Guess what?
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Valentinies rock
And so do YOU!
It’s time for. . .
The 8th 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 skeptical! They can be skeptical in a good way or a bad way. They can be skeptical about themselves, or skeptical of someone else. They can be skeptical of a situation, event, occurrence, behavior, or performance, 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 skeptical (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 Tuesday February 14th by 11:59 PM Eastern. There will be no regularly scheduled posts for the duration of the contest (Tuesday Debut 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 using the handy CONTACT button in the menu above and I’ll post it for you. If you do so, please copy and paste your entry into the body of the email and include your title, byline (that’s you – who it’s written by), and word count. NO ATTACHMENTS (they will not be opened!)
The Judging: over the following days, my lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to around 12 top choices depending on number and quality of entries which will be posted here and voted on for a winner as soon as we can get them up. The winners and Honorable Mentions will be announced a few days after the vote. (I’m not even going to try to hazard a guess on exact dates!)
Judging criteria will include:
- Kid-appeal/Kid-friendliness – remember, this is a story for kids!
- Creativity in using skepticism, and success in making us feel the skepticism! Skepticism must be central to the story line, not just mentioned briefly in passing in a story about something else entirely.
- 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: Oh! What wonderful prizes!!!!!
⭐️ Rhyme & Meter Self Study Course – Renee LaTulippe Renée M. LaTulippe is the author of The Crab Ballet (Cameron Kids/Abrams, 2022) and Limelight: Theater Poems to Perform (Charlesbridge, 2024) and has poems published in many anthologies including No World Too Big, Night Wishes, School People, National Geographic’s The Poetry of US, One Minute Till Bedtime, Poems Are Teachers, ThankU: Poems of Gratitude, and A World Full of Poems.
⭐️ Free Ticket #1 to Writing Picture Books With Heart Webinar – Rosie Pova
This webinar will explore the elements that give stories that edge, and the power to tug at the reader’s heartstrings, so that they stay with the reader long after they’ve closed the book.
The webinar will offer tips and practical advice on how to write stories with heart as we use mentor texts and pinpoint the right ingredients of a heartfelt story. A handout PDF is included, and it will provide a long list of titles to use as additional mentor texts.
⭐️ Free Ticket #2 to Writing Picture Books With Heart Webinar – Rosie Pova
This webinar will explore the elements that give stories that edge, and the power to tug at the reader’s heartstrings, so that they stay with the reader long after they’ve closed the book.
The webinar will offer tips and practical advice on how to write stories with heart as we use mentor texts and pinpoint the right ingredients of a heartfelt story. A handout PDF is included, and it will provide a long list of titles to use as additional mentor texts.
Rosie Pova is the author of IF I WEREN’T WITH YOU (Spork, April 2017), SARAH’S SONG (Spork, September 2017), SUNDAY RAIN (Lantana Publishing, March 2021), THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE: A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS (Yehoo Press, May 2022), and for Middle Grade readers, HAILEY QUEEN PRANKING MAKES PERFECT: THE ALIEN ENCOUNTER (Spork, April 2017)
⭐️ 30 Minute Picture Book Zoom Critique Session with 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)
⭐️ Rate Your Story Speed Pass from Lynne Marie
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Tina Shepardson, author of WALKOUT (Clear Fork Publishing, September 8, 2020)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming PB or Children’s Poem) with focus on rhyme and meter from Suzy Levinson, author of ANIMALS IN PANTS (Cameron Kids/Abrams, April 11, 2023) and contributor to many poetry anthologies!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Katie Munday Williams, author of POET, PILGRIM, REBEL: The Story of Anne Bradstreet, America’s First Published Poet (Beaming Books, August 2021)
⭐️ Winner’s Choice: Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming) OR a 30 minute ask me anything from Kari Ann Gonzalez, author of HOW TO HATCH A READER (Gnome Road Publishing, August 15, 2023)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Shelley Kinder, author of NOT SO SCARY JERRY (Spork, September 19, 2017), GOD AND ME AT THE SEA (Kregel Children’s Books, May 17, 2022), and THE MASTERPIECE (Sprok, November 27, 2018)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Jenny Buchet, author of LITTLE MEDUSA’S HAIR DO-LEMMA (Spork, May 11, 2021)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR signed book (winner’s choice) from Aimee Isaac, author of THE PLANET WE CALL HOME (Philomel Books, March 21, 2023)
⭐️ A signed Copy of the gorgeous MY GRANDPA, MY TREE, AND ME (Yeehoo Press, March 6, 2023) from author Roxanne Troup
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat (anything relating to writing/publishing) with 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) as well as the forthcoming SPIDER LADY: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army (Astra/Calkins Creek 2025) and another as yet unannounced 😊
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat (anything relating to writing/publishing)- Becky Scharnhorst, author of MY SCHOOL STINKS! (Flamingo Books, July 2021) and THIS FIELD TRIP STINKS! (Flamingo Books, August 2022)
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books, Mar 7, 2023), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, Spring 2024), and AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024)
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 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 so you can jump to them easily. Anyone who feels nice can start at the bottom of the list so those entries get read too! 😊
1. To The Moon – Sarah Marhevsky
2. Giant Valentine – Heather Kinser
3. The Princess Is A Scientist – Anne Lipton
4. Dung For Valentine’s – Vashti Verbowski
5. Oh Mr. Groundhog, It’s Valentine’s Day – Susan E. Schipper
6. Tiny The Turtle – Chel Owens
7. ODD Love – Corine Timmer
8. My Stuffed Valentine – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
9. The Valentine’s Cloud – Elizabth Meyer zu Heringdorf
10. The Word Party – Kelly Clasen
11. Be Mine? – Spider – Andi Chitty
12. The Valentine’s Day Vulture – Jany Campana
13. Valentine Cookies – Bru Benson
14. Love Punch – Sarah Meade
15. Bulldog and Cat Come Upon a Party – Sarah Meade
16. Baby’s First Valentine – Carrie Karnes-Fannin
17. Hand-wrapped Love – Laura Wippell
18. Daddy, Do You Love Me? – Debbie Meneses
19. Groundhog Oversleeps – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
20. Valentine’s Day Dance Moves – Stephanie Henson
21. Dragons Are NOT Welcome! – Maria P. Pope
22. Guessy Bessy – Valentine Matchmaker – Glenda Roberson
23. Card Tricks – Deborah Foster
24. Sleeping Beauty Wakes Up – Kelly Kates
25. Where Are The Valentines? – Sherry Roberts
26. Valentino’s In Love! – Marty Bellis
27. Poof Poof! – Stephanie K. Mena
28. Gloomy Gus – Marty Bellis
29. Love Is An Adventure – Lauri C. Meyers
30. Fantastic Fox Father – Kathleen Jacobs
31. Amy Ate My Valentine – Ruthie Nicklaus
32. The Great Valentino – Steve Jankousky
33. Sallie Skunk Skips Valentine’s Day – Elyse Trevers
34. P. S. I Like You – Emily Holi
35. Tucker Turtle’s Valentine’s Day Doubts – Nikki Del Vecchio
36. A Skeptical Skunk Named Scottie – Sally Yorke-Viney
37. A Perfect Valentine Card About You – Kay Medway
38. A Sticky Valentine’s Day Invitation – Angela Calabrese
39. Matilda’s New Job – Jesse Anna Bornemann
40. Skeptical V-Day – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
41. Groundhog’s Party – Mary Rudzinski
42. A Recipe For Friend Chip – Cheryl Simon
43. A Valentine’s Surprise – Sue Lancaster
44. No Mail For R-E-X – Dawn Young
45. Refridgerdating – Jenna Elyse Johnson
46. Chip, Chip Hooray! It’s Valentine’s Day – Jenna Elyse Johnson
47. Ms. Tate’s Tots On The Matter – Jenna Elyse Johnson
48. The Skeptical Receptacle – Ryann Jones
49. Rhino In Love – S. Lee
***Comment Page 2***
50. There’s Nothing Nice About Zachary – Megan Emmot
51. Pilfering Parrots – Katie McEnaney
52. A Valentine For Sassy Cassy – Brenna Jeanneret
53. Cupid Who? – Linda Staszak
54. Milly And The Collywobbles – Colleen Fogarty
55. Capture Cupid – Nicole Garnett
56. Love Litter – Laura Bower
57. A Sister’s Valentine – Tiffany Hanson
58. The Real Surprise For Badger – Cindy Greene
59. Let’s Party – Barbara Renner
60. An Unbelievable Valentine – Susan Eyerman
61. Convincing Cupid – Daniella Kaufman
62. Love, Doug – Abby N. Wooldridge
63. A Snort For A Heart – Sharon Jackson
64. A (Not So) Nice Love Poem – Krista Harrington
65. School Daze: The Valentine Card – Jill Purtee
66. Rosas For El Senor Perez – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
67. Decisions, Decisions! – Paul Kurtz
68. An Eco-Valentine’s Day – Marla Yablon
69. Too Much Of A Good Thing – Paul Kurtz
70. Prince, Down! – Donna Kurtz
71. Doubting Thomas – Susan Gleeson
72. A Blue Valentine Story – Dwight Evans
73. Cookies, Candy and Cards – Dianne Borowski
74. Valentines: Stamped With Love – Tonnye Williams Flitcher
75. Strange Valentine – Jessica Strahan
76. Love Takes Root – Serena Gingold Allen
77. Teddy Bears Are Real! – D. Eric Herrington
78. Love Jar – Suhasini Gupta
79.
80. A Valentine For Two – Colleen Fogarty
81. The Universe Isn’t Big Enough – SJ Korzelius
82. Bug Me – Danna Zeiger
83. Goojeepers and Mistdoo – Eleanor Ann Peterson
84. Willie’s Heart – Jean Martin
85. Universal Truth – Kara Williams
86. Can We Love Without Our Words? – Jessica Milo
87. Valentine Horse – Emmie R. Werner
88. My Heart Is Yours! – Donna Kurtz
89. The Valentine Box – Ranessa Doucet
90. Loved To The Bone – Celeste Peterson
91. Cranky Old Cranston – Linda Jacobs
92. Tippy’s Magical Forest – Linda Jacobs
93. Love Day – Poupette Smith
94. Chocolate Covered Mealworms – Amanda Perry
95. One Last Valentine Invitation – Lynn Moore
96. My Homemade Valentine – Katie Lee Reinert
97. Tula Tango – Jessi Kay
98. I Don’t Think So – Joan Leotta
99. Roses are red… – Deborah Kim
100. The Love Cookies – Suhasini Gupta
101.
102. A Jellyfish Valentine’s Day – Debi Boccanfuso
103. Chocolate For Valentine’s Day… Again? – Renee Bolla
104. Finding Stray Love – Pamela Swanson
105. Untitled – Deborah Williams
106. Valentine Smile – Ellen Akemi Crosby
107. Heart-Shaped Pancakes – D. Eric Herrington
108. Trick Or Treat? – Colleen Murphy
109. Stupid Cupids – Liisa Walimaa
110. The Valentine’s Day Shoebox – Alison Marcotte
111. It’s Just A Flower, Right? – Kathleen MacEachern
112.
113. Cupid Shmupid – Denise Seidman
114. 2nd Grade Casanova – Kimberly Horch
115. Ladybug Footprints – Kelly Adamson
116. Thanks For Being My Valentine – Sherri T. Mercer
117. Fish Out Of Water – Bridget Magee
118. Dad’s Heart – Kendra Bell
119. Mother’s Valentine Message – Sharon McCarthy
120. The Flavor Of Love – Connie Bergstein Dow
121. Fireworks At Deadman’s Bluff – Aly Kenna
122. Shiver Me Timbers! – Nadia Ali
123. Gifts From The Heart – Helen Lysicatos
124. The Power Of Love – Barbara Kimmel
125. Divine Valentines – Gayle Veitenheimer
126. You’ll See – Lori Dubbin
127. Me And My Best Friend – Mona Pease
128. Wings-a-glow – Jessie Raspbury
129. Pepper’s Perfect Poem – Bri Lawyer
130. Love At First Light – Patricia Finnegan
131. Glenn’s Valentine’s Hope – Nicole Loos Miller
132. Bear’s Chocolate Valentine’s Heart – Anglea Hawkins
133. I Love You Mommy! – Lisa M. Horn
134. Valenterriable – Aundra Tomlins
135. Valentine – Julie Kurtz
136. The Lonely Heart – Anne Bromley
137. Trick Or Treat – Jessie D. Phillips
138. Sally’s Two Valentines – Una Belle Townsend
139. Words Matter – Elizabeth Volkmann
140. How I Almost Forgot Valentine’s Day! – Julie Fruitticher Schroeder
141. Jaden’s Surprise: A Valentine’s Story – Susan Schwartz Twiggs
142. Groundhog’s News – Judy C. Hughes
143. A Change Of Heart – Jill Sbi
144. All You Knead Is Loaf – Alicia Meyers
145. Cupid’s Skeptic – Becky Goodman
146. (Probably) Stolen Valentine – Hannah Kruman
147. A Big Valentine For Little Friends – Marie Key?
148. Just Cal – Elizabeth Muster
149. What Love Looks Like – Ashley Sierra
150. Love Is. . . – Ashley Sierra
151. Peaches’ Valentine – Thelia Hutchinson
152. Valentines Gone Astray – Elise Teichert
153. Kind Hearts – K. Olmstead
154. What Was Up With Valentine’s Day? – Reed Ambrose
155. Lexi’s Plainly Special Valentine – Lisa Billa
156. Stay Away, Red Heart Day! – Terri Dorow
157. Otto’s First Valentine’s Day – Annette Bethers
158.
159. Heart Balloon And Its String – Kate Rehill
160. Jaded Cupid – Effie Koliopoulos
Susanna Leonard Hill 
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELIZABETH
WORDS MATTER
Elizabeth Volkmann
(214 words)
Two tempers flared.
Nate’s words flung like arrows.
Ally flinched,
then fled.
A friendship lay shattered.
All week Nate worked to win her back.
He picked her first for kickball,
saved her half of his ham sandwich,
even misspelled ‘Mississippi’ in the Bee
so she would win.
But Ally wedged her words
down
deep –
and she returned Nate’s reach
with the sharp sting
of silence.
On the day before Valentine’s,
Nate sifted through sentiments –
silly and sappy,
sarcastic and sweet –
but each one blurred with
sadness and sorrow.
In a show of support,
Mom proposed he pen a pretty poem.
Dad suggested a simple song.
Ben bet a baseball card would make it better.
“Baseball always does,” he said.
“More words won’t help,” Nate scoffed.
“And besides, Ally doesn’t like baseball.”
He slumped into the cushions.
Nana slid onto the sofa.
“I’m sorry you’re hurting,” she whispered.
Nate softened into her side.
“Maybe you don’t need more words –
you just need the right words.”
But Nate wasn’t so sure.
The next day, in the craze
of cards and cupcakes,
confetti and candy,
Nate slipped Ally
a plain paper heart.
Two words,
crafted with care,
filled the center.
I’M SORRY
Surprised, Ally smiled,
then pierced the silence
with two words
of her own –
“Me, too.”
This is so well done! I love the alliteration. Wonderful story!
So much emotion, and so well done! I loved this!
Wow–it’s amazing how much story you packed into so few words. Beautiful & moving. ❤
Nana’s wisdom wins the day:-) Your imagery and alliteration and the story, itself, are quite special.
ENTRY POSTED FOR JULIE
HOW I ALMOST FORGOT VALENTINE’S DAY!
By Julie Fruitticher Schroeder
On Saturday, Mom and Gramps were taking me to buy valentines for my class party, when Gramps took a tumble and bonked his head.
I tried to help him up, but he was wobbly.
“I’m fine, Max,” he said, “just clumsy.”
But he didn’t look so fine to Mom and me.
At the hospital, the doctor said Gramps needed to stay for a few days for some tests.
On Sunday, Mom and I went to visit him.
“I’m feeling much better.” He said and winked at me. “I bet I’ll get to come home tomorrow.”
“I’m not so sure about that, Pop,” said Mom.
I wasn’t so sure either.
That night as I was drifting off to sleep, suddenly, my eyes popped open!
I’d completely forgotten I needed 27 valentines for the school party in the morning!
I pulled out my paper, scissors, and glue.
I cut, glued, folded, and finally…
27 Valentine’s!
The next day all the kids said my homemade valentines were the best!
I told them about Gramps, and Miss Tucker said, “Let’s make him some get-well valentines!”
That afternoon I gave the cards to Gramps.
“Thanks, Max!” he said, “27 get-well wishes should heal me up lickety-split!”
And he was right!
Gramps got to come home the very next day!
What a great class, and great story!
“Get well Valentines” are such a great idea – A heaping dose of love always helps:-)
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN
Jaden’s Surprise: A Valentine’s Story
By Susan Schwartz Twiggs (207 words)
Jaden didn’t believe in valentines.
He refused to sign them or address them or pass them out.
“Suit yourself,” said Miss Angel.
Each year valentines would stack up on his desk.
His classmates accepted his attitude.
“Don’t bother to give one to Jaden,” they’d say, “He’ll just throw it out.”
And every year that’s what he did until he saw the black envelope.
Open me if you dare, the white print threatened.
Jaden was curious but he had a reputation to keep.
He slipped the black envelope into his math workbook and scooped up the rest of the unopened valentines, walked to the front of the room, and dropped them into the wastebasket.
“There he goes again,” Emma said.
It wasn’t until Jaden said hello to his mom, grabbed a granola bar, and closed his bedroom door that he sprawled out ready to open the envelope.
He shivered when he reread the dare.
Inside a monster offered up a gross booger.
“I picked this one for you,” the monster declared.
Jaden smiled. I know monsters, he thought.
Jason would surprise his class.
He drew, he printed, he painted.
Jason’s Show and Tell made them laugh.
They cheered and clapped.
Everyone agreed.
“Jaden’s had a change of heart.”
Glad he had a change of heart. Who knew a booger was the secret ingredient?
“Jaden was curious but he had a reputation to keep” . . . What a great line:-)
ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
Groundhog’s News
By Judy C. Hughes
214 Words
“Groundhog, what’s your forecast?” Mouse squeaks.
I stretch up to check and am greeted by fog thick as cream soup.
No sunglasses needed.
No scary shadows.
“Springtime, begin!”
“Groundhog, since you’re staying up this year; it’s time you host the annual
Prairie Valentine’s Day Party.” Hare declares.
“That’s only 12 days away. I haven’t been awake for one in years. This won’t work. I can’t be ready.”
My friends disagree.
Deer’s family offers to chew and clear-cut a space.
Beaver says, “Count on me for banner posts.”
Bookworm shares her chewed doilie hearts.
“I’m still skeptical.”
Woodpecker drums, “I’ll rat-a-tat as Sparrow sings.”
Prairie Dog makes a corn hole game.
“But we need fancy foods. “My burrow is bare.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll root up something.” Boar snorts.
Horse whinnies, “Dig carrots with me from my garden freezer.”
“This is great news, but I still need invitations.”
Like a flying heart, Cardinal calls, “Come to Groundhog’s Hearty Party!”
Valentine’s Day arrives, along with Jack Frost.
Bling! He ices Bunny’s beets, Goat’s grapes and turns Puppy’s punch into a popsicle.
“My forecast is a frozen failure. My festivities have flopped.” I sob.
“No problem. While you hibernate, we survive on frozen food.” Her pals all chime.
“Great news!”
“In that case, let’s PARTY HEARTY!”
I like how the animals all helped. The way you described them and what they would contribute is great!
So clever that the animals contributed things to the party based on their own special skills. I especially like that Prairie Dog made a corn hole game:-)
A Change of Heart
by Jill Sbi
176 words
Troy was a skeptic.
He was very exact.
When it came to a story,
He wanted just facts.
If he thought you were telling him
Some kind of lie,
He’d say, “I don’t believe you!
Try some other guy!”
When the teacher announced
They would make little notes
With hearts and red flowers
And sayings in “quotes,”
He was deeply suspicious
Of the strange little cards.
What did the “quotes” mean?
And the flowers and hearts?
Alisha created a beautiful card
And she handed it shyly to Troy.
It said, “Will you be my Valentine?
“You are my favorite boy.”
Troy took the card with caution,
And he read it once, then twice.
It didn’t seem suspect at all.
In fact, it was really nice.
It gave him a warm feeling;
He smiled from ear to ear.
He quickly made a little note
That said, “Alisha dear,
“Your card made me so happy
“And I hope that you like mine!
“You are the sweetest girl in school;
“I’ll gladly be your Valentine.”
Awwwww. How sweet.
I got a really clear image of Troy, the boy who just wanted facts – What a great description:-)
All You Knead Is Loaf
By: Alicia Meyers
WC: 153
On this day-of-love,
I had one impossibly-important goal.
Confess my loaf
to my one-and-only baguette.
I prepared my ode, if you will.
And placed it in plain sight.
Handwritten,
carefully crafted,
ruby-red,
a heart from the heart.
Her smile lit up the room
as she eyed her surprise from afar.
The paper crinkled as she opened.
My heart skipped a beat.
That’s when my what-ifs took over.
What-if, “No”?
What-if, “Why”?
What-if, “I-don’t-know”?
What-if “Ew!”?
What-if “Who?”?
What-if “Not-you…”?
“NO!” I declared to my what-ifs.
She must know how happy she bakes me!
I climbed to my feet,
completely unveiled,
gripping onto a vibrant bouquet of hand-picked flours.
Butterflies fluttered in my tummy,
as I stepped toward her
to reveal myself.
“You’re the most butter’ful girl in the world!” I said.
Her eyes shimmered toward me,
like the clearest of sunrises.
“You bread my mind.” she beamed.
I just-so-happen to loaf you, too.”
Ha ha… oh, my. So many puns; you’ve really risen to the occasion.
The “what if” section was great, and OH! those puns:-)
I love the What-ifs to show skepticism! Also, “you’re the most butterful girl in the world” is quite the compliment 🙂
CUPID’S SKEPTIC
by Becky Goodman
213 Words
Dear Magical Mascot Committee,
With a broken arrow, I engrave this resignation.
When you bestowed me the everlasting title, Cupid of Valentine’s Day, you left me without
dignity.
You left me without
believability.
You left me with
Cornelia Stone:
my first assignment, my Mission Impossible.
“Do what you do best,” you said. I loaded love-filled arrows and flew to her home.
I knocked.
Ms. Stone cracked the door but not a smile.
I aimed…and she grabbed my arrow. Snapped it in two!
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“I’m inspiring you to love Valentine’s Day and those who cherish your existence!” I explained.
“With weapons?”
“Love darts.”
“Wearing a diaper?”
“A symbol of love’s infancy.”
“No,” said Cornelia Stone. “Santa has presents, Easter Bunny has eggs, and leprechauns and fairies have gold and goodies. You? Aim those arrows nowhere.”
“But! I inspire love!”
“Love inspires love.”
My lip quivered.
“Look, Unidentified Flying…”
“Cupid.”
“Is this really how you want to spend eternity?”
“I…”
“What if you cherished you?” she asked.
Committee, what if I did?
Time to spread my wings and find out.
Share my image anywhere on Valentine’s Day. I shall be elsewhere.
Now, I must fly. Ms. Stone is showing me the magic of a sunset. Mission Critical.
Eternally mine,
Cupid
I still say he ought to try and slip her an arrow. 😉 Interesting take.
“With a broken arrow, I engrave this resignation” . . . How clever to have Cupid one of his broken arrows for his note to the Magical Mascot Committee:-)
SUCH a clever story! I can’t wait to see this as a book… with diapered Cupid and cranky Cornelia fading into the sunset arm-in-arm. 🙂
(PROBABLY) STOLEN VALENTINE
Hannah Kruman
WC: 156
I’m looking for my valentine, the one I thought I sent.
I gave it to a mailman, but I don’t know where it went.
My girlfriend never got it, and now I have to wonder
if sending it by mail was my Valentine’s Day blunder!
You know, when I think back, that mailman was suspicious.
With chocolate on his face that resembled Hershey’s kisses!
He asked a lot of questions about what my box contained.
He licked his lips a lot, and he drooled while I explained,
“It has thirteen purple ring pops and twenty fudge-filled hearts!”
And his eyes got even wider when I mentioned fruity tarts!
He did show me a badge, but the words were kind of blurry…
He snatched my special gift and he took off in a hurry.
It still could be delivered, but we’re running out of time.
I guess I should have known, when I booked with “Piggy Prime!”
funny! reminds me of the Seinfeld character “Newman” the postman LOL
This is a funny premise! I have to admit, a box filled with all those goodies would be a pretty big temptation. 🙂
😀 Those knock-off services just might hog all the goodies! Ha!
Hahaha – While I expected the mailman was the culprit, I never expected that delivery was booked with “Piggy Prime.”
A funny story with a great ending.
A Big Valentine for Little Friends
All year Forest Elementary students had been told “Dream BIG!” but can little kids really make a big dream come true?
At recess some friends talked about making valentines.
“And let’s make a giant one together!” squeaked Sierra Squirrel.
“An enormous heart for Valentine’s Day !” croaked Frankie Frog.
“Yes! Huge!!” Bennett Bluebird chirped.
Some big kids heard their idea.
Brucey Bear growled, “No way!”
“You’ll fail,” sneered Emmy Elk.
Dorie Deer rolled her eyes, “You littles can’t do anything big.”
Marvin Moose laughed, “Little kids can only do little things.”
Some little friends felt discouraged, but Hallie Hedgehog cheered, “We can do it!”
The friends designed a giant valentine…
Not too heavy
Or too light
Not too dull
Or too bright
Together they measured, constructed, tested, decorated.
On Valentine’s Day Principal Swan helped hang the valentine between two trees.
A heart
… taller than a giraffe
… wider than a rhino
… pinker than a flamingo
… fancier than a peacock
… prettier than a sunset
with “Happy Valentine’s Day” in big, neat letters.
The big kids had been wrong.
“Sorry I said you’d fail,” Emmy told the little friends.
“Sorry,” added Bruce, Dorie, and Marvin.
The whole school loved the valentine, and the little friends showed that they really can dream BIG together!
I like the empowerment message of the smaller ones being able to do big things!
My favorite part is when the Valentine is compared to all sorts of animals (and the sunset). They did dream BIG!
So much for the bullies’ discouraging words! Great ending to a cute story.
Nice to see that the skeptics were wrong AND that they apologized . . . Teamwork makes the dream work for the littles:-)
I’m happy their dream came true. Good luck!
Just Cal
By Elizabeth Muster
WC 212
“Why aren’t you wearing red today, Cal?” asked Mom. “It’s Valentine’s Day.”
“I hate the color red,” said Cal, “and I hate Valentine’s Day. It’s all mushy and stuff.”
“Don’t be so cynical,” said Mom.
“What’s that mean?” asked Cal.
“Being negative all the time.”
Cal shrugged and headed off to school in his favorite blue hoodie and jeans.
When Cal entered the classroom, hearts decorated the windows and the walls and even hung from the ceiling.
During morning work, the students decorated their boxes with stickers and construction paper. Cal used blue paper and wrote his name with black crayon. Then he put his head down on the table.
When it was time for the party, Mrs. Lindor asked Cal if he was ready to pass out his Valentines.
“Why bother,” replied Cal. “I doubt anyone’s going to give me any.”
“Don’t be so skeptical,” said Mrs. Lindor.
“What does that mean?” asked Cal.
“To be full of doubt and to have a lot of questions.”
“Well, I do have a lot of questions,” said Cal. “Why do we even have to celebrate Valentine’s Day?”
“It’s to celebrate love.”
“Well, Mrs. Lindor, I don’t love anybody but my mom and my dad. I’m not cynical. I’m not skeptical. I’m just Cal.”
like your Cal character “blue hoodie and jeans”…” blue paper…and black crayon”
I expected Cal to be won over (and I wonder, if the word limit were higher, if he would have been!). I liked how you snuck in vocabulary words (including the prompt). The final line is a good reminder that we don’t all have to be alike…which can be hard to remember sometimes.
Ha! That’s one of mine. If I tell him he’s anything, he tells me he’s just his name. 😀
I hope that cyniCAL and skeptiCAL CAL was wrong and that he got a lot of valentines.
WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE
by Ashley Sierra
189 words
I forgot to do my Valentine’s Day homework. And today’s Valentine’s Day!
“Layla, we’re leaving for school soon.”
Oh no. I need to write what love looks like in my home.
“Mom, where’s love in our house?”
“Try looking in the living room.”
I run. I search. I see . . .
Just the cat and dog cuddling. Mom must’ve made a mistake.
“Mom, I didn’t see any love there.”
“Check your sister’s room.”
I sprint. Love can’t get away from me this time.
I scan. I peek. I spot . . .
Just Lily hugging her favorite sloth toy.
I think Mom doesn’t know what love is. It’s not where she says!
“We’re leaving in fifteen minutes, Layla!”
“But Mom . . . I can’t find any love!”
“Look a little closer.”
I’m starting to think Mom doesn’t understand the assignment.
I look EVERYWHERE!
But I just see heart-shaped pancakes,
scraps from our Valentine’s Day boxes,
and cards we made with Mom.
I didn’t find any love. I head back to Mom again when . . .
I know what love looks like!
I draw. I color. I write . . .
“Love looks like the one who’s always there to help: Mom.”
I like your aww ending. Lots of interesting verb refrains.
I like the three verb action sequences; that’s a nice way to make the piece stick together. I also like how you show all of the kinds of love that the narrator sees so the reader can see them, even though the narrator doesn’t understand what she’s seeing. As a mom, I find the last line a sweet reminder about parenting!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my entry and your kind words.
Ashley, this turned out super! I love the funny voice in this one, the snappy pacing, and the sweet ending.
As always, thanks for your feedback and encouragement!
This is very cute. I can picture this as a book, with Layla finding each thing she looks for on a new page or as a lift-a-flap.
Thanks, Chel, for taking the time to read my stories.
“I run. I search. I see . . . I scan. I peek. I spot . . . I draw. I color. I write . . .” These short, crisp two word sentences are loaded with action and set a nice pace for the story of your little skeptic trying to get the Valentine’s Day assignment done.
Thank you for reading. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
LOVE IS . . .
by Ashley Sierra
210 words
Sloth peered out of the gift bag and saw a smiling face.
“A new friend?” Sloth thought.
“A sloth stuffy! My favorite!” Lily said. “Thank you, Mommy.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day! You’re totally SLOTH-some,” Mommy said with a wink.
“I will love Sloth SLOOOW much.”
Lily giggled.
“I can’t wait to be loved!” Sloth thought.
Lily hugged Sloth.
Tight. Tighter. Too tight!
“Ouch!”
Sloth tilted her head.
“Love . . . hurts?”
“Look, Sloth. Smell the vinegar and cinnamon I put in my own cookie dough,” Lily said.
Sloth wrinkled her forehead.
“Sniff. Sniff. P-U. Love . . . stinks?”
Suddenly, Sparky snatched Sloth.
“ARF! ARF!”
“Sparky! Give Sloth back!” Lily yelled.
Sloth slowly gave Sparky side-eye.
“Ow. Ow. Love . . . bites?”
Sloth slumped in Sparky’s slobber.
“I don’t want to be ‘loved.'”
Lily grabbed Sloth from Sparky’s snout and hugged her.
“Noooo!”
But this time, Lily’s hug wasn’t too tight. It felt just right.
“Ah. Maybe love is . . . soft?”
Lily served Sloth a box of chocolates.
“Sniff. Sniff. Maybe love is . . . sweet?”
“Arf. Arf.”
“No more love bites!”
But Sparky gently nudged Sloth.
“Hehe. It tickles. Maybe love is . . . funny?”
Lily, Sparky, and Sloth colored cards, made clay bouquets, and crunched on heart-shaped candies.
“Love is . . .,” Sloth thought, gazing at Sparky and Lily. “HANGING around with you.”
Love sloth’s discovery of what love is from a Sloth stuffy’s perspective! And the exciting verbs and alliterative phrases.
I enjoyed the sloth jokes, and I was glad that Sloth had a better experience with love as s/he went through the story!
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Love this sweet sloth stuffy story! Great pacing, nice repetition, and a sweetly satisfying ending. Nicely done, Ashley. I love both of your entries!
Thanks, Sarah! I enjoyed both of yours as well.
Adorable. Love is all those things, isn’t it?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading!
The final sloth pun (Love is HANGING around with you) made me laugh to myself and was the perfect ending to your story.
Thanks, Patricia! I appreciate you taking the time to read.
Peaches’ Valentine
By Thelia Hutchinson
212 words
Peaches loves Valentine’s Day.
However, she worries that she will not receive any valentines since she is the new kid.
She talks to the other kids but wonders If they will give her a valentine.
“Valentine’s Day is just a few days away,” she thought.
Peaches mopes around for the next few days. She then decides she will make the best of it and give valentines to all her classmates. She realizes that the best valentine is one that will make someone else’s day. She did not need a valentine to prove she is special, because she already is.
When Valentine’s Day arrives, everyone receives a lot of valentines.
Peaches could not help but feel a little sad. She did not receive any valentines and wants to cry but puts on a brave face… and pretends to read a book.
Someone then taps her shoulder.
Peaches looks up and sees a basket full of valentines.
“We were once new too,” says her classmate, Lia. “We did not forget you. These are for you”.
Peaches smiles. She looks at all her classmates and all the valentines. “This is the best Valentine’s Day ever. I’m so grateful to call all of you my new friends,” she says, and she hugs every one of them.
I really like these lines: “She realizes that the best valentine is one that will make someone else’s day. She did not need a valentine to prove she is special, because she already is.” They’re great messages for kids (and everyone else)!
Cute story. I could feel Peaches’ worry and sadness, then the happiness at seeing her basket and hugging new friends.
Your story captures the way many children (and adults) worry that nobody loves them. How mature of Peaches to realize that she is specials even if nobody gives her a valentine (but I’m so glad that her classmates did).
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELISE
Valentines Gone Astray
By Elise Teichert
The school day was over.
The day was done.
Valentines were given by everyone.
The weather was bad.
A storm was brewing.
“Let’s dash, skedaddle and run!”
The rain was splattering. The wind was strong.
Big gusts blew hats, hair, scarves and
OH, NOOOOOO!”
There go Valentines in the air.
Blowing, blowing everywhere.
Watch them, watch them
Up they go.
Valentines blowing everywhere.
Valentines in the sky.
Sailing, sailing way up high.
Catch them, catch them
Reach your arms.
Valentines flying up so high.
Valentines fleeing in the rain
Sinking, falling, way down low
Sinking falling, low,
low,
low.
Valentines floating in the puddle.
Floating, sinking, sloshing, mushing.
There is Betty’s.
There is Bart’s.
There’s the one with a candy heart.
We cried,
We bellowed
“It’s just not fair.”
Then we picked up.
We all gave a hug.
Hands were held.
Hearts were shared.
The sun tried to shine.
The clouds moved aside.
Making way for a joyful rainbow
High in the sky.
Love your poem and I really pictured the valentines swirling in the air and rain knocking them back down.
You have some great imagery here! Part of the pleasure comes from the repetition: blowing, blowing; sailing, sailing; catch them, catch them; sinking, falling, sinking falling; etc. I’m glad they found joy at the end!
Sometimes you have to make hearts while the sun shines, I guess. Interesting story about trials like rain and the day turning out brightly after all.
Blowing, sailing, sinking, falling, etc . . . all of those gerunds really keep your story moving.
ENTRY POSTED FOR KAREN
Kind Hearts
by K. Olmstead
wc 212
I was writing out my valentines.
“Everyone has a kind heart.” Mama said.
I wasn’t so sure.
“You just have to look.”
Not so!
I know some really MEAN kids.
I’m pretty fast but my friend, John, not so much.
He trips a lot.
But kids still push him anyway.
They laugh even if he comes up bloody.
One time, I helped take him to the nurse.
Now mean kids try to push me.
Mama said. “Ask someone for help.”
“Whatever.”
Some days, we still end up at the nurse.
That’s just how it goes.
Valentine’s day, I “spied with my little eyes” Big Jake.
He picks on us a lot.
He was strangely alone.
His face was red and blotchy.
John and I moved closer.
Big Jake was wiping his eyes.
We didn’t say anything.
We just started playing climbing tag.
Suddenly, Big Jake tried to tag me but missed.
I laughed. Then Big Jake laughed.
He said, “Your monkey moves rock.”
John replied to Jake, “Cool moves, Bro. Tag!”
We played all recess.
After school, Jake quietly handed us both Spiderman valentines.
Since then, Jake no longer pushes or calls names.
Maybe, everyone does have a kind heart.
Some buried deeper than others.
You just never know unless you look.
Play can really be a good way to bring kids together. I’m glad that Big Jake, John, and the narrator become friends. And the Spiderman valentines are a nice touch, given that they’re playing climbing tag!
It’s so hard to see how people really feel, especially when they’re mean. Good moral to a good story.
Thanks for your feedback! So appreciated!
From bully to cooperative friend – What a character transformation for Big Jake!
Nice ending!
WHAT WAS UP WITH VALENTINE’S DAY?
By Reed Ambrose
181 Words
Something was up…
There was a young Cupid who filled up one vase.
What was up with filling one vase?
He held it up.
On top of the vase, he flipped up two cups!
What was up with flipping two cups
On top of the vase?
Would it stay up?
On top of the cups, he lit up three candles!
What was up with lighting three candles
On top of the cups,
On top of the vase?
Would it burn up?
On top of the candles, he stacked up four plates!
What was up with stacking four plates
On top of the candles,
On top of the cups,
On top of the vase?
Would he give up?
On top of the plates, he tossed up five flowers!
What was up with tossing five flowers
On top of the plates,
On top of the candles,
On top of the cups,
On top of the vase?
He got tripped up!
And then it all fell… right into place.
To his mother’s surprise, he set up a date.
What was up… was Valentine’s Day!
love the build-up and then the fortuitous ending!
I wondered where this was going! It’s a fun take on the kinds of stories like The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and The House that Jack Built, with the addition of new elements and repetition. It was a clever way to set up a Valentine’s Day dinner. Good work, Cupid!
Great story-building. I love this structure in a tale.
I can hear children giggling and laughing as the story builds and builds and hear them wondering what was up
ENTRY POSTED FOR LISA
LEXI’S PLAINLY SPECIAL VALENTINE
by Lisa Billa
213 words
It was almost Valentine’s Day. Everyone was busy.
Baking hearts. Folding and cutting them. Tracing, stamping, printing, stringing, even making handprint hearts.
Lexi wanted to give Mama the most beautiful valentine, only none of her shapes looked right. Mama would love whatever she made, but Lexi needed something extra special.
She put away the glue and crayons and spoiled papers and went outside. Maybe she could find a heart-shaped rock or leaf or flower…but snow covered everything.
Lexi headed back in. She pulled off her boots, turned around for a last look- and saw it! Her footprints made a big, beautiful heart, covering the whole wide yard.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Mama opened gifts and cards. Lexi peeked outside.
She could still see the outline of her giant heart- but it didn’t seem special enough. The painted hearts, lacy hearts, and wind-chime hearts were all beautiful and dazzling and decorated. Hers was…plain.
Wait! Lexi ran back out, stopped at the bird feeder, and traced her tracks again. Happy birds followed.
“Look, Mama!” Mama looked, smiled a big smile, and gave Lexi a heart-shaped hug. Lexi smiled back.
It wasn’t a valentine Mama could wear. It wasn’t a tasty treat. It wasn’t a painting with heart-shaped flowers. But it WAS made with lots of love.
What a sweet valentine, and sweet idea to give her mom.
What a special outdoor Valentine – I can clearly imaging the illustration of Lexi’s heart with all of the colorful birds
This one is a great reminder that we can show our love in lots of ways (and not just the commercial ones)! And it WAS a tasty treat…but for the birds. 🙂
Ahhh, sweet! Kids are so inventive.
A cute story, love the characters! 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR TERRI
STAY AWAY, RED HEART DAY!
by Terri Dorow
February. The stupidest month. Full of love words. Full of hearts. Red hearts, pink hearts, chocolate hearts! The shape of love. Stupid love.
Valentine’s Day’s just a made-up day. It’s like a fantasy. At school we even had to give everyone a stupid Valentine.
But what if fantasies were real? I’d get rid of Valentine’s Day and hearts and flowers and anything that is red. I would start a new day called, “Stay Away, Red Heart Day!” and it would be on February 14th, too. And I’d make everyone say, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, Valentine’s Day’s stupid and so are you!”
But fantasies aren’t real. So, I’ll just keep walking home.
Then I hear my name. “Jessie?”
Should I pretend I don’t hear her? Probably, but I decide to turn around. It’s the new kid at school.
“I have something for you. You looked kind of sad when everyone was passing out their valentines. Here.”
It was a chocolate heart, a red rose, and a card that said, ‘Roses are red, violets are blue, we could be friends if you want to.’
Maybe fantasies can be real after all.
I’m sure this person’s not the only one to have a bad V-Day sometimes. How nice to find a friend, one who notices s/he is down and has a ready present.
Your words definitely conveyed how much Jessie disliked Valentine’s Day . . . and then the touching turn of events – A little love goes a long way:-)
“Full of love words” – that is a big part of what many find so hard about that time of year. I’m glad Jessie found a little love in the world after all. It’s a good reminder to keep hope alive (even though it IS just a made up holiday…)!
I’m sure Jessie had a change of heart. Good luck!
“Otto’s First Valentine’s Day”
By Annette Bethers
214 words
Deeply asleep in his warm burrow, Otto, a young marmot, was suddenly startled. “Wake up!” someone shouted outside.
“Go away until spring!” Otto shouted. “I’m hibernating.”
“It’s an emergency!”
Otto hurried outside. There, between two mailbags overflowing with valentines, stood Blossom Opossum, Woodland’s postmistress. “I need your help to deliver all these valentines!”
But it’s cold,” Otto grumbled, “and I’m sleepy.”
“Don’t be selfish,” Blossom said. “Think about all the happiness we’ll be delivering!”
“I doubt an envelope can hold happiness,” Otto muttered. “And I don’t get Valentine’s Day.”
“That’s because you’re always asleep! Come see what you’ve been missing.”
Otto shrugged. “I’m awake. Might as well.”
They trudged through the snow, leaving valentines in mailboxes. “Still don’t get it!” Otto complained.
“Patience,” Blossom said.
Otto finished his deliveries. “I’m pooped,” he said. “And still don’t get it.”
“There’s one more,” Blossom said.
Otto groaned.
Blossom smiled. “It’s for you!” She handed him a big red heart that said,
Happy First Valentine’s Day, special friend! Love, Blossom.
Otto’s heart swelled with happiness. He gave Blossom a big hug. “I GET IT!”
Together, they watched the happy Woodlanders gathering valentines from their mailboxes. “From now on, I’m setting my alarm clock for Valentine’s Day every year,” Otto said, “so I can deliver happiness with you.”
Aww! What a sweet story. I love the “I GET IT!” moment and Blossom’s patience with her friend.
Yay, Otto! Cute story, and I could tell those two have a cute friendship together.
Loved how the “I GET IT” phrase tied back to all of the “I don’t get it” lines that preceded that light bulb moment for Otto
Things to love here:
1. I don’t get it/I don’t get it/I GET IT!
2. A marmot! They aren’t the usual story animal.
3. Thinking of delivering mail as delivering happiness!
I love your characters’ names, Otto the marmot and Blossom Opossum. I can see this as a future picture book.
Kate Rehill
WC: 198
HEART BALLOON AND ITS STRING
Heart missed Josiah
and how they used to spend
time together.
Heart waited, but Josiah rushed by.
Heart waited some more, but Josiah left again.
Heart waited even longer, but Josiah piled up too many things to even see Heart at all.
Heart got tired of waiting.
Tap. Tap.
“Who was that?” asked Josiah.
No one answered.
Swively wively.
“How did I get all wrapped up?” asked Josiah.
Silence answered.
Boompf.
“Clumsy me,” said Josiah.
“Oh. Hi, Heart. It’s you.
See you later!” Josiah said.
Heart hugged and hugged
and wrapped and tugged
until…
“Ouch!” said Josiah.
“Okay, okay, Heart! Do you want to hang with me?” asked Josiah.
Heart nodded and jumped a big fat yes.
Heart reached out once more for Josiah’s hand,
and Josiah squeezed Heart’s string right back.
Heart bobbed along,
happy to finally be with Josiah.
Together, Heart and Josiah
experienced new highs
and lows.
Until Josiah suddenly disappeared.
Heart deflated.
“Wanna play tic tac toe?” Josiah said.
They found new ways to
spend time together,
and be there for each other.
Heart thought this
was much better than chasing Josiah.
Best of all, they got close.
As closest as close can be.
Interesting friendship. Cute story.
Thank you!
“Heart deflated” – I love that line and how it can apply to Heart, the balloon, and to humans on the sometimes bumpy road of love
JADED CUPID
By Effie Koliopoulos
214 words
Cupid was tired of mean kids at school.
Each year on Valentine’s Day, boys and girls seemed to get crueler and colder.
He pulled all the stops to stay home.
But his parents didn’t buy he was sick.
So, Cupid was punished and sent to wait for the bus.
The halls felt lonely.
Classrooms filled with snickers and sneers.
Lunchtime left Cupid as a party of one.
Love amongst his classmates didn’t exist.
He walked home forlorn and…
jaded.
“Give people a chance,” said his mom.
The next day, Cupid did have one person in mind whom he dreamed to gift candy hearts.
Her name was Candy Crush.
Though he was certain she would not be nice.
Everyone else was mean to him.
Why would she be any different and not crush his heart?
Cupid was blue as a violet.
With his head down, he dragged his feet across the pavement.
PLOP!
THUD!
CLUNK!
Cupid’s face met the ground, and his candy hearts shattered into a million pieces.
Laughter erupted and echoed for miles.
But then a warmth met his shoulder, and a hand extended out in front of him.
Candy Crush smiled.
“Here let me help you up,” she said, holding a red rose.
Sweet story! I love that Candy Crush was there for Cupid at the end.
Thank you! They make an unlikely but good pair in the end. 🙂
Sounds like he attracted Candy Crush with crushed candy. 🙂 I sure hope the other kids figure out how to be nice again!
Haha, that sounds about right! I didn’t think of it that way. Sometimes one friend to show up is all that matters, not every kid will be nice though it’s a good question I may explore even further.
Aww! I’m glad Candy Crush was there for him. Loved, Cupid was blue as a violet.
Thank you! That is one of my favorite lines. ❤
“Lunchtime left Cupid as a party of one.” – I feel like there are so many emotions packed in that one sentence. Your whole story conveyed the heaviness in Cupid’s heart until Candy Crush finally gave him some love and hope.
Thank you for the feedback!! 😀
*Please use this copy instead. The formatting on the other one was broken up. Sorry!
HEART-SHAPED PANCAKES
By Eric Herrington
Word count: 214
“We’re going to have a Garage sale this Saturday!… Yay! Yippee!…don’t all celebrate at once!” Dad mimicked. Screens and pressing video games paused.
“But it’s already Monday, there’s no time, we’ll have to get up early, and no special whip cream, banana, maple syrup, heart-shaped pancakes!” Thomas whined.
“And Oh, how clutter-free the house will be and we’ll actually be able to find stuff!” Dad stared off and imagined a minimalist half-empty house. “You can, You will, You must troops!”
Thomas shrugged and shuffled his feet back to his room. “Oh boy! This will be fun.” Thomas mocked. He chose some easy stuff first – dusty army men, old legos, a chess game with a bishop missing, and an old broken race track. “Here it’s Valentine’s Day and I’m not feeling it! Worst Valentine’s day ever! No pancakes and I’m getting rid of toys. I thought Valentine’s was a time for caring and love, fat chance pbbbt!” Thomas grumped.
A boy approached in torn and misfit clothes. He was thin with a bruise on his face. He marveled at Thomas’ old plastic toys. Head down, he scooted some pennies on Thomas’s table. Is this enough? He cupped his hand and whispered.
“Yep that’s just right.” Heart-shaped pancakes didn’t quite measure up in heart matters.
Will do
Thank you! Thanks for doing this looks like a great response! So much fun!
Underneath all of the sarcasm, Thomas has a heart of gold – Your ending illustrated that he recognized what’s truly important:-)
Thank you! Thank you for reading my story, that’s so true!
Love Lion’s fun, crafy personality. Sweet, sweet story, Mia!
Love the humor, STEM component, and puns here! Nicely done.
Thanks so much, Sarah! ❤️
Very original!
Ha ha! I love it. A match made over the cauldron!
You can still be lionhearted and love lace, right? Cute idea.
They always have the icebergs, too! Cute story; I liked it.
Ha! Well, maybe you’d find one who likes a few silk-wrapped bugs! 😀
Hahaha – I think older kids would find THE VAL-ENTRAILS GIFT SHOP and the sales pitches of it’s super salesperson hysterical.
This is terrific! I love all the plays on words (particularly the one about all the eyes a spider has – 6 or 8, right?) and that lots of animals that normally don’t get the Valentine’s Day love do get it here. And it makes the ending all the funnier: flowers and chocolates are gross! (The one-word ending is effective!)
Original! Great for vampire fans. Very unusual but fun. I think kids would get a kick out of this. Good luck