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 
THERE’S NOTHING NICE ABOUT ZACHARY
By Megan Emmot
213 words
“There’s nothing nice about Zachary.”
Mom looked up from the heart she was cutting from shimmery silver paper.
“Look harder, everyone has at least one good quality.”
Not true. No way. She didn’t know Zachary. Rotten, messy Zachary – the meanest kid in the fourth grade.
Mom and I made the rest of the Valentine cards for my classmates. Our tradition was to write a compliment on each card. At the end of the night, Zachary’s was still blank.
I watched Zachary all week. I watched him trip Malcolm on the soccer field. I watched him cut kids in the lunch line, stick his fingers in their food, and laugh when he made them cry. I watched him break three pencils during math. I offered him mine, hoping to trick him into being nice.
Nope. He stuck out his tongue, broke my pencil, and grinned at me, daring me to react.
On Valentine’s Day, I brought my cards to school, Zachary’s still blank at the top of the stack.
And that’s when I saw it. The protective big brother hug he gave his younger sister as he slipped her some lunch money. Five minutes late, just-out-of-bed hair and yesterday’s clothes.
Now I knew Mom was right: there was something nice about Zachary after all.
This is so sweet and kept me guessing!
Great story! 🙂
Awwwww. The mean ones often are hiding a squishy inside.
Like Chel said, lots of people are hiding something – and I’m glad the narrator gets to see his good side. This is an important lesson for kids (and adults)!
Glad that a nice thing was finally uncovered about Zachary!
PILFERING PARROTS
By: Katie McEnaney
Word count: 208
“No. Way,” Preston the parrot squawked in dismay. “Valentine’s cannot possibly be your favorite holiday. All that snuggling and kissing, ugh.”
“There’s tasty treats!” his friend Petunia insisted.
“True. We’ll keep the treats but ditch the lovey-dovey. THAT’s why we’ll steal Cupid’s arrows. No more arrows, no more huggy-snuggly Valentine’s Day. Just treats!”
—
The plan was proceeding perfectly:
Sneak into Cupid’s castle? Check.
Locate the quiver of arrows in his bedroom? Check.
Snatch the arrows, speed out the window, carry them to the nearby volcano, and melt them into oblivion?
Not.
Quite.
Check.
Instead, Preston swooped down and grasped the arrows by the tip. “Ouch!”
Cupid’s love potion flooded him from tip to tail. Preston’s heart fluttered faster than his wings, and his beak began beaming. Why, love was a marvelous thing!
“What a glorious day!” he crowed, waking up Cupid. “I LOVE love.”
Petunia fluttered down. “But … why … what about too mushy and too gushy?”
Preston perched beside her and cuddled close. “Love is a celebration of friendship and joy. Now I get it!”
Cupid smiled at the foolish friends. “Come, join me! Together, you shall be my ambassadors of love.”
… and THAT is how the Agapornis parrots became forever known as love birds.
https://katiemcenaney.com/pilfering-parrots/
This is delightful! Love Preston’s change and this clever origin story.
I love your love bird story, Katie! It’s so cute.
Thanks so much, Sarah and Carrie
So, that’s how “love birds” came to be! 🙂
An excellent fable, worthy of Aesop for V-Day!
Wow, thanks the comment, Chel! My students were channeling Aesop this week.
Not. Quite. Check. Ha! I like the way you stretched that out – it added to the humor! I also like how you use this to make sense of something in the world, like Kipling’s Just So Stories. Preston had a great change of heart – er, beak!
A VALENTINE FOR SASSY CASSY
By Brenna Jeanneret
WC 150
“And one for you,” Sally said, handing a valentine to Cassy.
“No, thank you.”
“But it’s a valentine…”
“Nope.”
“Why…not?”
“I’m Sassy Cassy, pirate lassie,
I love Tallahassee and being gassy!
A valentine? Not for this lassie.”
Sally rolled her eyes leaving the heart-shaped card on Cassy’s desk.
Cassy eyed it–
Crumple.
Crush.
Trash.
Wait,
“Sassy Cassy does not do trashy!”
Rewind.
There–under that chair.
Tug.
Tug.
Tear.
Cassy looked at the hand-made valentine now ripped in two.
She knew exactly what to do.
“Excuse me, Blair? Please move your chair.”
Uncrush.
Uncrumple.
One-piece.
Two-piece.
Smooth piece.
Glue piece.
Cassy read the card Sally had written for her.
Rubies are red, the sea is deep blue,
If you walked the plank, then I would, too.
Love, Sally
“Sallywag, you like me even though I’m sassy and gassy?”
“I like you because you’re sassy and BUUUUURP!”
“Well, shiver me timbers!”
This made me laugh. Funny, fun, quirky, and cute!
“If you walked the plank, then I would, too.” –now that’s love! LOL. I enjoyed the rhythm and bits of rhyme in this piece, too.
Thanks, Sarah!
Haha! Thanks, Carrie!
This was so funny! Great job! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
😀 Fun poem. I guess sassy and gassy can still have a friend in the class-y!
Haha! Thank you!!
There’s so much to like here! A bit of one-fish, two-fish. A love letter for a pirate friend. The lists of one-word actions. The way Sally and Cassy are made for friendship. A fun take on a Valentine’s story!
Thank you so much!
Such fun–thanks Susanna!
CUPID WHO?
By Linda Staszak 212 words
Tilly’s heart fluttered when she looked up from her food dish.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” she mumbled.
Gus’s long ears flopped as he lumbered by.
“What’s Valentine’s Day?”
“It’s the day when this fairy named Cupid shoots people with arrows to make them love each other,” Tilly said.
“Cupid who?” Gus snorted. “Doesn’t matter—I’m not even going to like anybody who shoots arrows at me.”
“You don’t like THEM. You like another person—or dog.” She wagged her tail.
“Sounds like a ‘fairy tale’ to me.”
“Well I KNOW he’s out there.” Tilly took another bite and jumped. “Yeow! Something just jabbed me.”
“Probably a bee. So this Cupid—he’s only around for one day? What does he do the rest of the year?”
“I don’t know,” Tilly said. “Maybe he makes arrows.”
Gus eyed Tilly’s food and drooled.
“You want to share my food?”
Gus nodded and slurped up a mouthful. “Ouch! Your bee stung me.”
Tilly smirked. “Maybe it’s Cupid.”
“There’s no fairy shooting arrows around here.”
“You’ll see,” said Tilly.
“So, you want to chase squirrels with me?”
Tilly smiled. “Sure, and maybe we’ll see Cupid. He was here, you know.”
Gus shook his head as they raced toward the trees. “A fairy who shoots arrows. What an imagination.”
This is adorable. I love the dialogue between these two.
Thank you!
Cupid or bees; food is a great thing to love!
Gotta agree! Thanks for reading.
Sharing dog food and asking to play? Sounds like Cupid stopped for a visit! The wagging tail/fairy tale pairing works nicely, too.
I think it was Cupid too! Thanks for reading.
This is so sweet. Love and Little Benny make a great team 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks so much, Marty!
Colleen Fogarty
WC 203
Millie and the Collywobbles
I have a problem.
All my BFFs in school are trying out for the Valentine’s Day play. They want me to try out, too. But here’s the thing:
One: I hate to talk in front of people.
Two: I’ve never been in a play
Three: I know I’ll forget my lines.
So, what should I do?
Katie, my bestest BFF, said, “Millie, you love to sing. Try out for the Queen of Hearts. There are no lines to remember. She only sings.”
“Are you kidding me? Stand up on stage and sing alone?”
So, Pete, my second bestest BFF, said, “Stop being so skeptical. How do you know you can’t sing if you haven’t tried it?”
“Oh, Pete, my mom says the same thing. But whenever I picture myself up on a stage, I get the collywobbles.”
“Well, unwobble yourself and sign up for the tryouts!”
“Okay, Guys. You win. I’ll sign up.”
“Ms. Doubtless, I’d like to try out for the Q Q Queen of Hearts,” I stutter.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “Jenny Jones has that part. Would you like to audition for the Valentine chorus?”
I’m gobsmacked! The chorus…of course! On the stage, but not alone!
Now THAT I can do!
Love the concept of and the sound of the collywobbles. This is a sweet story.
What a great story about believing in yourself and overcoming the lack of self-confidence.
Chorus is a great place to start. And, she has wonderful, supportive friends. Good story!
Collywobbles – what a great word! I like the encouragement of friends here and that she finds her place in an unexpected way – not as the queen, but in the chorus.
Thank you, T-O_H! I should give credit to Tara Lazar’s Absurd Words Book. Genius! Funny what one word can lead to.
Susanna’s contests are the best! I hope to have some time to read these AMAZING stories!
Capture Cupid
By Nicole Garnett
Word Count: 214
I have to do something.
All week long there has been extra lovey-dovey everything.
Extra hugs. Extra kisses. Extra flowers. Extra “I love yous!”
It’s too much. Over the top!
No one can be THIS sweet. They MUST be faking it.
I’m eight. Old enough to know I DON’T need this mushy-gushy stuff.
My family has been all heart eyes. Every minute of every day.
Valentine’s Day has taken over our home.
It looks like Cupid threw up in here.
It’s everywhere!
He’s everywhere!
And, I need to stop him.
First, I find out what Cupid likes.
Chocolate. (Duh).
Next, I research his arrows.
One used to fall in love. (Ick)
One used to fall out of love. (That’s more like it.)
Now it makes sense! My family was hit by Cupid’s LOVE arrow!
Thankfully, it hasn’t struck me!
I have a plan.
I place chocolate hearts leading to my foolproof trap!
Then, I wait.
Within minutes there he is. Stuffing his face.
I knew it! He couldn’t resist.
I pull the rope.
Missed!
Ugh! Almost!
Uh oh…
He sees me!
What’s he reaching for?
The arrows…!
Which one did he grab?
Ah! I’m hit!
But, which arrow was it!?
WHICH ARROW WAS IT?!
“Aww, I love you, Cupid.”
I guess I’ll never know.
This is so much fun! I like the title, voice, snappy pacing, and funny ending.
Cute! Love Cupid throwing up : )
Love it! Great pace and voice!
Cupid traps could totally be a thing …you know, until this happens. 😀
Love Litter
By Laura Bower
199 Words
Ash the Trash Can watched Room 2
make Valentines with hearts and glue.
They lined their cards with fancy trim
while Ash wished hard one was for him.
The kids stopped by but just to drop
their reject love notes with a “plop!”
their used-up glue sticks, dried-out paint.
He “ate” them up without complaint.
He sighed as cards were handed out.
Not one for him (he had no doubt).
For he was filthy, full of dirt.
But he had feelings. And they hurt.
The kids went home. The lights turned off.
Across the room he heard a cough.
The AC Unit blew a note,
(This was the note that AC wrote).
Dear Ash, You’re strong! You can’t be beat.
You help the classroom stay so neat.
You make each day feel more than new.
Your Biggest Fan, AC (it’s true!).
“For me?” Ash asked. But are you sure?
No one’s noticed me before.”
“I’ve noticed you but was too shy.
You’ve made me turn from low to high.”
Ash smiled wide and wrote one back.
With your kind words I’m back on track.
AC, you’re chill, you’re super cool.
AC and Ash — best friends at school!
I love this! Such a fun and unexpected Valentine’s match.
I felt so bad for a trash can. 😀 Cute story. I wonder what the desks will get for each other?
A Sister’s Valentine
By Tiffany Hanson
213 Words
My younger sister started questioning everything after our parents separated.
“Why do birds sing at dawn?” my sister asked.
“They like music.”
“Why do pandas have six toes?”
“Because they eat bamboo.”
My sister looked at me doubtfully.
But the week before Valentine’s Day this year was extra hard—because our dad wouldn’t be around. I just wanted peace and quiet but my sister went into overdrive.
“Why do people give out Valentine’s Day cards?” my sister asked.
“Because it’s a tradition.”
“That sounds silly.”
I rolled my eyes. I was tired of questions. “Okay.”
“Why do they give away flowers in the middle of winter?”
“To show that they care.”
“But flowers die,” my sister persisted. “That doesn’t seem very caring.”
“Dad used to buy flowers.”
My sister got quiet, then asked. “Why do you think he left?”
I didn’t have an answer for this question.
On Valentine’s Day my sister was subdued. There were no flowers this year. The house was quiet—too quiet.
“Hey, I got you something,” I said, handing my sister a stuffed panda.
My sister held the panda, her eyes bright.
“You got me a gift. Why?” she asked.
“Because I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
My sister hugged me tightly. For once, no words were necessary.
This is so sad and sweet. Love the powerful ending image.
This is so touching. Nicely done.
Wow! Great story! Full of emotions! Well done! 🙂
Sad and sweet. I also wondered if the plush panda had six toes? 🙂
THE REAL SURPRISE FOR BADGER
By Cindy Greene
214 words
“It’s Valentine’s Day,” cheered Badger. “I bet Squirrel will surprise me with something to show he loves me.” His toes tingled. Squirrel was always surprising Badger with flowers, pebbles – special things.
Badger raced to Squirrel. “Happy Valentine’s Day!” He handed Squirrel a nut.
“Thanks,” said Squirrel. “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Badger waited.
And waited.
“Do you have something for me?” asked Badger.
“Oh yes,” said Squirrel. He gave Badger a big hug.
“Thanks,” said Badger skeptically. That couldn’t be all.
Badger and Squirrel played tag. Dig-and-go-seek. Twenty questions. Badger basked in the shade; Squirrel scurried around as always.
“You can surprise me now,” said Badger.
“What do you mean?” asked Squirrel.
Badger frowned. His friend really didn’t have a surprise!?!
Squirrel always surprised him.
Did Squirrel not love him as much?
“Want to run to the field?” asked Squirrel. “Dig by the pond? Climb a tree?”
“No thanks,” said Badger, moping. “I just want to sit.”
“Okay,” said Squirrel, plopping down.
“You don’t have to sit with me,” said Badger.
“I want to.”
Squirrel sat next to Badger.
And sat.
And sat.
Badger thought, “Squirrel never sits so long.”
And then it hit him. “This IS a Valentine’s Day surprise and I see Squirrel loves me!”
Badger beamed. What a friend.
He hugged Squirrel.
A charming story with so much heart. This piece is a great balance of action, character, and interior voice.
Thanks Heather!
Sounds like a mix of love languages. 🙂 It’s important to see them all and teach kids about them. This is a sweet story and I like your animal-specific references like ‘dig-and-go-seek.’
Thank you Chel!
LET’S PARTY
By Barbara Renner
WC 210
Tanya loves surprises . . . and parties. February 14th is next week, so she has decided to throw a party for the neighbors.
Tanya twirls into the TV room. “Mom. Can I have a Valentine’s Day party and invite all the neighbors?”
Mom responds, “You can, but I doubt if Mr. T. Bearington will come. He has such a hard time with his walker.”
“Good luck prying Mrs. Dollagan away from peeking out her living room curtains. It would be fun to hear her gossip, though.”
“And Mr. & Mrs. Redmen probably won’t attend because they work late every day. But you can certainly ask them.”
Tanya gets to work designing invitations.
Gluing glitter on red hearts.
Arranging cookies on plates.
Tacking a banner on the wall.
Tanya cheers, “Mom, it’s time for the party. All the guests have arrived!”
Teddy Bear sits at the head of the table. Mr. T.B. is ready to party.
A wide-eyed china doll rests in a cushiony chair. Mrs. D. is written on her place card.
Raggedy Ann and Andy are seated across from each other. Mr. R. and Mrs. R. made it just in time.
When Mom walks in the room, Tanya sings “Happy Birthday, Mommy! I’m so happy your birthday is on Valentine’s Day.”
Ooh! I love the twist!
This totally surprised me! Nice.
Oh, great job with this story!!!!! Love the ending, well done 😉
A great party! So glad they all could make it.
AN UNBELIEVABLE VALENTINE
by SUSAN EYERMAN
54 Words
Oh, my goodness gracious.
Can’t believe it’s true.
Just got a lovely Valentine
sent to me from you.
Why do I doubt this?
Something isn’t right.
Maybe I’ll accept it
without a whine or fight.
It really is so pretty.
Can’t believe my luck.
It’s clearly signed Love, Percy
but Percy, you’re my duck.
Loved the surprise ending! Cute! 🙂
😀 Can’t fight love, I guess.
So sweet! I like the unusual POV here.
Thanks Sarah!
Who says you can’t gift-wrap love? I LOVE that Benny found a way.❤️
Thanks Anne!
Convincing Cupid
by Daniella Kaufman
WC: 208
When Cupid first chose Valentine’s
to be his holiday,
he hummed, “I’d love some extra help–
like Santa has his sleigh.”
Then *poof* within his hands appeared
an arrow and a bow.
“For me?” He asked bewildered
as the bow began to glow.
A voice from nowhere spoke aloud,
PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTIONS NOW.
Then Cupid thought, I need to prove
these tools are safe. But how?
“Are these for extra help?” he starts.
THEY ARE. IT’S NOT A TRICK.
“Don’t arrows seem a little mean?”
THEY’RE STEALTHY AND THEY’RE QUICK.
“Will people notice they’ve been struck?”
THEY WON’T DETECT THAT PART.
“And where am I supposed to aim?”
The voice replies, THE HEART.
Then Cupid gasped dramatically.
“The heart?! Oh no, no, no!
I’m meant to help, not risk or hurt,
the place where love can grow!”
“There is no question,” he declared,
“I know what I must do.
I’ll test the arrow on myself
to tell me what is true!”
He watched the arrow tap his heart.
It made a gleaming mark.
Though Cupid did not sense its touch,
he felt a sudden spark!
“Of course!” He blushed and sang, “I love
this arrow and this bow!!!”
And on that Valentine’s became
the Cupid people know.
So glad Cupid learned to love his arrows!
I like this; it explains cupid and helps us see he has good intentions at heart. 🙂
Love, Doug
by Abby N. Wooldridge
Word Count: 214
Doug looked around at all his classmates’ valentines. He’d been so excited when he’d rolled into school. Until he’d seen the looks on his friends’ faces at the sight of his special treat. Now, he was second guessing what he’d made–even if it had taken him all night to make it.
He tried not to give up hope. After all, his favorite science teacher loved bugs of all kinds. So he would love what Doug had made. Wouldn’t he?
“Buzz!” said Mr. Roberts. “Homemade honey? Delicious!”
The honeybee soared. “Bee mine!”
“Silk! What a beautiful tapestry! I love the message: ‘Bugs don’t bug me!’”
The silkworm glowed with pride.
“Flora! I love the flowers! They smell so lovely.”
“Thank you,” said the butterfly. “I pollinated them myself.”
Doug’s stomach swarmed with his own butterflies as he rolled out his present.
Mr. Roberts wrinkled his nose. “Wow!” he said. “Well, now… that’s… really… something…
Let’s… let in some fresh air, shall we?” He coughed.
A breeze blew in, and Mr. Roberts’s eyes rolled back in his head. He was out cold.
“Mr. Roberts!” Doug had been right to be skeptical. It turns out people (even science teachers) don’t appreciate getting giant balls of poop for Valentine’s Day nearly as much as dung beetles do.
“He was out cold.” —This made me laugh. Well done, Abby. Good luck in the contest!
That ending is hilarious! This is a lot of fun, Abby. I enjoyed reading it.
Nice kid appeal!
Abby, this is so funny. Doug was right to feel skeptical. And I love the images of poor Mr. Roberts trying to make the best of the situation. Great story.
Poor dung beetles. 😀 No one really appreciates all the crap they go through.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARON
A SNORT FOR A HEART
By Sharon Jackson
214 words
Lola showed up to every rodeo contest to wish Boris good luck.
And every time, Boris snorted and looked away.
He was the bull riding champion.
And Lola?
Well, she was a ladybug.
Only a half inch big… and very RED!
Yet every time she saw Boris, her heart thumped.
The Valentine’s Day Rodeo was finally here!
Lola crawled up into Boris’s pen with her thoughts racing back and forth.
Should I ask him?
What if he laughs?
We’re so opposite.
Maybe this is a bad idea.
But when Boris finally appeared, thump-thump went her heart.
I’m gonna do it. Lola took a deep breath.
“H-hi Boris!” With shaking arms, she held up a heart-shaped leaf that said:
WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?
He snorted with wide eyes.
Then the gate opened, and he was gone.
***
Boris returned with a wreath of roses around his neck.
This was a bad idea.
And right before Lola fluttered away, Boris revealed a single red rose clenched between his teeth.
He laid it beside her.
What a perfect moment until… Boris slipped out a snort.
An embarrassed Boris quickly looked at Lola.
She began to giggle.
He began to chuckle.
Then they both bursted out laughing.
And at that moment, it became the best Valentine’s Day ever!
Sounds like a great friendship, despite some obvious differences!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTA
A (NOT SO) NICE LOVE POEM
By Krista Harrington
85 Words
Hello my dear! I’ve written you a poem for Valentine’s Day.
-Valentine’s Day is over commercialized. And please, call me by my name.
Oh. Okay. Sorry. Ahem…
Roses are red.
-Not all roses. My grandma has a yellow rose bush right outside her back door.
Violets are blue.
-Then why are they called “violets?”
Sugar is sweet.
-And harsh on teeth. Didn’t you just have three cavities filled?
And so are…
um…
grandmas.
-Yeah, grandmas are sweet. I think I’ll make mine a Valentine’s card.
“over-commercialized” LOL This kid cracks me up.
Hahahaha such a great take on a classic poem! Are you sure the kid isn’t you? 😉 Love your humor!
Loved this POV! Thank you for sharing A (Not So) Nice Love Poem.
I’m with this person! Here’s to all the chocolate on sale the next day!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JILL
SCHOOL DAZE: THE VALENTINE CARD
by Jill Purtee
150 words
The boy stood alone in the hallway.
I wondered—Will this be the day?
Going out on a limb, I went over to him,
but he blushed before running away.
When a card appeared out of the blue,
the envelope gave me a clue.
That day was exciting. I knew the boy’s writing—
Nameless—but signed ‘me to you.’
Attached was a heart-shaped balloon.
Had the boy from the hall changed his tune?
He was certainly coy. It was doubtful the boy—
would be kissing me anytime soon.
While passing him right after gym,
he wouldn’t confess it was him.
I knew he would fib when I elbowed his rib.
As for me—my chances looked grim.
For him—he had nothing to fear,
but he fibbed and said, “Let me be clear.
It wasn’t from me.” He climbed up a tree.
And he didn’t come down for a year.
Hm. I’m skeptical that it wasn’t him…
ENTRY POSTED FOR CARMEN
ROSAS FOR EL SEÑOR PÉREZ
By Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
(187 words)
“Mami, what are you doing?” Ramona asks stepping into the garden.
“Cutting rosas for our neighbor, señor Pérez. It’s Valentine’s Day and I thought we should give these to him.”
“Really, Mami? He’s such a grouch.”
“Just because he growls doesn’t mean we can’t be nice to him,” says Mami.
“You’re kidding, right? He never pets puppies and he yells if someone’s bola rolls into his yard. He also stands at his front window and scowls.”
“He lives alone, Ramona. He’s probably lonely,” says Mami.
“Humpff, maybe.”
“Will you please take these to him?”
“Okay, Mami.”
At señor Pérez’s door Ramona hears her heart beating faster and faster.
What if señor Pérez snaps at me? What if he tells me to go away? What if he slams la puerta in my face?
She grips las rosas tighter.
She bites her lip.
Riiiinnnggg!
The door opens.
—¡Feliz Día de San Valentín!
“Roses for you, rosas para usted.”
“What a surprise!” Señor Pérez sniffles. “Rosas are my favorite flowers.”
The corners of his mouth turn up for the first time in a long while, and his smile matches Ramona’s.
So sweet. I’ll bet most people would love roses, any day.
Thanks, Chel! Appreciate your comment.
What a lovely story. Her kindness brings a smile to me too.
Hi Donna,
Thanks for you sweet comment.
ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL
Decisions, Decisions!
by Paul Kurtz
213 words
Artie hands a bouquet of stunning red roses to Brittany. “Happy Valentine’s Day—I love you!”
“Hmph!” she grunts skeptically. “If you really mean it, you’ll slay the dragon in the cave outside the village and bring me her jewels.”
“Slay a—a dragon?”
Brittany pushes him out the door. “Yes—get going.”
Dragon, resting atop a pile of glittering jewels, stares at Artie entering her cave.
Artie waves a wooden sword carved from a branch. “I—I’m here to slay you.”
Dragon’s eyebrows rise. “Why? I don’t bother anyone.”
“It’s a long story—”
WHOOSH!
Flames from Dragon’s nostrils set the sword ablaze.
“YOWW!” Artie drops it.
Dragon rolls on the floor, laughing. “You’re hilarious!”
Artie looks down at his smoking sword. “I—I don’t want to hurt anybody.”
“You’re a real sweetheart.” Dragon kisses him—
FLASH!
The blinding light fades. A beautiful maiden wearing a jeweled crown stands there. “Our kiss broke the spell. I’m Princess Gwendolyn—a witch enchanted me because I wouldn’t give her my jewels.”
“Wi—witch?”
“Don’t worry,” she says, “I burned her to ash. We’ll marry, and I’ll buy us a huge kingdom and a magnificent castle with hundreds of servants—that is, unless you have a girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend? Er—no. Where’s the nearest wedding chapel?”
Ha ha! Well, sounds like things worked out well in the end.
What a very fun story! Good luck, Paul!
An Eco-Valentine’s Day
by Marla Yablon (214words)
Josh cared about Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). He cared about nature, and people too. He wasn’t so sure about Valentine’s Day.
Every year, he used a reusable bag for valentines received and hand made his own valentines on recycled paper. Still, a lot of paper from his classmates went to the landfill. He’d tried before to encourage his classmates to join him, but no one ever had.
This year Tu B’Shevat (the New Year of Trees) was only a week away from Valentine’s Day. His Hebrew School passed out website listings that explained how to make ecofriendly valentine alternatives. He gave the list to his teacher. She seemed enthusiastic, but that had been weeks ago, and she hadn’t mentioned anything to the class. She had given out reusable bags to everyone. So that was a step in the right direction, he guessed.
On Valentine’s Day everyone entered the classroom carrying brown paper bags. They kept looking at him and giggling. As students were called by rows to pass out their valentines, they gave him big smiles. When he saw what people were passing out, he couldn’t believe it. There were pet rocks, recycled crayon hearts and seed packs. Everything from the list was represented. Josh felt like his own heart had been repaired.
I enjoyed this eco-friendly Valentiny and Josh’s thoughtful spirit.
Thanks, Sarah!
That’s just lovely. I’m happy for Josh.
ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL
Too Much of a Good Thing
By Paul Kurtz
213 words
“Ohh,” Susie sighs, walking to school. “I didn’t get one Valentine card last year. I probably won’t today either.”
Witchy’s broom lands. “Want to be showered with cards, flowers, and candy? Use my love-spell.”
Susie, skeptical, stares at Witchy. “What’s it cost?”
“Nothing! I love happy endings.”
Witchy whispers the spell to Susie.
“Hmph!” Susie says, “It probably won’t work.”
At the school party, Susie murmurs “Lovity-Dovity” to each boy.
The boys shower her with Valentine cards, flowers, and candy.
“All the girls are jealous,” Susie giggles. “This is fantastic!”
After school, the boys follow Susie with more cards, flowers, and candy.
“Er, that’s enough for now,” she says.
Susie rushes into her house.
Boys bang on doors and windows. “Come out, Susie! We have lots more Valentine treats for you!”
“Go away!” Susie yells. “This isn’t a happy ending!”
Witchy appears in a puff of white smoke. “How’s everything going?”
“Terrible,” “Susie says. “Pete’s a pest, Artie’s aggravating, Teddy’s tormenting me, and Drew’s driving me crazy! How long does your spell last?”
“Forever,” Witchy says.
“AGGGHH!”
Witchy smiles. “Unless you buy my spell that breaks the old one.”
“Great! Tell it to me.”
“It will cost you ten gazillion dollars.”
“What!”
Witchy cackles. “That’ll give my Valentine’s Day a happy ending, too!”
A bait-and-switch! What a tricky witch!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA
Prince, Down!
by Donna Kurtz
198 words
In the lovely castle garden, Princess Petunia gives her poodle a red heart-shaped dog biscuit.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Prince!”
Wagging his tail, Prince licks her nose.
“You and your dog really love each other, don’t you?” a crackly voice says.
Princess Petunia turns. A rickety old woman in a black-velvet cloak stands before her.
“Yes, we do,” Princess Petunia says.
“I can turn him into a real prince,” the woman says.
Princess Petunia eyes her skeptically. “I don’t believe you.”
“For ten gold florins, I’ll prove it.”
“I’ll give you five.”
“Done!” The woman waves her crooked hand.
FLASH!
The blinding light fades. A charming prince with curly hair stands there.
“Wow!” Princess Petunia nearly faints.
Kneeling, Prince Charming holds out a sparkly ring. “Will you marry me?”
“Oh, yes,” Princess Petunia sighs.
At the end of their fairytale wedding in the castle garden, Prince Charming slides the ring onto Princess Petunia’s finger.
King Braveheart smiles. “You may kiss the bride.”
“This is so romantic,” Princess Petunia whispers.
Prince Charming leans forward, and—
—SLURPPP!
His pink tongue licks her nose.
“WHATT!” Princess Petunia shrieks.
“Down boy,” the old woman cackles. “Half-price, Princess—you get what you pay for!”
THIS! I love everything about this! And you and I must have been in the same energy with witches and valentines. This story is great.
😀 I saw a trick coming, but thought it would be that he could only bark!
Morale of the story: If you go cheap in life you’ll get back your same old dog! Ha!ha!
Too funny, Donna!!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN
Doubting Thomas
By Susan Gleeson
WC 213
What can you do when your homework goes unfinished and your dinner goes uneaten because you’re daydreaming about Valentine’s Day? When you’re hoping, hoping with all your heart that Lulu will give you a valentine. But you’re sure, almost positively sure she won’t because without question she is the most special, the most beautiful, the most awesome girl in the whole fifth grade.
You can get out the construction paper and secretly borrow your sister’s glitter glue and scented markers. You can make the most stupendous, glittering valentine that has ever been made. You can print to Lucille Weber in curlicue letters and drop it into the valentine mailbox when no one is looking. You can wait and wish, even though you already know it’s never going to happen. You can walk by Lulu’s desk a half dozen times hoping she will notice you. On the big day, you can watch, hardly daring to breathe while Lulu opens your valentine. You can hope she understands it was a labor of love. And then…and then…you can see her turn and smile shyly as she points to one of the unopened envelopes waiting on your desk. And you spot it! To Tom from Lulu and all the letter o’s are little red hearts.
Awwww! Sweet ending.
ENTRY POSTED FOR DWIGHT
A Blue Valentine Story
By Dwight Evans
Word Count 208
Greg and Stu panicked. Their Valentine’s party was tomorrow.
“I made a Valentine for mom,” Greg said. “She loved it. Moms are required to love your stuff.”
“I made a Valentine for my brother.” Stu said. “He punched me! Valentine’s Day is a sham. We don’t like girls!”
Greg was silent.
“Say it isn’t so, Greg!”
Greg squirmed. “I like Sally. And Sue.”
“Two girls? That’s worse than liking one girl. Do they even like you?”
“I don’t know, Stu. Valentine’s Day may answer that.”
“I doubt it, Greg!”
Stu stomped away.
Greg made red valentine hearts for everyone. Except Sally and Sue. He wanted something special for them.
He chose one sheet. One blue sheet. Why blue? He did not know why.
Greg cut out a heart. Then another. He wrote “Be mine” on both blue hearts. What will they think, he worried.
The class swapped valentines.
Greg waited. And waited. And waited.
Sally dropped the blue heart on his desk. “How rude,” she declared. “It should be red.”
Greg covered his red face.
When he looked through his fingers, there stood Sue.
“I like it,” she said. “Blue rhymes with Sue.”
And the two of them shared a bag of candy hearts. All blue, of course.
I’d stick with Sue. 🙂
Cookies, Candy and Cards
by Dianne Borowski
210 Word Count
I love Valentine’s Day. The best part of the day is our school party. This year I will miss the party because I am going to have an operation. You see my heart doesn’t work very well. I will need a pacemaker to help my heart beat better. My operation is on Valentine’s Day so I will miss the party. Mom says I will still have a good Valentine’s Day but I don’t believe her,
Mom bought me a box of cards for my classmates. I won’t sign them because I won’t be at the party. My sister, Jenna, says I am being selfish because I won’t sign the cards.
“Why should I,” I told Jenna. “I will miss all the fun!”
Jenna said I am acting like a baby. I don’t care what Jenna says. No one understands.
After my operation was over Mom brought me lots of cards from my classmates. She also brought cookies and candy which I couldn’t eat but I was still happy. A nurse wheeled me to a big window and guess what, my whole class was there and my teacher too. They all waved to me. I couldn’t believe it. They all came to see me. It was a good day after all.
My son’s friend actually had heart surgery over Christmas Break and he felt pretty similarly about missing the class party and such. They all sent him a card and had a donut party when he came back. This reminded me of that; it’s a sweet story.
As a sickly child many, many years ago I experienced similar feelings. One of my nephews was born with a serious heart condition. As an adult he still struggles at times with feeling different. I wrote this for all of the children who live with chronic illnesses and often feel left out and different. Thanks for your comment.
Lovely of you to include that perspective, then. It’s easy for children (and adults!) to forget some others do not have life as easy as they do.
VALENTINES: STAMPED WITH LOVE
By Tonnye Williams Fletcher
212 words – based on a true story
When Kathy was a young girl, she loved stamps and collected them.
She adored the post office, and visited the one in town, but the clerks didn’t have time. So busy!
She tried to talk to the postmaster, but he grumped and harrumphed away!
When she tried to talk to the mailman, he honked his horn and kept driving!
She thought postal people were wonderful, but now she wasn’t so sure. Kathy was very skeptical.
Then she heard about the post office in Valentines, Virginia. Maybe the postal workers there were nice! It was named Valentines after all! She tested her skepticism with a field trip.
When she visited on a busy Valentine’s Day, the postmaster, Mr. Willie, took time to show her the stamps and the very special cachet he had designed with hearts and flowers. It said, “Valentines VA 23887.” Every envelope coming through the post office in February got his special stamp. He let Kathy help and shared some stamps with her.
Years later, Mr. Willie was old and sick. He was skeptical about who would run his post office, but he didn’t need to worry. Kathy had grown up to love the post office, and she became the new postmaster of Valentines with Mr. Willie’s stamp of approval.
I love the ending (both the clever “stamp of approval”) and Kathy taking over. Nice job Tonnye
-Cindy Greene
Love that this is based on a true story!
This is an absolutely beautiful story, Tonnye! I could see it expanded into a delightful picture book. I enjoyed Kathy’s true story.
I love it. Fun history and fun story, with a fun ending!
Love the double meaning of “stamp of approval”
How wonderful that even though there were grumpy postal workers in her hometown, Kathy found Mr. Willie and Valentine’s, VA. Surely, Mr. Willie inspired Kathy decision to become a postmaster!
STRANGE VALENTINE
By Jessica Strahan
179 words
Something strange is happening.
This morning, my dad brought a pig and a goldfish into my room. Then, during breakfast, my brother groaned, rolled his eyes, and blew out a candle. And before I left for school, my mom handed me a snail and hissed like a cat.
Valentine’s Day can make people act strange, but this was different. I couldn’t shake the feeling that my family was trying to send me a message. What did these gifts mean? Was this their way of showing disappointment in my request for a simple Valentine’s Day?
I spent the entire day thinking about it. At dinner, I finally asked, “Why did you give me those strange gifts?”
“What do you mean?” my dad asked, “I got you exactly what you asked for – hogs and fishes.”
“No, no, no,” my brother corrected, “she asked for ughs and wishes!”
“You’re both wrong,” my mom interjected, “she clearly asked for slugs and hisses.”
Finally, it all made sense. “You’re all wrong,” I laughed, “what I really wanted for Valentine’s Day was HUGS and KISSES.”
This is cute, and reminds me how my toddler daughter called them “huss and kiggies,” She’s 45 now, and still signs her messages to me with huss and kiggies!
FUN! This is so cute and clever.
😀 That *is* a strange Valentine’s Day. I guess she needs to have everyone check his hearing!
LOVE TAKES ROOT
By Serena Gingold Allen (211 words)
I want to share love, right from my heart.
But not with a card, or candy, or art.
PLUCKED FROM THE PACK, I’M TUCKED INTO BED.
NOW REST TIME IS OVER, I’LL WAKE UP INSTEAD.
Water each morning, sunshine each noon.
Wondering, doubtful. Will roots come out soon?
I WANT TO GROW BIG, I WANT TO GROW TALL—
I CAN’T SEEM TO PUSH THROUGH THIS SOIL AT ALL!
V-day is coming, will my plant ever sprout?
I’ve taken good care, of that there’s no doubt.
REACHING, STRETCHING, I THINK THAT I MIGHT…
I DID IT FOR REAL! I FINALLY SEE LIGHT!
V-day is HERE, my present’s a dud.
No roots, no leaves, no stem, no bud.
WAIT! I’M HERE! LOOK CLOSER, I SHOUT.
YOUR LOVE MADE ME GROW. I’M HERE, I CAME OUT.
On the way to the trash, something catches my eye.
The tip of a leaf all tender and shy.
I POKE OUT SOME MORE, AS MUCH AS I DARE.
I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR TAKING GREAT CARE.
What a sweet little shoot, you did it, you grew!
I never lost-heart, (but for a minute or two).
ARE YOU GOING TO GIFT ME? I’M HAPPY, YET SAD.
No need for goodbye ‘cuz you’re for my dad!
A cute, hopeful plant story (this plant needs to encourage mine to grow!). Thanks for writing it.
TEDDY BEARS ARE REAL!
by D. Eric Herrington
Word Count: 214
“For the last time, Teddy Bears are NOT real!” Thomas said. He tossed Esperanza’s teddy bear with a giant chest heart in the air! Esperanza jumped and caught Teddy. She sobbed large tears onto Teddy’s fur. She hugged Teddy and turned away.
“Yes, they are!” Esperanza said.
“Oh yeah how do you know?” Thomas said.
“Well, because… I believe he is!”
“Oh yeah, well I don’t think so!”
“Well you must close your eyes and squeeze him with thoughts of love”
“Okay, still not buying it!”
“You must cry a tear, a heartfelt magic tear
for his transformation to occur
And thank him for being there,
and then your tear must drip onto his fur
“Okay, then what?”
“You will feel a faint heartbeat and he will inflate.
You will feel a tingle of fur
and you know it doesn’t matter what others think
Afterall Teddy choose you
You snuggle his nose.
and feel Teddy’s love down to your toes.
Teddy springs back to life,
he fills you with air, greets you with a sympathetic stare,
And you know Teddy will always be there.
My tears and sadness don’t last as long,
He swings, dances and twirls, and cries
when tears fill my eyes.
I knew he is real from our very first stare!”
Awwww. Now I want to hug a teddy bear.
Aww Thank you for reading my story!
This is so sweet. You can feel the love for this teddy bear. You captured the realistic relationship between siblings. This teddy is so loved. Good luck!
Love Jar
By Suhasini Gupta
213 words
Once there was a little boy named Pooh who liked ghosts and wanted to be friends with one.
So every night he lit candles,
read ghost stories,
wrote letters,
and even left yummy heart-shaped chocolates under his bed,
hoping that a ghost will visit him someday.
Although no one came, Pooh continued his daily ritual.
Finally, it was Valentine’s Day.
Pooh was certain not to be ghosted today.
He waited and waited…
With every passing second his heart started to feel empty and hopeless.
He was disappointed to see countless burnt candles, unheard stories, unread letters, and melted hearts.
“Does love really exist?” he doubted.
With only a few minutes left for V-day to end, Pooh suddenly collapsed.
He found himself in a strange place! “Am I still alive?”
“Boo!” someone scared him.
Pooh was startled to see a cute little ghost.
“I waited so long, where were you?” complained Pooh.
“I was always beside you, but you couldn’t see me. I am a ghost, remember?”
The ghost showed his LOVE JAR filled with Pooh’s stories and asked, “Will you be MY BOO?”
Pooh’s empty heart was now filled with endless love, joy, and hope.
He opened up his eyes (returned to consciousness) and said, “Yes!”
And that was the best valentine’s ever!
I like the idea of a special friend being there all the time even if you can’t see that friend. A LOVE JAR filled with Pooh’s stories. That’s lovely.
It’s a kind-of mishmash of V-Day and ideas we usually associate with Halloween, but why? -I’m now wondering. Cute idea and I felt happy Pooh got his ghost friend!
Glad Pooh was finally able to see his ghost friend on Valentine’s Day!
*”I knew he was real from our very first stare!”
*”After all Teddy chose you.”
Colleen Fogarty
WC 212
A Valentine For Two
When Grandma was happy, she sang.
When she had troubles, she sang.
When I played the piano, Grandma sang.
But, when Grandpa went to heaven, Grandma stopped singing. She hardly speaks. Mom says Grandma’s heart is sad and her head is tired.
Today is Valentine’s Day. Mom and I are going to the nursing home to visit Grandma. I don’t think she’ll remember me.
“Hi, Grandma! Happy Valentine’s Day.” Leaning down, I kiss her silky cheek.
“I made you a Valentine, Grandma,” placing it in her lap. I hope she likes it. She stares at me and smiles.
“Can I hang it on your wall?” Eyes crinkling, she whispers, “Thank you.”
“Shall we take a walk, Mama?” Mom asks. Grandma smiles.
Mom pushes Grandma to the Gathering Room. Music is playing softly. Over in the corner is a grand piano.
“Mom, do you think Grandma would like me to play for her?”
“Oh, I know she would!”
Mom puts Grandma next to the piano bench. I start to play our favorite song. Suddenly, Grandma begins, “When you wish upon a star…” Her voice gets louder. She remembers every word. Her feet tap to the music. We finish. Grandma smiles. “Carrie, again? Please?”
“Grandma, you do remember me! You’re my best Valentine ever!”
A brilliant story having to do with the love of a child and grandma. Many children have to go through this with grandparents, so it is a pleasant story to get out there.
Thank you, Pamela!
Colleen, this is so sweet and poignant.
Thank you, Denise. Happy Velentiny Day!
Getting old is sure hard. I hope my kids visit me when I’m all alone and bring me Valentine’s. These stories are important, to remind kids about that idea.
Thank you, Chel. I wrote this from personal experience. Children take things at face value until they see it otherwise. Hopefully, books about these delicate subjects will help.
I hope so. We all grow old and everyone needs love.
The Universe Isn’t Big Enough
By SJ Korzelius
211 words
“Beep beep,” Kymarah ran the truck over the carpet, past her crayons and paper. “Special Valentine delivery for Mama. Beep beep.”
“Thank you,” Mama said, holding Kymarah’s folded heart drawing. “I’ll open this after your nap.”
“No nap. Play.”
“Yes, nap. Beep, beep. Coming through. Time to park in the toybox.”
“Don’t you want to be my Valentine?”
“Of course, but you need to nap.”
“You don’t love me.”
“Yes, I do.”
“How much?”
Mama spread her hands wide. “More than this much.”
“Frankie says his Nana loves him to the moon and back.”
“Only to the moon and back? That’s not nearly enough. I love you more.”
“To the sun and back?”
“Nope. I love you more.”
“All the way to Jupiter and back?”
“Nope. I love you more than that.”
“How much more?”
“If we could touch the edge of the universe and then come all the way back to earth, that still wouldn’t be big enough to show you how much I love you.”
“That’s a lot, right?”
“It sure is,” Mama said. “No matter how far we travel, together or apart, I’ll never stop loving you. You will always be my Valentine. Every single day.”
“Play trucks with me, Valentine?”
“Yes–after you get up from your nap.”
This made me smile., especially the ending. I enjoyed this conversation between Kymarah and mama. Nice VOICE.
Beep! Beep! I loved it, such a cute conversation between mom and child. Happy Valentine’s day.
Naptime includes so many exchanges like this. 🙂 Sweet story.
I love the twist. The frog never became a prince, something more special happens.
Great Story.
BUG ME
Danna Zeiger
214 Words
A rainbow of candy-hearts poured from the factory chute.
Blueberry-Blend stared at the other perfect candies with their perfect messages.
“Rock On!” roared Raspberry-Red.
“Sweetheart!” squealed Strawberry-Swirl.
“Love You!” laughed Lemon-Lime.
But Blueberry-Blend sighed. “Bug Me.” Not Hug Me. Nobody would want a misspelled Valentine.
The hearts sailed away on the conveyer belt,
whizzing past a factory worker chewing bubblegum.
“Say Less?” snorted the worker. “Shoulda been ‘Say Yes!’”
One by one, broken and misspelled candy-hearts plinked into the trash.
Blueberry-Blend’s heart sank, ready to get thrown away…
just as the worker’s gum popped in his face.
Blueberry-Blend whooshed by and made it into the bag, burying himself to the bottom.
As they traveled from factory to store, the hearts argued over who would be picked first.
“Rock On! I’ll be first!” Raspberry-Red shrieked.
“Sweetheart, I’m sure to be first!” Strawberry-Swirl screeched.
“Love You—not! I’m going first!” Lemon-Lime chuckled.
“Bug me.” Blueberry-Blend muttered. “I’ll never get picked.”
Suddenly, a red-headed girl opened the bag, sorting and sifting through candy-hearts.
Digging her fingers to the bottom of the bag, she pulled one out.
“Bug Me! I love it! Best Valentine’s heart ever.”
“I was supposed to say, ‘Hug Me,’” Blueberry-Blend whispered…
as the red-headed girl, in her ladybug dress, gave him the tightest squeeze.
So much heart in little Bug Me’s plight. Great story, Danna. Good luck!
Thanks so much, Marty!! 🙂
I loved this story. I would totally pick ‘Bug Me,’ too; although, admittedly, I’d do so in order to give it to a friend as a funny heart mistake. I’m sure the hearts taste the same, no matter the message.
Thanks so very much, Chel! 🙂
Danna, you packed a lot of story in just 214 words. I liked the image of candy hearts whizzing past a factory worker chewing bubblegum and teh bubblegum popping in his face. “Bug Me!” is a clever candy heart mistake, but so perfect in ,any ways.
Awww thank you so much! 🙂 Agreed, Bug Me will always have a special place in my heart! 🙂
Hah! This made me laugh out loud. Bug Me would probably end up very popular.
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Eleanor Ann Peterson
Goojeepers and Mistdoo
214 words
Mistdoo always walked by the swamp on her way home from school.
Her parents had warned her,” Steer away. A mean ogre lives there. If he sees you, he’ll eat you.”
“Oh, really?” Mistdoo said. “Did you see him?”
“Everyone in town knows the legend about the ogre.”
Mistdoo didn’t believe them.
The next time she walked by the swamp, her ears perked up.
A voice came from behind the bulrushes.
She pushed them aside.
A boy with long ears stood talking to a frog while picking weeds.
Mistdoo was curious. She dipped a foot in the water.
The boy must have heard her. He swiftly hid behind a bush.
“Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you. I’m Mistdoo, and you.”
The boy slipped out from under the bush. “Goojeepers.”
“I haven’t seen you at school?”
Goojeeper’s lowered his head. “ No school for Goojeepers. No friends.”
Mistdoo’s heart sank. “Have you seen any ogres?”
“Nope. Just Goojeepers.”
She knew it! “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Goojeeper shrugged and went back to picking his weeds.
On Valentine’s day, Mistdoo prepared a gift for Goojeepers and rushed back to the swamp.
“Goojeepers!”
Huge eyes stared at her through the bulrushes.
“For you,” Mistdoo said.
Goojeepers eyes swelled with tears as he handed her his gift.
“Ahhh… Goojeepers!”
https://eleanorannpeterson.com/susanna-hills-valentiny-writing-contest-2023/
A sweet story with a nice message. Don’t always believe what you hear. I’m glad Goojeepers found a special friend. I love your illustration!
Thanks Corine. I can’t wait to read the other entries.
I love how your skepticism is about something other than Valentine’s Day itself!
Thanks Jamie. Most of all, I had fun doodling.
Happy for Goojeepers! I’m glad that Mistdoo didn’t listen this time and it was a friendly encounter.
I liked the unique names of the characters. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading my entry.
ENTRY POSTED FOR JEAN
Willie’s Heart
By Jean Martin
Word Count 211
Willie wanted a Valentine, but she was new in town and having a difficult time finding one.
“Will you be my Valentine?” she whispered to the girl sitting beside her.
But the girl shook her head, and Willie’s heart sank.
“Will you be my Valentine?” she scribbled on a note and passed to the boy behind her.
But the boy turned red, and also shook his head.
Willie plodded home after school and kerplunked in a chair.
“It’s all a lot of hooey,” she said to her father. “Valentine’s Day is not a day of love and friendship. No one at school wants to be my Valentine.”
Willie’s dad turned to her making a heart with his hands to his chest, “No worries, Willie, you always have my heart.”
Her mood lifted, Willie couldn’t help but smile, and made a heart shape back.
The next day at school, Willie again sat alone at lunch.
At the end of the table, another girl sat alone.
They peeked a glance at one another.
The girl smiled.
Willie shyly gestured with a hand heart.
And…
The girl made a hand heart back!
Willie smiled and scooted to the end of the table.
Maybe she had a Valentine, and better yet, a friend!
Oh, good. I’m glad Willie had a happy ending.
So nicely done! Heart to heart.
UNIVERSAL TRUTH
By Kara Williams
80 Words
What are you doing, sissy?
Making valentines for my classmates.
But why? Wouldn’t you rather play with me?
I can play after. Right now I want to do this.
But why?
Because each classmate adds something special to my day and I want to let them know they matter.
But why?
Because it’s nice to hear and I haven’t told them recently.
….
….
You matter to me.
Thank you, you matter to me too.
Can we play now?
….
Those pesky siblings! I can see this as a cute picture book to introduce making valentines. Good idea.
In 80 words you did capture the meaning of letting someone matters.
Thank you, Chel and Lyn. Your comments sparked some ideas. This isn’t for the contest but in the spirit of editing and improving:
UNIVERSAL TRUTH
By Kara Williams
140 Words
What are you doing, sissy?
Making valentines for my classmates.
But why? Wouldn’t you rather play with me?
I can play after. Right now I want to do this.
But why?
Because each classmate adds something special to my day and I want to let them know they matter.
But why?
Because it’s nice to hear and I haven’t told them recently.
But there’s glitter everywhere!
That’s for Declan. He likes to shine.
Who would want uncooked macaroni?
Rocco would! He always brings us fun treats.
This one has a giant spider on it, gross!
That’s for Eydie. She likes to play with insects.
This seems like too much work. Why not just tell them?
You could do that too.
Ok. You matter to me.
Thank you, you matter to me too.
Does that mean we can play now?
….
CAN WE LOVE WITHOUT OUR WORDS?
by Jessica Milo
212 words
Today is Valentine’s with Daddy.
We’re walking to the park.
Our bustling street is full of people,
but quiet as the dark.
A whistling sound then fills my ears—
The chirping songs of birds.
I tug on Daddy’s sleeve and ask,
“Can we love without our words?”
Daddy rubs his scruffy chin.
He gives a grin and wink.
“Look around, dear Annabelle,
and tell me what you think.”
I glance up and down and all around.
I don’t know what he means.
He whispers, “Love is everywhere—
and in the little things.”
Is Daddy right? Can love be silent?
Just then, I spot Ms. Mack.
I hand her homemade V-Day treats.
She gives me some right back.
On the slide is little Lee—
who doesn’t talk, just shrugs.
I call out, “Happy Valentine’s!”
He sprints to give me hugs.
Grumpy Bill sits on the bench
and sips his coffee cup.
But when I give a wave hello,
his frowny face lights up.
That’s just like my brother, Ty,
who’s bigger by five years.
On days I struggle to tie my shoes,
he’s there to wipe my tears.
Me and Daddy cross the street.
We hold hands, our fingers laced.
That’s when I see we need no words—
‘Cause love’s in our embrace.
I liked this verse especially:
“That’s just like my brother, Ty,
who’s bigger by five years.
On days I struggle to tie my shoes,
he’s there to wipe my tears.”
Beautifully done—thank you for sharing.
Aw, thank you so much, Carrie!! 🙂
Can we love without words? YES! I enjoyed reading this.
Thank you, Corine!! 😀
Lovely theme and a beautiful story!
Awww love this message!
Such a lovely takeaway message!
How sweet! I agree, and love your cute poem.
A precious story. I could see the scenes unfold as I read.
ENTRY POSTED FOR EMMIE
VALENTINE HORSE
Emmie R Werner
VALENTINE BOX:
Must be handmade
12 x 12 size
Opening for valentines
Faith sighed.
“What’s the matter?” her mom asked.
“I don’t know what to make. Mine always looks dumb. I’m going to stay home Valentine’s Day, then I won’t have to make a box.” Faith buried her head in her arms.
“Think about what you really like. Then make your box.”
Faith doodled on a scrap of paper.
A Valentine horse box?
Whoever heard of such a thing?
Well, maybe it wouldn’t be so crazy.
“I’ll try but no one will like it I’m sure.”
Cut.
Snip.
Glue.
Paint.
Color.
The next morning Faith put her box in a paper bag and put it in her locker when she got to school.
“Boys and girls you may get your boxes.” her teacher said.
Faith didn’t move.
Everyone will think a Valentine horse is silly.
“Here’s your box,” her locker partner said.
Reluctantly, Faith pulled her horse out.
“Look,” a couple girls pointed.
“Wow!” a boy whistled.
Faith wanted to crawl under her desk. Just as I thought.
“A Valentine horse!” her friend said, “I love it.”
“Y-y-you do?”
Faith looked around, everyone was smiling at her Valentine horse…and she did too!
Sweet story. It’s important to do what you love, and it’s great to see others appreciate your work.
Hi, Emmie,
The beginning instructions for a valentine box set the stage very well for Faith to doubt her ability. The one word sentences, Cut. Snip. Glue. Paint. Color. added to the pacing of the story. Wanting approval and self-doubt are universal feelings.
ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA
My Heart Is Yours!
by Donna Kurtz
212 words
On Valentine’s Day I spot Evan, the super-cutest boy at school, in the cafeteria.
Here goes nothing.
I offer him my gift.
“Valentine cookies?” he says. “Science-Girl can bake?”
“Not really—I made them just for you.”
Evan chomps into one.
Phtooey!— he spits.
A scowl crinkles his face. “Eww! Gross!”
Whoops!
I rush to the science lab.
I’ll just stick to something I know!
Later, I leave holding a box wrapped in red and find Evan.
Here goes nothing twice!
His mouth twists into a skeptical line. “What now?”
I hand him the box.
He reads the top aloud—“‘My Heart Belongs to You?’”
His hands tear away the paper—
Lub-dub!—Lub-dub!
Inside the clear cube rests a human heart in a pool of blood, squirting more blood against the cube’s sides.
I smile. “I worked months to clone my own heart—Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“AAAGGGGHHH!” Evan shoves the cube into my hand and flees.
Double-Whoops!
A boy’s voice comes from behind me. “Way cool!”
I turn—he’s lots cuter than Evan!
“I’m a science-freak like you,” he says. “Want to show me how you did it?”
“Sure!” We stroll toward the lab. “If you see Valentine cookies, don’t eat them—I might have used my mom’s dog-biscuit recipe by mistake.”
Seriously, Evan should understand that a girl who can clone a heart is a keeper! 😀
What fun to read. Love finds a way and the ending is funny…dog-biscuit recipe!
Great unexpected ending, Donna! Really like this story!
THE VALENTINE BOX
by Ranessa Doucet
214 words
Bonnie arrived at the Valentine’s Day party in her pink dress. She looked around the room covered in hearts and smiled. This was her type of party.
Buster arrived, dressed in black, with a scowl on his face. They used to be friends but not anymore. They were opposites.
“Couldn’t you wear something more festive?”
“I’m more of a Halloween fan.” He handed her a box. “This is for you.”
Bonnie gave Buster a sideways glance as he walked away. She raised her eyebrows at the box. I doubt I’m going to like whatever’s inside, she thought. It’s probably a prank or something spooky.
Placing the box down, she joined her friends in dancing. She glanced at the box and wondered why Buster would give her a gift. She peeked at the box as she ate cupcakes and passed out cards.
Finally, as the party was ending, she took the box outside to open it. Inside was the most perfectly pink rose. She inhaled the aroma and grinned. This was her type of gift.
Bonnie ran to thank Buster.
“I thought of you when I saw it growing in my yard.”
Bonnie would never have guessed he was so sweet.
That night, Bonnie jotted down ideas for a perfectly spooky Halloween gift for Buster.
Awwww. I love this story. I need a follow-up for Halloweensie!
Thanks so much! And good idea about Halloweensie:)
Love this story. So cute: B loves B!
Hi, Ranessa,
A great story about friendship. There’s suspense. A sweet smelling surprise and an ending that hints at another story about Bonnie and Buster. That’s smart writing.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it:)
LOVED TO THE BONE
by Celeste Peterson
214 words
Skeleton was a bit of a skeptic. Anything animated, frilly or sappy seemed suspicious. He trusted gray tones and facts. He was a bare-bones guy.
His mom, not so much. A banner hung in the kitchen. “Happy Valentine’s Day, son! I love you with all my heart!”
Really? Skeleton wished he could roll his eyes.
“Mom, you don’t even have a heart. Let’s be realistic. Halloween is our holiday. Valentine’s Day is for saps.”
But his mom disagreed. She exuberantly placed her doilies. He sighed.
School felt very long that day for Skeleton.
He came home to find a smell wafting from the windows. Mom was up to something suspicious. Sure enough, cookie dough! Icing! Heart cookies everywhere!!
But, not just any hearts. Carefully crafted hearts. Valves, arteries, and four distinct chambers. Very…realistic. And in gray tones! (Though mom couldn’t resist a few pink ones.) It felt very factual, almost spooky.
“Mom, it almost looks like Halloween in here!”
She smiled. “I thought I’d try Valentine’s your style.”
A strange feeling bubbled up from inside him. He reached out for a hug.
“Mom, I really love your guts.”
“Sweetie, I don’t have any guts. But, I really love you too- with all my hearts.”
“To the bone.”
“We’re such saps.”
Who says you can’t feel love in your bones, huh? 😀 Funny story.
Spooky sweet and great voice! “Valentine’s Day is for saps” lol.
Hi, Celeste, I hope you could hear me laughing, “I really love your guts.” And there were other phrases like bare-bones guy. Kids will love your story.
This is cute, fun and original.
ENTRY POSTED FOR LINDA
Cranky Old Cranston
by Linda Jacobs
214 words
Cranky old Cranston sat on his front porch watching the kids ride their bikes. “When I was a kid, I had a paper route!” he yelled lifting his cane for emphasis. The nickname the kids had given him was well suited. “And don’t put any tire marks on my front lawn!” He continued, muttering to himself, “Kids, good for nothing these days!”
It was summer now and the boys played ball in the street in front of Cranky’s house. Their sisters put blankets across the sidewalk and colored in their notebooks. “Keep those blankets off my lawn!” Cranky yelled.
The days turned cooler and the kids returned to school. Cranky enjoyed the quiet in front of his home. It was too cold to sit on the porch so, he sat inside and when the snow fell watched from his couch.
Down the sidewalk came the kids with shovels. “What are those good for nothing kids doing?” mumbled Cranky. He watched the boys shovel the sidewalk and his front path while the girls drew big hearts in the snow. It was Valentine’s Day. When they finished the girls ran up the steps, left a package, and ran away giggling.
Cranky opened the door and then the basket of heart shaped cookies. “Gotta love those kids!”
Perfect story. You can tell Cranky actually loves the kids, even before admitting it. 🙂
Hi, Linda, you created a memorable character! I agree with Chel, you planted hints that he really liked the kids even before they showered him with cookies and shoveled his walk.
ENTRY POSTED FOR LINDA
Tippy’s Magical Forest
by Linda Jacobs
212 words
Tippy sat on a toadstool. They’ll never get it, he thought. He held his pouting face in his hands. Delphine floated by and landed in front of her Gnome friend. She sat, hugged her legs to her chest while her iridescent wings vibrated gently. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Every day I watch people hike. They are obsessed with their exercise, counting steps. They miss all the magic.”
Delphine nodded.
“They never see the beautiful moss. They step on feathers and trip over magnificent stones. I work every day to care for this forest and no one appreciates it. No one stops to see its beauty.”
“Hmmm” said Delphine. “We have to slow them down. I have an idea. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Let’s leave hearts along the trails.” Tippy was skeptical but willing.
Delphine collected heart shaped leaves. Tippy gathered feathers. Together they created hearts out of stones, moss and twigs. Along the trails they placed the woodland hearts and sprinkled the feathers and the leaves in between them.
They hid and waited.
“Look!” a hiker exclaimed, “This moss is heart shaped. On Valentine’s Day too!”
“This leaf is a heart! What a magical forest!” said his friend. “How many hearts we can find?”
Tippy smiled at Delphine. Their work was complete.
I laughed at the ‘counting their steps’ part. It’s true; we’re way too preoccupied with what’s not important. I loved the magical aspect of this story and their efforts to change people’s views.
Well done. Your found a unique and magical way to show Tippy’s skepticism and Delphine’s solution.
ENTRY POSTED FOR POUPETTE
Thanks for this great opportunity –what fun! Such helpful guidelines, too!
LOVE DAY (213 wds), by Poupette Smith
LOVE DAY
My birthday falls on Valentine’s Day.
Yes –presents galore! And not just chocolates.
Valentine’s Day means Love Day –perfect!
I send Mom and Dad my wish list. Will their hearts show parental love THIS Valentine’s Day? Will they finally see the light of MY day? Unlikely. So I cross my
fingers…
This year, what I really, really want is the cat who meows at our door. But try as I have for months, Mom’s response never changes. “You can’t keep that scruffy
cat. Doodle-pup would run away!”
I’ve heard it all before. Still, I keep hoping…
I awake on February 14 to heart balloons over my bed.
At lunch, I rip into my presents, thinking… poor cat will suffocate boxed up…
Books, clothes, music, paints… lovely, but… No cat! WHAT –no Scruffy?
I rarely get what I ask for. Oh well…. I knew it. I knew they wouldn’t give me what I wanted. Not even on Love Day – Boohoo!
“Thank you,” I say (they raised me to be polite), and trudge off to my bedroom.
I flip my door sign to “Do Not Disturb” and enter.
Oh, what’s that on my pillow? A fat box with a huge bow and holes… Wow, it’s wobbling and hissing!
Meowwwwww, I hear, in disbelief!
The End
Yes! What a cute, happy ending. I’m glad she got her cat.
Ah, Mom and Dad came through. It was fun to read your story about a girl really skeptical about getting a cat for her birthday and valentine celebration.
That kitty really made her birthday! Good job and good luck!