Hi Everyone! I’m so sorry, but there is absolutely no chance I’m going to have finalists Friday morning as I originally posted. I’m not even sure when to say I will have them, though I’ll get them up as soon as I can. It will not be over this weekend, I’m sure of that. Thank you all for your patience. I’m so sorry for the delay!
[For those trying to post, you must click on the Blog Post Title to get on the blog post page and access the comments]
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Valentinies rock
And so do YOU!
Whether your characters are filled with pride and joy, puffed up with pride, or in danger of pride going before a fall, the time has come for . . .
The 7th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest
~ for children’s writers ~
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 feels proud! They can be proud in a good way or a bad way. They can be proud of themselves for asking someone to be their Valentine, or they can be proud of how they asked. They can be proud of a Valentine they make, or a Valentine celebration they plan. They can be proud of giving something up, or proud of asking someone they’re not sure about for some reason in order to be nice. They can be proud of their performance in a Valentines Day play or concert or parade. . . sky’s the limit! Just make sure it is clearly Valentine-centered! Think beyond the obvious! 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 proud (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 in the comment section below between right now this very second and Sunday February 13th by 11:59 PM EDT. There will be no regularly scheduled posts for the duration of the contest (Tuesday Debut, Would You Read It, or PPBF), so the post and all of your entries will stay up for everyone to enjoy. 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. [Also, a small note: I have a serious family situation at the moment. I didn’t want to cancel the contest at the last minute, but please be patient with me if it takes me a while to post emailed entries and update the link list etc. I will do my best, but apologies in advance for delays.]
The Judging: my lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 6-12 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 Friday February 18th (or possibly a day or two later if the judges need extra time.) The winner will be announced Monday February 21st depending on judging and voting time needed. 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 pride, and success in making us feel the pride (whether it’s good pride or bad)!
- Valentine’s Day appropriateness – this is a VALENTINE story and Valentine’s Day must be central to it!
- 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, PROOFREADING!
- Originality – surprise us with something new and different! 😊
- How well you followed the Submission Guidelines – agents and editors expect professionalism. This is a chance to practice making sure you read and follow specified guidelines.
The Prizes: As always, we are so fortunate to have an abundance of wonderful prizes donated by our very generous friends in the kidlit community! Just look at all these goodies!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Read & Critique from agent Mary Cummings of Great River Literary, “an agency devoted exclusively to representing authors and author/illustrators of books for children and teens. Strong relationships with editors have resulted in a rapidly growing list of sales of board and picture books, chapter books and novels to such publishing houses as Knopf; Philomel; Viking; Nancy Paulsen/Penguin; Balzer & Bray; Walker; Little, Brown; Henry Holt; Holiday House; Feiwel & Friends; FSG; Running Press; WorthyKids; Abrams; Random House; Wiseman S & S; Chronicle; Candlewick; HarperCollins and many others.”
⭐️ 1/2 Hour Zoom Picture Book Manuscript Critique or Mentoring Session with author Lynne Marie!
Lynne Marie is the accomplished author of Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten – art by Anne Kennedy (Scholastic 2011), Hedgehog’s 100th Day of School – art by Lorna Hussey (Scholastic 2017), The Star of the Christmas Play — art by Lorna Hussey (Beaming Books 2018), Moldilocks and the 3 Scares — art by David Rodriguez Lorenzo (Sterling 2019 and Scholastic 2019), Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World — art by Parwinder Singh (Beaming Books 2019) and The Three Little Pigs And The Rocket Project — art by Wendy Fedan (Mac and Cheese Press 2022) and American Pie — art by Dea Lenihan (Dancing Flamingo Press, April 12, 2022)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Penny Parker Klostermann, talented author of THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017)
⭐️ 30 Minute Zoom Ask Me Anything with Keila Dawson, author of THE KING CAKE BABY (Pelican Publishing 2016), NO VOICE TOO SMALL (Charlesbridge 2020), and OPENING THE ROAD: VICTOR HUGO GREEN AND HIS GREEN BOOK (Beaming Books, 2021)
⭐️ Access to author/editor Alayne Kay Christian‘s webinars! Alayne is the author of BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA (Blue Whale Press, 2008), SIENNA THE COWGIRL FAIRY: COWBOY TROUBLE (Blue Whale Press 2021), THE WEED THAT WOKE CHRISTMAS (Blue Whale Press, 2020), and AN OLD MAN AND HIS PENGUIN (Blue Whale Press, 2020)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) from Melissa Stoller, author of SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Spork 2018), READY, SET, GORILLA! (Spork 2018), THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION (chapter books) (Spork 2017), SADIE’S SHABAT STORIES (Spork, 2020) and PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Rebecca Gardyn Levington author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, Summer 2022), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, Spring 2024) and a contributor to the delightful anthology HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING (Pomelo Books, October 2020)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (nonrhyming) from Rebecca Kraft Rector, author of SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House, 2021), LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD EDITOR (Aladdin, September 2022), and TRIA AND THE GREAT STAR RESCUE (Delacorte/Random House)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique and Query Letter Critique from Jessica Stremer author of the forthcoming GREAT CARRIER REEF (Holiday House, 2023)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Cathy Ballou Mealey author of WHEN A TREE GROWS (Union Square Kids, 2019), SLOTH AND SQUIRREL IN A PICKLE (Kids Can Press, 2021), and the forthcoming MAKE MORE S’MORES (Sleeping Bear Press, 2023)
⭐️ Personalized Signed Copy of THE KING CAKE BABY by Keila Dawson
⭐️ Personalized Signed Copy of PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM by Melissa Berger Stoller
⭐️ Personalized Signed Copy of IT’S A MUFFULETTA! IT’S A WHATA? (Sprok 2021) by Patricia Saunders
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for birthday, holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, recommending them for school and library visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊
Now! Put your heart into it and proudly post your entries!
I can’t wait to read your stories!!!
Eager Readers: Check out the comment section for all the fabulous entries! 😊
ENTRIES (all entries are linked) [will be linked tomorrow – sorry for delay]
- The Perfect Present – Sara Kruger
- Dr. Basil Discovers His Secret Admirer – Royal Baysinger
- Teeny Houdini – Heather Ferranti Kinser
- How To Win At Wordle – Anne Lipton
- Eva Valentina’s Day – Katie Fischer
- Chick Forgot Valentine’s Day – Jess Burbank
- The Make-A-Valentine Contest – Hanna Geshelin
- Never Too Many Valentines – Lori C. Evans
- Proud As A Peacock – Bru Benson
- Valentine Farm – Jennifer Lowe
- Gary Groundhog Conquers The Shadow Monster – Deborah Foster
- Tucker And The Sneezies – Susan E. Schipper
- When Dad Is Away – Aileen Stewart
- It’s Valentine’s Day, Thomas, The Worm – Maria Lahman
- The House On The Corner – Elyse Trevers
- Staying In The Lines – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
- Top Of The World – Christine Alemshah
- The Canape Caper – Cathy Stenquist
- My Icky Sticky Valentine – Chayala Nachum
- The Best Card Maker – Stephanie Maksymiw
- Dad Gets Weird On Valentine’s Day – Debbie Day
- The Valentine Tiff – Sally Yorke-Viney
- Glitter & Glue – Janna MacLean
- Heart Aflutter – Kelly Clasen
- Little Things – Molly Ippolito
- Veronica’s Surprise – Janel Caverly
- My Quiet Valentine – Amanda Sherlock
- Who’s Ana? – Ellie Langford
- Prince Of The Pride – Jessica Seitz
- Cupid’s Big Day – Marty Bellis
- A Match Made In Socks – Laura Heath
- Momma’s Smile – Amber Hendricks
- The Perfect Valentine – Kimberly Shrack
- Miss Frog And Mister Turtle – Sharon McCarthy
- The Trees Of The Girl Who Raised Bees – B.J. Genovese
- Mailbirds: Valentine’s Day – Reed Ambrose
- The Perfect Card – Keely Leim
- Valentine’s Day Is For Everyone – Janet Scratchley
- Valentine’s In The Jungle – Melissa Rafson Friedman
- The Lovesick Groundhog – Debbie Daugherty
- Rosas For Senor Perez – Carmen Castillo Gilbert
- Get Well Soon, Mrs. Love – Rebekah Hoeft
- A Valentine For You – Marty Findley
- Cupid, A New Generation – Linda Staszak
- A Valentine For Her – Marty Findley
- Mr. Sunder’s Valentine’s Day Cookie – Marta Cutler
- Valentine Countdown – Marta Cutler
- V’s For Valentine – Rachel Bandy
- ValenTINY – Jessica Milo
- Three Hearts – A. Kidd
- I Whale Always Love You – Kimberly Horch
- Isabella’s Valentine – Terrie Hellard-Brown
- Dear Moon – Carissa Brown
- A Nose For Love – Julie Kurtz
- Rabbit [heart] Rebecca – Anne Bromley
- The Heart Of A Wizard – Jany Campana
- Sweet Valentine – Daniella Kaufman
- The Valentine’s Cake – Kate Thompson
- Gene’s Forbidden Valentine – Vanessa Konoval
- The Best Part – Sarah Meade
- V-Day! – Sarah Meade
- The Special Valentine Card – Sherry Roberts
- Cutting Is Hard – Ashley Chance
- Hammie’s Valentine Surprise – Jenna Elyse Johnson
- Pinky’s Message – Elizabeth Muster
- Everyting You Taught Me – Shuba Mohan
- It’s A Matter Of Taste – Corine Timmer
- Broken Hearts Need Love Too – Stephanie Henson
- All Aboard – Debbie Whittam
- Dove Letters – Amy LaMae Brewer
- My Furry Valentine – Tiffany Hanson
- A Squawking Serenade – Tiffany Hanson
- Proud That You Are Mine – Tonnye Fletcher
- Mother, You Are One In A Million – Elaine D’Alessandro
- King Of Love – Sue Ko
- Rose’s Creative Valentines – Elaine D’Alessandro
- Dear Valentine – Jill Burns
- Subterranean Lovesick Blues – Andrea MacDonald
- Love, Mama And Me – Karen Olmstead
- A Gift For My Mami – Lana Montalban
- Baby Bear’s Heart – Lori Himmel
- Gumballs – Jill Purtee
- Beaming With Pride – Paul Kurtz
- Proud As A Peacock – Paul Kurtz
- Don’t-Let-The-Dung-Beetle-Make-The-Valentine-Brownies! – Donna Kurtz
- Best Valentine’s Day Ever! – Donna Kurtz
- To Sarah – Elizabeth Westra
- The Heart-Shaped Mitten – Sherri T. Mercer
- Love Inside – Kristy Roser Nuttall
- Valentine’s Field Trip – Darcee Freier
- Heart And Hands – Marjorie David
- Flicker’s Valentine – Laura Bost
- A Valentine For Birders – Geraldine Oades-Sese
- The Floofabims – Sabrina Shah
- I Wanted To Say I Love You – Joy Curtis
- Percy’s Performance – Allison Strick
- Showdown In Smoochalot – Jesse Anna Bornemann
- Theo’s Not-So-Perfect Valentine’s Day – Kelsey E. Gross
- Mama, Are You Proud Of Me? – Pamela Swanson
- Awesome Together – Sarah Hetu
- Valentine’s Breakfast For Mom – Patti Ranson
- Special Delivery – Emily Keener
- Harriet’s Cards – Jessica Reed
- Dolley’s Favorite Month – Lincoln Mansch
- Llama Love – Laura Bower
- Will You Be My Valentine? – Michelle S. Kennedy
- Sunshine Valentine – Vashti Verbowski
- Shelby’s Heartache – Susannah Lee
- Taffy’s Sweet Surprise – Mary Schultz
- Where Is Puppito? – Bridget Magee
- Princess Candace – Sheila R. Schmotzer
- Suzie And Jordan’s Special Day – Shadi Kafi
- Valentine Delivery – Part II (sequel to 2021 Valentine Contest Entry) – Katie Brandyberry
- A Friend For Valentine’s Day – Daniele Arndt
- Hoppy Belated Valentine – Zach Schloss
- Remember The Love – Ashley Murray
- The Proudest Pencil – Lori Sheroan
- My Gummy Love – Lauri C. Meyers
- Love ME – Melissa Rutigliano
- Love Potions And Laughter – Tiffany Hanson
- A Cake-tastrophe – Tiffany Hanson
- The Valentine’s Day Invitiational – Lori Keating
- Lost But Found – Armineh Manookian
- L-O-V-E – Ronda Einbinder
- Shakesbear In Love – MaryLee Flannigan
- A New Friend – Steve Jankousky
- What Kind Of Cupid Am I? – Alayne Kay Christian
- My Hero – Dawn Young
- Valentine’s Day Dance-Off In Nestville – Lynn Marie Moore
- Hidden In These Hallowed Hills – Shuba Mohan
- A Rose For Toad – Ashlee MacCallum
- I Do NOT Like Rohini Rao – Sandhya Acharya
- Untitled – M.M. Sutanto
- A Heart Of Gold – Ryan Schneck
- Haiku Valentines: Love In 5-7-5 Rhyme – Brenda Whitehead
- Kate’s Valentines – Sheila M. Hausbeck
- A Nest For Bluegill – Katie Palazzola
- A Puzzling Valentine – My Side Of The Phone Call… – Ingrid Boydston
- Smelly Kelly – Glenda Roberson
- Underneath It All – Carrie Charley Brown
- How To Find A Valentine – Bevin Rolfs Spencer
- My Daddy’s Valentine – Gayle Krause
- Proud Valentine’s Day – Deborah Hunt
- A Valentine For Annie B. Bear – Charlotte Dixon
- Valentine’s Day Heartache – Cindy Greene
- Valentine Shenanigans – Vasilia Graboski
- You Make Me So Proud – Erika Romero
- I Am Proud To Be Your Friend – Kerry Porter
- Love Somebody – Brigid Finucane
- Marcus Is Not An Elephant: How A Woolly Mammoth Makes A Friend – Susan Schwartz Twiggs
- Purple Lace – Liz Kehrli
- Puppy Love – Kathy Halsey
- Valentine’s Day Booty – Danielle Sharkan
- Wholeheartedly – Catherine Brewer
- Valentine Barks – Kathy Crable
- Oog Love Rock – Katie Palazzola
- C.I.T. (Cupid In Training) – Colleen Murphy
- Allie’s Biggest Heart – Julianna Helt
- Detective Spot And The Search For A New Cupid – Sophia Moore (age 10)
- The Valentine Surprise – Claire Noland
- The Purrfect Valentine – Tara Knox Cerven
- A Valentine For Mr. Weatherly – Lindsay Moretti
- A Proud Mum – Shariffa Keshavje
- Valentine’s Day At Sweet Pig’s – Patricia Corcoran
- Poppy’s Gift – Melanie Adkins
- Go Tell Bully Brady – Mona Pease
- Valentine Surprise – Abby Wooldridge
- Full Of Heart – Allison Burke
- Two Little Valentines – Judy Abelove Shemtob
- A Change Of Heart – Michaela Almeida
- The Mural – Susanne Whitehouse
- The Perfect Friend Chip – Cheryl Simon
- Sloth’s Original Valentine – Judy Sobanski
- Be My Fred – Lisa Furness
- Cupid’s Confidence – Amy Leskowski
- The Flower Code – Ashlee Hashman
- A Valentine For Jake – Andrew Fairchild
- Cardi V – Alicia Meyers
- The Heart Of The Matter – Sarah Marhevsky
- Bear And Fish – A Love Story – Aly Kenna
- Valentine Wins – Sara Petersohn
- Sweet Breakfast – JC Kelly
- ValenTalent Show – Becky Goodman
- Marla’s Mistake – Jessica Watts
- The Koi That Should Have Been In The Zodiac – MeiLin Chan
- Surprise Valentine’s Day Party – Una Belle Townsend
- My First Love – Adolfo Gomez-Herrera
Susanna Leonard Hill 
HOW TO FIND A VALENTINE
By, Bevin Rolfs Spencer
213 words
Mouse told Mole, “I want to find a Valentine for Mama.”
But where?
Mole sniffed. “When I need an idea I follow my nose.”
Mouse followed Mole. And Mole followed her nose, until it bumped into a stream. “There’s something sweet in the meadow.”
“Snowdrop flowers!” Mouse cried. “That smells like a Valentine!” To reach the meadow he had to cross the stream.
But who could help?
“Hop on my back!” Offered Frog.
Mouse picked a perfect bouquet until the shadows grew dark. “ I need to get home before Valentine’s Day is over!”
But how?
“Hold onto my wing,” said Bird.
A strong wind blew and howled.
Mouse BOUNCED. He BUMPED.
Every BOUNCE, a petal broke free.
Every BUMP, a petal blew away.
When Mouse got home, he held only stems. “This is not a Valentine!”
Could Spider help?
But Spider was busy spinning her web. “An idea might be right under your nose,” she said.
Mouse looked up at Spider’s web. He looked down at the flower stems. And an idea formed. Mouse twisted the stems over and under, into a new shape.
“A heart!” said Mama. “Where did you find such a Valentine?”
Mouse patted his chest and his own heart swelled with pride. “It was under my nose all along.”
Look for the helpers!! Enjoyed all the friends who helped, with the ultimate solution provided by Mouse himself!
I LOVE the incredible journey Mouse undertakes to get his Mama a Valentine! Such helpful friends along the way!
I love Mole’s determination and quick thinking! His Mama should be proud.
Love how they all work together!
My Daddy’s Valentine
by Gayle Krause
word count 115
Chloe gathered her art supplies.
She cut red stripes.
Then white ones.
She pressed sticky stars on a blue square.
Then Chloe glued the red and white stripes together and pasted the blue square in the corner.
When the flag was finished, she glued the whole thing to a big red heart.
Chloe called her mother. “Mommy, could you send this Valentine to the war?”
Her mom’s eyes teared up.
The Valentine read:
Dear Daddy,
I miss you. Put this under your pillow so you can see me in your dreams.
Love, your daughter,
Chloe
XOXO
P.S. I’m proud that you keep the world safe for Mommy and me.
Very nice Gayle!
You capture the voice of a child very well! I LOVE the sentiment of keeping a note under a pillow to see someone in your dreams!
So much emotion packed into so few words!
“Send this to the war”…that is such a child’s voice, beautiful.
Proud Valentine’s Day
Deborah Hunt
214 Words
Rose thought about Valentine’s Day. It was fun to open cards and get
candy but the popular kids got the most and the unpopular kids got the least and
the ones in the middle like her got some.
“Mrs. Heart, can we do something different this year for Valentine’s Day?”
“Do you want to have heart-shaped cookies instead of cupcakes?” Mrs. Heart
asked.
“No, I want us to bring all those things to the kids who live in the homeless
shelter.”
Mrs. Heart smiled. “That’s a nice idea.”
“Can you ask Principal Lovelace?” Rose asked
Mrs. Heart nodded. After lunch she told Rose she could ask the kids.
Rose shared her idea. Some of them nodded but others frowned.
Rose continued. “Don’t you want to help others and feel proud?”
One of the kids snickered. “I’ll feel proud when I’m eating chocolate.”
“I’m going to give all of my Valentine’s gifts away. Will anyone join
me?” Rose pleaded.
Three kids raised their hands. One was the least popular, the other was
the most popular and, the third was the one in the middle. One by one the
rest of the kids raised their hands, even the snickering kid.
Mrs. Heart beamed. “Class, I am so very proud of you!”
Mrs. Heart’s comment about heart-shaped cookies instead of cupcakes is an expert piece of levity in what is otherwise a sweet story of selfless giving! Well done!
Thank you very much! I love this contest.
Thank you very much for your lovely comment!
Love the principal’s name, Deborah!
Thanks, Judy! I wanted to use names that were related to Valentine’s Day!
What a lovely idea! I wish more of us thought of others like this.
Thank you! I know so many kids that do selfless acts of kindness.
An apt depiction of V day in many classrooms-followed by a beautiful sentiment. Nicely done!
Thank you! Have a nice day!
A VALENTINE FOR ANNIE B. BEAR
By Charlotte Dixon
WC 211
Annie B. Bear fluffed her orange fur. She squeezed between stuffed red bears.
When the store opened, shoppers grabbed red bears, red hearts, and red ribbons.
What about me?
That night, Annie B. Bear slumped.
Before she fell asleep, she whispered, “Someone will want me.”
The following day, shoppers grabbed red bears, red hearts, and red ribbons—AGAIN!
When moonlight streamed through windows, Annie B. Bear shuffled down aisles.
She spotted a large banner: VALENTINE’S DAY SALE!
“Hmmm . . . what’s a Valentine?”
She strolled past red pajamas, red sox, and red underwear.
PLOP!
“Who’s there?”
“Over here,” said a small voice.
Annie B. Bear crept along the aisle until . . .
she spied something on the floor.
“What are you?” she asked.
“I’m a Valentine,” sobbed a crushed heart. “Will you help me?”
Annie B. Bear picked up Valentine.
“Your stuffing is lopsided,” she said. “I can fix that.”
SMOOSH!
“Thank you,” said Valentine.
“Would you like to be my Valentine?” asked Annie B. Bear.
“Yes!”
The next day, Annie B. Bear propped Valentine beside her,
and smiled proudly.
Red bears, red hearts, and red ribbons flew off the shelves—AGAIN!
Until . . .
“Mommy! I want the bear with the big red heart.”
“Valentine, I think someone is stuck on us,” proclaimed Annie B. Bear.
Happy things worked out for poor Annie and Valentine! Had to keep reading!
Thank you Brigid 🙂
I love Annie B. Bear’s well-written innocent and hopeful nature!
Thank you Royal 🙂
I’m so glad these two “hearts” found each other and then were found again by a third. A “heartfilled” story, Charlotte! (My apologies for the pun)
Thank you Jilanne 🙂 Love your fun pun!
My little girl loves orange–I know she would pick Annie FIRST!
Ah! I love how helping someone else ended up saving her!
VALENTINE’S DAY HEARTACHE
By Cindy Greene
Word Count: 202
“Oh no,” Ricardo muttered
when he heard the teacher say,
“Please cut some hearts for Valentines –
we’ll make your cards today.”
No matter what Ricardo tried,
he couldn’t cut a heart.
And worse, he thought to ask for help,
would make him look “not smart.”
He wrangled scissors, tried a pen;
he couldn’t help but groan.
‘Most every heart looked like a tooth,
or mangled ice cream cone.
The other children looked relaxed,
like cutting heats was fun.
Ricardo frowned and asked himself,
“Why can’t I cut just one?”
Ricardo saw a stack of hearts,
symmetrical and sleek.
He asked his neighbor, “Are they yours?
Please teach me your technique!”
Ricardo learned the method
which was “Breathe and use the fold;
enjoy and try your best –
just effort matters when all’s told.”
Ricardo tried and sure enough,
his hearts improved a bit.
But more important, he had fun,
and didn’t want to quit.
He helped some others with their hearts,
and helping felt real great.
He thought “It’s good to ask for help.
I shouldn’t hesitate!
I’m proud I learned that help is fine,
Not asking’s a mistake.
And making better hearts
Is just the icing on the cake!”
“Like a…mangled ice cream cone” – GENIUS! Such a hilarious image and turn of phrase!
Thanks!
I loved this character and how he learned to take pride in asking for help–and then giving it to others!
Thanks! Did you submit? I couldn’t find yours.
I love this, Cindy!! What a great story!
Love this sweet poem. Well done!
VALENTINE SHENANIGANS
By Vasilia Graboski Wordcount 214
Kayleigh’s real love was reading mysteries. But that would have to wait. The classroom valentine party had started! She slammed her book shut and hurried to the treat table.
“Hannah, I can’t wait to give you your valentine!”
“Me either.”
“Look!” pointed Kayleigh.
“GREEN M & M’s mixed with the red and pink ones?” said Kayleigh. “NOT very valentiny!”
Hannah shrugged. “C’mon, let’s make our mailboxes!”
Kayleigh gasped as she shuffled through the paper.
How strange. Only GREEN paper.
“Green mailboxes are NOT very valentiny,” grumbled Kayleigh.
“Kayleigh, I didn’t get your valentine.”
Kayleigh’s eyes grew wide.
GREEN M & M’s, GREEN paper and now, a MISSING VALENTINE.
Hmm. I have a suspect. Now, to set a trap!
Dear Valentine Villain,
We’re sorry if you feel left out. This is NOT your holiday!
But, I made a Valentine for you. Love, Kayleigh
Kayleigh made a trail of green M & M’s leading to the valentine. When she returned …
…the villain’s valentine was gone. In it’s place was THE MISSING VALENTINE.
And …
a Four-leaf clover!
“AH-HA!” shouted Kayleigh.
“A LEPRECHAUN HAS CRASHED OUR VALENTINE PARTY!”
“Kayleigh solved the mystery of the valentine shenanigans. Hip-Hip Hooray!” Hannah announced.
Kayleigh stood tall and flashed a smile. “Solving mysteries is even more fun than reading them!”
Funny and unexpected!
Thank you!
An impressive mystery contained in very few words! I love that the villainous leprechaun remains unheard and unseen!
Thank you!
I love your mash-up of two holidays. A fun, kid-friendly mystery!
Thanks!!
I should have figured it out from the title! So clever!
hahaha. Yeah, there was a bit o’ a hint there!
You Make Me So Proud
By: Erika Romero
Word Count: 130
It makes me so proud when you…
dance to the beat,
spin round and round,
and fly through the air.
Because of you,
Mami laughs and laughs.
It makes me so proud when you…
gather your toys,
stack your books,
and tidy your bed.
Because of you,
Papi has extra time for cuddles.
It makes me so proud when you…
pick special flowers,
draw lovely hearts,
and hug Abuela tight.
Because of you,
her whole day is full of love.
It makes me so proud when you…
tie your shoes tight,
stretch your arms and legs,
and race Abuelo to the finish line.
Because of you,
his whole day feels bright.
I’m your big sister
and on this Valentine’s Day
I want you to know…
You Make Me So Proud.
This is a lovely, happy depiction of a the many layer of love in a family.
A beautiful story of siblings and family! I love the imagery of what makes the big sister proud!
Lovely! The positivity of family and heart is refreshing.
Such a sweet sibling story. Love the different people you introduce here.
Sibling love is the sweetest!
What a sweet story, with beautiful rhythm!
I Am Proud To Be Your Friend
By: Kerry Porter
Words:212
Corey was in fourth grade, and his class Valentine’s Day party was a few days away. He
went right to work. He cut out a red heart, glued the edges with silver glitter, and wrote a message for his best friend in purple marker.
In class, his best friend Kloe sat in front of him, he helped her with school work. At recess, instead of playing ball with the guys, he hung around Kloe. Kloe showed him the world from her point of view. The wonder in the sky, the beauty in a sparkling rock, how unique beads of dew on a spider’s web can be. How fun it was to watch the rain with her! Kloe showed him things he hadn’t seen before.
The day finally arrived! Valentines Day! Corey passed out his valentines to the class. He saved the best for last. He cheerfully walked over to Kloe and handed her his hand-made valentine. Her brown eyes twinkled as she read words in purple marker, “I am proud to be your friend.” She smiled in her special way at him. He knew she liked her valentine. Kloe has an extra chromosome, she can see the beauty in our awesome and wondrous world. Corey was proud that she shared this world with him.
I love Kloe’s appreciation for the beauty in nature that she shares with Corey!
Thank you!
Beautiful! So visual.
I love both of your sweet characters!
A very sweet friendship!
Love Somebody
By Brigid Finucane
Word count: 212
As I was strumming down the street
A red breast robin I chanced to meet,
Singing “Love somebody, yes, I do.
Love somebody, but I won’t say who!”
Two is better than only one.
Let’s be a duo and have some fun!
On the corner in the early morn
A dapper dog blew a golden horn.
“Love somebody, yes I do.
Love somebody, but I won’t say who!”
Three is better than two or one,
Let’s be a trio and have some fun.
And on a bench, with a zing zang zin
A dusty donkey bowed a violin.
“Love somebody yes, I do.
Love somebody, but I won’t say who!”
Four is better than three, two, one.
Let’s be a quartet and have some fun!
And on we plunked and plinked so sweet
The street soon filled with dancing feet.
And others came to play along
And add their voices to our song.
“Love somebody, yes I do.
Love somebody, but I won’t say who!”
There never was a day so fine
In honor of St. Valentine.
And all because we sang our song,
And others came to sing along.
Love somebody, yes I do!
Love somebody, yes I do!
Love somebody, yes I do!
Love somebody, and it’s you, you, YOU!
This is upbeat, welcoming and fun. Great to read aloud. It reminded me of the Town Musicians of Bremen.
Thank you! When I finished writing it, that crossed my my mind as well, though there are robbers and mayhem rather than dancing in the streets! Have to reread, for sure!
I like your version.
I can hear my kids following along and reading along with this. Sweet story. love the final line too.
I love your animal musicians! Particularly your choice of the word “dusty” to describe the donkey! And your repeated lyric is beautiful!
Thank you! As a former music teacher, it was fun highlighting a favorite American heritage song!
Feeling the rhythm and the beat in your fun concept story.
Thank you! Loved your use of musical (and poetic) terminology!
This is so wonderful! I love the cumulative nature and the repeating lines!
Thank you!
I’d love to see a picture book of this with music to go with it! The repetition makes this really pleasing to the ear, and I love that it’s not just the musicians but also the others who come out to dance and sing. The message is so positive: we’re better together, and together we can do big, wonderful, happy things. The world needs more of this right now. Thank you!
Thank you for such positive remarks….positively warms my in-another-snowstorm-and hating-it heart!!
This is a complete joy to read and imagine!
The musical menagerie and I want to thank you for your kind words!
Marcus Is Not an Elephant: How a Woolly Mammoth Makes a Friend
by Susan Schwartz Twiggs.
211 Words
More than anything Marcus wants a friend.
“You are not an elephant and I know because I’m an elephant prince,” Jenko said. “You don’t look like us. What are you, Marcus?”
No one has ever told him. Not until today.
“I’m just like you,” Marcus said. Still, he wonders.
He has longer tusks and his ears are smaller. He barely fits in his desk chair.
“This is Marcus’ chair, everyone. Please leave this for him,” his teacher said.
Jenko smirks and the other elephants laugh.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, Marcus thinks. He’ll create a Valentine for everyone, even Jenko. Marcus cuts red hearts. He pastes them on white cards. He prints on each card:
YOU ARE MY FRIEND.
MARCUS
The big day arrives. Marcus passes out his valentines. Each with a sweet surprise.
Jenko rips the envelope, glances, and throws his away. So do the others.
Marcus bows his head to hide his tears.
Someone places a valentine under his tusk.
He sneaks a peek.
He opens the envelope, careful not to tear the card. Inside is a note:
To Marcus
Don’t ever change.
I like you just the way you are.
Love,
Alice
Marcus walks over to Alice. “Want to play?”
She nods and reaches for his tail.
I love Alice’s sweet note! It’s important to look for those who will love you for who you are! I’m glad Marcus could find a friend!
Happy ending for Marcus and Alice–well done.
I’m so glad someone saw how special Marcus was!
It just takes one kindness (but I wish there weren’t all the unkindnesses in the world)! Glad Marcus found his someone.
Classmates can be so cruel! I’m glad Marcus was able to find one true friend.
Purple Lace- 214 words
By Liz Kehrli
Felicia Fairy tottered. Being Cupid’s top assistant on Valentine’s Day was tough. If she didn’t finish work on time, she would not receive new lace for her satin wings.
She whizzed over to Miss Cardiac’s class for her last assignment- James and Kaitlin. She quietly hovered over them and watched.
“H-hello, Kaitlin,” stuttered James, staring down at his feet.
“Hi,” said Kaitlin, turning away.
Felicia sighed. These two were best friends until 2nd grade started. Then they stopped playing together and an invisible wall had formed between them. Felicia had to break it down.
Miss Cardiac asked the class to pair up for spelling practice. Kaitlin peeked at James.
He grabbed the closest boy.
Felicia’s wings sagged. How could she get them back together? She was out of arrows, so she’d have to be creative.
At recess, when James walked by Kaitlin, Felicia made her move.
She took a deep breath, and-
Whoooshh!
She blew her best fairy dust on them.
Plonk!
“Hey, what’s this leather pouch?” asked James, reaching down. “Marbles!”
“Ooh- our favorite game last summer,” said Kaitlin.
“You… wanna play?”
“Sure… if you do.” Kaitlin blushed.
“Of course!” James smiled.
Felicia beamed with pride, wings fluttering. Tonight, she’d ask Cupid to line her wings with purple lace, to match her eyes.
I love the details of your magical world! The fact that fairies need lace for their satin wings is a particularly nice touch!
Yay Felicia! She definitely earned those fancy wings.
The fantasy elements paired with the realistic kids is so fun to read and visualize!
Puppy Love
Kathy Halsey
Word Count: 176
Nana and Pops’ early Valentine for Rosie was wiggly, warm, and furry –
a sweet Corgi named Scrappy.
Rosie wanted a lapdog – a cuddler and snuggler.
But Scrappy was
WAAAY too jumpy,
WAAAY too barky,
and not at all a “lap-py.”
Pops, pup, and Nana plotted.. When Rosie and Nana rode bikes in the park, Pops met a trainer.
Over time, Scrappy became tamer with the flick of a clicker. He sat for ear rubs. He nuzzled noses. He curled up in Pops’ lap – proud, no longer loud or squiggly.
On February 14, Nana and Pops invited Rosie and Scrappy to the park for a Valentine treat.
As Rosie and Scrappy bounded into view, Pops click-clicked.
Scrappy slowed and lick-licked Rosie’s hand.
Click-click. Scrappy sat on the bench.
Rosie sat in surprise.
Nana and Pops handed Rosie a red clicker.
“My valentine????”
“Just click.” Pops chuckled and winked at Rosie and Nana.
Rosie clicked. Scrappy wiggled onto Rosie’s lap and cuddled.
“My very own lapdog,” Rosie cried.
Scrappy had never been prouder. His very own snuggly girl!
I particularly like the lines “WAAAY too jumpy, WAAAY too barky and not at all a lap-py.” Very funny description.
Ty, Royal! Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Loved the puppieness of Scrappy. Beautifully captured…and such a nice, circular ending with “his very own snuggly girl.”
Baroo and thank you, Brigid. This is my pupster. A handful.
Aww-girl and puppy find each other. Fun lyrical language and terrific visuals.
Thanks, Charlotte, for cheering me on!
Kathy, This is so sweet! Love the surprise of the clicker and Scrappy’s training as the valentine gift for Rosie. Rosie and Scrappy each got the valentine gift that they wanted, Scrappy was proud, but Nana and Pops were too!
Aww, ty, friend! I appreciate your support!
awww fun! I love your use of language throughout. And I totally relate to wanting a cuddly lap dog. Maybe I need a click!
And you get a small chicken treat every time you behave, too. LOL
Oh what a match! I love your last line.
Thanks, based on my own pup, of course!
Loved the playful language and the sweet surprise!
I appreciate your feedback! Ty.
I could just hear and feel all the sensory details you added!
Aww, thanks for reading and enjoying!
I really enjoyed your story!
Thanks for reading!
This is a cute story and the language is so fun! I think I know where you got your inspiration!! Best of luck, Kathy!
You sure do, Judy! It’s that Scrappy Doo, Corgi boy!
Valentine’s Day Booty
Danielle Sharkan
WC: 214
The mice at Southern Hills Academy were among the fastest and fiercest in the field.
They outran feisty foxes, hungry hawks, and sneaky snakes.
Marvin wasn’t a quick climber like Clarissa, or a high jumper like Harry, or a fast dasher like
Asher.
But he was clever and determined to help his team win this year’s Valentine’s Day Dash.
When Professor Mousewhiskers announced the course, Marvin’s ears perked up.
They would cross Slippery Creek,
scamper through Northwest Field,
and sneak into Anderson Farm.
They would circumvent snappy mouse traps,
sneak by their sassy pomeranian Pam,
and blast past Mrs. Anderson’s broom…to the pantry.
Whichever team brought back the biggest booty would win.
Marvin glanced at the farm and grinned.
“Let the Valentine’s Day Dash begin!”
The mice swam across Slippery Creek, sped through Northwest Field, and snuck into Anderson Farm.
But Marvin lagged behind.
Clarissa and Harry leaped around traps, while Asher sprinted past Pam. They blew through the broom and made it to the pantry.
But Marvin lagged behind.
The mice grabbed savory spoils and scurried toward the school.
But where was Marvin?
Up ahead, Marvin hitched a ride on his old pal Pam, and proudly proved to Professor Mousewhiskers that his team had brought back the biggest booty of all.
WAG!
I LOVE the description of the course and all its dangers! A very fun story!
Love the humor and wordplay! Well done.
Lots of great alliteration/assonance etc for a great sing-songy read, plus a fun surprise ending!
Clever Marvin! And that last word in the ending has so much oomh!!
Such great description even with such a narrow word count. Well done!
Soooo cute. And great language!! Love it all!
That ending made me chuckle! So cute and funny. I love the engaging premise, lovely language, and humor. Nicely done!
Haha! Well played, Marvin. I could just see this playing out in my mind.
Great punchline and it ties into the title!
Wholeheartedly
By Catherine Brewer
205 words
I’m red like an apple or
flamingo pink some say,
people yell “I Love You!”
But it’s never towards my way.
Just a pointy sharp end
indented curved in the center,
such a silly shape I am
And to whom was my inventor?
Broken hearted shattered
and I simply can’t compare
to a circle, triangle,
octagon or a square.
Oh, February’s here!
Such a dreadful time of year.
Full of people’s fingerprints
Now, I’m drowning in despair.
Cupid shoots an arrow
at the center of my chest.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
But I’m simply not impressed.
Wait a second…
Who are you?
Am I being watched?
Unbeknownst to me your presence
has me quite a bit shocked.
Now I’m blushing feeling awkward
cause your listening to me
but feeling valued and uplifted
This is just what I need.
I’m a symbol of love.
It’s bestowed on me.
No more wishing I am more than
what I’m meant to be.
Here’s the loudest
and the proudest shape on 2/14.
Standing tall in the cards,
holding chocolates in me.
Sent through the mail
across far away seas,
significantly boastful
with swagger indeed.
Open the envelope,
it’s the one and only me
Will you be my Valentine’s?
Love, Wholeheartedly
It’s sad to think of a heart being unhappy on Valentine’s Day. I’m glad to see it felt valued in the end!
Thank you!
Clever and fun story. Love that it’s the Valentine’s view of heart day.
Thank you, I tried to look at it from the hearts point of view!
What a clever point of view!
Thank you!
Nice wordplay!
Thank you!
Valentine Barks
by: Kathy Crable
(kcrable@neb.rr.com)
On the morning of February 14th, there was a bark at the door. It was love at first sight!
“Can we keep her?” I begged
“No,” Mom said, “someone might be looking for her.”
Already I felt sad and a little like crying.
“I’ll post her picture on Facebook,” Grandma smiled.
“Good idea!” Dad said.
I didn’t think so.
“I’ll call the vet and the Humane Society,” Mom volunteered.
I snuggled up closer to the sweet little dog. I already loved her but maybe someone else did too. “I can make Lost Dog posters to hang up at the grocery store and the library.”
Dad gave me a hug.
We called her Dog and fed her lots of treats. We played fetch and snuggled and took walks. We waited, long day by long day for someone to call or text or show up at the door to claim her.
Two weeks went by and Dad surprised me by saying, “we’re proud of the way you’ve done the right thing by trying to find Dog’s family. Now that we know she doesn’t have one, we think you should give her a name so she can join ours.”
“Valentine!” I said as I rubbed noses with my new Forever Friend. “Her name is Valentine!”
(212 words)
You captured the immediate affection a child has for a dog very well! I’m glad Dog/Valentine was able to find a loving home!
Ah, the waiting is the hardest part… Your descriptions are so visual. I could “see” the story. Glad “Dog” found a forever home, friend, and name!
My kind of story! Fur kids rock any day of the year.
Sweet!
I’m so glad Valentine showed up on the right porch!
Gotta love a happy ending with a new canine friend!
OOG LOVE ROCK by Katie Palazzola
206 Words
One Valentine’s Day, Cupid set out to help Oog the Caveman find love.
But this was long, long ago, and Cupid was still getting the hang of his bow. He didn’t always hit his target…
His arrow missed Ugga.
It whizzed by Unk.
It flew over Froon.
But then, it struck!
A boulder.
“OOG LOVE ROCK!”
Oog made Valentines for Rock out of moss and bark.
He sang love songs to Rock.
He carried Rock everywhere. “Oog tired!” (Rock was very heavy!)
When spring came, it was time to move to a new cave, far away. Too far for Oog to carry Rock.
But Oog would not leave his beloved Rock behind.
He pressed his shoulder against Rock.
“Oog push!”
But Rock wouldn’t budge.
He made a rope and tied it around Rock.
“Oog pull!”
But the rope wasn’t strong enough.
SNAP!
Oog flipped Rock end over end, but it made him go very,
very,
sloooowwwly.
“Oog never get there!”
Then Oog had an idea.
He chipped and chopped, scraped and smoothed, until…
“Rock roll!”
Oog had invented the wheel!
“Oog proud.”
Cupid was proud too. He might not have been aiming at that boulder, but Oog and Rock were the perfect match.
“Oog love Rock.”
OH…MY…GOSH! This story is GENIUS! I loved EVERY SECOND! I am so sorry to see that more people haven’t left comments! The voice, the premise, the names, EVERYTHING is marvellous PERFECTION! I would want to buy this picture book TODAY! PLEASE let me know when it is inevitably accepted! Such beautiful work, Katie!
Oh my goodness that’s so nice – thank you! I had a lot of fun writing it 🙂
This is clever, fun and creative. I enjoyed it.
This is a rib-tickler 🙂 Terrific humor and I love the word choices!
So THAT’S how the wheel was invented. Funny and unexpected!
Katie—this is brilliant. Simply brilliant. So well done! Excellent story!
I love this! I love that the arrow missed Ugga, Unk, and Froon (and very fun cavepeople names!). I love the side comment, “Rock was very heavy!” And he solves the problem in the end. It’s an unexpected twist on a love story, and that makes it all the more charming! (Also, have you ever read The Stone Doll of Sister Brute by Russell Hoban? It’s not the same at all, but your story reminds me of it – without painful hobnail boots!)
Oh! I love your premise and simply adore Oog! Love a good origin story, too. Well done!
This is clever, fun, funny and a blast to read! Also, in addition to the wheel, he invented “rock and roll”!
This is perfection! I love the voice and clever solution.
C.I.T.
(Cupid-in-training)
by Colleen Murphy
wc: 151 words
I aced the classes from the start–
the first, the most important part
of picking out the hopeful heart.
Then after months of target training
this cool dude was still remaining
number one, with no one gaining.
WIth Valentine’s the final test
and chance to put my rank to rest,
I honed in on a heart’s request.
I hovered and I braced my bow,
while basking in success’s glow
then…
“Oops!” I let the arrow go.
“I launched before I looked,” I said.
“I drew the arrow made of lead
and struck the man with hate instead.”
Thank goodness my instructor came
to fix the lovelorn fellow’s flame
and right my wrong (but not my shame).
So back I went to Cupid classes
mixing in among the masses
less concerned with stats than passes
knowing I would not relent
until I cleared the last event
and earned my right to represent.
I LOVE the line “I drew the arrow made of lead and struck the man with hate instead!” Such a unique and clever idea!
Thank you!! It is something the mythical Cupid was said to do, but on purpose!!
The oops is interesting – it’s not that the aim was bad but that the wrong arrow was used, so the twist is a surprise! I really like the line, “and right my wrong (but not my shame).”
Great story, Colleen!!
Thanks Amy! I am looking forward to reading yours!
Love this concept, title, and story arc. Nicely done!
Thank you Sarah! It was fun to imagine.
Oops indeed! I know Cupid will get the hang of it eventually!
He did! Thanks for reading.
Great job, Colleen! Pride goes before the fall. Plus I learned something about Cupid-lead arrows, who knew! Good luck!
Ha ha! Pride goeth before the fall is exactly what I said to my daughter when explaining what I was doing. Thanks for stopping by!
Very unexpected and very fun!
Thanks Ingrid!
Allie’s Biggest Heart
by Julianna Helt
Words 177
Crash!
Bang!
Sam stomps through the door.
“Grrr!” He growls.
Allie puts her arm around him.
“What’s wrong, Sam?” she asks.
“Leave me alone!” Sam shouts and slams his bedroom door.
Allie frowns. She hates seeing Sam upset.
She gets an idea.
She cuts and colors.
She tapes and glitters.
She makes Sam’s slammed-shut door a display of love.
Allie beams at her creation of hearts.
All colors and sizes decorate the door with special messages for Sam.
“Sam’s the best!”
“Sam makes me smile.”
“Sam and Allie are Best Friends.”
Allie’s biggest heart says,
“Allie Loves Sam This Much!”
She tiptoes away and waits.
She hears the creak of Sam’s door.
Then a gasp and squeal from her little brother.
He bursts into her room and hugs her tight.
Allie knows his anger has melted away.
Her smile as big as her biggest heart.
“Thank you, Allie,” Sam says.
She squeezes him back.
“I love you this much too!” Sam says stretching his arms as a big as Allie’s biggest heart.
Allie’s smile grows even bigger.
This is the sweetest sibling story ever!
Such a sweet story of being kind to siblings! Great job showing Sam’s anger in the opening.
Such a sweet sibling story. This kind of story is hard to do. Thank you for sharing yours here!
All of the onomatopoeias in the beginning really help express Sam’s anger, and I love that big sister Allie finds a way to help her brother.
Oh, so sweet! Thanks for sharing a glimpse into the lives of these loving siblings.
That’s a gem of a big sister!
What a darling sibling story. Alice’s way of showing love is so believable and sweet.
Allie**
DETECTIVE SPOT AND THE SEARCH FOR A NEW CUPID
Posted by Blair Moore. Written by daughter Sophia Moore, age 10
214 Words
Hey, kid! Over here…
It’s me, Detective Spot. I know—odd name for a Zebra.
We’ve got a situation. People aren’t really into Valentines anymore. Why?
Because there’s not a good Valentine’s day “mascot.”
A naked baby that flies around shooting arrows? Puh-lease!
We can do better. I need your help finding a replacement for Cupid.
Maybe if you shake the page we’ll find a clue of who could do the job.
Look, footprints! llama footprints? (Illus. Note:They are bear prints)
Let’s follow them…
Aha! Stuffing!
And what’s that noise—Crying?
Maybe this blubbering bear will make a good Valentine’s Day mascot.
Hey bear, we’re looking for a replacement for cupid. Interested?
“Don’t look at me!”
Come on out. I don’t bite…
“Trust me, I’m unbearable.”
Oh, poor thing! You have a rip.
“I’m Fuchsia. I live down here alone. Whenever someone sees me, my tear scares them off.”
That makes no sense! It’s just a little rip. I could easily patch you up.
“You’d do that for me?”
It would be my pleasure. Now, let’s get you fixed up.
Would you like me to sew on this heart for you to hold?
Sure..
“Wow, I look very Valentiny!”
Now about that cupid job?
“It would be my honor!”
Another case solved for Detective Spot.
I love the voice of this story. And a detective zebra named Spot 😂
Excellent point of view work! A HIGHLY unique and distinctive main character – Detective Spot is GENIUS! His view on Cupid being a poor mascot for Valentine’s is hilarious! I would love to read more of his case files!
Oh my goodness! I HAD to comment again! I just saw that YOU wrote this Sophia (age 10)! You did AN AMAZING JOB! Keep up the FANTASTIC work on your writing! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of your work!
What a clever premise! I loved the humor–especially “Trust me, I’m unbearable.” And your ending was sweet and satisfying. Bravo!
This is great! Love the interactivity and the ultimate solution. Well done, Spot (and Sophia!)
Love the Zebra detective named Spot!
Hi Susanna, I hope everything is okay with your family. I wrote this little story and tried to add it but the post comment button wouldn’t work for me. I was number 132. Thanks for hosting this fun event.
THE VALENTINE SURPRISE By Claire Noland 196-words
Marti was making valentines for his classmates. And not just any old valentines, but super special valentines. He had everything he needed: Eggs, flour, sugar, butter, and his secret ingredient, Peppermints! Marti put on his apron and set to work. He crushed, poured, stirred, and rolled. Then he cut the dough into heart shapes and popped them in the oven. The kitchen filled with the delicious smell of baking cookies. “Ding.” After the cookies cooled, he frosted and carefully wrote each friend’s name on one. “Perfect!” he said proudly. He gently placed them in a box. He could hardly wait to pass them out. On Valentine’s Day, Marti rushed into his classroom, but he didn’t pay attention. “Oops!” He tripped over a chair and dropped the box. He looked inside and saw broken cookie pieces. Marti slumped in a seat and tried not to cry. The children gathered around him. “Look,” said Ellie, putting two pieces together. “Here’s my name!” “I found my name, too,” said Maya. One by one, the children put their heart cookies together. “I planned to bring cookies,” said Marti. “But it looks like I brought delicious puzzles instead. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
On Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 9:03 PM Susanna Leonard Hill wrote:
> Susanna Leonard Hill posted: ” [For those trying to post, you must click > on the Blog Post Title to get on the blog post page and access the > comments] Roses are red Violets are blue Valentinies rock And so do YOU! > Whether your characters are filled with pride and joy, pu” >
I haven’t seen your entry before Claire – not in the regular comments or the one’s needing approval – so I’m not sure what happened, but this one posted!
Thanks, Susanna!
Delicious puzzles–how clever! I love it!
Marti is such a considerate friend to make personalized cookies! I’m glad his mishap worked out in the end!
So relatable ~ anticipation waylaid…but thankfully his friends found another solution so saved the day! Delicious.
So cute! I’m glad it was a happy ending for such a sweet character.
Puzzle cookies! What a clever way to look at the mishap!
I’m all about the puzzle Valentines! Love how it turned out!
THE PURRFECT VALENTINE
by Tara Knox Cerven
Word Count: 171
Alessandra’s shoulders slumped as she looked at all the Valentines.
Joey’s sparkled with its elegant red edges.
Evie’s boasted a perfectly shaped shimmery heart.
Auggie’s shiny L-O-V-E leaped right off the page.
Mine is…boring, Alessandra thought.
Nothing sparkled, shimmered, or shined.
I’m not good at drawing OR decorating. Maybe when I’m six my fingers will work better.
A classmate giggled.
Are they laughing at me?
With burning cheeks, Alessandra slipped the fuzzy felt creation into her backpack.
I did my best, she sighed.
The next morning the scent of strawberry stuffed pancakes filled the air.
Valentine’s Day!
Scrambling from bed, Alessandra spotted a funny lump in her backpack.
Reaching in, she felt something soft and furry.
“Romeo!”
Curled into a teensy weensy ball the kitten slept soundly…
nestled right on top of Alessandra’s Valentine!
It was just the right size…
warm enough for snuggling…
soft enough for cuddling.
Alessandra beamed with pride.
“My Valentine is perfect. I just didn’t know it would be purrfect.”
She giggled.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Romeo!”
Haha right there with you, Alessandra. Glad she got her Valentine 😊
thank you!
I love the visual of Romeo curled up on Alessandra’s fuzzy felt Valentine! So cozy!
thanks!
This is sweet and adorable! I love it!
Purrfect – my kids have a LOT of kitten love, so the play on words here is very welcome!
awww cute, Tara!
Thanks, pal!
What a sweet ending image! Love the relatable feeling of not being good enough and the lovely names in this story.
Oh Romeo! I’m glad he helped Alessandra realize how special she and her Valentine were.
Purrrfect indeed!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LINDSAY
A VALENTINE FOR MR. WEATHERLY
By Lindsay Moretti
WC: 214
Lottie finished her valentines as snowflakes fell softly on her window. She looked outside and watched Mr. Weatherly amble to his mailbox, stumbling a few times in the deepening snow. Lottie grimaced. She never talked to her lonely old neighbor.
“Hmm…”, thought Lottie.
When Lottie finished her valentines, she made an extra and tucked it away. Then she bundled up to go outside and grabbed her shovel. She began shoveling Mr. Weatherly’s sidewalk.
Looking up to find Mr. Weatherly sitting by his window, she waved.
He did not wave back.
The next day, it snowed again. Lottie made sure to shovel Mr. Weatherly’s sidewalk before he went to get his mail. This time she built a snowman in his front yard, too.
Mr. Weatherly sat by his window.
Lottie waved.
He did not wave back.
The next day was Valentine’s Day. Lottie baked snickerdoodle cookies. She walked next door with a Valentine card and cookies, leaving them on Mr. Weatherly’s front step.
She watched from her window when Mr. Weatherly went to get his mail. He found the goodies and read the Valentine card.
He slowly smiled.
Lottie thought she saw something glisten down his cheek. He looked toward Lottie’s window.
He waved!
Lottie smiled and waved back, proud she made a new friend.
Way to be persistent, Lottie! May we all be so kind to gruff neighbors.
I LOVED your refrain of “He did not wave back!” Glad to see that Mr. Weatherly eventually decided to warm up to sweet Lottie!
This tugged at my heart, a reminder that it doesn’t take much to add a little kindness to the world. Thank you.
“He did not wave back” poses the challenge that we all have in life: how to deal with people who don’t respond to overtures of kindness? It’s a good reminder that, while we could turn away in frustration and anger, continuing to be kind is often the best answer.
What a hard-earned wave. I can tell that Mr. Weatherly will continue to smile more thanks to Lottie’s kindness.
I hope this is the beginning of a long friendship!
Wow! How did you think of this? Very innovative!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARIFFA
A Proud Mum
Ayla was excited, Valentines Day.
Mummy to was having a Birthday
Ayla drew hearts, and stars so gay
With lots of crayons she wrote away
Happy Birthday Mummy.
You are a beautiful Mummy.
I love you so much Mummy
You are my special Valentine Mummy
Daddy helped with all the long words.
The card was now ready full of words
A red envelope licked and sealed
She hid it, safely her heart now filled
Before bed she checked to see
Is the card safe for Mummy to see?
But no card anywhere to see
She cried and wept,so sad to see
Daddy consoled,made another card
Not the same as one she worked so hard
Ayla clasped her hands praying hard
Fretful sleep her night was marred
On Valentines Monday Mummy came in
‘Ayla, look a red envelope shall we look in?
They curled up in bed and read it out loud
Ayla smiled,glad the card was found
What a beautiful card Ayla I am so proud
The hearts are colourful and stars around
I am so proud that you made it for me
You are my special Valentine you and me
Mum had found the card as she came in
The card had slipped and vanished thin
Only to appear right by her bed unseen
Hard work and love has magic unseen
Love the idea of love being magical 💕
I love that you showed Ayla’s father helping her with her special Valentine!
I particularly like the stanza with the original card’s writing: with each line ending with “Mummy,” it really puts the emphasis on how special her mom is to her. That kind of love IS like magic!
What a magical mystery!
Ah! Tender and magical!
ENTRY POSTED FOR PATRICIA
Valentine’s Day at Sweet Pig’s
Patricia Corcoran
205 words
“Going to be a busy day!” Sweet Pig said as he checked his bakery. “I’ve got plenty of sugar tarts, marshmallow cookies, and cherry-berry muffins.”
The line had already formed outside. He could see Miss Mallowhog’s students anxiously waiting to pick up her order.
“Happy hearts day!”
“We want cherry-berries!” shouted the little hogs.
“Now calm down, you will get yours.” He glanced at Mary Veronica Francine Louise who was right behind them. Oh, no, he thought, she can never decide what she wants and she will hold up the line.
Mary Veronica Francine Louise could not decide on anything. She stepped to the counter and stared. She looked from one item to another.
Finally Sweet Pig chose a cherry-berry muffin, a sugar tart, three cookie pops, and a crunchy heart candy. He handed the box to her.
She looked confused as she glanced inside the box.
“I’ve made it easy so you don’t have to choose,” he said.
“Oh, but I do,” Mary Veronica Francine Louise said lifting her face up.
“I choose the cherry-berry and candy but NOT the tart and cookie pops,” she said proudly. She left them on the counter and turned to go, grinning with pride at her sweet choice!
What a sweet pig making it easier for a friend. And boy can I relate to Mary Veronica Francine Louise. And what a wonderful name for a character!
I love the idea of a pig as a baker! I would love to see an illustrated Sweet Pig!
The names are great – Ms. Mallowhog is my favorite one here. And this was a creative way to solve the problem of the slow decision maker: let them decide what they DON’T want. What a Sweet Pig!
So much fun! Love the characters, especially Mary Veronica Francine Louise.Your sweet story made me smile.
Ok, I want to visit Sweet Pig’s bakery! My mouth is watering just reading this. I fear I’d be as indecisive as Mary Veronica Francine Louise…
That’s very funny! Great names!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MELANIE
Poppy’s gift by Melanie Adkins
Poppy wanted a Valentine just like her older sister. Every year, Poppy looked in the mailbox, but she never received anything.
Poppy thought about what made her sister special. Her sister was kind to her friends, she helped people and she always had a smile for everyone.
Poppy wondered whether she could do something special that meant she might be someone’s Valentine this year. Poppy was too proud to ask her sister for ideas. She knew she had to solve her love puzzle herself.
Poppy thought about her sister. She was kind first. That’s it!, thought Poppy, you need to give love to receive it. Poppy didn’t want her token of love to be like anyone else’s so she decided to make it herself from the heart.
Poppy found some paper and began folding. She thought hard about love while she folded and before long she had created an original folded heart. Poppy smiled. Now, she had to decide who would receive her love.
Poppy wished she was more like her sister and, at that moment, she knew the solution to the problem. Poppy needed to give her sister her love. The happiness that Poppy felt by sharing her love made her the ideal Valentine. Poppy had given love and now she received it.
Words – 214
Love that Poppy aims to be kind like her sister 💜
A sweet sibling story! I’m glad Poppy decided to give a Valentine, instead of focusing on receiving one.
When you give, you get back, too – and Poppy found a way to get a Valentine in a totally unexpected way, as a result!
Both of these sisters sound truly kind and wonderful!
Now that she’s giving she can start to receive! That’s a “love”ly message,
ENTRY POSTED FOR MONA
Go Tell Bully Brady
by
Mona Pease 214 words
Kids built forts in every corner of the playground except one. Bully Brady stood there, hands in his pockets looking mean. No one dared tell him to move so they chose me!
Fact is, everyone knew I wouldn’t stand up for myself. What they didn’t know was that I felt bullied by them sometimes.
I walked over to Bully Brady. Instead of asking him to move, I handed him an unmarked envelope.
“Here’s your Valentine.”
He grabbed it and grumbled, “Thanks.”
My friends high-fived.
I felt lousy inside.
I didn’t particularly like Bully Brady. He hardly ever spoke and he always looked mean.
But I shouldn’t have given a Valentine I didn’t make for him. I should have stood my ground. Then I remembered something that might help make things right to him and to myself.
The next day I blurted out, “I’m going to ask Bully Brady to play.”
My friends gasped.
I barely believed it myself. I spoke up.
I trudged over. “You want to help build a fort?”
He shook his head.
“Forgot your gloves? Here, I have an extra pair.”
Bully Brady actually smiled.
My friends gawked.
Then everyone, including Brady, helped build the biggest fort ever.
I felt good inside especially when I handed him his real Valentine.
Love how the main character reaches out to the bully and understands and solves the bully’s problem.
Bully Brady – such a great name for a playground antagonist! I was glad to see him enjoy building a fort with the others!
Aw. Very insightful story about the inner pain of the bully. Great job!
It seems like the gloves are the real Valentine – nothing commercial, but definitely a sign that Brady was really seen by someone else. What a happy ending!
This is such an authentic take on a common childhood problem–I’m so proud of your character!
Hope ruby next V Day he will just be Brady❣️
Valentine Surprise
by Abby Wooldridge
214 words
Mia knew how much Mom hated working Saturdays. She was determined to make today special for her–work or not. “Breakfast is served!”
“Wow!” said Mom. “What a surprise!”
“I made you lunch, too.” Mia smiled, thinking of the note she’d tucked inside.
After Mom left for the office Mia went to work doing dishes and tidying the house so they could both relax later.
When Mom got home, she pulled Mia into a giant hug. “The house looks amazing, honey! And thank you for your sweet note. It was the best Valentine I’ve ever gotten.”
Mia’s face fell. “Oh no, Mom. I’m so sorry! I forgot all about Valentine’s Day! I didn’t get you anything. No flowers, or chocolates, or—”
“Mia, stop! You know what? This makes today even more special. You didn’t do any of this stuff because the calendar told you to. You did it because you are kind and thoughtful–all the time! I’m really proud of you.”
Mia grinned, feeling pretty proud of herself, too. She and Mom spent a special night together pigging out on pizza, playing games, and painting each others’ nails. And the best part? They could do it all again anytime they wanted. Any day could be special–whether the calendar said so or not.
Such a sweet surprise. I love that it happened on Valentine’s Day serendipitously 💜
A great reminder of what the true spirit of Valentine’s Day is all about, and how we can celebrate it all year long! Such a sweet mother-daughter story!
It’s not the usual surprise, which is what makes it so nice! The best Valentine wasn’t even a Valentine – what a great message. Love and kindness are the things that matter!
I love this and was so pleasantly surprised that Mia hadn’t even done these things because it was a special day!
Abby, what a special day Mia created, simply out of love and consideration for another. Way to melt any mom’s heart 🙂 Nicely done.
I love this sentiment!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ALLISON
Full of Heart by Allison Burke
WC 214
You are yours, and mine,
Not a once-a-year Valentine.
You are full of heart.
You make proud happen and when you do, that proud is all yours.
Kind of.
It’s also mine, ours and theirs.
Your proud can stir curious and crazy crowd reactions.
It’s remarkable to see.
It’s visible on the outside and most definitely warms the inside.
When you are proud. We feel it too. It’s all of ours.
Proud is so powerful it reaches you from far away.
Proud is evidenced in a beautiful or a challenging day.
Proud is captured in under one second and over a lifetime.
Proud turns into pride.
Proud is at practices, in pauses, patience and determination,
In a picture, a word, a gesture or a sound.
Proud is always saved by someone.
And when it is we like to share it.
That is embarrassing.
Sometimes.
Watch for proud because proud feels like a celebration.
Wear proud because it looks good on you.
Reach for proud because it is creative and strong.
Share proud. Make it contagious.
Pair humble and proud together,
See what happens?
Make proud plentiful.
Hers, his and theirs.
Stay boisterous, bright and quietly right.
Stay full of heart.
Make proud happen because when you do, that proud is all yours.
And mine.
You’ve definitely worked the theme into this one! I really like the line, “Wear proud because it looks good on you.” I like the idea that proud is both an individual and a group feeling (it’s like these Olympic moments!), and I like the joining of proud and humble. You’re making us proud!
I particularly liked the line, “Pair humble and proud together, see what happens!” Finding true balance is something to be proud of!
Oh wow, I love the line “Stay boisterous, bright, and quietly right.” This whole piece is so moving. Well done!
So many beautiful, encouraging phrases in this!
Two Little Valentines
by Judy Abelove Shemtob
Word Count 214
A little girl and her mother headed for the end of the hall. They could see a door decorated in pink.
Lots of children and their parents walked in the same direction.
“Take my hand, Mommy. I’m not sure I want to go in.”
“Oh sweetie, it’s going to be fun.” Her mother bent down and adjusted Jessica’s collar.
Jessica shook her head. “Too many kids.” A tiny tear rolled down her cheek.
Jessica’s mother took her daughter’s hand. “They probably have great projects to make.”
“I don’t think so.”
Her mother put her arm around Jessica. “I’ll go in with you.”
“Couldn’t you make a fun valentine too, Mom?”
They were just about to open the door, when a boy she knew from school came out with an art project that he started. Jake carried a pink cardboard heart with red strings that were sewn around the edges.
“This place is fun, but I need a friend to help me sew some stitches in my heart. My mommy left for her exercise class. Can you be my friend?”
Jessica looked at her mother. “Are you going to your class?”
Her mother nodded.
“Okay, Jake, I’ll be your friend. Let’s go and make fun valentines.”
“I’m proud of you two valentines,” said Jessica’s mom.
And I’m sure Jake and Jessica made the sweetest Valentine ❤
Thanks, Sara Kruger. I bet they did too. Love your blog especially how you list first lines of picture books. What a good idea to display them!
Friends really make things better, don’t they? And I love that Jake asks for help. Two great messages in here!
Thanks, Teacher on Hiatus. Friends certainly help in life, Learning to ask for help is a major plus, isn’t it? Love your blog especially how you name the characters Boy and Girl!
Such a sweet story.
Thanks, Montaukdeb! I saw the little ones come into the cafe at the gym holding crafts projects and thought of this idea.
You did a great job showing Jessica’s discomfort with crowds! It was great seeing her overcome that by accepting to help Jake with his project!
Thanks so much for picking that out, Royal Baysinger. It’s such a relatable issue for kids! I’m enjoying reading your microfiction and congratulations on KASANOVA: LOST IN LOVE!!
Oh, so sweet! These two will make beautiful creations together.
Thanks, Allison Strict. I think Jessica and Jake will do just that. Love your Percy peacock!
I know many mommy’s as well as little ones who could relate to this! So happy it ended so happy. ☺️
Thank you, Ingrid Boydston. Seeing parents taking little ones carrying valentines crafts home from the gym, community centers, mommy and me classes, or even schools is a precious site! It’s wonderful to know your child had a happy experience! Love your picture on Twitter with the lion puppet! I used to teach reading, writing, and everything else. So fun!
A CHANGE OF HEART (187 words)
Michaela Almeida
https://www.michaelaalmeida.com/post/valentiny-2022
Valentine’s Day is Mabel’s least favorite holiday.
The worst thing about Valentine’s Day…
Conversation hearts.
These hearts were bad enough without posters and stickers of them spread all over school.
UR CUTE
Ugh.
BE MINE
Ew.
KISS ME
Barf.
“They’re too lovey-dovey,” Mabel rolled her eyes.
“Agreed. Let’s do something about it,” said Lev.
“I’ve already got a plan!” Mabel smirked.
She filled him in, and they got right to work making a poster.
A CHANGE OF HEART
Conversation hearts are gushy and mushy!
Let go of the old sayings and make way for…
Mindful hearts!
Take some hearts, write your best encouraging sayings, and drop them in the box.
The contest created a flurry.
When they checked the box after school it was overflowing.
Mabel high-fived Lev.
“Let’s do this!”
They pulled the mushy, gushy hearts off the walls and replaced them with the new hearts.
The next day, students and teachers crowded the hallways, reading the hearts aloud.
DON’T QUIT
PROUD OF U
FEAR LESS
BE YOU
“Now that’s a conversation!” said Lev.
Mabel beamed.
Maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t so bad after all, she thought.
Go, Mabel! Can this be a real thing, please? ❤
I like the call and response set up of the original hearts (KISS ME. Barf.), and the eye rolling and smirking are nice touches to make Mabel a real person. What a great contest idea, too!
Great story & great idea for real life!
I LOVE the new conversation hearts! It was fun to see Mabel have a change of heart about Valentine’s Day!
Whoa! What a cool story and idea!! I want this to be real! So awesome.
Yes! Yes! Yes! I love everything about this!
Somebody needs to make this happen for real!
I love her take on conversation hearts, I’d love a box with those kinds of sayings on them.
The Mural
By Susanne Whitehouse
214 Words
Gwendolyn had a big idea. A huge idea. An idea so enormous that when complete, it would stretch 25 feet high and 200 feet long. Gwendolyn wanted to cover the side of her town’s abandoned candy factory with a painted mural. She had sketched out her plan and gotten approval from Town Council. Her “Bringing Hearts Together” mural idea was bursting with colorful dancing hearts. “What better day to unveil my completed mural than Valentine’s Day?” thought Gwendolyn.
But with only a week before the holiday, she had exhausted her efforts to find a painter. When it came to the giant task of a 5000 square foot painting, nobody in town had time.
Then Gwendolyn had bigger idea. A huger idea. An even more enormous idea that would bring the busy town together AND get her mural completed. She cut her sketch into tiny pieces and put them in separate envelopes. Gwendolyn mailed the pieces to each person in town along with instructions to meet in front of the old warehouse on February 14th with a paint brush.
That Valentine’s Day, the mural was finished in record time with everyone adding a small portion to the gigantic puzzle. Admiring the finished product, Gwendolyn said, “Now THIS is something we can ALL be proud of.”
I love this story of a community collaboration to bring art to their town. What a clever idea Gwendolyn had. Might this even become a tradition?
Teamwork is better! Gwendolyn really did bring hearts together. 🙂
I LOVE the idea of an entire town working together to create a mural! It really would be something to be proud of!
What a cool idea! Gwendolyn has the true community sprirt.
Having been part of mural projects I absolutely concur- that is a project everyone involved in can be proud of!
THE PERFECT FRIEND CHIP
By Cheryl Simon
212 words
Chocolate Chip was the proudest ingredient in the bakery.
After all,
he was the sweetest,
the most popular,
and he could blend with anyone.
Folding into cookies, brownies, cakes…
life was sweeter with Chocolate Chip.
Chip was busy baking up a plan for Valentine’s Day.
“I’ve got everything I knead for a delicious Valentine’s treat.” beamed Chip.
Suddenly, the bakery door burst open.
“Hi. I’m Chip,” said Potato Chip
“What are you doing here?” cried Chocolate Chip
“I didn’t mean to stir up trouble. I’m here for the new Valentine’s recipe.”
“Well, I don’t mean to sound salty but I’m the only Chip in town,” said Chocolate Chip.
Mrs.Baker appeared “Hi Potato Chip. I’m excited to add you to the mix.”
Chocolate Chip crumbled, “How can you take the whisk? Everyone loves sweet treats on Valentine’s Day.”
Mrs Sugar replied, “I yam sure you will love the salty and sweet combination.”
“I don’t like to blend the rules but that sounds interesting,” said
Chocolate Chip.
Mrs. Sugar reassured him, “You know I’ll never dessert you.”
Chocolate Chip decided to dough with it.
Sometimes you need to mix it up to make the world a butter place, he thought.
A new friend chip was born and the chips couldn’t have been prouder.
Your pun game is on point! What a clever little story. And now I want a recipe!
Friend Chip – what a fun way to play on friendship! And so many puns. Love it!
I never thought of Chocolate Chip being folded into everything at the bakery! I’m glad he was able to get over his ego and make way for Potato Chip.
This had me chuckling throughout! I love Chip — both of them — and they sound even better together!
Extra applause for the extra fun word play in this sweet story! 😉
Your wordplay and puns are top notch, I LOVE it!! I especially liked “take the whisk” and “I got everything I knead.”
Sloth’s Original Valentine
By Judy Sobanski (190 words)
Sloth tried to make a valentine.
One that was his own design.
To give a special She-Sloth friend,
so she would fully comprehend,
how much he cared and truly loved her so.
He carved the letters “B” and “E”
in the bark of his cecropia tree.
He started this in late July.
Which might cause one to ponder, why?
Well, sloths move very…very…very…slow.
One day a Marmoset observed,
“You’ll never finish all those words.”
Be My Valentine’s a lot
to carve inside that special spot.
And it’s already February third!”
“Guess I’ll put on my thinking cap,”
said Sloth. “And take a little nap.”
He dozed away and when he woke,
that ever, clever, sly slowpoke,
solved the problem of too many words!
Ten more days he plugged away,
at least an hour every day,
using tons of elbow grease,
to finish up his masterpiece!
At last he had his special valentine!
When She-Sloth crept up in the tree,
Sloth said, “This is a gift from me.
I’m very proud, I’m sure it shows…
I made it with my own six toes!”
Inside a heart he’d carved TWO words: BE MINE!
This is completely adorable. What a sweet solution for the slow sloth: stick to the only two words that matter ❤
I love the time humor: he started in July! And the message is sweet. Slothtastic!
This is really fun. I love the Sloth and She-Sloth characters and his heartfelt message.
This is hilarious! Sloth was MOTIVATED! He finished that valentine in RECORD TIME! I love your inclusion of sloth anatomy by saying he made it with his own six toes! Great story!
HI Judy, love how the sloth was crafty and slow! Nice rhyme, too. Kathy Halsey 🙂
So cute, Judy!! Love the character and the solution!
Oh LOVE this ever, clever, sly slowpoke! What a perfect little Valentines tale!
As soon as I saw this was your story I knew to read it aloud, and you did not disappoint! A lovely story that’s lively and fun to read!
BE MY FRED
by Lisa Furness
213 words
On Valentine’s Day, Emily spent all day making sure everything was perfect for her party.
Decorations, check.
Snacks, check.
Games, check.
Handmade card, check.
When her friends arrived, they put their valentines into the box along with Emily’s.
One by one, the cards were handed out.
Each guest read aloud the festive messages.
They said,
“Luv Ya Lotz”
“Crazy 4 U”
“Sweetie Pie”
“Cuddle Bug”
Emily picked one that read, “U Rock”.
Finally, her card was the last one left in the box. She couldn’t wait for it to be revealed!
They picked up her card and read aloud,
“Be My Fred”.
“Who’s Fred?” said one.
“Did you invite Fred?” said another.
Emily’s face turned beet red. She looked down at her feet hoping no one would notice.
She was so busy she had forgotten the “i” and “n” in friend!
Emily grabbed her card and headed for the trash.
“I wish I never put this card in the box.”
“But Emily, we think your valentine is the best,” they said.
“I meant for it to say “friend”.
“We’re glad you’re our friend! And you give the best parties!”
Pleased her friends didn’t care about her mistake,
Emily lifted up her chin and said,
“Thank you all. I do have the best freds!”
Aww what sweet “freds”! Love this little story of friendship.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Best Freds! What a fun take on Valentine’s mistakes; I’m glad her freds were kind!
Thank you! Nothing is better than having “kid freds” (kind friends).
Such a funny spelling error! I did not see that coming at all! And what a great resolution to Emily’s simple mistake! I can’t wait to tell all my freds about it!
Hahaha Royal. Thank you for reading my little fred story!
This is so sweet and fun, Lisa! Great job with this adorable story, Fred! 😉
Thank you Daniele! I was inspired by one of my little freds. lol
Haha, I love how hard Emily worked to throw this perfect party, and that last line shows she has a great sense of humor!
Thank you Allison! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Ah! Sweet! I hope they remain freds forever!
Thanks, Ingrid!
Cupid’s Confidence
By Amy Leskowski (140 words)
https://motherhoodblockparty.net/cupids-confidence-valentiny-2022/
My cherub classmates look my way.
I hear them whisper “Cupid … .”
They laugh at something I’ve said wrong.
“That archer sure is—”
NOPE!
Sure, numbers jumble in my mind
because my gears are turning.
I know, though, I’m a gifted chum.
Mistakes mean I’m still learning.
In basketball, my shot gets blocked.
I hear some seraphs snort.
And when my next one nicks the net,
they reason, “Cu’s too—”
NOPE!
So what if I can’t alley-oop
and rebounds find me last?
My layup’s featherlight and suave.
My breakaway is fast!
If teardrops drip, their eyebrows raise.
(I cry when sad AND happy.)
“Wah-wah,” they mock.
“Boo-hoo,” they squawk.
“Oh, Cupid, you’re too—”
NOPE!
They might not fathom feelings now,
but that’s about to change.
My arrow’s primed for Valentine’s.
I’ll keep their hearts in range.
Swish! You got nothing but net with this little story. Love Cupid’s confidence and savvy plan 💜
Haha, love it, Sara. You give the best reviews 🙂 Thank you!!
Love this! So clever and so wonderful–and fun!– to read aloud. Great job, Amy!
Thank you, Sarah!!!
I love this! I love that the put downs never get said because Cupid’s got the confidence to move past them with his NOPEs. (But it’s fun that we can figure them out because of the rhymes!) And a class of seraphs and cherubs is fun to imagine. Great poem!
Thank you so much!
This is a great ! Love Cupid’s “NOPES” ! 🙂
Aww thank you!
So clever and I love that Cupid’s aim is right on target.
Thank you, Lisa!
Well done, Amy! A joy to read!
Thank you!!!
I love the final stanza! I can’t wait to see how the bullies feel when it’s their feelings being messed with! Great work!
hehehe, thank you!
So clever! I love the Nopes! And alley-oop is loads of fun!
Hahaha, thanks, Lori!! I appreciate it!!! Thanks for helping me get this ready!
Loved it!! The voice is great, and the rhyme is so fun too. Kids would love this soo much.
Thank you so much! Thanks for reading it 🙂
Funny we both wrote about Cupid. I love how you left off the last word in each of the stanzas where Cupid was about to be called a name. Great job with this story!
Thanks, Colleen! (you won’t believe this but one of the ideas I didn’t end up drafting I’d written as “Junior Cupid / Cupid Camp”) Thanks for reading and for your encouraging words!
That would have been pretty funny to have two with a very similar concept! Good luck!
It sure would’ve!! I really enjoyed yours (and honestly hadn’t ever plotted mine out, so who knows where it would’ve gone!)
You write with great humor. And I can see the work you put into your story..
So sweet of you to say!! I always look forward to reading your stories in these contests!!
I feel the same about yours!
Aww thanks!! More fun ahead for us both!
Your Cupid is definitely best in class, Amy! I love how you *pull back* on the insults and trust your readers to suss them out.
Awww thank you!
Amy! This is so great. I love Cupid’s sassy attitude. Best of luck!
Thank you, Allison!
A terrific turn about at the end! Lol!
The Flower Code
By Ashlee Hashman
213 Words
Everyone in Ellie’s class was bringing a special treat to share for Valentine’s Day.
But Ellie had nothing to give…until now.
“A long time ago, people used flowers to send messages,” said Grandma.
Ellie shushed her worried thoughts.
A secret flower code? That’s perfect!
She breathed in the bouquet of Grandma’s flower shop.
“Bluebells for kindness.
Pink rose for happiness.
Iris for respect.
Yellow rose for friendship.”
Grandma filled Ellie’s arms with gifts.
All night, Ellie and Grandma decorated a poster to help her classmates decode their flower message.
At school, Ellie taped her poster to the whiteboard.
Her stomach bubbled. What will they think of my gifts?
She shyly passed out a flower to each person.
Some smiled. Some looked confused.
“The poster at the front will tell you what your flower means,” Ellie murmured.
Silence followed.
Oh no! They hate it!
Ellie felt tears blooming. Until…
Racing footsteps? Excited shouts?
Her classmates jostled to decode their flower’s message.
Ellie’s heart blossomed.
After each classmate decoded their message, Ellie noticed an extra flower in her basket.
I didn’t put this here? Her breath caught.
At the bottom of the poster was a picture of her flower and a message in Grandma’s handwriting.
“Amaryllis means: I’m so proud of you!”
What a sweet story! I love the idea of a flower code! I’d be rushing to the chart, too 💜
I love that her tears were blooming and her heart blossomed – a great way to tie in the flower theme! And what a nice note from Grandma.
What a clever idea! Enjoyed the story with the sweet twist at the end.
Great piece! So happy I learned the flower code too! 🙂
What a sweet thing for a grandma to share with her granddaughter! I enjoyed seeing Ellie’s classmates get excited about decoding their flower messages!
A beautiful illustration of the language of flowers for children!
I can see why kids would get excited about this; what a clever way to show how you feel about someone!
This is so very sweet and would be beautiful to see illustated!
A VALENTINE FOR JAKE
By: Andrew Fairchild
202 Words
The class was busy cutting, gluing and coloring their valentines.
… except Val.
Val stared at his sheets of paper.
It wasn’t fair.
No one picked Val.
Even mean Hugo Snyder had a valentine.
Once, Hugo made Val eat a bug.
“Who needs a stupid valentine, anyway.” Val said.
Suddenly, the classroom door opened.
“Jake!” Val gushed.
Jake always sat with Val at lunch when others wouldn’t.
Always picked Val, even if he wasn’t the fastest.
And when others were unkind, Jake made Val laugh.
Val’s face beamed,
his tummy fluttered.
Val found his class valentine.
Val quickly went to work.
But Val’s first heart looked more like a rock.
His second, like a blob of strawberry jam.
And his third… just floppy rabbit ears.
Val rushed to the shelf for more paper, but it was empty.
Whatever would he do?
Then Val had an idea.
Val laid out all the hearts he’d made
and started gluing, painting and coloring.
When it was time to exchange valentines,
Val handed Jake what he’d made.
You like rocks.
You love strawberry jam, too.
I’m just so hoppy,
to have a friend like you.
And Jake was happy to have Val as a friend—too!
I love how you describe Hugo so effectively and succinctly. And I love Val’s collage of a Valentine. I bet Jake loved it, too ❤
What a great way to combine failed Valentine’s into something wonderful – a great reminder that failure is not always what it seems!
Love the descriptions ! 🙂
I like the genuine descriptions of both the cruelty of Hugo and the kindness of Jake. I was glad to see Val had a friend!
Val and Jake sound like they have a true friendship!
Val has something the others couldn’t touch- imagination and heart!
CARDI V
By: Alicia Meyers
WC: 205
Cardi V was an unconventional card.
Truly, one-of-a-kind.
Her dreams went beyond the ordinary Valentine.
Past the crisp folds
and generic messages like…
“Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“Will you be my Valentine?”
Cardi Marie Valentine:
A visionary.
Filled with creative purpose.
Born to find a home and spread love
on one very special day.
Her transformation: inspiring.
Flap, fold went her paper.
Splat, squish went the glue.
Swish, swoosh went the bristles,
as the brush swirled with wonder.
And for the finishing touch…
Scribble, scribble, dot.
A sentimental message,
straight from the heart.
Cardi stood in awe
as she gazed at the reflection
of her self-made masterpiece.
And then…
magic.
Through the sea of red and pink,
sat a child withdrawn,
working on a piece of perfection.
Flap, fold.
Splat, squish.
Swish, swoosh.
Scribble, scribble, dot!
She overflowed with creative purpose,
with a name tag reading,
Carli V.
Tightly wrapped in an envelope, Cardi’s thoughts raced with excitement.
Cardi & Carli…
A Valentine miracle!
“Carli, this one’s for you!” a voice called.
Cardi’s glitter fluttered as her envelope opened.
(She was made for this moment.)
The girl’s smile spread like a wildfire
as she read the message gifted to her.
“I love you with all my art.”
I love the sounds of Carli’s transformation! Excellent work!
I love Cardi V (perfect name!) and her Valentine’s miracle!
What a perfect final line!
The Heart of the Matter
by Sarah Marhevsky
214 words
“It seems like your heart just isn’t in this!” Ms. Cumulus, the cloud-shape teacher, snapped at Cirrus. “And on Valentine’s Day, too!”
Cirrus drifted down, disheartened. Other cloudlets stretched into elephants, snaking out wispy trunks or floppy ears.
“Be the elephant!” Ms. Cumulus said.
Cirrus half-heartedly waved a bit of fluff.
Below her, a little boy lay on a blanket with his mama. He pointed up. “Is that a jellyfish?”
Cirrus lost heart.
“Put on your best show!” enthused Ms. Cumulus.
Cirrus stayed a blob. Other cloudlets became cats, koalas, and crabs with giant pincers.
The little boy smiled.
“Dinosaur in a tutu!” Ms. Cumulus cried, beginning to shift. Could she do it? Cirrus wondered.
Yes: brontosaurus ballerina! The little boy cheered.
Then he wailed.
Cirrus looked down, heart in her mouth.
“Mama, I bit my tongue!”
His mama hugged her crying boy.
Cirrus, forgetting to be nervous, spread a little this way, a little that way, and enveloped them both in a shadowy cloud heart.
“Look!” his mama said. “The cloud wants you to feel better!” The boy sniffled, but when he saw the heart-shadow, he smiled.
“Thank you!” he called up. Cirrus puffed with pride.
“I was wrong about you, Cirrus,” Ms. Cumulus said to her. “You’ve got a LOT of heart!”
What a sweet tale of cloud shapes. I love that you made it come full circle ❤
Thanks, Savoring! I did wish for more words, but it was fun to think through what a class on cloud shapes would be like!
Very clever and sweet. Great job!
Thanks, VGRABOSKI! I am heartened that you took the time to write! 🙂
“Be the elephant!” – Fantastic line from a cloud instructor! I would love to see Ms. Cumulus’s brontosaurus ballerina!
Thanks, Royal Baysinger! If I had more words, there would have been a toe-tapping T-rex, too. 🙂
What a creative concept! Cirrus is really shaping up to be a great cloud.
Thanks! Love the punny comment, Allison! 🙂
A cloud hug! What could be better?!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ALY
Bear and Fish – a Love Story
By Aly Kenna
Word count: 151
Bear and Fish met in a stream
or so the story goes.
Bear showed off and caught her eye –
no-one really knows.
They fell in love that very day
in the spot where they had met.
Bear took his love to meet his ma
who did not seem upset.
Ma licked her chops, got out a pan
and welcomed Fish to brunch.
Proud Bear was to please his ma
he made a party punch.
As time went on, the days got short
and snow began to fall.
Fish broke the news, she had to leave
to answer natures call.
Bear curled up all by himself
and cried himself to sleep.
When Bear woke up the snow was gone
he had a date to keep.
And there she was as they’d agreed,
in the stream where they first met.
Bear roared out loud and flopped right in,
they sang a rich duet.
I thought Bear and Fish’s love story was about to be cut short by Bear’s mama – I’m glad it didn’t go that way after all! I love the way the seasons play into their story.
Ha! I love this story of an unusual couple. I didn’t think Fish was going to live to see spring! Glad they got to meet up again 😊
An unlikely love story! I would love to see this illustrated!
It must be true love!
Oh boy, the tension started right away! So very happy this pair ended up together and not just for lunch!
VALENTINE WINS
By Sara Petersohn
168 words
Whistle blows,
racers run,
every kid
except for one.
Leo limps
and comes in last.
Kat takes first.
She’s rocket-fast.
Kat sees Leo
limping in.
He does not quit,
though he cannot win.
Kat likes Leo.
He is kind.
He helps with math
when she’s behind.
Teacher says,
“For Valentine’s Day,
let’s show love
in some new way.”
Back at class
it’s time for art.
Leo makes
a bright red heart.
He hands Kat
his Valentine
while all the kids
get back in line.
Whistle blows,
they race again.
Kat starts out
in first, but then…
She runs back
to Leo’s side.
Teacher’s face
lights up with pride.
Kat and Leo
run the race
arm-on-arm
and win tenth place!
Teacher gives them
both a prize:
a bag of mini
chocolate pies.
Walking home
along Pear Street
Kat and Leo
share their treat.
Both of them
know this is true –
fast or smart,
me or you:
It’s fun to win,
or ace a test,
but being someone’s
friend is best.
I love that Kat and Leo “win tenth place!” It’s such a great reminder that winning can be many different things – too often, winning is exclusive, but this is an inclusive win. “Being someone’s friend is best.” It warms the heart!
I love “It’s fun to win…But being someone’s friend is best.” Would that we all take that to heart 💜
I love Leo’s persistence and dedication to starting and finishing races! He and Kat have a wonderful friendship!
I like the characterization and the message. Well done.
Ahhhh I love this so much! Can’t wait to show this to my son Leo, who’s a notoriously slow runner but a sweet friend.
Oh my, I’m all choked up! ❤️ this!
Kindness and friendship reign in your sweet story! Very nice rhyme, too!
Sweet Breakfast
By JC Kelly
214 Words
SNIP went the scissors. PFFFT went the glue. SWOOSH went the glitter (everywhere) as Riley made Valentine’s Day cards.
Outside, the first few snowflakes snuck through the air, slipping softly to the ground.
CRACK went the eggs. SWISH went the flour. WHIRR went the mixer as Riley mixed cookie dough.
HUSH whispered the snow as it sneakily dusted the street.
SPLAT went the icing. SQUISH went the candies. PITTER-PATTER went the sprinkles (everywhere), as Riley decorated cookies with pink and red sugar.
SSSSH hissed the snow as it quietly blanketed everything.
ZIP went the backpack zipper as Riley packed her goodies for the school party tomorrow. She couldn’t wait to share her cards and cookies.
WHOOSH blustered the wind, blowing drifts overnight, burying everything under a blur of sparkling white.
RUMBLE went the plows as Riley awoke on Valentine’s Day. SLUMP went her shoulders when she heard “Snow Day.”
A few minutes later…
SCRAPE went the shovel. HUFF went Riley’s breath as she struggled to clear the snow leading to her elderly neighbor’s door.
“Oh my,” cried Mrs. Rogers. “Did you do this yourself?” Riley nodded and beamed with pride as she admired the neatly shoveled walkway.
“Yum,” said Riley and Mrs. Rogers as they enjoyed sugar cookies and hot cocoa for Valentine’s breakfast!
So much to love here! Great onomatopoeia– and I love how the sound of the snow changes. And what a fun twist at the end to show pride. Great job!
I loved the sounds of the snow, making it a character of its own!
I love all your great scenes of Riley’s hard work, and could just feel her disappointment about the snow day. But cookies for breakfast make everything better!
I’m so happy Riley didn’t waste all of her Valentines love in the disappointment of the snow day! Mrs. Rogers day was undoubtedly better because of it!
Wonderful onomatopoeia and building up of tension before poor Riley’s school is called off. What a nice surprise when she shovels her neighbor’s walk and shares her cookies with her!
ValenTalent Show
by Becky Goodman
Word Count: 214
Ester Van Winkle entered the world and took a bow.
Her parents applauded Ester’s melodious cries, nimble limbs, and determined expressions. “You can be anything you want to be,” they cooed.
As Ester grew, her parents’ praise grew too. She was a chef, an artist, a wonder.
“I can be anything I want to be,” she told her mirror every morning before kindergarten.
Ester spread esteem to classmates. “You can be anything!” she told everyone.
When the school announced its ValenTalent Show, Ester announced her entry.
“I’ll be a keyboardist,” she told her parents. “Perform for the whole school!”
Her parents’ praise…paused.
They wondered at their wonder:
“But…you don’t play the keyboard…?”
“I can be anything.”
“But…can you be a keyboardist – by Monday?”
“I know how to play.” Ester poised at her keyboard, smoothed the keys one way, and then the other. “See?”
Her parents saw it.
Determined, nimble…
Monday arrived, and eventually, Van Winkle took the ValenTalent floor.
Beaming beneath the spotlight, Ester cracked her knuckles and spoke:
“This is for my parents. Happy Valentine’s Day. If I can be anything, you’re my everything.”
She played her tune. Smoothly, effortlessly, up-and-down-y.
For the first time ever, the ValenTalent show featured a prize: music lessons for a year!
Ester Van Winkle took a bow.
I LOVE this! Great story, amazing writing, and a fun surprise ending! If only I had a little more of Ester’s confidence… she’s a role model for us all! Good luck!
The opening paragraph is PERFECTION! Sets up your story nicely, which has such a delightfully fitting end! Well done!
I love Ester’s unfailing confidence!!
This was so fun! I LOLed at “But…can you be a keyboardist – by Monday?” and can totally picture Ester’s “up-and-down-y” keyboard playing.
What a great way to show the dilemma of which decision is most supportive of Ester and her growth.
And what a great prize addition – that’s a win for all, haha!
I love Ester’s attitude, and the ending is simply perfect. “If I can be anything, you’re my everything” is such a great line!
Ester Van Winkle starts and ends with a bow – what a nice way to bookend your story! Nimble, determined, melodious, just like the beginning. This one is a charmer! I love that the parents don’t crush her dreams but question them in a useful way. As a parent, Ester’s line to her parents is a real heart-warmer, too. And Ester prevails. Picture book, I hope!
My favorite line is }If I can be anything, then you’re my everything!” She’s a wonderful personality brimming over with heart!
Ester is a strong, determined and very positive character…and apparently talented, too! I love how her parents believed in her and that led to her success. Nice story!
I love Ester’s overflowing self-confidence! I would love to see this turned into a PB.
MARLA’S MISTAKE
by Jessica Watts
Word Count: 214
“I’m not going,” Marla cried. “I’m sick.”
Marla knew her Valentine’s box would be empty. Just like last year, and the year before that. She had even refused to make valentines.
“What’s the point,” she had muttered. “I never get anything.”
Marla burrowed in bed.
She read, pitifully slurped a bowl of soup, and read some more. She thought about all the fun her classmates must be having without her.
“Maybe I made a mistake,” she murmured as her eyes fluttered shut.
She could hear a classmate yelling. “Marla, I have a card for you!”
“Me too,” chimed a friend.
“Me three,” echoed another.
Empty-handed, Marla looked at her feet.
DING DONG
Marla bolted awake.
“Marla, It’s for you!” called her mom.
Marla crawled out of bed and shuffled down the hall.
“Hi, Marla! We missed you today. Here’s your Valentine’s Day box; it’s filled with cards. Anyway, hope you feel better soon.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Teedleman!”
Beaming with pride, she looked at her mom, “These are from my friends!”
Marla and her mom sat on the living room floor as Marla read each one aloud.
“Is it too late to make valentines for my classmates?” Marla asked.
Her mom smiled. “I thought you were sick.”
Marla jumped up. “I’m suddenly feeling much better!”
FANTASTIC dream sequence! Mrs. Teedleman’s everywhere are the lovely teachers we remember for the rest of our lives! I LOVE this accurate premise!
Awww this is sweet and powerful
This is so sweet! I’m so glad Marla’s friends came through for her.
It seems she found the cure for a broken heart! 🥰
Poor Marla. I’m so glad her box was filled with valentines this year! I love how she was so eager to return the love and make valentines for all her friends.
THE KOI THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE ZODIAC
by MeiLin Chan
213 Words
The Jade Emperor has called the Great Race.
The first twelve animals who cross the Yangtze River will be in the zodiac.
It’s special to be in the zodiac but what stirs Koi’s heart more is Miss Goldfish.
She’ll go to the Big Splash Valentine’s Ball with him if he wins.
He has been wiggling his fins and swaying his tail for months.
Koi is ready!
Rat hitches a ride on Ox and is first.
Ox comes in second followed by Tiger in third.
Rabbit slips but floats to fourth with the help of a drifting log.
Dragon flies in next at fifth just as Horse gallops his way in.
But Snake hisses from behind Horse’s foot and beats him. Sixth and Seventh.
Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster work together and come in that order. Eighth! Ninth! Tenth!
Dog arrives eleventh, with Koi right behind! But then…
HEELP! HEEEELP!
A minnow is caught between two rocks.
Pig is approaching and Koi has to make a choice.
He frees the minnow just as Pig crosses the finish line.
His heart now weighs more than the rocks that caught the minnow, but then…
“The minnow you saved is my best friend,” says Miss Goldfish. “I am so proud of you, let’s go wiggle-dance at the Ball!”
Very clever story. Love how you incorporated the zodiac animals into your Valentine’s day story. I can really visualize this story as a picture book.
Thank you!
I LOVE this story as an introduction to the Chinese zodiac! Koi would have been a perfect addition! At least he got to go to the Big Splash Valentine Ball!
Thank you!
What a dilemma! Koi made the right choice in the end. He didn’t make it into the zodiac but he got his girl.
This was actually the third ending I experimented with X-).
A creative concept, with a warm ending! I love imagining the race.
Thank you!
Wow, what a great tale! Koi is truly selfless, but it sounds like he got an even better prize in Miss Goldfish.
Thank you and this was my 3rd ending I experimented with!
Such a clever concept. Well done
So many levels to your story! Well done!
I love how Koi’s right choice still brought him his date for the ball, even though he didn’t win the race. Lovely story!
Kathleen, this is absolutely delightful! So clever, so much fun, and with a satisfying arc for two candy hearts.
ENTRY POSTED FOR UNA (received on time, posted late by me)
Una Belle Townsend
214 Wds.
Surprise Valentine’s Day Party
Biking near some homes for sale, Penny said, “I miss our neighbor, Mrs. Cobb. She’s moved to Ada’s Retirement Center.”
“My neighbor, Mr. Denton, is there, too,” said Bill.
“We should go see them. We can make them Valentine’s,” said Penny.
“Say, let’s plan a Valentine’s party for them.”
“Good idea, but it will be a better party if we include their new friends there, too,” said Penny.
The next day, they asked the retirement center director, and she said they could have a party, sing songs, and play bingo. The center would furnish a heart-shaped cake and music.
The planning went smoothly. Penny and Bill made Valentine decorations and gathered bingo prizes.
Everything was good until they heard Mrs. Cobb’s daughter might take her home for the weekend.
Penny said, “What should we do?” She finally asked the director to tell the daughter about the surprise party. The daughter liked the idea, and said she’d donate ice cream for it.
“Bill, there’s one thing left,” said Penny. “I’m making crowns for the King and Queen of Valentine’s Day.”
The next week, the local newspaper’s column, “We’re proud of our Citizens” showed pictures of Penny and Bill, many retirement guests, and a surprised King and Queen of Valentine’s Day, Mrs. Cobb and Mr. Denton.
I love the visual at the end of Mrs. Cobb and Mr. Denton being crowned King and Queen! Such a sweet story!
Thank you. It was fun to write.
What a sweet idea! These kids have so much love in their hearts for their neighbors. I think they deserve crowns, too!
Great idea for the kid’s crowns. I’m glad you enjoyed my story. Thanks.
This is a wonderfully feel good story!
Such a sweet story showing kids caring about others. I loved the crowning of the Valentine King and Queen at the end!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ADOLFO (received on time, posted late by me)
My first love
Adolfo Gomez-Herrera
It’s not your fault she said to me
hiding behind a blossomed tree.
The blossoms a crimson bright red
I asked of her if she would wed.
She held my hand and boy, I cried
my knee was badly bruised and bloodied
as the blood ran down, I thought I die
She said; stand up and show your pride
And so it was we ran again; she leading the way, much taller than me and older by years. (So beautiful, so dear.) With her, I learned to climb a tree, and later, as I splattered lemonade, how to dress my wounded knee.
We saw some fruits I didn’t know. Since she had a bite, I would do so. She taught me to be kind and play with bees and also what it felt like to hug a tree.
The sun was leaving; I took her hand so proudly to walk right by her side. As the fireflies flew I told myself, I am so happy she is my girl.
Will you marry me?
And what do we do with your dad? He loves you as much as he loves me.
Oh, Mom, I love you; would you then be my Valentine? Please.
That was then when I was three.
I love the romantic scene you painted with the fireflies before the twist. Well done!
Oh my gosh! This is so sweet. The end had me smiling with delight.
I love the surprise; I really wasn’t sure where this was going! The narrator asked someone to marry, then follows her lead on things like eating fruit. This does capture the full and deep love of children for their parents, and that’s a great way to think about Valentine’s Day. The crimson blossoms make a vivid image when paired with the bloodied knee – such different images, but so much the same.
Such a sweet surprise ending❣️
Such a sweet twist at the end. Lovely imagery throughout! Good luck!
Little Star’s Wish
By: Susan Summers
WC: 207
Little Star looked around the sky and announced,
“I want to shine like Sirius! I love how she twinkles and twirls.”
“It’s not time yet,” Mother said.
After thinking for a moment, Little Star said,
“I want to beam like Betelguese! He has the best shimmer and swirl.”
“It’s not time yet,” Mother replied.
“When will it be my time?!” He cried.
“You’ll know,” she answered with a wink.
Little Star watched others light up the night.
They blinked, winked, and zipped through the sky.
“When will it be my turn?” He wondered.
“Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” sang a child’s voice.
Little Star swirled.
Where was that coming from?
“Look at that face. So sad.” He thought.
“Maybe I can help.”
With a wiggle and a waggle, he began to glow.
Using all kindness and love in his heart, he pulsed out the brightest light possible.
“Look, Mommy! I see a bright red star in the sky!” Shouted the child.
“I see it too. Was it there before?”
“It’s like a beautiful valentine. So pretty,” she smiled.
Little Star was so proud, he pulsed a little brighter.
“You found your glow,” said Mother.
“Beautiful like Betelguese, steady like Sirius,” said Little Star.
“It’s my time to shine.”
I like the mother and child reflecting each other on earth and in the night sky!
Beautiful story! I love “he pulsed a little brighter” and the last line. Nice job!
I love the idea that the stars are shining for us, and each one has a special someone they’re glowing for. I’ll look at the night sky differently now, and appreciate each star’s time to shine.
I love that you use the names of real stars, and I also love that “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” was the push Little Star needed. Beautiful and steady – great goals!
It was so clever to use the song to connect the star and child. Just lovely!
Very sweet! I love the theme of growing in our own time.