is quite a sight to see.
You do not see them often mate but if you’ll stick with me,
I’ll show you the best valentine a pirate ever sent!
The problem is I wrote it down, but don’t know where it went!
It’s full of pirate poetry and lots of pirate verse.
I kept it clean, except for “arrrrgh” I didn’t even curse!
I burned the edges nice and black, drew X to mark the spot
so my love can find me waiting…at the last place that we fought!
I hope you’ll help me look for it! It’s worth a treasure chest!
Of all the sweethearts in the world, I’ll arrrrgue mine’s the best!
For though we have our differences and though we sometimes fight,
we always end up making up and yes, she’s usually right.
If you could help me find it friend, I’ll let you steer the ship.
What’s that? You will? You’ll help me look? Then let’s begin our trip!
We’ve got to find that present fast! We mustn’t dilly dawdle!
I never should have put my valentine into that bottle!
You see my bottle floating? Where? By pirates gosh and golly!
And there’s my Valentine herself! My pirate parrot Polly!
Unexpected and funny. 🙂 I wish you well with this story.
Blimey, mate! I love a good pirate rhyme.
Especially loved: “It’s full of pirate poetry and lots of pirate verse.
I kept it clean, except for “arrrrgh” I didn’t even curse!”
Arrrgh, I loves a good pirate poem too! Good luck!
Haha, this is really cute, and great rhyme! Best of luck! 🙂
Clever and fun and full of delightful pirate speak! Love it, Ingrid! And love that his valentine turned out to be the parrot 🙂 Thanks for a super fun creative entry!
This made my day! Thank you Susanna! :)!
ENTRY POSTED FOR STEPHANIE K
LILY’S LEG (213 words) by Stephanie Routt Kotara
Lily’s leg cast had been on for soooo long. Years!
(Her brother Ben said it wasn’t years).
Valentine’s Day was her next check up.
“My cast has to come off,” she declared.
“I miss baths and wearing pants and chasing Ben.”
“Nope,” said Ben.
Waiting was hard.
To distract herself, Lily wrote out her Valentines.
“What to do with the extra one…?”
“Eat it?” said Ben.
Lily remembered a flier in the doctor’s office: ‘Happy, hopeful? You might heal faster.’
An idea!
‘Dear Leg,’ she wrote.
‘I miss you. I want us to swim and karate kick and sit crisscross applesauce.
Please get well soon. You’re the best (except for my other leg)!
Love, Lily.’
Lily showed the special Valentine to her best friend Hannah.
“A great idea!” said Hannah.
At the check up, Dr. Walker told Lily she’d taken good care of her cast. “Your leg’s almost ready.”
“Almost?” groaned Lily.
“It needs a little longer to heal,” said the doctor.
“Can’t be too careful,” Ben agreed.
“Maybe your leg needs more than one Valentine,” said Hannah, as she helped Lily into school.
“Surprise!” Lily’s classmates presented her with 20 Valentines, all dedicated to her leg.
Lily beamed. “With these, I’ll be hopping around by Easter.”
And she was.
(Watch out, Ben!)
I love this idea! I’m wondering if a valentine will help get rid of my allergies…hm, probably not. Oh well…Good luck in the contest!
A healing valentine, very nice. I wish you well with your story.
So hard for kids (and those that care for them) went they are taken out of commission!
Cool idea. Nicely done.
Very creative idea! Love how different this is!
What an original idea to write valentines to a healing leg! I bet they would help! Thanks for a very creative entry, Stephanie and for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR AMBER
If I Gave a Witch a Valentine
By Amber M. Bouchard
WC 141
What if I gave a witch a valentine?
Would she hiss and yell?
Would she cast a spell?
She might turn me into a snake.
She might bake me into a cake.
She might swat me with her broom or zap lightening, Kaboom!
What if I gave a witch a Valentine?
Would she still be mean,
Green,
and mix potions on Halloween?
I hope she wouldn’t.
I hope she would hug and kiss,
not yell and hiss.
What if she didn’t cast a spell and her heart began to swell.
I hope she would give a smile and talk while,
not turn me into a reptile.
What if there were no swats or zaps, but together we made cakes or frappes.
So, I gave it a try.
I gave a witch a Valentine.
And in the end…
…she became my friend.
Sweet, funny story. Even witches can be won over with a little love. Good luck!
I guess there is hope for everyone after all. 🙂 I wish you well with this story.
Fun and a nice way to switch a witch from being cruel to sparkly jewel!
Great title, Amber, and love the concept! You never know until you try, and in this case giving a witch a valentine earned a new friend. That’s a happy day for everyone 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JEN
Bunnies’ Heart-Shaped Hopes by Jen Raudenbush
As fluffy, white flakes fell to the forest floor, two bunnies peered from their burrow.
“It’s deeper than Papa’s ears!” squeaked Calliope.
“But it’s gotta stop,” said older sister Marisol. “Vole’s Valentine’s Day party is tonight!”
Mama cuddled the girls close. “By tonight, the snow may be too deep for your wandering bunny feet.”
Calliope blinked back tears. “No candy hearts and valentines.”
Marisol’s whiskers twitched. “No music and dancing.”
Snow covered the ground like Mama’s quilt. But deep in her belly, Calliope nurtured a glow of promise.
She carried that pinprick of light into naptime, where its embers grew and gleamed and danced in her dreams.
Marisol pressed her pink nose against the outside door and shook her head. They’d never make it to Vole’s house!
As her back leg thumped, an idea sprang up. She hoped she could hop to it in time.
Calliope sighed and stretched. When she peeked outside, her eyes widened to the size of chocolate-covered strawberries.
Red ribbons swirled like icing atop their family’s pine tree. Velvet hearts swayed from icicle-glazed tree branches. Animals’ song floated through the night sky, speckled with stars.
Calliope’s heart swelled to bursting as she grasped Marisol’s outstretched paws.
And the two swung in powdered-sugar circles…at their very own Valentine’s party.
I have the strangest feeling that I’ve read and commented on this story somewhere else here. In any case, this story conjures really beautiful images. And I love measuring the depth of the snow by the length of Papa’s ears. Sweet story! Good luck!
I, too, read this here somewhere earlier and I thought I left a comment. This is a lovely story of making the best of things. I wish you well with your story.
Your imagery is great! Snow deeper than Papa’s ears, covering the ground like Mama’s quilt, eyes the size of chocolate covered strawberries.
Ooh, what lovely images of their very own Valentine party, Jen! Sounds delightful! Love their names too 🙂 Love the line about the wandering bunny feet and the powdered sugar circles – lovely! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun!
Ol’ Grumble finally gets his Valentine wish. Nice! Thank you for a funny and engaging rhyme of a story. Good luck!
Fun rhyme for a funny story. I wish you well with it.
I like the happy solution for all the kittens. Nice!
This one is so fun and I love the rhyme!
Aw! So glad they ALL got their shot at a fur-ever home, Mia! What purr-fect valentines they will be! Thank goodness for the quick-thinking Miss Hollbrook! Thanks so much for joining in the Valentiny fun 🙂
Nicely written rhyme and great portrayal of grumpiness and holiday-hating, Katrina! Grumble’s personality comes through loud and clear! I’m glad he finally got a peace-and-quiet holiday… for everyone’s sakes! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!