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 AMANDA
Chocolate Covered Mealworms
by Amanda Perry
Word Count: 214
“Chocolate covered mealworms?!”
“They taste pretty good actually. They have a nice little crunch. Like chocolate covered peanuts. Or those candy bars with the crispy things inside.”
“Have you eaten them? Sounds kind of gross.”
“Of course! And I thought you didn’t want this girl to like you. I thought that was the whole point, to scare her away before she did anything else embarrassing.”
“But mealworms? It seems kind of mean.”
“Please, my mom gives them to her biology class every year. They’re fed on a strict oatmeal diet so they’re even kind of healthy.”
“High school kids eat mealworms?”
“If they’re brave enough. And want extra credit. Besides, people in other countries eat bugs all the time. It’s not that weird, seriously.”
“Ok, ok… but I’m not eating any.”
The boys got to work melting chocolate chips and carefully pouring them over the mealworms filling a silicone heart shaped candy mold. The finished product didn’t look half bad. Painstakingly, they unwrapped the foil from some store-bought candies and rewrapped their own chocolates inside.
When it came time to exchange Valentine’s, they snuck their special treats onto her desk.
Her eyes lit up when she noticed them. “These are delicious! Thank you!” she said, batting her eyes. “I knew you liked me too!”
Oh, dear. Ha ha! I thought your characters might be birds when I read the title, but nope! 😀
Your title caught my attention. It’s a great story of two boys planning and making chocolate covered mealworms, but their plan did back fire up them…or maybe not.
ENTRY POSTED FOR LYNN
Lynn Moore
WC 211
One Last Valentine Invitation
Hare had one last valentine to deliver. Her nose twitched. “Why should I bother to invite Bear?”
“Because Bear is our buddy!” said Chickadee and Deer.
“He is…but last year Bear woke up late and he went to the wrong party!”
“I’ll wake Bear,” sang Chickadee-de-de-de.
“I’ll make sure Bear finds his way to our party,” said Deer.
Hare shrugged. “Also, Bear was so grumpy he wouldn’t read his candy hearts.”
Fox trotted over. “I’ll cheer Bear up with funny valentines!”
Hare’s nose twitched as she slipped Bear’s invitation under his door. “I’ll believe it when I see Bear.”
Then she remembered how Bear gave her carrots and shared hazel nuts with Deer. Chickadee loved the berries he gathered. When Fox had the sniffles, Bear made him chicken soup.
“Hmmm! I have an idea!” Hare hoppity-hopped through the forest to tell her friends.
“Let’s bring our party to Bear’s den!” said Hare, “so he won’t miss it.”
“Super,” said Deer. “I’ll bring hazel nuts.”
“I’ll string pretty pink lights,” chirped chickadee.
Fox smiled. “I’ll play my fiddle.”
Back home, Hare heard knock-knock. “Who’s there?” puzzled Hare. “It’s me…Bear. Am I late?”
Hare gave him a bear hug. “You’re just in time! Come with me friend. We’re off to a Valentine party.”
I love the theme of friendship, and how Hare changes her perspective. She comes up with a great solution to the problem, which makes for a satisfying ending. Well done, Lynn!
Thank you. I finally was able to post comments. Thanks to Susanna who suggested Chrome as my browser and Chuck’s patience. I feel part of the club now. And everyone’s stories are unique.
This is a sweet story. I like the animals, and the things they do that would interest them -and their friend, Bear.
Thank you Chel. It is a tale of friendship.
A wonderful story of mindfulness and cooperation! I love the contrast and tension created between Bear’s tardiness and Hare’s skepticism/impatience, and how they each overcome their character flaws in different ways (with a charming surprise twist at the end). You skillfully portray the characters playing to their strengths and working together to accommodate their friend.
Thank you Anne. I’m happy the twist worked at the end. I hoped I was able to portray Hare’s skepticism
The friendship theme is well done! Love the ending! 🙂
Thank you. Your kind words have really made my day.
What a sweet and clever story. I could picture these adorable characters and their Valentine party:)
MY HOMEMADE VALENTINE
By Katie Lee Reinert
175 words
I worked real hard and made a card
to show how much I care.
My teacher’s great, today’s the date
I finally get to share.
Mom says it’s good, of course she would.
Will other kids agree?
Can it compete with store bought treats
when it was made by me?
My words aren’t neat, the sides don’t meet
from folding it in two.
No glittered hearts or moving parts
my card just will not do.
But it’s too late to stop and wait.
I’m at my classroom door.
I want to hide but if I tried,
they’d find me here for sure.
So I go in, hold up my chin.
Straight to my teacher’s desk.
I just know, she’ll shriek, “Oh no!
This card is just grotesque!”
It’s in her hand, but I can’t stand
to see her disapproval.
I’ll be cast out, without a doubt.
She’ll call for my removal.
But wait, a smile! She liked my style!
She leans over to say,
“I like yours best. Don’t tell the rest.
Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Now, that there is a great teacher. 🙂 Cute poem.
Well done Katie. The child’s concern’s that her homemade valentine would not be worthy was shown throughout the poem. The sentence “So I go in, hold up my chin” speaks volumes.
TULA TANGO
Jessi Kay
WC: 213
Prince Helmsley sighed.
This swamp was fresh out of princesses.
SPLASH! Out of the water leapt another frog.
“Hola!” she sang.
Silence.
“I said ‘Hola,’ señior! I’ve not seen you here before.”
Prince Helmsley frowned. Best not to mingle with the local wildlife, he thought.
She grinned and snapped her fingers. A band of newts rose from the water playing music.
“Come! Dance with me!” she said, arm outstretched.
Helmsley raised an eyebrow. “You’re a frog.”
“As are you. My name’s Tula.”
He turned away, but his toes had begun tapping.
“I know there’s a dancer inside you,” she whispered.
She was right… only, Helmsley had never let it out before.
The music shifted and Helmsley felt his froggy hips start to sway.
Unable to resist any longer–the two gave into the dance.
They leapt across the lily pads…
…bounded over bushes…
They made squares as a pair and circles in the sand.
But then, Helmsley stopped.
“No. I need a princess–a HUMAN princess–to break the spell.”
“What spell?” she asked. “The magic of freedom, moonlit dancing, and doing whatever you please?”
Helmsley paused. Maybe… maybe *this* was his happily ever after, after all.
With gusto he took her hand and off the two danced…
Because, for Helmsley, it only took Tula to tango.
Ah, man. Didn’t see that pun coming. Great story!
Oh, this was fun. I chuckled over Helmsley and Tula “leap across lily pads.” And of course the pun!
What a fun fractured fairytale! Tula really brings out the best in Helmsley 🙂
Christina, so happy Ingredient #9 didn’t end up in the potion. Well done, my friend!
I Don’t Think So
by Joan Leotta
“No, Grandma! No green leaves, in the soup! I don’t like anything green.
Red is for Valentines! Not green”
“What about peas? With butter and mint?”
“I don’t think so.”
“You liked them last night. Now, spinach? ”
I don’t think so! ”
“It’s good !”
“I don’t think so!”
“It’s your Dad’s favorite. That makes it right for valentine’s day”
“Grandma, I don’t think so.”
Grandma started the soup. Carrots, celery ,onion, then chicken and broth.
It smelled good.
After an hour, Grandma added spinach.
It still smelled good, but…
“Do you want to taste it, “grandma asked?
“I don’t think so!”
Just then Dad walked in
Dad said, “Soup smells good. May I taste it!”
Grandma gave him a bowlful. He sipped a spoonful.
“Do you want to try some,” he asked Cara.
“I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure?” He held out the spoon. A green leaf floated on the spoon.
Did look pretty and well, dad liked it.
Cara slurped the soup and leaf off the spoon.
The spinach tasted soft and sweet in the delicious broth. Cara smiled.
“So, it’s good? Will you take some to eat at home?”
“Yes I think so! Yes, Grandma! Thank you.”
I uploaded the wrong copy–the next one is the one I would like to consider–can you delete the entry with no reference to Valentine’s Day? Thank you
Yes, all set. It’s deleted 😊
If only picky eaters would touch that spinach, right? Cute story.
ENTRY POSTED FOR DEBORAH
Roses are red…
By: Deborah Kim
Word count: 214
“Roses are red, violets are blue, onions stink and so do you!”
“Who would write this to me the day before Valentine’s!” Cora cried.
When she got up to use the bathroom a note appeared by her foot.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, lemons are sour and so are you!”
“Is that origami paper?” she thought while examining the note.
During recess, another note appeared…
“Roses are red, violets are blue, something inside me doesn’t like school.”
“Is that mud?” she asked herself.
On Valentine’s day, Cora marched up to her desk and found that it was empty.
While cutting out hearts, something caught Cora’s eyes… “Is that origami paper on the floor?” She wondered as she followed the trail to the boy’s bathroom.
As the teacher was passing out frosted pink cookies, Cora noticed something else… MUDDY shoe prints, which led to Bobby’s muddy shoes with pieces of origami paper stuck to them. And during lunch, Cora noticed Bobby eating all by himself.
At the end of the day while Bobby looked away, Cora dropped off her last Valentine’s day card…
“Roses are red, violets are blue, Bobby you’re great and I hope you know that too. Love, Cora”
Bobby looked up with tears in his eyes and gave a little smirk.
I love the funny twist on the poem. Cora is awesome.
Cute story. I liked your details about the mud and origami, and that Cora decided to reciprocate.
The Love Cookies
By Suhasini Gupta
214 words
It was Valentine’s Day!
Bob’s bakery was busy baking heart-shaped cookies.
Orders were flooding in.
“Hurry!” yelled Bob, the baker.
“The batches are ready,” called his assistant.
As he took them out of the oven to decorate, all the cookies got up and ran out the door.
Baker ran after them, “Now the cookies will not be delivered in time.”
“Help! The cookies are getting away,” cried Bob.
Cars on the streets stopped, and the people ran too.
“Run faster if you can Rookies,
You can’t catch us, we’re the Love cookies!”
“The customers would be furious now!” Bob worried.
As they passed by a school, the kids ran too.
“Please, catch those cookies,” begged Bob.
“Run faster if you can Rookies,
You can’t catch us, we’re the Love cookies!”
“It’s impossible!” shrugged Bob.
When they zoomed through a zoo, the animals ran too.
“Can anyone stop those cookies?” pleaded Bob.
Everyone ran as fast as they could.
But it was too late…
The cookies climbed up a hot air balloon and took off.
“Valentine’s day is surely ruined,” sighed Bob.
Suddenly, Bob’s pet hedgehog somersaulted into the air
and leaped onto the balloon, firing his quills.
POP!
All the cookies sprinkled over the entire city spreading love,
and were delivered
Just
In
Time!
The runaway cookies! How clever, and thank goodness the hedgehog saved the day.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Suhasini.
I did NOT see that ending coming, so cute!! I love this take on the gingerbread man, well done!
Good thing he had a handy pet hedgehog! I thought we were in for a gingerbread-man-type chase!
The Valentine’s Scrooge meets Halloween, so creative and lyrical! Love it!!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DEBI
A Jellyfish Valentine’s Day
(209 words) by Debi Boccanfuso
Deep in the ocean, rumors of love swirled.
Valentine’s Day was today and Jerry bobbed and thought, “Do I have a heart for love?”
Sharks and fish swam by in pairs. Jerry watched and sighed. “Floating around in the ocean alone for the rest of my life isn’t so bad. Valentine’s Day just isn’t for me.” He let his tentacles dangle, twisting and turning with the current.
Two lobsters clawed at each other below.
“What good would a heart do, anyhow? I can’t send Valentine cards. I have no hands! Cards would just drift away.”
Two dolphins swam by, fin to fin, giggling.
“Honestly, without arms, how could I give a Valentine hug?”
His body sagged. “Besides, it’s impossible for me to even get a card from anyone! I have no mailbox! And any mail would be too soggy to open!”
“Getting a Valentine card would feel nice, though,” he thought.
A group of jellyfish floated by. “Hey, Jerry!”
“Wait, who’s your new friend?” he called out.
“Hello, I’m Tina. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
He waved.
Tina did too.
Their tentacles touched,
then tangled.
“Happy Valentine’s, Jerry.”
Jerry blushed.
“Same to you, My Valentine.”
Deep in the ocean, floating side by side,
two jellyfish formed the shape
of a heart.
Cute STEM story! Well done. Good luck.
I love this! What a super setting, delightfully skeptical character, and sweet ending image. Nicely done.
Jellyfish love. Awww. 🙂 Glad they found someone for V-Day.
ENTRY POSTED FOR RENEE
Chocolate for Valentine’s Day…Again?
by Renee Bolla
Word Count 214
Chocolate for Valentine’s Day?
Who instituted this rule? Why not vanilla or sour gummy worms?
YES! Sour gummy worms would make the perfect delicacy for Valentine’s Day.
They scream LOVE.
Chocolate, yuk! The silky, velvety taste on your tongue. Who wants to eat fabric?
I know I can’t be alone.
I am on a mission!
A mission to find an alternative for chocolate.
A mission dedicated to all of us kids that DO NOT like chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
We need MORE options!
I will scour the world, or maybe just my neighborhood until I find the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for ALL to LOVE.
Excuse me, Mrs. Parson, what is your favorite Valentine’s Day treat?
Why chocolate of course.
Not off to a great start.
Mr. McDonald, if you had to pick one treat for Valentine’s Day what would it be?
That’s a silly question, chocolate.
Hey Layla, what do you hope to get for Valentine’s Day?
CHOCOLATE!
Is it just me?!? Am I the only one who DOESN’T like chocolate?
This mission is an epic Valentine’s Day failure!
Huh? Is that chanting?
“WHY ONLY CHOCOLATE? GIVE US OPTIONS!”
“CRÈME BRULEE CAN SAVE THE DAY!”
“COTTON CANDY IS A FAVORITE TREAT!”
A rally??? I’m NOT alone!
I feel a Valentine’s Day change coming.
I can get behind this rally …so long as I also get chocolate. 😉
Finding Stray Love
By Pamela Swanson
Word Count 192
Patti felt lonely. She asked her Mom several times if she could have a monkey, and her Mom said, “No, it will break everything in the house.”
Patti asked for an iguana. Too big. Too scary.
“I’ll never get a pet,” she said sadly.
Patti was skeptical about having a pet and thought she would try it again.
Patti asked for a parrot. They are in a cage most of the time.
Too noisy. Too talkative. Again a no.
All of a sudden, a black cat jumps from behind the bushes. It was a stray that Patti began feeding and petting. It started to become friendlier over the days.
Patti suddenly had an idea. Mom loves cats, and it is Valentine’s Day so surely she can say no to a present.
Patti walks slowly into the kitchen with a smile on her face, brings her hands from behind her back and presents the cat to Mom. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Mom gives a smile, hugs the cat, and says, “Thank you. We will give it a try. Welcome, Valentine.”
Patti has found her newfound love and will not be lonely anymore.
Way to go Pamela. What a great idea. The perfect Valentine present for both of them.
Love the way you solved Patti’s yearning! Happy Valentiny Day!
That is the perfect name for a cat. Happy day, indeed.
I’m spending Valentine’s Day with my Nana. She says we’ll have fun, but I’m not so sure. She doesn’t have video games, or a trampoline, or a skateboard. But worst of all, she doesn’t let me eat candy or cookies! She doesn’t like messy craft projects, so no doilies or glue, markers or stickers. How can it be Valentines without chocolate or homemade cards? She showed me two sticks, some string, and a bowl of suds. Valentine fun? I’m skeptical. But then we tied the string to the sticks in a triangle shape, dipped it into the suds, and made enormous bubbles! Colossal, gargantuan, megabubbles! Some even seemed to be heart-shaped. When it was Nana’s turn, she sent bubbles flying toward the oak tree, and when I ran to catch them, I found something hidden by the roots. A heart-shaped box of chocolates! “You didn’t get those from me,” said Grandma, but once again, I’m skeptical!
Sneaky Nana. Good luck!
Clever ending!
Grandmas aren’t all bad, huh? Cute story.
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELLEN
Valentine Smile
by Ellen Akemi Crosby
214 words
“Why am I doing this, Mom?” Enzo pouted looking down at the scraps of red, pink, and white paper.
“The valentines are for your classmates,” Mom said.
“What are valentines for?”
“You give valentines to people you care about like your friends. It brightens their day and makes them smile.”
Enzo raised his eyebrows.
“Hmmmmmph!” he muttered. “Wouldn’t put a smile on my face if a got one.”
“But, I’m not friends with all my classmates! Can I just make them for my friends?”
“Don’t you think it would be nice to give each of your classmates one?”
Enzo couldn’t imagine making 30 valentines. “Mom, please don’t make me!”
“You’d be surprised how much getting valentines makes a person happy.”
Enzo shook his head.
His mom glanced at Enzo. “You don’t believe me?”
Enzo slowly picked up the first piece of paper and scissors…
Cut, Fold, Glue
Ugh!
Glitter, Hearts, Paint
Okay…not too bad…
Red, Lace, Ribbon
Hey, this is kinda fun!
Thirty valentines later, Enzo slipped the last one in its envelope.
Next day at school, Enzo gave and received 30 perfect valentines. As he looked around, his happy classmates shared.
He opened his first one and pulled it out.
Something tugged at the corners of his mouth.
What do you know…a smile!
Kudos to Enzo for making 30 valentine cards. This put a smile on my face.
Cute story. I’m glad Enzo sucked it up, and felt happy!
HEART-SHAPED PANCAKES
By D. 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 muted.
“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 hands and whispered.
“Yep that’s just right.” Heart-shaped pancakes didn’t quite measure up in heart
matters.
A sweet, touching story. He can always make pancake tomorrow. ❤️
That’s so true Thank you!
TRICK OR TREAT?
by Colleen Murphy
Word Count: 210 words
Trevor held out a heart-shaped box. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sis!”
Claire pushed the box away. “I’m not falling for that again. I can still taste those chocolate-covered livers you gave me last year, and see those nasty worms crawling around from the year before.”
“I’m not that same prank-pulling little brother. I’ve matured. Trust me.”
She studied Trevor’s face. He looked sincere.
Nevertheless, Claire set the box on the table, an arm’s length away. She shielded her face as she flipped the lid.
Nothing. No explosion. No stink bomb.
“See,” Trevor said. “Just chocolates.”
“I’m not 100% convinced. You probably filled them with hot sauce.”
“Come on, Claire. You’re always talking about second chances. Trust me. Try one.”
Claire stared into Trevor’s eyes. No signs of trickery. She carefully picked up a chocolate, smelled it and then took a nibble. Mmm. She popped the whole piece in her mouth. Delicious! She ate another.
“Trevor, I’m sorry I doubted you.” Claire smiled and gave him a hug.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” said their mom, as she stepped into the room. “Claire, your teeth!” she gasped.
Trevor turned and dashed out of the house.
Claire ran into the bathroom and screamed at her reflection, “Trevor! You are so going to get it…Trust ME!”
Ha, ha:) Nasty Trevor. This was a fun read.
Thanks for taking the time to read it!
It was a pleasure! So many wonderful entries.
😀 Oh, no! I trusted him, too. Maybe have him taste-test first next time!
I think that is a great idea Chel!
Very cute story! I trusted Trevor too!
Ha ha. That makes three of you!
Naughty Trevor! In trouble on Valentine’s Day, and probably for Christmas too! Fun story, Colleen! Goid luck!
Ha ha! Thanks for your help!!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LIISA
Stupid Cupids
by Liisa Walimaa
214 words
Last February, our class in the arts
Scissored pink paper into Valentine hearts.
We made friendly cards saying, “I like you”
And decorated shoeboxes with glittery glue.
The next week at school, the box that was mine
Was chock full of cards “To My Valentine,”
Stupid cupids and kisses and roses and such,
Arrows through hearts and saying “I love you” too much.
Some cards had candy (no peanuts or dairy).
One said, “You’re Special!” On the front was a fairy
Who wrote my name with a wand and had glittery wings.
The message inside said, “Let’s meet at the swings.”
I was excited at first. Then I thought twice.
“Someone’s just teasing me. Teasing’s not nice.”
“I’m not special,” I grumbled. I crumpled the card.
I stomped on it. I stomped on it hard.
“Nobody cares. Nobody means what they say,
Especially on stupid Valentine’s Day.”
I slumped home from school, but there by the swings
In sparkly tutus and butterfly wings
Stood my kooky parents holding a sign.
A banner that said “Hello, Valentine!”
They hugged me and said, “We know that you’re tough
And that you don’t like pink flowers and stuff,
But this day’s about love. Love of all kinds.
Not just flying babies with rosy behinds.”
Grown-ups are weird.
Grown-ups are definitely weird. Unexpected ending for me. Little girls that hate all things pink will enjoy this read. Good luck!
Just doing their job as parents! 😀 Funny story.!
The Valentine’s Day Shoebox
By Alison Marcotte
(179 words)
I’ll load them in a truck.
Or a boat.
My valentines will not fit in a shoebox.
I’ll store them in a kangaroo’s pouch.
A chipmunk’s cheeks.
My valentines will not fit in a shoebox.
Why can’t I bring my castle?
Or my treasure chest?
How about I decorate a flowerpot.
Or a gumball machine.
A roomy rocket ship?
A (very clean) laundry bag?
Nothing fits inside a shoebox!
A shoebox measures 14 by 8 by 5 inches.
I have so many friends to collect from. There’s Steve from Room 302. Callie from lunch. My brother and his friends. Mrs. Morello. My 30 classmates.
And it’s not just the card, of course. There’s the candy that comes with it, the best part. Rectangle-shaped, round, squishy, lumpy…
It simply cannot be done!
And who decided shoeboxes and Valentine’s Day go together?
They’re smelly! They’re small! All my love for you wouldn’t fit in a shoebox.
That’s it. I’m not going to school tomorrow.
Goodnight!
Mom, I’m happy to report that…
All my valentines fit in my shoebox.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Quite the dilemma, with a happy ending.
😀 This reminds me of a funny activity my son’s school did one day where they could bring anything but a backpack to store their school things in -then had to further clarify that students couldn’t bring younger siblings or kitchen sinks!
It’s Just a Flower, Right?
By Kathleen MacEachern
132 words
He loves me.
He loves me not.
He loves me.
He loves me not.
He loves me.
He loves me!
He loves me!
But does he?
He loves me.
He loves me not.
He loves me.
He loves me not.
Wait, now he doesn’t love me?
I’ll try another.
He loves me.
He loves me not.
He loves me.
OK. Now he loves me, again?
Just one more.
He loves me.
He loves me not.
He loves me.
He loves me not.
Well, this is just silly.
Who believes a stupid flower, anyway?
But, wait! What if I just need to try one more?
He loves me.
He loves me not.
He loves me.
HE LOVES ME!
But what about the rest of the flowers?
Nah… I mean, they’re just flowers….. right?
This made me smile. Simple and effective. Fun!
This brings back memories. Soooo cute.
My friends and I did this all the time! Thanks for bringing those memories alive again. Those were such fun days!
I think this person needs to move onto asking the ferns. 😉
CUPID SHMUPID By Denise Seidman
WC = 211
I hope it’s okay. in my haste to post I left out the Valentine connection-
Ned did not believe in love and especially not Cupid. No way was it possible that a winged baby wearing only a diaper could fly around. Let alone shooting arrows at people, causing them to fall in love. NO WAY! NOWHERE! NO HOW!
His parents argued all the time and were talking about a divorce. Even his teenage sister stopped dating her boyfriend.
Rose, a classmate, kissed Ned, “I’d rather kiss a frog than a girl. I prefer warts to cooties.”
This made Rose cry. Cupid shook his head at Ned’s retaliatory behavior, dipping Rose’s pigtail into paint during Art class, yelling, “Cock a doodle doo,” waking up Rose during naptime, and snatching Rose’s last cookie at snack without even asking first.
It was obvious that Ned didn’t like Rose, and the feeling was mutual. Cupid took aim and shot Ned in the arm. He never knew what hit him. Then Cupid took out another arrow to shoot Rose.
Everything got rosier. The adults fought less. On Valentine’s Day, Ned gave Rose heart-shaped cookies he baked with his mom. They were her favorites.
Ned started to believe in love again, and he didn’t get cooties. Cupid missed hitting Ned’s sister and her ex-boyfriend, but getting six out of eight wasn’t bad!
I love Ned’s feisty attitude and your funny, not-perfectly-happy ending! LOL
Thanks, Anne! Ned was too feisty to have a saccharine ending.
Eh, maybe the ex-boyfriend needed to go. 😉 I liked reading about all the characters. It’s a fun story.
Thanks, Chel! You might be right about the ex-boyfriend. I am glad you enjoyed the story.
2nd Grade Casanova
by Kimberly Horch
WC: 119
——“So, explain to me why can’t you go today.”
Because of Keisha,
Alicia,
And the new girl Aisha!
Hannah,
Susanna,
Her best friend Brianna!
Mia,
Sophia,
Her sister Aleigha!
Lacy T.
And Lacy B.
Kacie, Stacey, and Jacie (with an “e”)
Sadie,
And Gradie,
AND the red-haired lunch lady!
Oh and Jessica—
WHAT A MESS-ica!
Even Miss Vjestica.
——“Wait, what did they do? Are you okay?”
I can’t go to school now, I must stay in bed!
I’ve got so many girlfriends it just hurts my head!
——“Sure you do… and how did that happen?”
There are so many girls that would like to be mine
…I know because each one of them gave me a valentine.
I like this! Unique, simple(efficient) and effective. I can picture all the girlfriends. Overwhelming, right?! Fun!
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
What a surprise ending. Poor guy, so many girls running after him. Fun wordplay.
Thank you!
That many girlfriends would hurt my head too, haha!
It’s hard to be so lovable!
Hillarious! Haha…
😀 Very cute poem. Poor kid.
Ladybug Footprints
by Kelly Adamson
146 words
Ladybug footprints on the beach
leave little hearts on the sand.
Tiptoeing to their valentine,
a tiny card held by a tiny hand.
“You won’t make it,”
a friend says flying by.
“I’ll make it,” ladybug thinks
dancing on a sigh.
“You won’t make it,”
Beetle says from overhead.
Ladybug let’s her feet shimmer
ignoring all they’ve said.
“Can I make it?”
Ladybug begins to doubt it too.
Her feet go so much slower
than her wings usually do.
“You won’t make it,”
The last one says, from high above.
“I can make it,” she thinks,
“If I do the thing I love.”
Ladybug footprints on the beach
dance a whisper above the waves.
Holding a tiny heart
for her valentine she saves.
“I made it!” she says
as at the party she does land.
She made it and she wrote
a poem in the sand.
I’m happy the ladybug made it in the end. Clever and original.
Oh! I loved this Ladybug holding a tiny heart and was determined to succeed.
Yay, ladybug! I was rooting for you. Cute poem and great story.
THANKS FOR BEING MY VALENTINE (212 Words)
By Sherri T. Mercer
Emma walked slowly.
New school, new teacher, no friends.
“Happy” Valentine’s Day—really!
She was late.
“Dennis, introduce our new student,” the teacher said.
“Th-th-is is Emma my-my, new best friend.”
“What! We haven’t even met!”
Emma ducked into her seat.
The class was decorating Valentine’s boxes.
“Wanna borrow my scissors?” Dennis asked.
“Nope, who’ll give me Valentines?”
“I will,” he said.
At lunch, Dennis boasted, “This is Emma, my new best friend!”
Emma hurried to the only seat left–beside Dennis.
Could you stop saying we’re best friends?
She didn’t say another word during lunch.
Dennis didn’t either.
At recess, Emma ran to the swings.
Swinging alone was bor—ring, until…
“She’s nice. She’s missing her old school,” Dennis said to the others.
Emma smiled. Having a new friend wasn’t so bad.
Inside, the classroom was decorated.
Everyone got quiet as the teacher announced the winners of the heart-shaped boxes.
“THE BIG HEART AWARD” goes to Dennis.
And the “BEST FRIEND AWARD” goes to Emma.
She could hardly believe her ears…
“Yesterday, my best friend moved,” Dennis whispered.
“So, I hoped we could be friends. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“Thanks, Dennis, for being my friend. “Happy Valentine’s Day.
Ahh… such a good guy Dennis. Kids will relate to this. Good luck!
Dennis sounds like a nice kid; I like his character. Cute ending.
How sweet! I thought it might be wrapped in a hug as well!
Thanks so much Chel! A big hug definitely came after the unwrapping 🙂
That’s true!
FISH OUT OF WATER (214-words)
by Bridget Magee
Despite being mainstreamed into the same 6th grade class at the same time, Maddie and Matt have warily navigated the murky waters of their new southern California middle school alone.
Lunchtime is the worst.
Maddie uses her tablet as a safety vest to keep from being sucked into the dangerous waters of the lunchroom. Matt buoys himself in the fiction while eating in the library.
But on Valentine’s day the librarian is sick, and Matt is forced to wade into the shark infested lunchroom. In the sea of red heart decorations, Matt spots an island in the back corner.
As Maddie deep dives into Minecraft and mac and cheese, Matt sits down. He flips pages in his well-worn book while munching pizza.
“What’re you reading?” Maddie asks.
Matt’s eyes float up slowly. Glance. Look away.
“I’m rereading The Lightning Thief,” he finally answers.
“I love Percy Jackson!” Then after a long silence Maddie asks, “Are you going to the dance after school?”
“Are you?” Matt responds cautiously.
“No way! Too loud, too hot…”
“And too many sharks! Uh, I mean people.” Matt blushes.
By the time the bell rings at the end of lunch, Maddie and Matt have plans to meet at the beach after school to play Minecraft and read Percy Jackson. Together.
This totally could have been written about my son, who sits in the corner at lunch and reads on his computer… Let’s hope he finds a Maddie some day so he’ll socialize like your characters. 🙂
DAD’S HEART
By Kendra Bell
Word Count: 200
My sneakers squeak as I follow mom through the hospital. I feel as lopsided as the paper hearts jostling inside my backpack.
Mom stops at dad’s door, squeezes my hand. “I know this is… complicated, Liam. But he’s still the same. He’ll be so happy to see you.”
I swallow, hard.
I’d cut dad the perfect-shaped heart at our class party today. Veronica Lopez had hovered over me while she sucked a Jolly Rancher, asking if she could have it. I’d always daydreamed about touching her shimmery hair and realized she might let me. But I’d told her no, this is for dad.
Mom turns the handle.
I hear dad’s voice. “Hey, Bud.”
I stare at the floor.
I’d been holding the heart when mom told me he’d looked different after surgery. Lots of extra stitches on his head.
So I drew zig-zags on my heart, wondering what it would look like. Awful. Like Frankenstein. I’d crumpled it up.
Mom nudges me forward.
Dad takes my hand. “I missed you, Bud.”
Same voice.
I glance at his mouth. Same goofy smile.
His eyes. Bright. Full.
“Me too,” I say.
I suddenly don’t care about his stitches. We hug. Same dad.
I think it’s super sweet. Definitely captured the real feelings.
Sure is hard visiting a loved one in the hospital. I thought the part about wanting to be Veronica’s valentine was funny -Dad almost missed out!
The imagery is wonderful. I envisioned two fish avoiding the crowd at fish school until, Matt said, I mean people. A fun story for school visits. Perfect idiom for your title.
The title says it all. Reminds me of lion and the mouse. Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARON
Mother’s Valentine Message
By Sharon McCarthy
Word Count 212
Dear Children,
The wildlife has asked me to deliver a message to you.
Please visit the pond on Valentine’s Day!
Don’t be skeptical. Don’t be shy.
You’ll surely have the best time!
When you arrive, tread softly near the water.
Creatures may be nesting inside the shrubs and flowers.
Don’t get too close!
Parents are protective.
Other wild animals may drop by to drink.
Remember, they are more scared of you.
If you witness dragonflies and amphibians, that means your pond has been loved.
These creatures only lurk when the water and soil are clean!
Warning! You may be enticed to take home a cute creature. Don’t!
Everybody has an important job.
Did you know that one frog eats 100 insects overnight and an opossum 400 ticks in one day!
Are you still skeptical about visiting?
Pack a bag with these things.
A blanket, snacks, magnifying glass, camera, binoculars, paper, and crayons are handy items to bring.
I must warn you!
You’ll want to move. You’ll want to share your treasures, and your brain will figure the secret out.
You got it! All living things need each other. We need you to be a part of our world.
Now come! Fall in love with the pond, on Valentine’s Day.
Love,
Mother Nature
Definitely STEM. Original story for Valentine’s Day. Well done!
Sharon, such a clever story! Well done!
That is a great story. I love how it turned out! So important for all to realize.
Like the signature “Love, Mother Nature”. Both fiction and nonfiction aspects are interwoven in your story. Nice.
A different sort of Valentine’s invitation, for sure! Cute idea.
Because, for Helmsley, it only took Tula to tango. 🙂 Beautiful love story!
ENTRY POSTED FOR CONNIE
The Flavor of Love
by Connie Bergstein Dow
“Hi Graham. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“Hey, Dulcie. Same to you. WHAT’S UP?”
“Did you know I’m CRAZY 4 U, Graham?”
“What? AS IF, Dulcie.”
“CHIN UP, and CHILL OUT, Graham. Let me try to explain this. YOU SHINE. I’m your #1 FAN. You’re my ROCk STAR, It’s ONLY YOU 4 ME.”
“Dulcie! I thought we were just BFF’s! Or maybe it’s PUPPY LOVE.”
“You might think I’m a DIVA, or a DRAMA QUEEN. But I am CRAZY 4 U. You are SO SWEET. Will you be ALL MINE? Or, let me say it another way: JE T’AIME. GET MY DRIFT?”
“TIME OUT! U & ME? Can’t be. WISE UP, Dulcie.”
“I know you’re THE 1. You MELT MY HEART, Graham. I’m on CLOUD NINE around you. We could be so HAPPY 2GTHR.”
“NO WAY. Are you saying UR MINE? You want to be MY GIRL? I’m IN A FOG. I WONDER . . . UR GREAT . . . THAT SMILE . . . Your LAUGH . . . Could we really be a DREAM TEAM?”
Let’s TAKE A WALK, Graham. HOLD HANDS?”
“Yes! Why not U & ME, Dulcie? You’re ADORBS. UR SWEET. You’re PURRFECT. BE MY VALENTINE?”
“4EVER, Graham. BEAR HUG?”
“Oh, yes. I LOVE YOU too, Dulcie.”
“KISS ME, QT PIE.”
Creative use of Valentine’s heart candies messages! Now I get the last one “cutie pie” that’s great! You jump right into the action and your title fits – The Flavor of Love.
Or are the CAPS text messages? Fun
😀 We often tried to form a whole conversation out of ‘conversation’ hearts in grade school. This was fun to read.
ENTRY POSTED FOR ALY
FIREWORKS AT DEADMAN’S BLUFF
by Aly Kenna
(214 words)
Stripey scrambled to open his mail.
Normally his friends were careful not to surprise him because of his little problem.
It was a natural flight or fight response. All skunks had it, but his friends didn’t appreciate it.
That’s why Valentine’s Day was so special to Stripey. On this one day a year, his friends loved to surprise him with cards! Lots and lots of cards.
Stripey’s chest puffed out as he read them.
“Be Mine”
“You Rock my World”
“I Adore You”
“Wild about You”
But there was something odd about the last one. It wasn’t red, it didn’t have any hearts on it, and it didn’t even smell.
“Meet me at Deadman’s Bluff at Sunset. There will be fireworks!”
Fireworks?
Stripey scratched his head. Surely this letter was meant for someone else. He checked the address.
“To Stripey T Skunk”
Right skunk.
Stripey cringed. Skunks were not good with fireworks.
Stripey turned the letter over and over. Who would send him such a letter? He wouldn’t go of course.
But as the day grew longer, Stripey found himself on the path to Deadman’s Bluff. And at sunset, fireworks went off in his head.
For standing right there on top of Deadman’s Bluff was Sally, holding a big red love-heart. She was beautiful.
This is a very sweet story. I loved thinking about Stripey being a sincere skunk who just couldn’t help his ‘problem.’ 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR NADIA
Shiver Me Timbers!
By Nadia Ali
Word count 211
The pirate ship sailed across the ocean looking for pretty treasure.
“All hands-on deck!” shouted Captain Pitt.
The crew scrambled together and from down below came the cook.
“It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow me hearties. I don’t want mushiness on board my ship. We are pirates seeking pretty treasure. Say arggh!”
“Arggh Captain,” they shouted.
In the kitchen, down below, Cook knew a secret.
“Captain Pitt’s daughter Pearl is coming onboard for Valentine’s Day, but the Captain doesn’t know. We are baking a big red Valentine cake to celebrate!”
Valentine’s day arrived and so did Pearl. With a twirl and a whirl, red hearts, flowers and bows she did hurl.
The crew rubbed their eyes. Then with a clump, clump, clump Captain Pitt got closer.
“Who has done this to my ship?” he shouted.
The crew parted to show Pearl standing with open arms.
“Shiver me timbers!” said Captain Pitt.
“Tis my Pearl!”
“But Captain, what about no mushiness on board the ship. We are pirates seeking pretty treasure!” said a crew member.
“Nothing is more pretty than the treasure in my arms!” said Captain Pitt.
Cook brought out the big red heart-shaped cake. They danced and sang until the sun went down. on a mushy Valentine’s Day aboard Captain Pitt’s ship.
Can’t fight love! Arggh!
Gifts from the Heart
By Helen Lysicatos
Word Count: 214
Otto put the finishing touches to his mom’s Valentine’s gift when his dad appeared in the doorway, “Ready to help me pick out your mom’s gifts?”
He dreaded this moment all day. Would his gift be enough compared to the fancy presents like perfume and flowers Dad bought?
“I think we got her enough dad,” complained Otto after hours of shopping.
“I think you’re right. Let’s head home”, Dad said.
Once home, Otto quickly got to work.
You can’t have enough glitter, he thought. So he sprinkled a little here and a lot over there. “Doesn’t seem like I have enough hearts.”
So he cut and glued until it was just right. He was finally ready for the finishing touch. Using pink, his mom’s favorite color, he wrote, “I Love You Mom, You Are the Best!”
He looked at his work and hoped it was enough. Nervously, Otto handed his mom the gift, “Do you like it?”
She looked at him with teary eyes. His heart sank, it was worse than he thought.
“Like it? I love it! It’s the best gift anyone has ever given me.” Mom swooped him into her arms, giving him the biggest hug ever.
I guess if you put your heart into something, thought Otto, It’s more than enough!
Sweet, touching story. I could feel Otto’s trepidation and the mom’s happiness.
The Power of Love
by Barbara Kimmel
214 words
In Tech Town, families lived in private pods, never needing to venture past their front yards. Drone deliveries, online classes, virtual games. Everyone was ALWAYS connected.
Until…
CRASH! BANG! SIZZZZZLE! Tech Town was thrown into darkness.
With no wake-up beep-beep-beeps, Val rose with the sun.
“Power’s out!” said Dad. “The backup to the backup to the backup must’ve malfunctioned.”
“But it’s Valentine’s Day! How will friends get my messages?!”
“There’s no way to connect. Gotta wait it out.”
Townspeople stayed glued to their screens – clicking, tapping, refreshing.
Valentine’s Day was Val’s favorite holiday. How would others know she cared?
Val recalled videos of the handmade valentines of pre-pod times, but Tech Town didn’t have paper or pens. No one knew how to write, just type.
Val sat on her stoop, stirring a puddle with a stick. A leaf blew onto her lap. She scraped mud on it.
“Aha!”
On leaf after leaf, she scrawled, “XOX.” Using mashed berries, she added hearts.
Val begged Dad to let her deliver them.
Dad’s mouth dropped. “IN-PERSON?!”
They came up with a safe, simple path. Val raced from pod to pod, slipping heart-covered leaves under doors.
When power finally returned, no one noticed. They had found their own connections gathering to celebrate Val and the power of love.
And, thus, ‘leaf’ lets were born! I hope everyone connects meaningfully for Valentine’s Day.
🙂 Hmmm… you may be on to something. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Ha! I can definitely connect with the IN-PERSON commentary! I XOX this timely story.
Ha! Great ending twist! Also nice pacing and structure. Well done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR GAYLE
Divine Valentines
by Gayle Veitenheimer
Seven-year-old Brody slung on his backpack, grabbed his valentines, and slammed the car door.
Valentine’s Day.
Silly.
Stupid.
Brody had moved here over winter break, and still, not one friend. Today, his sack would be stuffed full of valentines, but he would leave with an empty heart.
Mom’s prayer echoed in his mind. “God, show Brody Your love for him.”
Right. Like God cares. About kids. About me.
The February breeze brushed his cheek, and he glanced up. A heart-shaped cloud skidded across the sky.
Brody’s heart stuttered. He tripped on the flower bed. Heart-shaped leaves fluttered at his feet. Brody frowned and shoved the door.
Everywhere he looked, Brody saw hearts.
Strawberries at the class party.
A heart-shaped puddle on the playground.
A heart-shaped wedge in the tree stump.
Even a dog with a furry heart-shaped spot.
Brody’s mind churned. What was going on?
Once home, Brody scooped up some gravel. He threw each pebble as he thought.
Then he saw the last one.
Brody’s stomach twisted.
He raced inside and showed his mom the heart-shaped rock.
She laughed. “A divine Valentine.”
Goosebumps covered Brody’s arms. “A what?”
“A love note. From God.”
A warm feeling wrapped him up just like his dad’s bear hugs.
God does care—and He cares about me.
This is so sweet, and touching. Thank you.
ENTRY POSTED FOR LORI
You’ll See
by Lori Dubbin
212 Words
You know what I’m giving Mommy and Daddy for Heart Day?
A big surprise –
I’m going to stop sucking my thumb.
I’m older now. I can try.
What? You don’t think I can do it?
Well, I can.
You’ll see.
I have a plan.
What? You don’t think a two-year-old can stick to a plan?
Well, I can.
You’ll see.
I love making towers. I’ll stack my blocks high and create a city.
I’ll be so busy building I won’t think about my thumb.
Next, I’ll gather my cars and trucks. I’ll make a road.
What? You don’t think I can build one?
Well, I can.
You’ll see.
I’ll be so busy snapping tracks together and racing vehicles I won’t even look at my thumb.
Then, I’ll read my favorite books.
What? You don’t think I can read?
Well, I can.
You’ll see.
I’ll be so busy reciting my bedtime stories, I won’t have time to suck my thumb.
Stories always make me very sleeeepy.
Ohhh, noooo!!!!!
I’ll never fall asleep without my thumb!
You don’t think I will make it, do you?
Wait!
Look!
There! Hiding in the corner!
My old pacifier!
Happy Heart Day, Mommy and Daddy.
Don’t think I can get rid of the pacifier?
I will.
You’ll see.
Aww, that’s a cute surprise from a toddler to his parents on Valentine’s.
I like the title You’ll see (so determined child). Thank you for sharing.
Cute. I think many parents would like this Valentine’s Day present!
Lori, such a heartfelt story. Remember to have it framed for Marcus. Thanks for sharing.
ENTRY POSTED FOR MONA
Me and My Best Friend
by Mona Pease 186 words
We met on Halloween behind a tree
watching
kids in costumes-
knocking, hollering, comparing treats.
He said, “I’m a monster. I have no friends.”
I said, “I’m alone too. They say I’m too nice.”
I reached out my bony hand. “Let’s be friends.”
So we knocked on a few doors,
received our treats and compliments too.
“You’re costumes are so realistic!”
“Best ones yet!”
Then, we said good night.
After that, we met at the park
behind trees
talking laughing sharing our dreams,
exchanging cards we made for each other-
Happy Thanksgiving
Merry Christmas
Then, the Valentine I held in my hand
in front of his home
peeking
from behind a tree.
He came out and said,
“Come in. My parents want to meet
my best friend.”
I didn’t know if I could
I didn’t know if I should
but I couldn’t let my best friend down
He took my hand,
I dragged behind
into the dark den.
He hollered, “She’s here.
I told you she’s a real witch.”
They gasped in disbelief I think.
Then welcomed me
with outstretched arms, lopsided smiles and googly eyes.
This is downright adorable. The details are cute, the unique friendship, the rhymes. Wonderful.
This is so cute, Mona!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JESSIE
Wings-a-glow
214 words
Jessie Raspbury
Every morning I hide in my locker. It’s silly, I know. But when an alicorn is in love, our wings glow, and the alicorn I love passes by every morning! My friends think he loves me too, but I doubt it.
Most alicorns can control their love-glow, but I am so in love that I cannot contain it, so I stuff myself and my gleaming wings inside my locker and wait for his adorable hooves to clippity-clop by.
This morning, wings-a-glow, I waited. I heard those magnificent hooves approaching: clip-clop-clip-clop. My wings glowed a blinding bright blue—my love color—with every step. Clop-clip-clop-clip.
I could feel the locker warming with my burning love. Clip-clop-clop. The walls illuminated bluer with every passing second. I squeezed my eyes shut and listened, but the clopping and clipping stopped right outside my locker door.
I froze. Surely he could see my brilliant blue light. I waited, but no clip, no clop.
I took a deep breath, opened my locker door and stepped out: clip-clop. And there he was: the most dazzling alicorn in Alicornia—his wings radiating bright with his love color—a ravishing red. There was no doubting it now, he loved me too. And as we walked together down the hall, our love colors illuminated the walls the prettiest purple.
Such a sweet story!
Love it, Jessie!!
Interesting idea; I like it. It sure would be hard to hide your feelings as an alicorn!
Pepper’s Perfect Poem
by Bri Lawyer
204 Words
She loves me.
She loves me not.
She LOVES ME!
I’ll do it! This is the year I ask Salt to be my valentine.
I’ll write her a lovely poem, walk to her cupboard, and…
What if she doesn’t like me?
I can’t do it.
I bet Basil or Cumin already asked her anyway.
I’ll just skip Valentine’s Day. Just like last year. And the year before that.
No, I’m Pepper! Bold! Spicy! I can do this! My poem has to be perfect though.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
We’re a good pair
Can I be your valentine?
Terrible. It doesn’t even rhyme. Hmm…
Roses are red
Violets are blue
You are sweet like sugar…
That’s not true.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
You are so nice
You smell like…
I’m not even going to finish that one.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
We’d make a good pair
Me plus you
That’s a winner!
Now I wait.
And wait.
And wait some more.
I knew I shouldn’t have even tried.
Wait, what’s this? A poem. For me?! From…Salt?
“Roses are red
Violets are blue
I thought you’d never ask
I’d love to be your valentine”
Yep, we’re made for each other.
Yay! I love that salt-pepper duo. Happy Valentines Day!
Thank you! You too! ❤️
Salt’s response is perfection, so well done Bri!!
Thanks, Andi! Couldn’t have done it without your amazing feedback and ideas!
They’re quite the pair. And pepper’s attempts at poems were hilarious.
Thanks 😊
LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT (214 words)
By Pat Finnegan
I’m just a small, brown bug.
OK. You’re right.
I have six legs (not just two),
a pair of antennas (not a nose),
AND I can fly.
So what? Billions of bugs can say the same thing.
No way some buggy can love me.
Will I ever have a Valentine?
I doubt it.
Mother Nature says, “Appearances don’t fool me,”
and, “It’s what inside that counts,”
and, “You’re tiny, but your glow still lights up the darkness.”
She’s right about that “lights up the darkness” thing.
I’m a firefly.
I’m bioluminescent, so I can glow in the dark.
But will some buggy love me?
Not in my wildest gleams.
I’ll just grab a light snack
and go play hide-and-glow seek with the other fireflies.
Hmm . . . Some buggy is flashing my special twinkle pattern.
(By the way, flashes are the firefly language of love.)
GASP! He is flashing RIGHT AT ME!
He asked, “Will you flash dance with me?”
and, “Come twinkle, twinkle like the little star that you are,”
and, “You glow, girl!”
WOW! What a lovebug he is!
This COULDN’T be my one true Valentine.
Or could it?
I don’t want to make any flash judgements,
so I’ll go with the glow.
This just might be love at first light.
I like your educational references and the cute story. The puns cinch it!
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment – I’m glad that you noticed some of the science details embedded in the story:-)
Of course!
I love the language! This story brightens my day.
So glad this little story “brightened” your day – Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
Very cute story! I love the Stem references and the sweet puns. I’m so glad she found her valentine!
There are lots of interesting and fun firefly facts – Glad I was able to share a few and stay within the 214 word count limit – Thank you for your kind comment:-)
I just love the voice of this story. I like how your MC is doubtful, but still confident and not bothered by finding love. Going on with their life and if it happens, it happens. This line is so clever and fun to read: “I don’t want to make any flash judgements,
so I’ll go with the glow.” So good! Good luck!
Many thanks for your thoughtful comments:-)
Glenn’s Valentine’s Hope
By Nicole Loos Miller (209 words)
Glenn, the warthog, had lots of love to give.
Now he just needed some friends!
He could throw a Valentine’s Party, he thought.
But…would anyone come?
He doubted, he worried. He fretted and sulked.
But, he should at least try.
He cut and he pasted. Glittered and glued.
His hands shook as he mailed the invites.
He prepped and chopped. Cleaned and dusted.
He spent hours on the playlist alone.
“It’ll probably just be me,” he said with a sigh
“Might as well play my favorite songs.”
On Valentine’s Day, the clouds hung low.
“Like my hopes,” sighed Glenn with a tear.
When the raindrops fell, Glenn tore down his banner.
He shut off the music and turned down the lights.
Punch in hand, he slumped to the sink,
Prepared to pour it all out
When a timid knock sounded through the house.
And Glenn’s heart clenched in his chest.
He ran to the door, threw it open at once.
And there stood Sally, the skunk.
Her smile fell when she looked all around,
At the party that Glenn had dismantled.
“I understand,” she said, turning around.
“Wait!” cried Glenn with a start. “Come in, please come in!”
“Really, you mean it?”
Glenn grinned. “With all of my heart!”
Oh, Glenn. I felt his worry, his hope, his decision to give up. Now, skunk can have lots of punch!
Love sweet Glenn and his holiday hope! What a perfect ending too. Nicely done, Nicole!
“With all of my heart!” ….. What a great last line:-)
BEAR’S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE’S HEART
By, Angela Hawkins
(WC-212)
Hi Bear. What are you doing?
What does it look like I’m doing?
It looks like you are staring at a chocolate Valentine’s heart.
That’s because I am staring at a chocolate Valentine’s heart.
Bear?
Yes?
Who is the chocolate Valentine’s heart for?
Me.
Oh.
Are you certain it’s not for someone…special?
I am special.
Yes, yes you are.
Bear?
Yes?
Can I stare at the chocolate Valentine’s heart with you?
Yes.
It sure is a nice-looking chocolate Valentine’s heart.
Yes.
It has a perfect chocolate Valentine’s heart shape.
Yes, it does.
Bear?
Yes?
Is the chocolate Valentine’s heart going to do something?
I don’t think so.
Are you certain you want to keep that chocolate Valentine’s heart for yourself?
Yes, I’m sure.
Bear?
Yes?
Today is Valentine’s Day.
Yes, it is.
A chocolate Valentine’s heart can say quite a lot.
Yes.
Well?
Well, what?
Hmmph!
Bear?
Yes?
My tummy is getting grumbly.
Yes.
I think that the chocolate Valentine’s heart would like for us to eat something.
Yes!
Gah! Bear, you ate the whole chocolate Valentine’s heart.
Yes.
Why did you eat the whole chocolate Valentine’s heart?
Because my tummy was getting grumbly.
Bear?
Yes?
I like chocolate Valentine’s hearts too, especially from you.
Yes. That is why I brought two!
Aww! I love the end – “That is why I brought two!” Such an inquisitive friend, I can totally relate. 🙂
Oh, phew. You had me worried Bear wouldn’t share!
This is a fun format, and I’m happy Bear had a sweet surprise for his friend.
I love how you keep us guessing! Sweet story.
Hahaha – Glenn certainly played it cool – What a great surprise ending:-)
I Love You Mommy!
by Lisa M. Horn
212 words
“Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day,” Gianna cheered holding her class party invitation.
“I’m busy.” Mommy barely looked up from her computer.
Taylor, Gianna’s older sister, shook her head. “What do you need, Squirt?”
“I wanted Mommy to help me.,”
Gianna said. “Decorating, making valentines and cookies.”
“We haven’t celebrated anything since Dad left.” Taylor reminded Gianna. “But I’ll help you.”
Gianna sighed, “Mommy loved holidays and decorating.”
Overhearing the girls, Mommy chimed in, “I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day. It’s a fake holiday for people to give cards and candy.”
“It’s about love.” Gianna spoke up. “It’s not about the other stuff.”
Mom left the room.
Taylor helped Gianna make Valentine cards. Then, they gathered the ingredients and made the cookies. Gianna made a big red heart and put it on the girls’ bedroom door. Taylor squeezed Gianna.
In the morning, the house still smelled of cookies. Mom looked at Gianna’s class party invitation and the heart on the door. “Gianna’s right. I love my girls.”
The classroom was decorated. Candy and cookies were spread on the tables.
All the parents were helping. Gianna kept looking at the door and hoped. Then, she heard a familiar voice.
“I love you!” It was Mommy.
Such a tough time. You captured the difficulty and the hard feelings well.
Thanks, Chel. I know a lot of kids go through it. I needed it to end happy though 😉
Leave it to a child to help an adult through a difficult period. It ‘s great that your story brought to light that children inadvertently say and do things that help us to navigate tough times.
Exactly! Thank you for understanding the point I was trying to make! Thanksfor reading!
Valenterriable
By Aundra Tomlins
(w 104)
“Don’t be a Grinch!” Sissy scrunched her nose.
“I’m not a Grinch, I love Christmas. I HATE Valentine’s day. I’m an Antitine.”
“Ugh”
“It’s sticky and sweet. It’s sappy and sugary. It’s just stupid. It’s Valenterriable!” Victor said.
Victor vowed to always hate Valentine’s Day. He hated hearts and loathed lovie-dubie things.
Sissy rolled her eyes, “Whatever.” and threw an envelope at him.
Victor picked it up. Inside it read
Hope you have a HORRIBLE day.
Valentines will soon go away
Tomorrow I’ll give you a great big hug
But for now, you can have this sticky slug.
Victor laughed. He did like slugs.
Well, at least he got what he wanted! 😀
Funny! That ending made me laugh. I like the idea of a Valentine’s Grinch.
“Tomorrow I’ll give you a great big hug
But for now, you can have this sticky slug.”
Loved the verse Sissy put in Victor’s card:-)
“Valentime” by Julie Kurtz
Word Count: 202
That’s the one! She will love that!
Rustle, rustle, plop!
Thirty more cents sweetie!
Scrounge!
There! All set! Thank you!
Oh no! Is that the real time?
I’ll never make it!
Unless. . .
Could I borrow that?
I’ll bring it back,I promise!’
Thanks dude!
Whirrrrr!
Honk! Screech!
Not in the puddle?
It’s ruined!
Unless. . .
Wipe! Maybe she won’t notice!
Woof! Hey come back here with that!
Tromp tromp!
Give me that! Grrrrr!
Nice doggie! Pat! Pat!
Chomp!
Well at least I got most of it back!
But that took more time!
Whirrr! Whirrr!
Where did all those people come from?
Not a parade? Not today?
Well I guess I could pick up some candy to add to it!
Ooof! Oh no!
Don’t stomp on that!
Pleeeease tuba guy!
Excuse me! Pardon me!
Stumble! Trip!
Whew! At least it was a short parade!
Her house is right up there!
Whirrrr!
NOOOOO! Their car is gone!
I knew I wouldn’t make it!
Sob! Sniffle! Snort!
Where did you come from?
You saw me as you drove by?
I have something for you.
Sorry it’s a little wet and chewed and stomped on!
What?
It’s perfect and just in time!
Ahh! Valentime!!!!
Better late than never! Chomp!
What an action packed Valentiny story!
THE LONELY HEART – 194 words
By Anne Bromley
The night before Valentine’s Day a single card sits on the display rack.
“Why did you make me so plain?” the card cries to her creator. “I’m just a heart.
No one wants just a heart. Besides, I’m not even red. I’m blue!
What were you thinking? All the other cards are gone. Wanna know why?
Because they have cute messages inside. Like I’M 4 U AND U R 4 ME.
Or other words that make people cry or sigh. That’s what sells. But who will pick
me?
It’s too late. It’s almost closing time. I might as well fold myself up and go
back inside the envelope.”
The lonely heart hears footsteps coming her way.
A little boy rushes to the rack, pulling his Papa’s hand.
“Looks like they sold all the Valentine’s Day cards,” Papa says.
“No, Papa. Look! There’s one left.”
Papa opens the card. “But there’s no message inside. It’s blank.”
“See what I mean,” the card says to her creator.
The boy smiles. “Perfect! I know what to say. Mama will love this card.”
“And I know what to say too,” whispers the no-longer-lonely heart.
“I’M MEANT 4 U.”
cute story. sweet ending.
sue
Thank you.
I have never felt so excited for a card! ❤️
That means your heart is in the right place. Thank you.
So much feeling in this line: “I might as well fold myself up and go back inside the envelope” 😦
Thank you for your kind attention.
TRICK OR TREAT
By Jessie D. Phillips
Word Count: 184
Frankie, the fox, whisked the melted chocolate. Then, he poured it into the heart-shared molds with different fillings including cherries, coconut, buttercream, caramel, and a surprise flavor. In no time at all, the chocolate hearts were ready to go into a heart-shaped box.
“Kim, I made this for you,” said Frankie.
“For me?” Kim said. This must be a trick, she thought.
Kim’s hands shook as she pulled the lid off the box. Her eyes fluttered to the chocolate and then back to Frankie.
“It’s chocolate. I made it myself,” he said. “There’s even a surprise…”
But before he said more, Kim shoved the box into Frankie’s arms. The trick was definitely in the chocolate. A deadly trick no doubt. Then, she dived into the nearest rabbit hole.
“But, you didn’t even try one,” sighed Frankie.
“I’ll try a chocolate,” said Rocko, the raccoon.
“Mhmm. Chocolate covered-carrots?” he asked.
“For my one true valentine,” Frankie said.
“Chocolate-covered carrots?” said Kim emerging from her hiding spot.
Frankie’s heart beat spiked in his chest. “That was the surprise flavor. Here, I made two just in case.”
Hard to trust a fox. At least this one knew the way to the rabbit’s heart. ❤️
I loved that the “surprise” flavor was carrots – Perfect flavor for that skeptical rabbit, Kim.
Foxes are full of surprises! I kinda want to try one of those chocolate covered carrots…
Sally’s Two Valentines
By Una Belle Townsend
214 wds.
Sally’s Two Valentines
Merton, the best player on the fourth grade basketball team, liked Sally. She was the sweetest and best looking of all the cheerleaders.
She was in a different classroom, so they hadn’t met, but Sally really liked Merton’s smile and his handsome looks. She wondered if he had a girlfriend. He probably had plenty of them.
It was near Valentine’s Day when Merton decided to give Sally a Valentine. Would she open it? She probably had so many boyfriends his Valentine wouldn’t count. He didn’t use his name or initials. He signed it “SA” and sneaked it into her Valentine box.
Sally liked the Valentine, but who was “SA?” Sam? Sal? Scott? Was someone playing a trick on her?
Merton decided to give her another Valentine. He wrote, “Please be my Valentine” and signed it “SA” again. Would she read it or toss it?
Sally wondered who would give her two Valentines. Did someone actually like her that much?
At the game that night, Sally winked at Merton.
Is she winking at me or another player? thought Merton. Probably the other player.
After the game, Merton got up the courage to say, “Hi, Sally. I’m “SA”—you Secret Admirer. Here’s some chocolates for you.”
She smiled. “Thank you. Let’s share them. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Now, that girl’s a keeper! Cute story.
Loved the final reveal that “SA” was “secret admirer.”:-)
Thank you, Patricia. I just had to add a little mystery to the story.