With Pounding Heart! – The 9th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest Is HERE!!!

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Valentinies rock

And so do YOU!

Whether your characters are bubbling, bouncing, or buzzing with enthusiasm, feeling the consequences of too much enthusiasm, or wishing they could drum up some enthusiasm, the time has come for . . .

The 9th 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 Valentine’s Day is all about emotion, write a Valentine story appropriate for children (children here defined as ages 12 and under) maximum 214 words in which someone feels enthusiastic!  They can be enthusiastic in a good way or a bad way. They can be enthusiastic about a person, an event, an activity, an animal, an art project, a performance. . . anything you like!, or overly enthusiastic causing negative consequences. 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 enthusiastic (can be the main character but doesn’t have to be) and is 214 words (get it? 2/14 for Valentine’s 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 Wednesday 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 this post and all of your entries will stay up for everyone to enjoy.  If you have difficulty with the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me and I’ll post it for you. If you need to send me your entry, please copy and paste your entry, including title, byline (that’s who it’s by – you 😊 – for example, by Susie Writer) and word count into the body of your email. 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:

  1. Kid-appeal/Kid-friendliness – remember, this is a story for kids!
  2. Creativity in using enthusiasm, and success in making us feel the enthusiasm! Enthusiasm must be central to the story line, not just mentioned briefly in passing in a story about something else entirely.
  3. Valentine’s Day appropriateness – this is a VALENTINE story and Valentine’s Day must be central to it!
  4. Quality of story – we will look for basic story elements and a true story arc
  5. Quality of writing – use and flow of language, correctness of mechanics, excellence of rhyme and meter if you use it, PROOFREADING!
  6. Originality – surprise us with something new and different! 😊
  7. 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: aren’t we lucky to have such amazing prizes donated by such wonderful, generous people!

⭐️ Ask Me Anything Zoom Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Sandra Foreman Sutter, owner and “top gnome” at Gnome Road Publishing, and author of STAN’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN (Spork, September 2020) and THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL (Spork, March 2019)!!! Not only will Sandra read and critique your manuscript, you will get to talk and discuss it with her!

⭐️ Access to author/editor Alayne Kay Christian‘s webinars! Alayne is the author of BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA (Blue Whale Press, 2008), SIENNA THE COWGIRL FAIRY: COWBOY TROUBLE (Blue Whale Press 2021), THE WEED THAT WOKE CHRISTMAS (Blue Whale Press, 2020), and AN OLD MAN AND HIS PENGUIN (Blue Whale Press, 2020)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming or Non-rhyming, Fiction or Nonfiction) with written feedback AND a 30-minute Zoom Chat with children’s author Vivian Kirkfield, author of the brand new, about-to-be-released PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, The First Woman To Cycle Around The World (Calkins Creek, February 20, 2024), PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE (Holiday House, 2019), SWEET DREAMS, SARAH (Creston Books, 2019), FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN (Pomegranate, 2019), MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: THE INSPIRING FRIENDSHIP OF ELLA FITZGERALD AND MARILYN MONROE (Little Bee Books, 2020), FROM HERE TO THERE: INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WAY THE WORLD MOVES (Clarion Books, 2021), and SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING (MoneyPenny Press Ltd, 2010)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Hanh Bui, author of The Yellow Áo Dài (Feiwel & Friends, April 25, 2023) and the forthcoming Ánh’s New Word: A Story About Learning a New Language (Feiwel & Friends, May 14, 2024) PLUS a signed copy of The Yellow Áo Dài!

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming) PLUS Zoom Chat from developmental editor Lou Piccolo! Lou studied English Literature, creative writing and teaching at university in South Africa. After working as an EFL teacher in France for twenty years, she studied proofreading and editing before becoming a developmental editor of children’s and young adult’s literature for independent authors. She is a graduate of Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab – Punching Up Prose With Poetry course and Making Picture Book Magic, the in-house writer for Editions Entrefilet’s language-learning magazine ‘Go English Kids’ for children of 8-12 in France, and a traditionally published author of MG and YA fiction with Burlington Books.

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Rebecca Gomez, author of FEDERICO AND THE WOLF (Clarion Books, May 19, 2020), TWO TOUGH TRUCKS (Orchard Books, September 17, 2019), TWO TOUGH TRUCKS GET LOST! (Scholastic, Inc, September 1, 2020), HENSEL AND GRETEL: NINJA CHICKS (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, May 24, 2016), WHAT ABOUT MOOSE? (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, June 9, 2015) and the forthcoming middle grade novel in verse, MARI IN THE MARGINS (Bandersnatch Books, May 2024)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Laura Sassi, author of GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, August 4, 2015), GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, October 6, 2015), DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Union Square Kids, March 6, 2018), LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, August 7, 2018), LITTLE EWE: The Story of One Lost Sheep (Beaming Books, February 23, 2021), BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz, February 1, 2022), HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS CHILD! (Paraclete Press, October 4, 2022), and the MY TENDER HEART BIBLE series (Paraclete Press)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Aixa Pérez-Prado, author/illustrator of CITY FEET (Reycraft Books, January 12, 2023), and OUR WORLD: ARGENTINA (Barefoot Books, October 3, 2023)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Beth Stillborn, writer of middle-grade fiction, occasional picture books, fiction for grownups, and poetry, and qualified editor of anything you put in front of her!

⭐️ 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)

⭐️ 20 Minute Zoom Ask Me Anything on Indie Publishing with author Kizzie Hutcheson Roberts, indie author of THE ELVES GO MARCHING (Elemental Ink, December 1, 2022), THE EGGS GO ROLLING (Learning Spark, February 16, 2023), and HARPER AND THE RAPTOR RESCUE (chapter book) (Learning Spark Educational Publishing, June 27, 2023)

⭐️ Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat and signed book from Cindy Schrauben, author of THIS COULD BE YOU (Cardinal Rule Press, April 2022) and the just announced HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART (scheduled for February 2025 from The Little Press)

⭐️ Signed copy of KING CAKE BABY (Pelican Publishing, January 23, 2015) from author Keila Dawson

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, recommending their books for school and library purchases, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊

Now! Put your heart into it and enthusiastically post your entries!

I am filled with enthusiasm to read your stories!!!

Eager Readers: Check out the comment section for all the fabulous entries! 😊

ENTRIES (all entries are linked to take you directly to the comment)

1. The Valentine Nature Show – Sharon O. Blumberg

2. Alexis’s Valentine’s Day Box – Rhonda T. Spear

3. Strawberry Valentine – Brenda Covert

4. Go For The Gold – Mikki McFeve

5. Val N. Tine’s Almost Card Catastrophe – S. Burdorf

6. Love Is In The Air – Corine Timmer

7. This Time It’s For Real – Ian Rodrigues

8. Just One Thing’s Missing – Sarah Parker

9. Waiting For It – Sarah Parker

10. Look Out, Here Comes Honey Bear – Susan Elizabeth Schipper

11. Chocolate – Peanut Butter – Wu, Yu-Cheng

12. Heart Candies From Hank – Mike Flowers

13. Valentine Magic – Kelly Kates

14. Daisy And Macy’s Best Valentine’s Day Ever! – Sarah Meade

15. ValenTOYS! – Sarah Meade

16. Glitter And Glue – Kim Collazo

17. Hurry Home! – Charmaine Langlois

18. Where Ladybugs Sleep – Jessica Russo

19. Tara And The Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off! – Ashley Sierra

20. Puppy Love – Jany Campana

21. A Valentine For Vincent – Melissa J. Miles

22. The Spruce Hollow Valentine Spectacular – Kelly Clasen

23. The Valentine Scavenger Hunt – Eleanor A. Peterson

24. Roses For Mom – Laura Wippell

25. Best Friends Forever? – Barbara Kimmel

26. Piper’s Perfect Valentine’s Surprise – Rebecca Tronrud

27. A Sunny Valentine’s Day – Paul Kurtz

28. Something Marvelous – Julie Lerczak

29. They Are Having A Ball! – Paul Kurtz

30. Beautiful, Gorgeous – And Yummy! – Donna Kurtz

31. Thump! Thump! – Donna Kurtz

32. A Perfect Match – Kathy Nimmer

33. Love, Charlie – Kathleen MacEachern

34. A Valentine’s Day Gift – Kenneth Major

35. Something’s Missing – Judy Caldwell Hughes

36. Mike’s Big Valentine – MaryLou Silva

37. Stan’s Valentine Plan – Carla Gullett

38. The Heart Remembers – Julie Lerczak

39. Blake Shakes! – Angela Jelf

40. It’s Valentine’s Day! – Lynn Katz

41. Sister Strong! – Lori Himmel

42. Not So Empty – Amanda Revell

43. Zamboni Valentine – Elizabeth Thoms Charles

44. 365 Hearts – Leslie Degnan

45. Valentines For Everyone – Sharon Korzelius

46. A Stinkin’ Good Party – Glenda Roberson

47. Happy Heart, Open Heart – Pamela Swanson

48. Something Red – Charlie Griffin

49. A Special Valentine’s Card – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez

50. R-EEL Love – Ryann Jones

51. A Big Brother, On Valentine’s Day – Kris DeCaro

52. Will You Be My Friend? – Mary Ann Featherston

53. Valentine’s Day At The North Pole – Vashti Verbowski

54. Holding Out Hope – Shuba Mohan

55. Planting Heart Seeds – Becki J. Kidd

56. Everyday Is Valentine’s Day With You – Shuba Mohan

57. A Pawsome Valentine – Priyanka Betrabet

58. Theodore T. Rex Loves Words – Kelly Adamson

59. Tapping Romeo – Sue Ko

60. Bailey’s Perfect Valentine – Katie Lee Reinert

61. Thesaurus Stegosaurus – Lauren N. Simmons

62. Seamus And The Shushing Librarian – CE King

63. A Shadow For Valentine’s Day – Page Pfister

64. The Shape Of Hearts – Melissa Rafson Friedman

65. The Guessing Game – Sharon Goldstein Jackson

66. I Need To Know What Love Is – Emma Sales

67. Val’s Thousand Hearts – Katia Jesson

68. Snow Hearts – Lynn Sandacz

69. What Not To Do To Valentines – Nina Haines

70. A Day For Heart – Ariel Eishen

71. The Dullies – Tom Wright

72. Cactus And Wren – Jessica Iwanski

73. The Best Valentine’s Day Card – Tiffany Hanson

74. For Someone Special – T. Laree Krushensky

75. Game On – Anne Lipton

76. The Biggest Heart Ever – Carly Downey

77. #1 Best Pest – Kelly Adamson

78. Creating Love On Valentine’s Day – Patricia Nozell

79. Bernard Can Do It! – Linda Staszak

80. The Best-est Valentine Ever – Andy Narwhal

81. Cupid’s Redemption – Sharon McCarthy

82. Jellyfish & Butterscotch – Michelle Lee

83. Blue Mouth Valentine – Kelly Pellico

84. Dragon’s First Love – Jessie Raspbury

85. A Little Flower Bloomed – Hanno Zhang

86. Miss Hedgehog’s Valentine Surprise! – Amy LaMae Brewer

87. Rabbit’s Valentine’s Surprise – Marta Cutler

88. A Valentine For Grumpus – Marta Cutler

89. A Date To The Valentine’s Ball – Jennifer Gautam

90. Jelly Belly Finds Love – Ellen Akemi Crosby

91. What Is Love? – Janel Caverly

92. Happy Cheese Day! – Cassy Clarcq

93. Inky’s Valentine – Poupette Smith

94. In The Shape Of A Heart – Lisa Rowe Fraustino

95. Sloth & Moth – Katherine Rea

96. For! The! Love! – Katrina Swenson

97. Elbow To Elbow – Bridget Magee

98. Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates – Jodie Houghton

99. Love Letters – Jana Locke

100. Happy V-ALIEN-tine’s Day! – Vanessa Konoval

101. Rockin’ Around Valentine’s Day – Stephanie Mena

102. A Surprise For Kiki The Koala – Brooklyn Weaver

103. A Monstrous Valentine’s Day – Russell Wolff

104. Pretty Puppy – Stefanie S.

105. Maxi’s First Valentine – Aly Kenna

106. Untitled – Shariffa Keshavjee

107. A Valentine’s Day Gift For Mi Mami – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, Ph.D.

108. Valentine Cake – Penelope McNally

109. Sweetest Day – Darla Christie

110. I Love, Love, LOVE. . . Valentine’s Day! – Anny Chen

111. Twinkie McTwinkle Toes – Katie Dubay

112. Mahjong Matchmakers – Denise Seidman

113. Beverly Bunny’s Valentine Surprise – Lori Bonati

114. A Valentine For Two – Colleen Fogarty

115. Friendship Sings – Amanda Littlefield

116. Baby With A Bow – Katie McNickle

117. Duck And Moose – Julie Hauswirth

118. Flying High On Valentine’s Day – S. J. Barratt

119. Love And Happy Valentine’s Day – Jean Martin

120. Chocolate Stinks!!! – Patricia Valencia Rivera

121. From Andrew D. – Nichole Stratton

122. Infinite Love (And Burgundy) – Sarah Hetu

123. The Lost Valentine – Susan R. Waide

124. Sweet Hearts – Barb Edwards

125. My Cat-Tastic Valentine – Bru Benson

126. The Valentine’s Card – Maritere R. Bellas

127. Lessons – Alice Bianchi-Clark

128. Groundhog Loves His Shadow – Jill Lambert

129. The Perfect Pair! – Lauri C. Meyers

130. Joshua’s Valentine – Marty Findley

131. Sharing Hearts – Marty Findley

132. Harriet Sasquatch Gets Invited – Helen Lysicatos

133. Love Letters – Alison Marcotte

134. The Valentine Pine – Laur Seely-Pollack

135. Finn And Bug – So In Love! – Katie Schwartz

136. Valentina – Adriana Gutierrez

137. Spreading The Valentine Love – Cindy Droker

138. Red’s Blue Valentine’s Day – P. J. Purtee

139. Countdown To Valentine’s Day – Maria M. Sutanto

140. Valentines Castles In The Sand – Nadia Ali

141. The Diaries Of Romeo And Juliet: A Dogdeball Debacle – Deborah Kim

142. Johnny Survived – Nina Haines

143. The Rejection Infection – Cheryl Simon

144. Fox May Eat His Card – Karen Fox

145. Sissy’s Valentine Surprise – Cathy Bendix

146. Quokka Joe’s Quandary – Sally Yorke-Viney

147. The Best Cards – Cindy Greene

148. Something Special – Darcee A. Freier

149. Amira’s First Valentine’s Day – Danna Zeiger

150. Talia’s Valentine’s Day Magic – Danna Zeiger

151. A Valentine Snow Day – Lori Dubbin

152. Love Day Wish – Daniella Kaufman

153. Snip, Snip, Snip – Emmie Werner

154. Valentine Trap – Amy Martinez

155. When Peanut Butter Met Jelly – Angela Martinelli

156. In The Cards – Jan Schwaid

157. Talentines Day! – Jen Keenan

158. A Home For Valentine’s Day – Linda Staszak

159. The Heart Collector – Lucie Nouraud

160. The Rescued Valentine – Jennifer Rathe

161. The Heart Of The Party – Debbie Moeller

162. Cherished Gifts – Erin Bylund

163. I Met Him At Mardi Gras – Kate Chabarek

164. Horse To Heart Talk – Gina Marina Gustafson Faena

165. The Mouse In The (Elephant) Room – J. Buchet

166. Maddie’s Valentine – Lyn Jekowsky

167. A Valentine For Malamute – Jessica D. Phillips

168. An “Ernest” Effort – EJD Thomasville

169. Impossible Love – Katie Mahood

170. Pink’s Shiny Valentine – Christina Shawn

171. Capybara And Bird – Eric Herrington

172. Lovesick – Maria Piñero Pope

173. CII PTD (Cupid) – Claudine Pullen

174. I Lava You – Elizabeth Muster

175. Every Day Should Be Valentine’s Day – Tracy T. Agnelli

176. Birthdays Are Better – Tracy T. Agnelli

177. Bertie Saves Valentine’s Day – Liz Frank Godfrey

178. Short Stack – Jess Freeman

179. A Valentiny Fluffle – Luara Martinez

180. Mel And Nell Didn’t Gel Well – Suhasini Gupta

181. Quokka And Koala – Nicole Garnett

182. Cupid’s Arrow – Angela Steffen

183. Zoey’s Beehive Valentines Show – Hannah Roy LaGrone

184. I HATE Valentine’s Day! – Janet Scratchley

185. Jack And Jill – Pat Finnegan

186. Valentine’s Eve – Nicole Terry

187. No One Is Butter Than You – R. C. Chizhov

188. I Bought You A Roach – Mary Miller

189. The Worst Valentine’s Cookies For The Best Friends – Lmariekey

190. The Biggest Valentine – Judy Sobanski

191. My Transylvanian Valentine’s – Griffin Schultz

192. The Perfect Match – Sarah Elynn

193. Wings Of Love – Nancy D. Riley

194. Cheesed To Meet You – Lynsey Folkman

195. February 14, 2065 – Gina Marina Gustafson Faena

196. Creating A Valentine’s Card Out Of Love And Compassion – Kimberly Zhuo

1,407 thoughts on “With Pounding Heart! – The 9th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest Is HERE!!!”

  1. 4solivia says:
    Reply

    Here is my children’s story for The Valentiny Writing Contest! by Sharon O. Blumberg

    THE VALENTINE NATURE SHOW

    “I’ve put stuff I LOVE in my backpack for my Valentine’s Nature Show! Camryn told Mom, waiting for her bus.
    “Pipe cleaners to go twisty, glitter glue to sparkle, and animal stickers to prowl. She tossed it up.
    “Red markers!” Tossing her backpack higher.
    “Pink flowers,” tossing her backpack the highest yet! Then ZING PING SWISH! A strong wind lifted the bag up Up UP.
    . . .onto the roof!
    Camryn wept.
    Mom said. “Let’s think!”
    “Blow down!” Camryn said.
    There wasn’t time to grab more things.
    Camryn trudged onto her bus.
    Camryn’s friend, Sierra, asked, “Where’s your backpack?”
    Camryn pointed to her roof. “No Valentine Nature Show.”
    “Want some of my things?”
    “No, thanks.”
    “What’s wrong?” Ms. Plink, her teacher, asked.
    “My backpack flew to my roof with my project!”
    “Really?”
    Camryn told friend, Travis.
    “What’ll you do?”
    Camryn said, “…I LOVE… drawing on the board. I took a walk on Saturday. I watched opossums. They’re nature’s cleaners.
    These are turkey vultures. They’re nature’s cleaners.”
    These are Milkweeds. Monarch butterflies and caterpillars LOVE them.”
    Ms. Plink and the class clapped.
    Camryn gasped.
    “You started us off!” Ms. Plink said.
    “Really?”
    Camryn returned home-backpack on her bed.
    “Mom, how…?”
    “It blew down. How was your day?
    “WONDERLOVEFUL!”
    “Really?”
    “My backpack LOVED me.” Camryn twirled.

  2. katekerstetter says:
    Reply

    Alexis’s Valentine’s Day Box
    by Rhonda T. Spear
    202 words

    Alexis was excited. Mother promised this would be the day for Valentine’s stuff.

    She rushed through breakfast hardly tasting her favorite cereal. Mother smiled.

    “Don’t eat so fast. We have all day,” Mother said.

    “I can’t wait to start!” Alexis cried between bites.

    Mother found the necessary supplies for baking cookies. While the oven warmed, Alexis cut out heart shapes. The full cookie sheet was put in the oven. Delicious smells filled the kitchen as they baked.

    “How come it takes gooey dough so long to bake? When can I have some?” Alexis asked.

    “Soon, Dear.” Mother answered.

    The timer buzzed.

    “Finally!” Alexis gleefully exclaimed. She gobbled some of the warm cookies.

    Next, they made Alexis’s Valentine box. She would have the prettiest one in class.

    “A special person should get your most special valentine. You are showing love and friendship to the person you give it to,” Mother said.

    Valentine’s Day came. Alexis was pleased with the cookies and her pretty box. Mother had worked hard to make sure she had everything she needed.

    Alexis remembered Mother saying special valentines are for special people. Before school, she made a valentine, wrote Mother’s name, and left it on the table for her.

  3. Brenda Covert says:
    Reply

    Strawberry Valentine (214 words)

    Vann bounces in his seat as Miss Mills explains today’s art project.
    “Now, go get the supplies you need,” she tells the class.
    Vann dashes to the supply table. He grabs paper, scissors, and markers and runs back to his desk. He cuts a shape from the paper and uses a marker to pen a poem on it.
    RED is for your skin, bright red and shiny.
    BLUE is for your legs and funny blue hiney.
    BLACK is for your eyes and spots on your back.
    I love all your colors, there’s nothing you lack!
    BROWN is for the ants that you like to swallow.
    GREEN is for the leaves on your log that’s hollow.
    I can’t think of a better Valentine.
    This one is for you! I’m lucky you are mine!
    As Vann holds up his white valentine, Emma leans toward him.
    “Is that for me?”
    Vann draws back in horror. “What? No! This is for my frog, the cutest frog there is!”
    Emma scrunches up her nose. “EWWW! You’re really odd, Vann. I didn’t want a valentine from you anyway.”
    Vann shrugs. “You wish you were as cute as a frog,” he mutters in his classmate’s direction. He draws a picture of Otis, his strawberry dart frog, and adds, “I 🖤 Otis.”

  4. Mikki McFeve says:
    Reply

    Go for the Gold
    (214 words)

    Three things about Henry:
    Henry loves cheese curds.
    Henry takes everything to the extreme!
    Henry is obsessed with GOLD. He wants to mine for gold and get so many nuggets he can swim in them.

    When everyone reaches for red paper to make valentines, Henry reaches for golden yellow. Lots of it.

    Henry picks his valentine’s name out of a hat: Avery.

    Three things Henry knows about Avery:
    Avery is kind.
    Avery named her dog Noodle.
    Avery wears a macaroni necklace everyday.

    Henry’s eyes light up. Avery’s valentine will be a real treasure!

    Everyone cuts pink paper hearts.
    Henry cuts yellow triangles.

    Everyone staples hearts to hearts.
    Henry stacks cheese curd upon cheese curd.

    Everyone snacks on sweets.
    Henry pours out packets of orange powder.

    On Valentine’s Day, everyone wears rosy hues.
    Henry wears a…. cheesehead.

    In a sea of reds, Avery’s desk is a golden masterpiece. The class stares.

    Three things make their jaws drop:
    A chain of paper cheese.
    A cheese curd castle with a powdered cheese moat.
    A macaroni necklace with writing: “You are the mac to my cheese.”

    Avery smiles. Henry beams.

    Avery gives Henry a Valentine. It’s a red heart stuffed with paper gold nuggets.

    “Henry, you show us what it’s like to go for the gold. Stay golden.”

  5. sburdorf says:
    Reply

    VAL N. TINE’S ALMOST CARD CATASTROPHE
    (191 Words)

    Val N. Tine looked at the floor
    where discarded paper was crumpled
    or ripped or had big X’s on them.
    She sighed.
    She cried.
    She groaned.
    She moaned.
    She would never get it right.
    Her letters were too small.
    Her hearts were too round.
    Her cards would never be perfect.
    Her mom came into the room with a tray of cookies.
    “How’s the card making going?” she asked.
    Val N. Tine shook her head. “I can’t make the hearts right.”
    Her mom smiled. “Just put all the love you have into it. They’ll love it because you made it.”
    Val N. Tine thought about what her mother said.
    Then she smiled.
    She grabbed a piece of paper and began to draw.
    “This is how much I love you, grandma.”
    And she drew a perfect heart.
    She took another piece of paper.
    “This is how much I love you, grandpa.”
    And she drew another perfect heart.
    Before long she had cards for her mom, and dad, and baby brother, and her best friends.
    And every heart was as perfect as her love for them.

  6. Corine Timmer says:
    Reply

    Corine Timmer
    Love Is in the Air
    199 words

    Love Is in the Air

    A warm breeze
    embraced the hawthorn hedge.
    
Earlier than in previous years,
    but that didn’t bother Ms. Blackbird.

    She chattered with delight, “Squee chuk chuk.”

    
From the thicket,
    she studied the meadow:

    Twigs.

    Grasses.

    Seed heads.

    Fur and hair.

    
At once she began to collect
    the nesting materials.
    Back and forth.

    Up and down.

    For many days . . .

    
Then she wove the materials
    into a large cup,
    close to the ground
    but well hidden.

    Lastly, she lined it with mud,
    for strength.

    
Perched on the branch
    of a nearby tree,
    was a male blackbird
    with a bright orange beak.

    
He had been there all along.
    But he appeared different than before.

    Was his beak shinier?
    
Or was his tone mellower?

    
He was singing about rolled oats,
    sunflower hearts, and love!

    About berries and abundance.

    All the while, his yellow eye rings
    reflected the sunlight.

    Ms. Blackbird’s heart skipped a beat.

    Her wings quivered. This was HER mate!

    
Together they inspected the nest . . .

    
”Do you know what day it is today?” he tweeted.
    
”An enchanting day,” she chirped.

    “It’s Valentine’s Day!” he squeaked,

    as he strutted around her, head-bowing.

    “Will you be mine!?” he whistled, “Phuweetrrrrr phit phit!”

  7. ianoftheclanrodrigues says:
    Reply

    This Time It’s For Real
    (60 words)

    A Valentine’s poem
    To tell you that I’ve
    Met someone special –
    The queen of my hive,
    The flame to my candle,
    The warp to my drive,
    I wither without her
    But with her I’ll thrive,
    I’m negative one and
    She’s five outta five,
    One hundred percent of
    The reason I strive
    To do something grand,
    So she knows I’m alive.

    By Ian Rodrigues

  8. Sarah Parker says:
    Reply

    Just One Thing’s Missing
    (213)

    Little Timmy didn’t want to go fishing
    because he knew it meant sitting, and waiting.
    —-
    Shy Sally didn’t want to go either
    because she’d been told no lallygagging!
    She’d only been daydreaming, not up to any scheming.

    She didn’t understand the saying, but knew she’d rather be staying behind
    working on her Valentines.
    He couldn’t help swaying to music that always accompanied him.
    Both were squirming, like the worms on their hooks.
    —–
    So, to begin, Timmy and Sally were quite chagrined—
    but they lifted up their chins, and went with their class.

    Today they were trying to catch bass…
    —–
    Little Timmy knew about bass in music.

    Shy Sally knew about the value of movement and arrangement too…
    —–
    Their appreciation grew as they learned the steps:

    “Reel the line in, step and look back, fling it forward, and reel it back!”
    A teacher directed.
    —
    While other classmates hesitated,
    Little Timmy chanted the song.
    Shy Sally acted along.
    —–
    Soon the whole class was following
    bogeying down like a throng…

    “The way you weave, I could believe
    you’re a school of fish,” remarked the headmistress.
    —-
    From then on fishing trips were not to be missed, for then Little Timmy and Shy Sally were not part of the chorus, but commanders of the circus! Loved by all.

  9. Sarah Parker says:
    Reply

    Waiting for It
    (214)

    They say love is in the air,
    but I don’t care.
    . . .

    Mom says it’s only a snare.
    Dad takes this day to retreat to his lair.

    He calls it a man cave.
    She goes on a rampage.
    . . .

    Bitter about chocolate.
    Worried about recovering alcoholics.

    So it seems to me,
    this is not a holiday of glee,
    but a celebration from which many flee.
    . . .

    Too many people aren’t seen–

    or overtaken by envy, which apparently turns them green?

    . . .
    The one thing I glean
    from their weekly candlelight dinner when they think they are unseen

    is how my parents come together
    glad to remember why they stay tethered–

    . . .

    He calls her his ball and chain
    and she says much the same
    calling him the king of game.

    I think I get why my older brother calls the whole thing lame. . .
    . . .

    I wish people didn’t have to entertain.
    All that chasing sure to make one refrain!

    I don’t see what is gained
    if feeling alone remains.
    . . .

    I am sure everyone in my class
    gets a valentine–and they are not produced in mass.

    Each one is made with class,
    and maybe a little sass.

    . . .
    For balance is best;
    to give and receive.

    I’m eager to see
    what others will leave me…

    . . .
    I open my desk,
    and gasp–

    • Brenda Covert says:
      Reply

      There’s so much emotion in your story about the darker side of Valentine’s Day. And now I’m anxious! Was anything good in the desk? I hope it was a sweet surprise! (I can’t think of anything that rhymes with desk, in case that was a clue …)

      • Sarah Parker says:

        I wanted to have stories for those of different demographics, different experiences … I leave it open to reader interpretation and conversation… though ideally the illustrations would be part of the story at this juncture 🙂
        Might also have to go with slant rhyme if another line were to be added, but alas word count lol

  10. seschipper says:
    Reply

    Look Out, Here Comes Honey Bear
    By Susan Elizabeth Schipper
    WC 203

    From the minute Kinkajous zipped out of bed each morning until it was lights out each evening, he was eager to seek grand adventures. Kinkajous, or Honey Bear, the name his family and friends fondly called him, was passionate about everything!

    “Slow down, Honey Bear,” Mama called to her enthusiastic little one each day!
    Honey Bear chuckled, “Can’t today, Mama! Yippee, hooray, it’s Valentine’s Day!”
    Out the door he rushed. “I made the most beautiful Valentine’s card ever!” “Now, to find my Valentine!”

    “Hmm, I know the perfect choice, my friend Mouse!” Excitedly, Honey Bear approached mouse’s house. MOUSE DOES NOT LIKE VALENTINE’S DAY! He squealed at Honey Bear, “Go away! Valentines are too mushy!”
    Honey Bear eagerly moved on.

    “Racoon will love to be my Valentine!” As he happily scurried up the path to Racoon’s house, he saw a sign! THIS IS A NO VALENTINES ZONE!

    “Okay, maybe Foxy will be my Valentine.” He knocked on the door once, twice, three times. No answer.

    Honey Bear wandered back towards home, Valentine in hand.
    As he reached the door, it suddenly opened! “Happy Valentine’s Day,” Mama exclaimed! Honey Bear enthusiastically replied, “Mama, YOU are the best Valentine ever! Look out, here comes Honey Bear!”

    Back Matter
    Kinkajous have a powerful sweet tooth and frequently raid bees’ nests to get honey. This is the source of the nickname “honey bear” for these adorable little mammals. Kinkajous travel in small family groups and frequently fill the forests with their loud squeaks and barks. You can see these happy animals at the San Diego Zoo and the Phoenix Zoo.

  11. Bruce Wu says:
    Reply

    Wu, Yu-Cheng
    Chocolate – Peanut Butter
    214 words

    I sneeze under the air conditioner, and I might freeze.

    “Can I borrow your eraser?” you ask.
    Quietly, you pass me a tissue paper.

    Face red, I finish my test with the date February 10th.
    Mrs. Su grants me an early break.
    Fifteen minutes until the next class.

    “Do not go to the parade,” she reminds us.
    “Many people there and it’s not safe.”
    I hesitate.
    But my legs lead the way.

    Red lanterns. Dog cages. And sweat.
    At the old town street my fears come to an end .

    Boiled peanuts. Sesame oil. And damp socks.
    I swallow the urge to retch at the front.

    The crowd waits, and I look up at the sky.
    To see which deity will come down tonight.
    Mom says they hide on the moon, under the moonlight, and on the temple high.

    There, the parade.
    Showers of candies fall like rain.
    I reach out my small hands to grab my chance.
    But nothing I catch.
    The parade passes and I stand alone there.

    My watch beeps. I know I’m late.
    Cannot care less.
    I follow my shadow back.
    I bump into someone. He has a white beard so long it touches my hands.

    “Thanks,” you smile at the chocolate cake in your hands.
    My face turns red again.

  12. Mike Flowers says:
    Reply

    Heart Candies From Hank
    By Mike Flowers
    132 words

    It’s Valentine’s Day! I’ve been waiting all year!
    Class gift exchange time and I’ve got your cards here!

    They all say, “From Hank” with your names in the blanks.
    Take heart candies too, there’s no need to say thanks!

    The hearts say, “You’re Special,” “You’re Cool,” or “Be Mine.”
    It’s Valentine’s Day! Take a few more, it’s fine!

    Aren’t they delicious? Hey Brooke, why that look?
    Hey Mark, are you hiding your hearts in that book?

    What’s wrong with you, Jake? Do you have a toothache?
    Whoops! Grace dropped her hearts in the trash by mistake.

    Dawn, watch that window! Oops, more hearts are gone.
    Why are you holding your mouth like that, Shaun?

    You guys look so grumpy. What’s with this class here?
    I’ve been saving these Valentine’s hearts since last year!

  13. kelly909b5a1f02 says:
    Reply

    Valentiny Contest
    Valentine Magic
    Kelly Kates
    WC: 198
    Sophie loved Valentine’s Day. The hearts, the colors, the celebrations-everything!
    Most of all, she loved making Valentine’s cards, cutting, coloring, gluing and glittering. Lots and lots of glittering.
    The day of the class party, she carefully packed up her box of cards. She couldn’t wait to share her creations. Each card had been made especially for each friend.
    When she arrived at school, the room was buzzing with excitement. Children skipped around, stuffing Valentine boxes. Emily’s cards had tattoos inside. Bryce’s had pencils and Auggie’s had sour candies.
    “What do you have, Sophie?”
    “Um . . . just cards.”
    Suddenly, her cards did not seem so special.
    She wasn’t sure she wanted to give them out.
    Auggie snatched one from her hand.
    “Give that back!” Sophie cried.
    “I’m sorry,” he said and passed it back. Then he looked at his hand. It was covered in glitter. He rubbed his hand over his face. Now, his nose and cheeks sparkled.
    “Look, it’s magic. Your card is spreading magic,” Auggie exclaimed.
    “Let me see!”
    “How did you do that, Auggie?”
    “Make me sparkly too!”
    Quickly, Sophie handed her cards around. Glitter was soon everywhere, much to the children’s delight.
    Sophie loved Valentine’s Day!

  14. Sarah Meade says:
    Reply

    Daisy and Macy’s Best Valentine’s Day Ever!
    By Sarah Meade
    Word Count: 214

    “Happy Valentine’s Day!” Daisy squealed. “BEST DAY EVER!”
    “Morning,” Macy mumbled.

    Daisy danced while dressing.
    “YAY!” She zipped her heart hoodie.
    “My red sweater’s too small,” Macy grumbled.
    “Here!” Daisy offered a homemade heart for her sister’s shirt.
    “Thanks,” Macy muttered.

    Daisy danced during breakfast.
    “WOOHOO!” She drizzled syrup on her heart-shaped pancake.
    “Whoops!” Macy dropped hers on the floor. Then Bitsy gobbled it!
    “Here!” Daisy offered half her heart-cake.
    “Thanks,” Macy murmured.

    Daisy danced to the desk.
    “HOORAY!” She signed Grandma’s valentine.
    But . . .
    Macy’s red crayon was kaput.
    “Here!” Daisy offered her gel pen.
    “Thanks,” Macy mumbled.

    “Let’s go to GRANDMA’S!” Daisy whooped.
    They peeked outside.
    Drip-drop! Plip-plop!
    “I’ll get the umbrella,” Macy grumbled.
    “I’ll carry the CANDY! And CUPCAKES! And VALENTINES!” Daisy skipped outside.

    “YAHOOOOOOO!” She sprinted off.
    “Daisy, wait!” Macy called.
    But . . .

    Daisy tripped–
    and slipped–
    and everything flipped!

    The candy hearts?
    Crushed.
    The Cupid cupcakes?
    Mushed.
    The valentines?
    Soggy in the slush.

    Daisy’s face flushed.
    Her lip trembled.
    Her shoulders shook.

    “Here.” Macy offered her sister . . . a hug.
    Daisy sniffled, then smiled.

    At Grandma’s . . .
    They set the valentines out to dry.
    Grandma got a big bowl.
    The crushed-up candy and mushed-up cupcakes became . . .
    “Valentine’s stew!” Macy smiled.
    “YAY!” Daisy giggled.

    Daisy, Macy, and Grandma danced all afternoon.
    “BEST DAY EVER!”

    Valentiny 2024

  15. Sarah Meade says:
    Reply

    ValenTOYS!
    By Sarah Meade
    Word count: 206

    One month before Valentine’s Day . . .
    One hundred ValenTOYS crowded the shelves of the seasonal section at Mall-Mart.
    Kissy Kitties and Huggy Puppies,
    Lovebug kickballs and Cupid-copters,
    Be-Mine Bears and Darbie Dolls and more . . .
    eager for their forever homes!
    They sang,
    “We’re ValenTOYS!
    We’re ValenTOYS!
    Fun-filled gifts for girls and boys!”

    One week before Valentine’s Day . . .
    Twenty-five ValenTOYS stood on the shelves.
    Lovebug kickballs, Cupid-copters, Be-Mine Bears, and Darbie Dolls sang,
    “We’re ValenTOYS!
    We’re ValenTOYS!
    Fun-filled gifts for girls and boys!”

    One day before Valentine’s Day . . .
    Ten ValenTOYS huddled on the shelf.
    A few Be-Mine Bears and Darbie Dolls sang,
    “We’re ValenTOYS!
    We’re ValenTOYS!
    Fun-filled gifts for girls and boys!”

    On Valentine’s Day . . .
    Only two ValenTOYS remained, crowded out by Bouncy Bunnies and Clucky Chicks.
    “It’s just us,” Be-Mine Bear whispered.
    Darbie Doll bit her lip. “When will we find our forever homes?”
    “Dunno,” Be-Mine Bear said. “Should we sing?”
    Darbie Doll swallowed, then smiled. “Yes, let’s!”
    “We’re ValenTOYS!
    We’re ValenTOYS!
    Fun-filled gifts for girls and boys!”
    They sang . . .
    and sang . . .
    until . . .
    someone stopped!

    Later . . .
    “Happy Valentine’s Day, Cammie and Caleb!”
    “Thanks, Dad!”
    Be-Mine Bear beamed.
    Darbie Doll danced.
    “We’re ValenTOYS!
    We’re ValenTOYS!
    Fun-filled gifts for THIS girl and boy!”

    Two ValenTOYS found their forever home . . . together!

    https://wordpress.com/post/sarahmeadewrites.wordpress.com/3138

  16. kcollazo says:
    Reply

    Glitter and Glue
    Kim Collazo
    201 words

    Wow! Valentine’s Day was tomorrow!
    And Emersyn just couldn’t wait!
    She gathered her pencils,
    some markers and stencils,
    a card box she’d have to create!

    Her mom made a cut with some scissors
    so cards could slip right down inside.
    The next thing to do,
    was cut hearts and pour glue—
    the glitter could then be applied!

    CUT, CUT, SNIP, SNIP, SNIP went the scissors,
    big hearts of pink, purple, and red.
    As she opened the glue,
    her doggy ran through—
    now Spike wears a heart on his head!

    “Hey Mom, do we have any ribbon?”
    Out came the big box of craft tools.
    With loops and big twirls,
    forming hearts, shaping curls—
    she ended up using six spools!

    Excitement just kept growing bigger!
    Her box would surprise EVERYONE!
    She colored and painted,
    her mom almost fainted,
    POOF! Glitter had just now begun!

    In no time she twinkled with color.
    Her Valentine box sparkled too!
    The table, the cat,
    and her kitchen’s floor mat
    were coated in sticky, wet glue.

    But Emersyn cheered, “YAY, I did it!
    It’s magical just like I planned!”
    Mom said to her sweetly,
    “Come set it here neatly.”
    “I can’t Mom, it’s stuck to my hand!”

  17. Charmaine Langlois says:
    Reply

    Hurry Home!
    By Charmaine Langlois
    205 words

    Slipping into boots.
    Strapping on backpacks.
    “Do you think they’ll do it?”
    “They have to do it. It’s Valentine’s Day.”
    “Yeah, I guess.”
    “We need to hurry home, or we’ll miss it!”

    Scurrying across the schoolyard.
    Scrambling up the hill.
    “Bum-bogganing?”
    “One butt slide, then we’ll go.”
    Whoosh, whomp, bump. “Whoa!”
    “Come on! We’ve got to get home fast.”

    Splashing in slush.
    Sliding over ice.
    “I went further than you.”
    “Best two out of three.”
    “I win.”
    “Let’s go! We can’t be late!”

    Skipping down the sidewalk.
    Squatting to say, “Hello.”
    “He’s so cute. What’s his name?”
    “Our dog’s name is Dingo.”
    “My Dad named him.”
    “We have to get home before Dad!”

    Sprinting past the park.
    Skidding to a halt.
    “What are you guys playing?”
    “You’ll never catch me.”
    “Tag you’re it.”
    “OH NO! Is that Dad’s car at the corner?”

    Slamming through the door.
    Stripping off wet clothes.
    “Quick. In here.”
    “I hear Mom.”
    “Dad’s coming in.”
    “Shhh. They’ll hear us.”

    Smirking at each other.
    Stealing sneaky peeks.
    “They’re doing it!”
    “Oh, gross.”
    “The smoochiest, smooch ever!”
    “EWWWW!”

    Slinking out from hiding.
    Squirming under tickles.
    “No Dad no. Kiss Mom, not me.”
    “Yuck, Mom. You’re getting lipstick on me.”
    Wiggling and giggling.
    Happy to be home.

  18. Jessica Russo says:
    Reply

    Where Ladybugs Sleep
    By Jessica Russo
    (213 Words)

    On the eve of Valentine,
    upon the windowsill,
    Coralie found a ladybug,
    legs tucked in and still.

    Remembering that ladybugs
    awaken in the spring,
    Coralie shaped a tiny bed
    from cotton, scraps, and string.

    Plucking it from cobwebs,
    though it looked quite dead,
    clearing off the nightstand,
    she placed it in the bed.

    Eager and excited,
    determined in her mission,
    scouring for ladies,
    thrilled with each addition.

    But here is where the story
    stops being so delightful.
    For what occurred on Valentine
    was something very frightful.

    There upon the nightstand,
    where ladybugs once slept,
    a freshly polished surface,
    the floor vacuumed and swept.

    Her mom had cleaned the room
    as a Valentine surprise.
    “Where are all my ladybugs?”
    She sobbed through tearful eyes.

    She cracked open the vacuum,
    rummaged in the dust,
    sifted out the dander,
    picked through crumbs and crust.

    Somehow, though, a miracle
    must have taken form,
    when one by one the bugs emerged,
    awoken by the “storm”.

    In honor of this miracle
    they had a shell-ebration.
    A Valen-tiny party,
    complete with decoration.

    After the festivities
    came the sound of yawns.
    Nested back into their bed
    until the springtime dawns.

    Coralie’s favorite Valentine,
    was not a card to keep.
    ‘Twas the love that filled the space
    where her ladybugs still sleep.

  19. Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) says:
    Reply

    Tara and the Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off!
    by Ashley Sierra
    213 words

    Tara Pterodactyl smiled as a sliver of sunlight snuck up from the horizon.
    “Yippee! Today’s the Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off!”
    Whoosh!
    Tara dashed to Mama’s bed.
    Tara’s pink leotard sparkled and her ruby tap shoes glistened.
    Tap! Tap! Tappity-Tap!
    “Woohoo! I’m ready, Mama. Let’s go!”
    “Arr. . . Tara, Did you sleep in your costume? Today’s not . . .”
    “The Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off is here! Hooray! It’s going to be ROARsome!”
    “Tara, today’s not the . . .”
    “Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off, here I come! Yay!
    I can’t wait to see the Tyrannosaurus Rexes TANGO!
    The Spinosauri SALSA!
    The Brachiosauruses BREAK DANCE!
    The Triceratopses TANGO!
    The Stegosauruses SWING DANCE!
    The Iguanodons IRISH DANCE!”
    Tara stopped to catch her breath.
    “And . . . We, the Pterodactyls, will TAP DANCE . . . all the WAY . . . to the WINNERS CIRCLE!”
    Tap! Tap! Tappity-Tap!
    Swoosh!
    Tara flew forward.
    Crash!
    And flipped Mama out of bed!
    “Sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to. I’m just SO EXCITED!”
    “Sigh . . . Tara, today is not the Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off!”
    “Look! My calendar says February . . . Oh no! Today’s February 13th. It’s NOT Valentine’s Day!”
    Tara’s head dropped.
    Her wings drooped.
    But only for a moment.
    Tap! Tap! Tappity-Tap!
    “Dino-mite! I LOVE having another day to practice for the Valentine’s Day Dino Dance-Off! Let’s go, Mama!”
    “Uh, Tara. I’m going back to bed.”

  21. Jany Campana says:
    Reply

    PUPPY LOVE
    Word Count: 182

    Rover raced in circles.
    “Is it party time?” he joyfully asked.
    His mom, a laid-back poodle, patted his head. “Not yet.”
    Rover bounced up and down. “But the calendar says February 14th.”
    “Dear, we have lots to do before the party,” Mom said as she hung bright streamers.
    Rover hopped about. “I’ll blow up the balloons.” With multiple huffs and puffs, Rover was quickly surrounded by floating, red hearts. “Is it party time?”
    “Not yet. We need to decorate the cake,” Mom said as she dusted flour off her apron.
    Rover jumped high. “I can do it.” He quickly plopped on the pink frosting. “Is it party time?”
    “Soon,” she said as her tail pointed. “The guests are coming.”
    Rover zoomed to the window and pressed his nose against the glass. “Look, MOM! A car! It’s time! It’s time!”
    Rover clamored up the walls and the furniture, until…
    The door opened…
    And in ran…
    Dozens of puppies!
    They ripped open Valentine’s cards, gobbled up candy, and devoured cake.
    And as the last balloon popped, they all fell asleep, in one, big, dogpile.

  22. melissajmiles1 says:
    Reply

    A VALENTINE FOR VINCENT
    By Melissa J Miles
    210 Words

    Vincent usually kept to himself during school.
    And the other kids kept themselves from Vincent.
    Valentine’s Day was the worst!
    His heart drowned in dread.

    Vincent buried his nose in a book,
    pretending not to care as his classmates filed in
    with decorated shoeboxes—
    for ALL the Valentines they’d receive.
    He wasn’t expecting a single one.
    Until something amazing happened…

    Caroline held out a red heart
    with VINCENT written in marker.
    A Valentine! For him?

    Heart racing, Vincent began excitedly cutting paper into squares.
    Hands flying, he folded one into a crane.

    “Wow!” said Caroline. “Can you make a cat?”

    A tsunami of enthusiasm washed the dread from his heart.

    He folded. Then turned and folded again.
    He repeated the process, until…
    The paper square magically became a pointy cat.
    Caroline beamed. “It’s beautiful!”
    Soon, a crowd gathered with requests:
    “A swan?”
    “An owl?”
    “How about a heart?”
    “Can you make a star?”

    “Where did you learn this?” Ms. Waltz asked.
    Vincent explained that his neighbor, Mr. Nakamura,
    taught him origami after school on days his mom had to work.

    “It’s so cool!” Caroline said. “Thanks for my Valentine.”
    Vincent’s heart burst into an excitement explosion.
    It was the best school day ever.
    And it all started with one Valentine.

  23. kellyclasenwriter says:
    Reply

    The Spruce Hollow Valentine Spectacular
    By Kelly Clasen
    (214 words)

    It’s February, and the forest is aflutter
    with preparations for the one and only:

    Spruce Hollow Valentine Spectacular!

    The Oriole Symphony Orchestra’s
    first notes float on the wind,
    and Moose shivers with excitement.

    And when the world-famous
    Owl Flockettes start rehearsing,
    Moose shakes his antlers in awe.

    Such beauty! Such precision!

    Moose’s biggest dream is to
    join them as a backup dancer.

    But during the audition,
    Moose shimmies, sprinklers, and spins—
    right into the high-kicking Flockettes.

    “You’re too big, Moose!”

    Hmm. Maybe backup singing
    would be safer, Moose muses.

    He clears his throat to croon
    his most romantic tune—
    but a grunty GROAN escapes.

    “You’re too loud, Moose!”

    Moose’s antlers sag.

    Maybe the best place for him,
    he thinks, is in the audience.

    He sheds a moose-sized tear.

    Just then, Badger and Hare
    come huffing and puffing past
    with pink paint and tools.

    “You know, Moose,” Badger says,
    “behind every razzle-dazzle show
    is a super-duper crew. Join us?”

    They show Moose where to hammer
    and paint and watch as the stage
    blossoms like a rose bush.

    The Flockettes twitter in admiration.
    “Whooo created this spectacular set?”

    “We did!” Hare declares.
    “With a boost from Moose!”

    Warm fuzzies tap-dance across
    Moose’s dark chocolate coat.
    He carries his antlers like a crown.

    “YOU’RE A SUPERSTAR, MOOSE!”

  24. eleanorannpeterson says:
    Reply

    The Valentine Scavenger Hunt- WC 206 Eleanor A. Peterson

    Lena spent the days leading up to Valentine’s Day crafting clues and small surprises for Aiden. Each clue led to a special location with fond memories between them, with notes, small treats, and hints representing their friendship.

    On Valentine’s Day, Lena set up the scavenger hunt in their favorite places around the neighborhood: the park, where they first met; the library, where they read their favorite stories together; and the ice cream parlor, where they shared an ice cream cupcake.

    Lena gave him her card. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

    Aiden opened the envelope. “But, it’s a scavenger hunt?”

    “You’ll see.”

    Aiden rummaged in his backpack. “This is for you,” he said, handing her a book with hearts embedded on the cover.

    Lena’s face flushed. “Thanks! Three, two, one, GO.”

    Aiden discovered each thoughtful surprise along the way. The excitement built as Aiden realized the effort and care Lena had put into making the day special.
    Aiden read the last clue.

    Meet me at the place where we have just been once, but we wore the same sneaks.

    Aiden smiled, remembering. His heart raced as he imagined his best friend waiting there.

    Lena sat at the counter, waving Aiden over. “Want to share an ice cream cupcake?”

    “Awesome!”

    https://eleanorannpeterson.com/susanna-hills-9th-annual-valentiny-writing-contest/

  25. Laura Wippell says:
    Reply

    Roses for Mom
    By Laura Wippell
    152 words

    My sister says she has ten roses for Mom for Valentine’s Day.
    So, I’m going to find twenty!

    Because Mom deserves ALL THE ROSES!

    Here I go!

    Pull, pull, pull in the garden.
    6 red roses plucked from the ground. I AM SO STRONG!

    Snip, snip, snip in the bedroom.
    5 soft roses cut from a blouse. MOM’S FAVOURITE!

    Sketch, sketch, sketch on the table.
    4 red squiggles on paper. MY BEST WORK YET!

    Dig, dig, dig in the bathroom cabinet.
    3 pink rose soaps. Stinky, BUT MOM WILL LOVE THEM!

    Rustle, rustle, rustle in the pantry.
    2 scoops of rose tea. Tastes gross, BUT NOT TO MOM!

    Paint, paint, paint in the mirror.
    1 rose-y face for Mom! I LOOK AMAZING!

    THAT’S TWENTY-ONE ROSES FOR MOM! Even more than I was hoping for!

    “SURPRISE, MOM! Happy Valentine’s Day! Twenty-one roses, just for YOU!”

    Look at her face!

    She is so IMPRESSED!

  26. Barbara Kimmel says:
    Reply

    BEST FRIENDS FOREVER?
    By Barbara Kimmel
    Word Count: 207

    Emma couldn’t wait for Valentine’s Day! Her class had planned a day of games, crafts, and treats. But the best part? Exchanging valentines, especially with her best friend, Bea!

    Emma cut, colored, and crafted cards. Bea’s was the most special. Extra hearts! Extra lace! And LOTS of extra glitter!

    On the big day, everyone passed out valentines. “Wait until you’re home to open them!” reminded Ms. Georgia. After school, Emma hurried home, eager to read each card.

    But wait… where was Bea’s? Emma checked again… and again. Bea wouldn’t have forgotten… they were BFFs.

    Or… were they?

    Bea had been avoiding Emma all week. Just yesterday, Bea said she couldn’t play after school. Was she busy… or making excuses? Maybe Bea has a new BFF!

    “Bea Lynette Brown is NOT my friend! I’m taking my card back!” Emma’s heart raced as she marched to Bea’s house.

    KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!

    Bea appeared wearing a huge smile. “I was about to come over!” she said as she handed Emma the MOST lacy, MOST glittery, most BEAUTIFUL valentine ever. “I’ve been working on it all week! That’s why I couldn’t play.”

    Emma’s cheeks burned valentine red. “You mean… you’re still my best friend?”
    “Of course!”

    “Best Friends Forever!” they squealed, hugging tightly.

    ###

  27. Becca Tronrud says:
    Reply

    Piper’s Perfect Valentine’s Surprise
    by Rebecca Tronrud
    214 words

    “Mama, did you know caterpillars turn into goo in their chrysalises?”
    That’s how it started.
    Then, Mama brought home Valentine’s lilies, some still tight green buds. But Piper was SURE she saw something else. She used her magnifying glass to double check. She consulted her butterfly book to triple check.
    Those green things HAD to be chrysalises.
    “Mama, how long until the butterflies come out?”
    Mama looked out the window. “Probably not for a while. It’s pretty cold outside.”
    Mama clearly hadn’t seen the chrysalises in the vase. This would be the perfect Valentine’s surprise!
    Piper’s book said most butterflies emerge after about ten days, but…
    “Valentine’s Day is in two days,” she whispered. “Could you please come out by then?”
    The next day, Piper raced to check on her surprise but only found two chrysalises. Yesterday, there were four.
    “Hey! You’re supposed to wait until Valentine’s Day!”
    That night, Piper dreamed she and Mama were butterflies emerging from the last two cocoons. They had a tea party of sweet nectar. They flew on iridescent wings and sent puffs of pollen into the air.
    The next morning, there were only flowers in the vase and a dusting of pollen on the counter, but Piper knew exactly what to draw in Mama’s Valentine’s Day card.

  28. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL

    A Sunny Valentine’s Day
    by Paul Kurtz
    212 words

    Sun Bear Sunny searches the dense rain forest.

    “It’s Valentine’s Day—I’ll find the best gift ever to show Momma Bear how much I love her!”

    Sunlight dapples a tree covered with beautiful colored orchids.

    “Wow! I’ll make a really pretty bouquet.”

    He sniffs a pink blossom.

    “Mmm! This one smells really pretty too—I’ll pick it first.”

    Landing on the orchid, a red-and-yellow butterfly sips nectar.

    Sunny’s eyebrows rise. “Hmm—”

    A kaleidoscope of shimmering butterflies dance around Sunny, sipping from blossoms.

    Sunny shakes his head. “If I pick these, you’ll go hungry.”

    Two spotted fawns approach the orchids.

    Sunny waves his arms. “Shoo, shoo! Graze someplace else!”

    The fawns leave.

    Sunny searches the dense rain forest.

    “Ohhh! I have nothing for a present.”

    Bushes rustle—Momma Bear appears.

    “Sunny—my darling!”

    She cuddles him in a bear-sized hug.

    “I love you, baby bear—Happy Valentine’s Day!”

    Sunny’s head droops as he sighs. “I wanted to give you a present, but—”

    A kaleidoscope of butterflies surrounds them.

    “My word, what’s this?” Momma Bear says.

    The fluttering butterflies form words—

    I LOVE YOU MOMMA

    HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

    “Goodness—” Momma Bear’s eyes fill with tears “—what a wonderful surprise!”

    “Thank you, butterflies, thank you!” Sunny cheers. “HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY EVERYONE!”

  29. littleseedsread says:
    Reply

    Something Marvelous
    By Julie Lerczak
    208 words

    It’s Valentine’s Day.
    The telephone rings.
    She says, “See you soon!”
    Then ZOOM-Ba-da-bing.

    She bolts like lightning.
    One thing’s on her brain.
    Nothing will stop her,
    not snow, wind, or rain.

    She’s on a mission.
    She cannot delay.
    Something marvelous
    has happened today.

    With speed, she dashes.
    Her heart feels the tug.
    Look out, here she comes–
    one giant love bug!

    No distance too great,
    or road that’s too rough.
    She plows dead ahead.
    She is tough, tough, tough.

    She sails through valleys.
    She flies over hills.
    Landscapes zip by her.
    A hay wagon spills!

    She VROOMS down highways,
    through forests and towns.
    She crosses rivers
    and never slows down.

    Oh no! What is that?
    A roadblock ahead!
    She must find a way.
    She uses her head.

    She’ll use any means.
    Stubborn, by golly.
    Horseback or glider,
    airboat or trolley.

    At last, she sees it –
    that place she should be.
    She leaps with each step,
    Then shouts out, YIPPEE!

    A nurse leads her through
    a hospital door.
    She takes a deep breath,
    cause life is now, MORE…

    More magic and joy,
    more wonderous fun,
    more sacred and sweet,
    more golden than sun.

    At last, in her arms,
    from heaven above–
    a precious grandchild
    for Granny to love.

  30. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL

    They Are Having a Ball!
    by Paul Kurtz
    213 words

    Shelly Snail giggles. “My first Valentine’s Day Ball! What to wear?”

    From the closet, Shelly takes a black tuxedo.

    “Too formal.”

    Shelly grabs a violet chiffon gown.

    “No, this hem’s long—I’ll trip dancing.”

    Shelly dons a satin suit glittering with red-and-pink sequins.

    “Glitzy! Fun! Super-Valentiny! PERFECT!”

    Shelly directs the Uber driver. “To the ball!”

    In the ballroom, crystal chandeliers glow and polished wood floors gleam.

    “My, what a wonderful crowd,” Shelly says. “Bugs! Worms! All sorts of lovely crawlies!”

    Musicians mount the bandstand.

    “The first dance is starting,” Shelly says. “I need a partner!”

    Shelly approaches a blue beetle in a dark suit.

    “May I have this dance?”

    He stares at Shelly’s sparkly red-and-pink outfit. “Uh—are you a ‘he’ or a ‘she’?”

    Shelly smiles. “We snails are ‘they’s’.”

    “Er—um—”

    Shelly swirls the blue beetle into a waltz.

    He gasps—“Whoa!”

    When the music stops, Shelly sighs. “Thank you, that was charming.”

    “You’re—uh—welcome,” mumbles the beetle.

    Scanning the ballroom for another partner, Shelly’s eyes light up.

    “Look—more ‘they’s’!”

    Shelly and the banana slug clad in a yellow jumper tango across the dance floor with all the other swaying crawlies.

    Shelly giggles. “So many delightful, friendly ‘they’s’, ‘she’s’, and ‘’he’s’. This is my most awesome Valentine’s Day ever!”

  31. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA

    Beautiful, Gorgeous—and Yummy!
    by Donna Kurtz
    214 words

    Belinda and Brenda burst from their bedroom.

    “Valentine’s Day!” Belinda cheers. “Beautiful cards—”

    “—gorgeous flowers—” Brenda shouts.

    Brad charges from his bedroom—

    “—and yummy candy!”

    In the kitchen, a square on the calendar is snipped out.

    “Oh no—” they holler “—Valentine’s Day is missing!”

    Mom smiles. “Oh dear, better look for it—”

    “—and fast!” Dad grins.

    Donning winter coats, the kids run outside.

    Belinda shivers. “No Valentine’s Day in the yard—”

    Brenda quivers. “—our treehouse—”

    Brad’s teeth chatter. “—or Bristle’s doghouse.”

    They race down the street.

    Belinda pants. “No Valentine’s Day in neighbors’ yards—”

    Brenda gasps. “—our school playground—”

    Brad wheezes. “—or fire station.”

    They dash into the park.

    Belinda moans. “No Valentine’s Day at the soccer field—”

    Brenda groans. “—baseball diamond—”

    Brad wails. “—or pickleball courts!”

    Freezing, exhausted, hopeless, the kids drag themselves home. They shove open the front door, and—

    “SURPRISE—”

    The living room is decorated with strings of red hearts. All their friends, Mom, and Dad smile—

    “—HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!”

    Belinda giggles at her stack of cards. “How beautiful—”

    Brenda sighs at her bouquets of flowers. “—so gorgeous—”

    Brad stuffs his face with candy. “—YUMMMY!”

  32. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA

    Thump! Thump!
    by Donna Kurtz
    207 words

    From his window, Heartless Harry watches couples on the street stroll hand-in-hand, murmuring sweet-nothings to each other.

    “Ughh! The Valentine’s Day Dance is tonight—I despise all that music, love, and joy. It would give me horrible heartburn—if I had a heart.”

    He sees a boy and girl sharing a sweet little kiss.

    “ICCKK!”

    Harry’s eyes glow—

    “I know what I’ll do!”

    With his heartless grin, Harry creeps to the town’s ballroom, tugging his black wagon inside.

    He gathers and packs all the lovely decorations—

    —yummy food and drinks—

    —shiny musical instruments—

    —and rolls his wagon out the door.

    “Ha-ha! No dance now—everyone will feel as empty and heartless as ME!”

    That evening, sweet singing drifts through Harry’s window.

    “What?”

    Harry creeps to the ballroom. All the townsfolk wearing their Valentine’s Day best sing, smile, and spin in a beautiful waltz.

    “NOOO!”

    The townsfolk stare. “Harry, what’s wrong?”

    “I—I—” Deep in his chest Harry feels THUMP-THUMP! “—a heart? I have one?”

    His neighbor in her sparkly pink gown offers her hand. “Shall we dance, Harry?”

    Their feet glide across the floor—

    “Love is in the air—” trills the neighbor.

    “—and in my thump-thumping heart!” Harry warbles. “HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY EVERYONE!”

  33. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KATHY

    A PERFECT MATCH

    By Kathy Nimmer, 2014 Words

    “What a dismal Valentine’s Day!” Mandy sunk deeper into the chair. Eight years with Eli. Long walks, quiet evenings, traveling the world, together 24/7. Now he was gone and she was here, starting over.

    A tap at the door made her gulp and straighten. “Okay, I’m ready,” though her heart disagreed.

    The door opened. A voice said, “There she is. Go ahead.”

    Slam! Mandy’s spine crashed backward as something caromed against her. Squirming, warm, slobbery. Noisy too, with gusty panting and rear-end thwacking to rival Taylor Swift’s drummer! Enthusiastic, like ten energy drinks! Bold too… a French kiss already!

    “This is Jake,” the trainer said. “He’s just right for you, A perfect match. He’s gonna steal your heart.”

    Mandy’s hands explored Jake. Broad forehead, strong shoulders, the silkiest ears ever. And that nonstop happy tail! “Jake, are you a good boy?” Another face-drenching kiss, coaxing a smile.

    “The harness is to your left. We’ll work the first route later. For now, just hang out together.”

    “Is he beautiful, like Eli?” Mandy whispered?

    “He’s gorgeous, like himself. And so full of joy.”

    Mandy stroked the wriggling Labrador, her new guide dog, placing her nose against his. As Jake’s warm breath caressed her tear-streaked cheeks, Mandy smiled. “What do you think, Jake? Wanna be my Valentine?”

  34. kathleenalexis29 says:
    Reply

    Love, Charlie
    By Kathleen MacEachern
    WC: 214

    Hi Mom!

    Guess what! Guess what!
    This Valentine’s Day I get to hand out flowers to every teacher!
    It was the Parent Committee’s idea.
    They drew my name out of a hat!
    Don’t tell anyone, but I am also excited because I get to miss class that morning!

    I got to choose which flower to give out!
    Dad took me to the local flower store.
    Did you know there’s like a gazillion different flowers!
    There’s tulips, orchids, geraniums, and like nine hundred other types.
    They all smelled so good!
    And looked so pretty!
    It was so hard to choose, but the women there said that roses are the perfect Valentine’s Day flower.
    Each teacher will get three roses!
    I thought that would be perfect.
    Dad did too!

    I’m going to wear my red sweater!
    You know, the one with the little pink polka dots.
    I wanted to wear it last Valentine’s Day, but it was too big.
    It fits perfectly this year and everyone in the school will get to see it!
    It’s like it was meant to be!

    I chose a flower for you too, mom!
    It’s the most special type of flower!
    I can’t wait to give it to you!
    I’ll make sure I find the perfect spot for it!

    Love,

    Charlie

  35. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KEN

    Website: http://www.brianwoods.blogspot.com

    A VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT
    Word Count: 213
    By Kenneth Major

    On Valentine’s Day…

    The Bertrand sisters
    Paced, puzzled and thought,
    “We need Valentines
    For mom, not store-bought.”

    Tessa, the youngest, yelled,
    “I’ll make her a heart
    With bright red paper,
    White lace and some art!”

    Cora was up next.
    “Oh, YES…ooh, ooh, ooh!
    I’ll do a new cheer
    With cartwheels…jumps too!”

    Then Ava back-stretched,
    Flipped over and spun.
    “A gymnastic dance
    Should work and be fun!”

    Emma, the oldest
    Went up on her toes.
    “I’ll dance some ballet…
    Jete’, plie’, pose!”

    They made a large heart
    On the concrete, cracked floor,
    Below with red tape
    With a closed basement door.

    When mom came downstairs,
    With towel in hand,
    The girls called her down,
    And hatched their big plan.

    Inside the big heart,
    Were four Bertrand girls.
    “Now Valentines GO!”
    The group then did twirls.

    Tessa and Cora,
    The two youngest ones,
    Presented two hearts,
    To mom, then bumped buns.

    Cora then shouted,
    “Oh, Mom, you’re the tops.”
    Did cartwheels and spins,
    Then some fancy hops.

    Then Ava curtsied,
    Moonwalked to the right,
    D id high back handsprings,
    With spins, oh so tight.

    As Emma stepped up,
    Pirouette…plie’
    She danced allegro,
    Arabesque, saute’.

    Their mom cheered with love,
    Throughout this grand show.
    Once done, all five shared
    A Valentine’s glow.

    “Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom!”

  36. debbuschman says:
    Reply

    Entry Posted For Judy Caldwell Hughes
    210 Words

    SOMETHING’S MISSING!

    By Judy Caldwell Hughes

    Katrina Caterpillar loves her striped bodysuit. She likes the way it hugs her ripples. She likes her six feet and her antennae, too. But she thinks, I’m missing something.

    In a flash a tummy rumble signals, time-to-dine.

    So, Katrina eats but dreams, too. If I munch more, will I find what’s missing?

    Speedy as a cheetah, Kitti chomps leaf after leaf. When she feels stuffed and can’t swallow more; like a too full balloon, her outer skin splits. She molts. With a wiggle and a jiggle, out she squiggles. No changes.

    She ponders: Am I missing eyelashes?

    She gobbles stems and outgrows her skin again and again. Nothing new, not even toenails appear.

    Yet, like the famous bunny, Katrina’s energy continues. She devours plants, while visions of Valentines waltz through her brain.

    When more than 100 times her hatched size, Katrina finds a private place to molt. Unlike other molts, this time a chrysalis wraps around her. How can anything change if I’m swaddled?

    Somehow, inside the chrysalis a metamorphic, wonder-of-nature change does take place. When complete, Betrina Butterfly emerges, with antennae, feet, and WINGS! Eager for adventure, she readies for flight. In a flickery flitter she flies to a flower. Sipping sweet nectar she flutters; I love my wings!

  37. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR MARYLOU

    Mike’s Big Valentine

    “It’s Valentine’s Day! Oh no! I forgot!”
    Mike was upset, his face red and hot.

    He sat and he looked and he thought and he pondered.
    “How do I make a Valentine?” He said as he wondered.

    He went to the closet and looked all around.
    Climbed up on a chair for the shelves off the ground.

    He grabbed paper and paint and glitter and glue,
    stickers and crayons and colored tape too.

    He went to his room and he stayed there for hours,
    drawing lines and squiggles and hearts and some flowers.

    He cut and he taped and he stretched and he drew,
    snipped and he traced and sketched and he glued.

    “I’m finally finished,” he said with a sigh.
    He smiled a big smile with a glint in his eye.

    Mike came from his room about seven fifteen,
    with the biggest Valentine you ever have seen!

    But who is Mike giving his Valentine to?
    Oh Wow! He made it especially for you!

    By: MaryLou Silva

  38. Carla Gullett says:
    Reply

    STAN’S VALENTINE PLAN
    By: Carla Gullett
    WORD COUNT: 202

    Pam Flamingo flipped the calendar to February.
    Her best friend, Stan whooped. “Yay! I love Valentine’s Day.”

    “Let’s put our heads together and do something special,” proposed Pam.
    Stan put down his foot. “I’ve got this! I’ll plan the best celebration ever.”

    So Pam sat back while Stan set to work.

    He picked a bouquet of sweet-smelling flowers.
    “Pam will be tickled pink!”

    He collected seashells and made a lovely necklace.
    “This will sweep Pam off her feet!”

    Stan wrote a love letter in the sand as the finishing touch.
    “Beautiful!” He gushed.
    “Pam is sure to fall head over heels for me!”

    But on Valentine’s Eve, a storm blew in…

    The wind scattered the flowers.
    A crab walked off with the necklace.
    And rain washed away the letter.

    “Oh, no!” cried Stan. “Our special day is ruined!”

    “No, it’s not.” Pam gazed into Stan’s eyes. “I still have you.”
    Stan wrapped his wings around Pam. “And I have you.”

    When they looked out over the water, they gasped.

    A perfect heart made by the curl of their long necks reflected back at them.
    “We really do our best work together.” Stan gave Pam a peck on her beak.

    “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

  39. littleseedsread says:
    Reply

    The Heart Remembers
    By Julie Lerczak
    204 words

    Jaden’s Granny had always remembered holidays, birthdays, and important milestones.
    But Granny’s memories were fading. So now, she lived in a special place where others remembered things for her.

    Jaden and his mom liked visiting Granny for lunch.
    Granny pointed at red hearts decorating the dining hall. “Look!” she said.
    “Valentine’s Day is coming,” Jaden replied.
    To Jaden’s surprise, Granny couldn’t remember what that was.

    When it came time to leave, Jaden hugged Granny.
    “I love you, little boy,” she said.
    Jordan’s shoulders slumped.
    He later asked Mom, “Has Granny forgotten my name?”
    “Names are slipping away,” Mom explained.

    At home, Jaden had an idea. He scoured family photo albums, and excitedly searched drawers for colored paper, scissors, and paints. Then he feverishly set to work.

    On Valentine’s Day, Jaden and Mom visited Granny again.
    “I made you a collage!” Jaden said.
    Granny beamed at his handiwork and studied the photos for a long time.
    Then, she pointed at a picture of Jaden as a baby, and amazingly, began to sing!
    “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.”
    Jaden and Mom chimed in enthusiastically.

    It was the best Valentine’s Day ever.
    Jaden knew, without a doubt, that Granny’s heart still remembered all their love.

  40. Angela Jelf says:
    Reply

    Blake Shakes! (207 words) – by Angela Jelf

    Blake is making an Ice-Cream Sundae for Mum.
    It’s going to be a super-duper, special Valentine’s surprise!
    Blake is going to make the most fab-dabaroo Ice-Cream Sundae in the entire universe because Blake loves mum to the moon and back.
    Blake looks in the fruit bowl. Hmmm…what should she put in?
    First, bananas. Sweet, soft bananas! Into the glass they go.
    Next, raspberries. Plump, juicy raspberries. The perfect color for Valentines Day.
    Now it’s time for some ice-cream!
    Vanilla or chocolate? Once scoop of each, because Mum loves both.
    It’s whipped cream time.
    Squirt, squirt! Whoops! This is so much fun!
    Not finished yet. Mini Marshmallows!
    Wow! What a sweet surprise.
    Hang on a minute – this Sundae needs strawberry sauce!
    Easy-Squeezy!
    And now for the best bit. Sprinkle time!
    Blake picks up a tub of pink and red sprinkles.
    Blake shakes!
    Mum deserves LOTS of sprinkles!

    Oops. Blake shakes so hard, that the lid comes off!
    Mum gets all the sprinkles!
    The whole entire tub!
    Now the Sundae looks a little bit too – ‘sprinkly’.
    Perhaps a few strawberries on the top will disguise it!
    There. Wow!
    What a fantastic, super-duper, magnificent, surprising, extra-special, sprinkly, ice-cream Sundae, Blake!
    Blake loves mum to the moon and back.

  41. katzlynn says:
    Reply

    It’s Valentine’s Day!

    By Lynn Katz
    WC-210

    I’ve waited, and waited,
    for a whole year!
    And finally…Yippee!
    It’s Valentine’s Day!

    What did you say? Make my what?

    But it’s Valentine’s Day!
    It’s not Go-Make-Your-Bed Day.
    Today is a day for jumping on the bed!

    It’s Valentine’s Day!
    Not Brush-Your-Teeth Day.
    Today is a day for heart-shaped cookies with pink frosting!

    It’s Valentine’s Day!
    It’s not Hurry-Up-Get-Ready-For-School-Day.
    Today is a day for cartwheels in the living room!

    It’s Valentine’s Day!
    It’s not Scrambled-Eggs-and-Toast-Day.
    Today is a day we eat chocolate candy for breakfast!

    What do you mean, it’s a day for cooperation?
    Valentine’s Day is for love and roses, not cooperation!
    Look at the calendar: February 14th.

    Do you see the words Cooperation Day on the calendar? No?
    Because those words are not on the calendar.
    It’s Valentine’s Day! I’ll spell it for you:

    V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E-‘S
    D-A-Y

    Got it?

    Today is a day for hugs and secret love messages.

    BE MINE!
    I LOVE YOU!
    PURR-FECT!

    Now, where’s my secret love message?

    Oh. What’s this? A Valentine’s Day poem for me?
    Ahh! You shouldn’t have, but I’m glad you did.
    Now this is what I’m talking about.

    Roses are red.
    Violets are blue.
    Cooperate now,
    or no candy for you.

    What???? Hmm. Fine. Got it. Please pass the scrambled eggs.

  42. Lori Himmel says:
    Reply

    SISTER STRONG!
    by Lori Himmel
    213 words

    On a gray day in January, Ruby’s big sister Juliet packed her bags for college.

    “Don’t go!” cried Ruby.
    Juliet, gave Ruby a hug.

    “What about our Valentine’s Day poems?” asked Ruby.
    It just wouldn’t be the same as slipping a poem under Juliet’s door, like she did every year.
    “Let’s still write each other poems, but this year, we’ll mail them,” said Juliet.

    After Juliet drove away, Ruby sat down to write.

    Her pencil froze.
    Her crayon wouldn’t budge.
    Her tears blurred the page.

    January dragged on, sunless and gray.

    Ruby thought and thought.
    Still nothing.

    Finally in February, the fog lifted.
    Only five more days until Valentine’s Day.

    Ruby concentrated and wrote:

    Valentine’s Day won’t be the same
    Please come home and play

    “Horrible!”

    She paced in the kitchen.

    Cards and flowers
    Chocolate hearts
    You’re too far away!

    “It doesn’t even rhyme!”

    Ruby studied the picture of her and Juliet singing karaoke.

    Then,

    I love you, sister!
    You’re like a song,
    Please come home
    We’re sister strong!

    “YES!”

    Ruby sealed the envelope and dropped it in the mail.

    On Valentine’s Day, Ruby checked the mail, fingers crossed.
    There it was!

    She ran inside and opened the pink envelope.

    Miles don’t matter
    I love you more
    Hurry up…
    Open the door!

    “JULIET!”

    2024 Susanna Hill’s Valentiny Contest

  43. Amanda Leigh Revell says:
    Reply

    Not So Empty
    By: Amanda Revell
    WC- 196

    Scruffy Dog woke up early. Hop, plop. Hop, plop.
    Valentine’s day was here! The people at the shelter said this was a day to find love. She was so happy that her tail thump thumped every time she thought about her very own family to love.

    She sat and wiggled with excitement as the first person arrived. A smiling boy pressed his face against the glass. But when Scruffy Dog stood to greet him, the boy’s smile disappeared. He stared at her missing leg for a moment, then off he ran.

    Dozens of families walked through the shelter but all of them left after they saw the empty space on Scruffy Dog. She sighed and laid down, facing away as the rest of the people passed.

    Today was no different, she thought.

    Then, click, clack. Click, clack.

    Scruffy dog looked up at the noise. A scruffy man stood at the glass. He had sticks under his arms and Scruffy Dog stared at his missing leg.

    Hop, plop. Hop, plop. She moved to get a closer look and the man smiled.

    Thump thump went her tail. She wiggled with joy.

    This was a day to find love.

  44. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR ELIZABETH

    Zamboni Valentine
    by Elizabeth Thoms Charles
    word count 214

    Rumble. An avalanche rushed down the slope and over the pond. Zamboni scraped the ice into a giant heart for the annual Valentine’s Day hockey match.

    Muskrat, bear, squirrel, bobcat and pika wandered out of the forest bundled in sweaters and pulled on skates. Pika slammed a hockey stick festooned with red and pink hearts against the puck.

    Bruised Rabbit tossed candy hearts to Zamboni and all. They formed three-man teams. Bobcat pushed out a net with metallic red hearts. Bear struck the puck straight into the net like Cupid’s arrow.

    Squirrel scored; Valentines sparkled in his tail. Muskrat in a wind-blown red scarf zipped across the ice. Rabbit blocked.

    Slam. Slide. Score. Splat. Flat. Score. The game was tied.

    Rabbit shivered. “Where’s your sweater?” Muskrat asked. Buzz. The game ended.

    “The avalanche destroyed my burrow,” said Rabbit.

    Pika offered her den and Bobcat offered her cave.

    Too small and no, thought Rabbit. “No. Thank you.”

    Squirrel offered his nest, Muskrat her home and Bear his lair.

    Rabbit thought, too tall, too wet and no. “No. Thank you.”

    “You could stay in my shed while rebuilding your burrow,” Zamboni suggested.

    Rabbit thought, just right. “Yes. Thank you,” Rabbit said.

    They all enjoyed a Valentine shaped carrot cake with pink sprinkled frosting.

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

  45. Leslie Degnan says:
    Reply

    365 HEARTS
    by Leslie Degnan
    WC: 128

    I made 365 hearts,
    For every day of the year.
    It took quite a while,
    For me to compile,
    Enough to fill the atmosphere.

    I made 365 hearts,
    Red paper in all its hue.
    Some big and some small
    Crunched, crooked, torn, tall,
    And all of my hearts are for you!

    I made 365 hearts,
    I know you’ll love every last one.
    I snipped through the night,
    By my trusty flashlight,
    ‘Til I noticed the rising sun.

    I made 365 hearts.
    Today I can bring them to school.
    The kids will all cheer,
    They won’t snicker or sneer,
    Instead, they’ll think I’m really cool.

    I made 365 hearts,
    My teacher sure will be delighted.
    Unless she’s upset,
    There’s a red paper debt,
    If the order is not expedited!

  46. Sharon Korzelius says:
    Reply

    Valentines For Everyone
    213 words
    by Sharon Korzelius

    “Grandma! Come see the Valentines I made!” Beatrice exclaimed.

    “They’re beautiful, Beatrice! And so unique,” Grandma said. “But what about these over here?”

    “We have to give a Valentine to everyone in our class, even people who are mean. Like Jackie Boone and Michael Dugan.” Beatrice frowned remembering how they made fun of her for wearing braces. “Those ugly ones are for them.”

    Grandma read the message on the card out loud, “‘Roses are red, the sky is blue, too bad no one likes you.’ Beatrice, how do you think your classmates will feel when they read this?”

    “They didn’t care about my feelings when they called me Brace Face.”

    “That’s exactly why you mustn’t do the same. If you make them feel bad, then you’ve put more bad feelings in the world. This might even make them think it’s okay to be mean.”

    Beatrice begrudgingly began designing new Valentines on her tablet. The further along she got, the bubblier she felt.

    “It does feel better being nice,” she said. “Who else can I share these good feelings with?”

    “There’re lots of sad and lonely people at the senior center where I volunteer,” Grandma said.

    “I’ll print loads of my Valentines to cheer them up!” Beatrice beamed. “Can I help you deliver them?”

  47. Glenda Roberson says:
    Reply

    A Stinkin’ Good Party (214 words)
    by Glenda Roberson

    With a balloon tied to her tail, Skunk skipped through the forest on a mission.
    “Stinkerbelle’s on the move, y’all!” warned Rabbit.
    Skunk was met with side-eyes and nose-pinching, but everyone accepted her slightly smelly invitation anyway.

    HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
    I solemnly swear I won’t spray,
    if you come to my party today.
    6:00 p.m. in the meadow—be there or be a stinker!

    “Not sure I can handle her . . . aroma,” Squirrel confessed.
    “Yeah,” said Porcupine. “But I love a party!”
    “I’m kinda stinky, too.” Wolverine chuckled. “Let’s all go!”
    As guests arrived, Belle tied heart-shaped balloons to their tails. “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
    She also gave everyone a paper mask. “Just in case.” She giggled.
    “Fun party,” said Fox, sipping his punch.
    “Sure is!” said Rabbit.
    POP!
    EEEEEK! . . . PSHHHHH!
    “Dang quills!” said Porcupine.
    “Whoopsie . . . EVERYONE MASK UP!” Skunk hung her head, then ran away from the party.
    “Come back,” yelled Wolverine. “The mask works great!”
    “And your Valentine’s Day joy is way stronger than your stink,” said Woodchuck, munching a cupcake.
    “To the best stinkin’ party . . . ever,” said Squirrel with raised glass. “All hail to her Skunkness, Queen of Valentine’s Day!
    Everyone cheered.
    With a bit-o-stench trailing behind, Skunk partied all night with her friends, tying balloons to tails as new guests arrived.

  48. Pamela Swanson says:
    Reply

    Happy Heart, Open Heart
    WC 205
    By Pamela Swanson

    Joy woke up with a smile. Saturday, February 13, was the day she and Happy were making valentines. Happy, a dog, technically couldn’t make valentines, but he would sit beside her as she made valentines for the small animal shelter.
    Joy bounced out of bed, Happy at her side, dashing to the kitchen. Mom was fixing breakfast.
    “Do you have the supplies and treats?” Joy asked excitedly.
    “Whoa, hold on a minute. First, it’s breakfast, and then we will discuss your project.”
    Mom served pancakes, shaped exactly like a dog! Joy gulped them down.
    “You may have to change your decoration idea,” Mom stated. “Happy enjoyed himself to the treats.”
    Joy turned toward Happy with a sigh. How was she going to make valentines without treats? Looking at the pancake cookie cutter, she had an idea. Grabbing peanut butter, oats, and flour, she was going to make the treats.
    When finished, she looked at the beautiful homemade valentines with her baked treats attached—Red for the boys and pink for the girls.
    Mom stood behind Joy, hugging her. “The kennels are going to look so lovely. And maybe some adoptions will take place.”
    Joy smiled enthusiastically, excited about tomorrow so she could deliver her valentines.

  49. nycbgriffin says:
    Reply

    Something Red
    213 Words
    by Charlie Griffin

    There are flowers and chocolates, but that’s not enough
    to convey to my teacher, she’s got the right stuff!
    She’s loving and pretty and patient and smart,
    But for Valentine’s Day? I don’t know where to start…

    for a gift that will show how I feel about her.
    I can’t afford perfume or clothes or real fur!
    Not diamonds, not rubies, not fancy white gold —
    I don’t have the money! I’m just eight years old!

    Forget about necklaces, bracelets, or earrings,
    I need something priceless that she’ll find endearing
    And special, so special, she’ll love it forever,
    but I’m at a loss! I don’t know what to get her!

    Whatever I think of, there’s nothing on sale,
    I need inspiration as great as a whale,
    Stop all the presses and stop all the clocks!
    It’s time to start thinking outside of the box!

    Over mountains and rivers, through forests and caves,
    I search, and I find it! Now, time to be brave.
    I’ve got to be careful. Don’t want to get hurt!
    Get back in one piece! Still wearing my shirt!

    I know this is singular, perfect, and rare,
    My genius idea! My gusto! My flair!
    I tug, and I haul, in my shiny red wagon
    My Valentine’s gift: a baby red dragon.

  50. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR ISABEL

    A Special Valentine’s Card
    by: Isabel Cruz Rodriguez – WC 214

    “Valentine’s Day!”
    Bella leaps out of bed and runs into her little brother’s room.
    “Body! Time to make our super-awesome Valentine’s card for Mom and Dad before they wake up!”
    They tiptoe to the Playroom.
    “We need scissors, glue, markers, and glitter…..lots of glitter!”
    “Let’s start with washable markers.”
    “Body like macuhs” he claps excited.
    “Body, can you draw a heart?”
    “Body draw heart” clapping again.
    “Here’s some cardboard.”
    Body scribbles.
    “Body! That looks like a giant worm.”
    “OK. No time to change it. Here’s red color paper for a heart”.
    “Body, can you cut?’
    “Body no use seesso”
    “OK. I’ll cut. Can you glue?”
    “Yes! Body like gloo”
    “Good. Glue this heart to the cardboard. I’ll get the glitter.”
    “Oh. Oh” Body fumbles trying to unstick his fingers.
    “Body! How did the heart end up on your face?”
    Body shrugs his shoulders.
    “I have an idea!”
    Bella and Body knock on Mom and Dad’s door.
    “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
    They’re wearing red worms and hearts glued to their faces.
    Markers and glitter complete the decoration.
    “WE are your Special Valentine’s Card!”
    Later…….
    “That was FUN, wasn’t it, Body?”
    “Yes. Fun- Fun.”
    “You think we surprised Mom and Dad?”
    “Yes. Surprise!”
    “The long bubble bath does the trick.
    “Happy Valentine’s Day, Body.”
    “Wuv you, Bella.”

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