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:
- Kid-appeal/Kid-friendliness – remember, this is a story for kids!
- 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.
- 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: 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
Susanna Leonard Hill 
R-EEL LOVE
By Ryann Jones
(171 words)
Ella and Ed
are eels with a dream,
to shock their dear mom
with a Valentine’s scheme.
They shake with excitement
and can’t wait to see
how pleased and EEL-ated
their mama will be.
They admire a note
that they wrote in their cave.
But soon it’s erased
by the swirl of a wave.
A lily pad leaf,
that is shaped like a heart,
becomes the eels’ canvas
for Valentine art.
They giggle with glee
and commence jubilations.
But Turtle appears
and consumes their creations!
With hopefulness fading,
the eels swim away,
determined to catch
and cook one fish filet.
Together they charge up
and zap it with zeal.
The fish turns to ashes,
and gone is their meal.
Supposing the whole day
has been a disgrace,
the eels offer comfort–
a heart-shaped embrace.
When Mama emerges,
she rEELs at the sight!
Her four hearts are touched
and she twirls with delight.
What could be better
than love in their cave?
Now, that’s the best present
that Ed and El gave.
Title: A Big Brother, On Valentine’s Day
by: Kris DeCaro
(inspired by William Carlos Williams “This is Just to Say”)
words: 126
“It’s WORTH the wait!”
You said.
“It’s the BEST I’ve ever had!”
You added.
“I can’t WAIT til the morning!”
You bellowed.
I could feel your excitement –
Buzzing
Like a rush of sugar.
Vibrating with pure anticipatory joy.
Your enthusiasm was catching.
Maybe you didn’t mean for it to catch.
What if I told you that I loved it?
What if I told you you were right?
What if I told you it was the best I ever had!
Sure, you waited 365 days.
But I woke up first.
So I got the donut.
Sugared pink and sprinkled with hearts.
It was fluffy
And sweet
And a little bit chewy.
Thanks for letting me know!
Sorry, the comments for R-EEL LOVE seem to be going one story below ;). But I love the A BIG BROTHER story as well. Nice homage to WCW! Enjoyed and related to the line, “But I woke up first.”
Totally relatable for anyone with a sibling! Love this Kris!
Ha!! This is fantastic!!
This is REELy fun and creative, Ryann!!
Sorry I commented in the wrong place above. Kris, this story is delightful and I love the inspiration of Williams’ poem!
This is REELy fun and creative, Ryann!
Dear Sarah,
I read your story and think it is adorable and very sweet. So happy to be in such great company of excellent writers!
Best,
Sharon B.
Thank you, Sharon! I feel the same way.
Such a sweet ending. I like how the sibling eels worked together.
Ahh, so fun with all the eel puns!! And what a sweet story. Love seeing your work, Ryann! ^__^
Fabulous entry – so full of energy & love!
I enjoyed the play on ‘EEL’ as well as the ryhme.
rhyme…
Easy to read and enjoy. Solid story arc. Like the unique eel characters and clever title. So r-reely well done!
Your story has “rEEL” rhythm. Loved the line, “By the swirl of a wave.” The water really does come into a cave that way 🙂
I love this sweet underwater Valentine story. Very clever puns and relatable to anyone who has ever been a little overzealous… LOL
Oh my goodness, Ryann. These are the cutest eels ever! This was a very fun read.
Love these eels and the shocking fact about eel hearts you snuck in there!
This is adorable Ryann!!
So sweet Ryann! I love a sibling story of love 🙂
Eel love – cute! And making Mom fEEL the love, even better!
This is really clever and sweet. Good luck!
Will You Be My Friend?
Written by Mary Ann Featherston
Word Count – 212
It was Valentine’s Day.
Lily made valentines for all of her friends. But she made a special one for Harvey, who was funny, kind, and polite. Decorating it with hearts and glitter, she wrote inside, “Would you be my friend?” Lilly placed the valentines in a shoebox adorned with hearts and stars.
The next day, Lily skipped into her classroom carrying her box of valentines.
Everyone was bubbling with excitement.
“Hi, Lily!” Alice exclaimed, bouncing with joy. “I love Valentine’s Day!”
“Me too,” Lily replied with a smile.
Their teacher, Miss Charlotte, instructed, “Please place your boxes on the table by the window and then take a seat.”
Lily wondered if Harvey had a valentine for her as he placed his box on the table.
Miss Charlotte announced the party would be at two o’clock that afternoon.
As the clock ticked by, Lily grew more and more anxious. Finally, at two o’clock, the party began. Cupcakes and juice were served, and each child handed out valentines. Lily hesitantly gave hers to Harvey, who smiled and thanked her.
After the party, Harvey approached Lily, smiled shyly, and handed her a chocolate heart. “Sure, I’ll be your friend.”
Lily’s heart swelled with joy as she thought to herself, “This is the best day ever!”
It takes courage to put yourself out there and Lily took that chance and won! Sweet friendship story.
Thank you for reading my story.
Really sweet! It brought me back to grade school and all the anticipation.
Thank you for your comment and for reading my story.
How sweet!!! I could really feel the enthusiasm with this one. 🙂
Thank you, Jessica.
VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE NORTH POLE
by Vashti Verbowski
214 words
Santa couldn’t wait to surprise Mrs. Claus on Valentine’s Day. But he had a problem… he didn’t know what to get her. She could bake every kind of cookie, make all types of toys, and build a sleigh-mobile from recycled parts. That’s right, Mrs. Claus was the real magic behind St. Nick—and he knew it!
“Santa baby, you’re my Valentine,” Mrs. Claus told him. “I don’t need anything.”
But Santa was Santa and gifts were his jam.
“Take her for a starlit sleigh ride,” suggested Rudolf.
“Bring her to Yeti’s Spaghetti house,” proposed the elves.
“Buy her vegetables,” they all agreed. “She LOVES vegetables!”
Santa’s rosy cheeks turned white. “Groceries!? Mrs. Claus deserves more than GROCERIES!”
But that gave Santa an idea.
Mrs. Claus did everything to keep the North Pole running, so on Valentine’s Day, Santa gave her the day to relax. He did the laundry, he shined his own boots, he drove the elves to their appointments, and then he made dinner… at least he meant to. He was too tired to cook. And then he realized, he should do more for Mrs. Claus, not just on Valentine’s Day.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Claus, all I have to offer is a sack of groc—”
“Vegetables!” exclaimed Mrs. Claus. “I LOVE vegetables!”
I love Christmas, and your story is too cute! Yes, gifts are definitely Santa’s jam (that line is perfection!)
Thanks Brenda!
I love how you blended Christmas with Valentine’s and turned it into an appreciation post. Such a cute story!
Wow, this is chock full of good stuff! Acknowledging unacknowledged labor, a new spin on Christmas mythos, fun wordplay (Yeti’s Spaghetti House hahaha) and of course a sweet, funny callback ending. Love it!
Thanks Vanessa! It takes a writer to know a writer;)
Fun twist. I want to go to the “Yeti’s Spaghetti house!” 🙂
Thos one made me chuckle more than once. Very clever!
That’s a good lesson for Santa and all the other dudes 🙂
HOLDING OUT HOPE
by Shuba Mohan (WC 208)
“Today’s the day! I’m going to get picked today!” Sweater giggled and wiggled with excitement.
“You don’t know that you’ll get picked today,” Dress replied with pride. “I’d be a great choice for Valentine’s Day too.”
“Quiet down,” Coat grumbled with jumbled words. “Sleep trying to do, some of us.”
“But I’m red and I have hearts. You’re just red,” Sweater mumbled and crumbled. “If I don’t get picked on Valentine’s Day, there’s no hope for me.”
The beam stream began, and flow of the glow grew until… there Person was in all her powerful, wonderful glory.
Sweater fluffed and puffed their chest. Dress shimmered and glittered. Coat straightened and inflated their collar.
Sweater lifted their arms like an eager baby waiting to be picked up.
But Person picked Pants and T-shirt and closed the closet door.
“They weren’t even red,” Sweater slumped and grumped in the dark.
“There will be other chances and dances,” Coat comforted and supported.
“Not for me,” Sweater inhaled and wailed.
But then…the beam stream began, and flow of the glow grew until… there Person was in all her powerful, wonderful glory, again.
Person slipped Sweater over her head as Sweater’s smile spread.
Sweater hugged Person tight with delight.
Everything was all right.
What a quirky, character-ful little story! Great voices and a fresh idea!
Thank you, Vanessa! Appreciate your kind words!
What a unique story. Go Sweater! 🙂
Thank you, Lynn! In this cold, I’m team sweater too!
PLANTING HEART SEEDS
By Becki J. Kidd
Word Count: 212
Classroom 5B was out-of-control—three teachers had quit this week. Paper airplanes soared, pencils snapped, hands shoved, and feet tripped. When the class turtle became a football, the fourth teacher rescued it. The two of them walked-out, never to return.
The next day, their new teacher suggested they plant seeds of kindness. Everyone laughed—everyone but Lila.
“How do you plant kindness?” she wondered. Helping with a Valentine project, Lila punched extra hearts out of colored paper. She wrote across one heart: Awesome Shirt. She slipped it into the meanest kid’s art box. When he found it, he looked all around, then proudly stuck out his chest before smiling.
Encouraged her heart seed had rooted, Lila planted more kindness hearts in pockets, backpacks, lockers, and lunchboxes—wherever she could. Nice Smile. You’re Awesome. Great Job! Thank You.
To change things up, Lila glued a heart to the tip of striped paper straws. These poked out of the windowsill garden, in a flower vase, and the pencil sharpener.
Soon hearts appeared that Lila hadn’t planted. She giggled. Kindness was sprouting.
When an airplane stuck in Lila’s hair, she unfolded it. Tucked inside was a heart. The attitude in Classroom 5B was shifting. Perhaps a few more hearts planted around might make it bloom.
Dear Becki,
I love this story as it encourages creativity and kindness in many different forms, and it even grew. Great job!!!
Best,
Sharon B.
http://www.sharonoblumbergauthor.com
Thank you for your comments, Sharon! Delighted you picked up on the seeds growing part of it. Best Wishes!
What a nice idea. This is lovely. Lila managed to change bad attitude with her kindness hearts. I enjoyed reading this. Good luck!
Corine–You made my day. Thank you for your lovely & encouraging comment. Best Wishes.
We need more kindness for sure. I loved the seeds too!
Thank you, Lynn! I’m glad you got the seed part. Was a little worried, it might not be understood. Best Wishes!
Love this story! Read it to my kids and they wanted more:)
Oh, Vashit, you made my heart soar with happiness. Thanks for reading it to you kids. Delighted they liked it.
Great hook at the beginning with the naughty class. Great message as well.
Thank you, Tom! Very encouraging to hear. Best Wishes for you, too!
EVERYDAY IS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH YOU
WC 200
by Shuba Mohan
Grandma showed up on Valentine’s Day unexpected, unannounced.
Mom and Dad were delighted. Their excitement beamed as they bounced.
They squealed at each other and thanked her, but I’m not sure they really saw,
For grandma arrived on a broom, with bunny ears and a hat like Santa Claus.
“Let’s get going my little chickadees,” she said with excitement and glee.
“How?” my sister and I wondered; she didn’t have a key.
In the wink of an eye we landed in a place velvety green
with whiskered bunnies hopping and creating quite a scene.
“They’ve hidden eggs,” Grandma said with a nudge for us to go.
We twirled and giggled, leapt, and danced while searching high and low.
Onward we went, flying at breakneck speeds until under a mighty tree, piles of presents we did see.
After unwrapping each and every one happily, Grandma said the words floating free,” I hope you’re both hungry.”
As a Thanksgiving bounty appeared, between bites and licks I had to ask, “Grandma might you have the wrong holiday?”
“Nonsense,” she said with a nod and a cluck as we boarded and flew away,
“Celebrating with the people you love can be on any day.”
I like Grandma! Nice ending.
Grandma is the best! She’ll find something to celebrate every day! Thanks Corine!
😁
A Pawsome Valentine by Priyanka Betrabet
Word Count- 211
The Cozihome Animal shelter was struggling to stay afloat. Funds were scarce and the lease was expiring on 15th February. Kate, a 10-year-old part time volunteer was eager to help the shelter animals.
So, she asked her classmates to help raise funds by organizing a fun fair during the Valentine Week and they readily agreed.
At the opening ceremony, the organizers wore heart-shaped hats and red t-shirts.
At the ‘Pawsome Love’ booth, contestants made handmade heart shaped cards for their favorite shelter animal and the best card won a red, heart shaped cupcake.
At the ‘Lucky in Love’ booth, the participants got to take a selfie with their favorite shelter animal and the best selfies won exciting prizes.
At the ‘Sniffing out Good Books’ booth, kids could buy story books at a discount.
There were stalls selling delectable food items painstakingly prepared by the kids’ families.
The Woofle Waffles, Tomcat Truffles, Strawberry Pupsicles, Mewshi Momos, Purrfecto Burritos, Katty Korma and Muddy Puddles Milkshakes sold like hotcakes.
The shelter dogs barked, puppies squealed and the cats miaowed excitedly as the Funfair ended on a high with a magnificent Paw Parade
Kate eagerly helped count the proceeds.
Hurray! They had made enough to extend the lease by not one but two more years.
I really enjoyed reading your story. I can feel the excitement, both human and canine/feline. Well done team Kate! Every shelter deserves a team like this. I love your choice of words for the booths and food items.
thank you for the lovely feedback. this story is close to my heart as all my pet cats have been adopted
Yay for Kate, a hero to all the animals! Very sweet story Priyanka! Especially love the pet-themed foods and celebratory pet parade at the end, overall a fun event!
Thank you for the feedback. I enjoyed writing this story.
Theodore T. Rex Loves Words
by Kelly Adamson
(214 words)
Theodore T. Rex loved thinking up new names for things.
When Terry Pterodactyl was throwing up, Theodore helpfully asked Terry if he was hurling, puking, or tossing his lunch. When Mommy Stegosaurus and Daddy Stegosaurus were fighting about who was moving slower, Theodore asked if they were arguing, yelling, or having a difference of opinions. The Pterodactyls and Stegosauruses called his mom.
Momma Rex explained that not everybody might appreciate Theodore’s “unique enthusiasm.”
“Why don’t you try using your words for something happy?” Momma asked.
So Theodore went for a walk until he came to a clearing where some of his friends were hanging paper hearts.
“What’s this?” Theodore asked, examining the brightly colored shapes.
“It’s for Valentine’s day,” Barry Brontosaurus told him.
Valentine’s Day…Cupid’s Day…Day of Love…this was a wordy day Theodore could sink his teeth into.
So Theodore borrowed some hearts and a pen and began writing.
The next day when all the dinosaurs gathered in the clearing they gasped. Theodore had stayed up all night writing words of love on the paper hearts.
Friendship.
Joy.
Happiness.
The trees hung with heartfelt phrases.
“Theodore!” they cried, “You found a lovely way to use your words!”
“I did,” Theodore agreed.
After all, Momma must have named him Theodore Thesaurus Rex for a reason!
Theodore Thesaurus Rex! Very cute idea!
Very cute story Kelly! Love Mom’s description of Theodore, that he has ‘unique enthusiasm’. And we all can identify with loving words, right? And now we know what the T in T-Rex really stands for. Good job!
Tapping Romeo
By Sue Ko
180 words
I’m
a leaping
hopping
sliding
syncopating
modern day Romeo.
She’ll
fall for my
clicking
clacking
shuffling
jumping heart rhythm.
Who’ll grab that little ear?
Who’ll catch that shiny eye (I noticed at lunch she has really long lashes)?
What first grader is the king of The Y?
Who’s a dancer and musician in one?
I’ll tell you who.
Me!
Romeo, do your dancing away from the pool.
But Juliet’s down there.
You’re too close to the pool, honey.
I’m too slick to slip!
Are you.
Watch!
My mom says someday I’m going to drive my wife crazy.
I tap and clack
Clack and click
Slide and shuffle
Shuffle and slide
All over the house.
Here she comes!
Hey, Juliet, ever been serenaded before?
No.
Well, get ready!
SLIDE SHUFFLE SLIDE
Uh..Romeo…
SHUFFLE TOE HEEL
Watch out…the edge…
SHUFFLE HEEL TOE
Oh!
GURGLE GASP BLOW
Romeo!
Hey, Juliet, check it out. Ever see tap in slow motion?
Haha! You echo underwater, too!
I’m an instrument, Juliet! Hear my tune?
Yeah.
Romeo, you’re wet—and weird. Are you OK?
Never better, Juliet.
I love the staccato rhythm of his dancing. He is a determined little Romeo! Cute 😊
Thanks, Jess!
Haha! Romeo and his Juliet. He’s very enthusiastic!
An bored tap dancer…the image of what that would like makes me laugh. Maybe there’s a spin there LOL. Thanks, Nancy!
Bailey’s Perfect Valentine
By Katie Lee Reinert
214 words
Bailey couldn’t wait for Valentine’s Day! The colors, the hearts, the friendship. Most of all, Bailey couldn’t wait for the valentines!
Her boa constrictor tail could already feel the heart-shaped cards as she gave them to friends. She could see the glitter sparkling in the sun. She could hear the delighted gasps as they opened their valentines.
There was just one problem…or several as it turned out. When Bailey tried to hold the marker in her mouth, she couldn’t see what she was writing. When she held it in her tail, it squiggled and slipped all over the page. When she used her mouth and tail together to grasp the scissors, she had nothing left to hold the paper.
No matter how she tried, Bailey couldn’t make a single valentine card. She slithered home, disappointed and downhearted. How could she celebrate Valentine’s Day without valentines?
As her mother greeted Bailey with a hug, Bailey felt her heart lighten a little. That’s when she thought of the perfect valentine. Something she could do better than any of her friends…
The next day, everyone else handed out cards. Bailey handed out the cuddliest, squeeziest boa constrictor hugs. One-by-one, everyone lined up to receive their very own valentine hug…just not too tight.
Cute ending. I like how she found a way to do something for her friends.
I love it! Bailey found her own special Valentine’s talent. ^__^
“Just not too tight” is just a perfect ending.
Just not too tight! I love that!
Thesaurus Stegosaurus
by Lauren N. Simmons
214 words
Stella Stegosaurus was worried. Mrs. Apatosaurus had assigned all of the hatchlings a special project for Valentine’s Day: to keep a feelings journal.
The problem was… Stella had a hard time thinking of words to describe her feelings. Especially big feelings.
“Mom, will you help?”
“Of course, let’s use a thesaurus.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a book that’s used when you can’t think of a word… Or maybe you do know a word you could use, but you still feel it’s not the right one. Where would you like to start?”
“Maybe sad?”
“Well, it looks like other words for sadness are: lonely, hurt, disappointed. Those are very different feelings.”
“I don’t think those feel right either. What are some other words?”
Stella and Mom flipped back and forth through the thesaurus. Until they found a word.
Confused.
Stella’s eyes sparkled and gleamed as a wide grin spread across her face. She bounced from paw to paw. “Mom, I think I felt confused and that caused me to feel sad. Because I didn’t know what to do about it. But now that I know there’s a way to find a word that can describe how I feel, it doesn’t make me feel sad anymore. Now I feel excited.”
“Excited?”
“Hmmm…. Maybe there’s a better word.”
Lauren-Gotta love a dinosaur Valentine story! An SEL story in the making. Nice job! Ken
Thank you for the comment, Ken!
Such a relatable story. Soo great.
Thank you, Claudine!
You had me at the title! What a lovely SEL story, nicely done Lauren!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Laura!
Lauren, I love this! So relatable for kids and what a great introduction to the thesaurus.
Thank you so much, Katie!
Seamus And The Shushing Librarian
By CE King
212 words
The exchange student, Seamus O’Grady, leaped into the school’s Valentine’s Day party.
An Irish jig controlled his feet.
His excitement wasn’t for candy hearts or balloons.
It was for the famous Irish tradition of sharing laughter through limericks.
As Seamus spun around, he declared,
“I’m gonna create a limerick for everyone!”
His enthusiasm spread like wildfire, and a chorus of requests soon echoed through the room.
“Do one for me!” Yelled a classmate.
“Me too!” Requested another.
“And, me!” Hollered a third.
With his thick Irish accent, Seamus crafted quirky verses for his classmates left and right.
Suddenly, Stern Face Higgins, the stern-faced librarian, busted through the door.
Not one to miss an opportunity, Seamus quickly composed a limerick about her love for silent reading.
On the spot, he sang…
This is the story of a shushing librarian who loved quiet books on the shelf.
But when she grew bored,
Miss Higgins then snored.
And woke up to then shush herself.
The room erupted in laughter until…
everyone noticed Stern Face’s stern face.
An awkward silence stood between her and the students.
Then, it happened.
Her usually frozen lips slowly cracked into the first smile the students had ever seen on her stern face.
Seamus danced a jig and quickly smiled back.
Seamus is quite a clever boy. His poem for the librarian drew a giggle from me!
HA!! Thanks 🙂
The power of poetry x the gift of gab! Very fun!
A Shadow for Valentine’s Day
by: Page Pfister
(214 words)
Valentina couldn’t sleep this close to Valentine’s Day! She crashed at 2:14 AM to dream of hearts and hugs. Morning came! She bolted in heart pajamas to her calendar. She drew fourteen circles around February 14 and began to plan her annual party.
What Valentina didn’t notice was her little sister, Amorosa. She was her shadow every day. Amorosa decided to help.
Valentina made a supply list and wrote numbers beside each item to order from the local party store. Amorosa quietly followed. When Valentina put down the list, Amorosa drew circles as she had seen Valentina do on her calendar. Valentina sent the list to the store.
The phone rang. It was the store owner. Valentina had ordered HUNDREDS and THOUSANDS of decorations, plasticware, and other items! Valentina rushed over.
When Valentina scanned the order, she noticed circles she had not drawn…circles that resembled zeros! Amorosa, in her excitement to copy Valentina, had changed tens to hundreds and thousands. Instead of 20 plates, she had ordered 200! Instead of 10 balloons, she had ordered 1,000!
Valentina corrected the order and returned home to find Amorosa blushing. Valentina exclaimed, “I was so blinded by love today, I didn’t notice you! Next year, let’s work TOGETHER to throw the best party yet!”
The Shape of Hearts
by Melissa Rafson Friedman
214 words
Dear Sam,
I love you so much!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love,
Mom
“Why does everyone draw hearts wrong?” Sam shouts.
He loves Mom, but he does NOT love this card!
At school, children decorate cards with classic heart shapes, but not Sam!
Sam sketches the four chambers of the human heart with enthusiasm!
When the Valentine’s party begins, Sam finds paper and candy hearts in his cardboard mailbox.
“Ugh, I must educate them!” Sam’s heart races. He opens his science book.
“Now THAT is a heart! Why does everyone draw hearts wrong?”
He makes copies and fills everyone’s mailbox with the chart.
Sam receives one more note:
Dear Sam,
You’re right; the heart is a body part. It circulates blood, but it also responds to feelings. You are a superb scientist. Use the scientific method to answer your question.
Love, Ms. Vincent
Sam researches and learns even scientists make mistakes. In Ancient Greece, Aristotle confused the shape of the human heart. Scientists later discovered the actual shape, but the Valentine’s kind was too beloved to change.
Sam realizes he made a mistake, too. It doesn’t matter what shape of heart you send– just tell people you love them.
He makes the most enormous pink Valentine’s heart:
Dear Mom,
I love you more!
Love, Sam
This is very sweet! I love that the teacher was the catalyst, but Sam had to do the legwork himself.
Thank you!
Love it! I really like fun stories that sneak in a little learning. Good Luck! 🙂
Thank you ❤️
This is a sweet story.
Thank you 🥰
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARON
THE GUESSING GAME
By Sharon Goldstein Jackson
WC 213
A box full of chocolate
on Valentine’s Day.
And so starts the game
that we all hate to play.
I must pick the ones
that are tasty inside.
They all look delicious,
it’s hard to decide.
Maybe a round one
or maybe a square?
What kind of flavors
are hiding in there?
And yet there is one
that I simply appall.
The orange filled cream
is the worst one of all!
Eeny and meeny
and miney and mo.
I’m crossing my fingers
and ready to go.
But wait, what is this?
A candy cheat sheet?
The description and placement
of each chocolate treat?
What joy. How amazing.
This is simply the best!
I can pick out my favorites
and leave all the rest.
I’ll start with the truffle,
then pecan delight.
I’m singing and jumping
with each single bite.
A little nut toffee,
then milk chocolate whip.
My taste buds are taking
a flavorful trip.
On to the next,
till I look down and sigh.
I’ve finished my favorites
in the blink of an eye.
My sweet tooth’s not happy.
This wasn’t enough.
And to wait one more year
will be painfully tough.
So Tomorrow I take myself
right to the store.
Oh look, they’re on sale!
Guess I’ll take the last four.
Yum! I could taste them all as I read!
Great rhyme and just right rhythm! Your story is very relatable. If there isn’t a cheat sheet this will happen with a box of chocolates! Great story arc, too, with a funny ending.
I need to know what love is
by Emma Sales
214 words
Piggy lives inside a book,
with Hamlet, her best buddy.
Their fav’rite hobbies: eating lots
And getting VERY muddy!
Page eight, when Pig bounced out of bed,
Ham wasn’t in the sty.
‘A QUESTION’S SWIRLING ROUND MY HEAD.’
‘I MUST KNOW, or I’ll CRY!’
So, SCAMPERING to page thirteen,
She blurted out, ‘Hello!’
‘I NEED to know WHAT LOVE IS!’
‘I REALLY NEED to know!’
Hyena laughed her wicked laugh.
‘I love my baby’s smile.’
‘That’s surely love: her happy face’
‘Makes everything worthwhile!’
‘Good answer!’ shouted Piggy
As she DASHED to seventeen.
‘I NEED to know WHAT LOVE IS!’
‘TELL ME NOW! What does it mean?’
And Baby Skunk said instantly:
‘I really love my Dad’;
‘He scares the scary things away’
‘Because he pongs so bad!’
‘Good answer!’ shouted Piggy
As she RACED to twenty-two.
‘I NEED to know WHAT LOVE IS!’
‘Please INFORM ME, Kangaroo.’
And Joey said, ‘I love Mum’s pouch!’
‘It’s cosy when it’s cold.’
‘Good answer!’ shouted Piggy
As she TORE home, feeling bold.
Page twenty-nine, her Ham came home.
She giggled, feeling daft:
‘Oh Hamlet, BE MY VALENTINE!’
‘Of course I will!’ he laughed.
He gave her flowers he had picked;
She scoffed them with her buddy.
And, feeling happy, safe and warm,
They got EXTREMELY muddy.
Aw, I love how the happy, safe, and warm feelings from each animal came back around at the end – fun storybook motif too!
VAL’S THOUSAND HEARTS
By Katia Jesson
214 words
Valentine (Val to her friends) was born on February 14th. She loved having her birthday on Valentine’s Day as there was always a party at school, so it felt like the class was celebrating her birthday!
Val loved hearts. She put them on everything, and always one next to her name.
“For my birthday I want a thousand hearts!” She didn’t know how to count to one thousand, but that didn’t matter.
Val wasn’t a girl who waited for things to happen. She got to work rolling out cookie dough and cutting out six dozen heart-shaped cookies to bring to the class party.
She made heart cards for everyone in her grade -a total of 101. No one was left out!
On the playground, with chalk in hand, she drew hearts everywhere– big hearts, little hearts, red, white and pink hearts.
In art class, she carefully folded sheets of red paper and cut out a stack of hearts, which she hung all over her classroom.
At the class party, in her heart decorated box, she found 30 heart-shaped Valentine cards, some with little packets filled with heart candies. The card from her best friends exploded open spilling confetti hearts everywhere!
Even without counting, she was sure it was a birthday of a thousand hearts!
Snow Hearts
By Lynn Sandacz
Word count – 213
Valentine’s Day morning someone left Sasha Stevens a snow heart. She eagerly tracked the snow footprints, but they had faded away.
“I wonder who it could be?” she uttered.
Exhilarated, Sasha doodled hearts and imagined her mystery valentine’s initials. At noon she saw a holly berry snow heart and a red trail. She skipped down the path, but birds had eaten the berries and it ended abruptly.
“My valentine will be back!” she proclaimed.
Anxious but hopeful, Sasha decorated cookies with her mom to pass time. Later that day she saw a holly leaf snow heart and a green trail. She hopped from leaf to leaf, but wind had blown the leaves away and it ended suddenly.
“I must find my valentine!” she declared.
Sasha excitedly searched high and low, here and there, on and on, but found no holly bushes. When night fell, and all hope seemed lost, she saw a distant twinkle. She scurried towards the light.
Sasha impatiently squeezed inside an enchanted hollowed-out holly bush. She gazed at flowers, glittery paper hearts, and flickering lights. Then Sasha saw Jenny Johnson.
“I am glad you found me,” said Jenny, but before she was able to ask.
“Yes, I will be your Valentine!” blurted Sasha.
The two valentines hugged in sweet delight.
Cute story.
Thank you! 🙂
A nicely built mystery with a sweet payoff!
Thank you! I had fun writing the story.
I was excited to find out who it was, too! Enjoyed the mystery!
Thank you for your comment and for reading my story.
Loved the snowy imagery with this, Lynn! As someone who lives in the desert of Arizona, our Valentine’s Day looks very different. 🙂 Blue skies and 70 degree weather yesterday! Thanks for this fun escape into a different kind of Valentine’s Day!
Thank you for your comments! February in NJ is typically cold and we usually get a couple snow storms. It is fun to play in the snow, but right now I would love sunny and 70!
WHAT NOT TO DO TO VALENTINES
By Nina Haines
Word count: 214
It’s dreaded Valentine’s Day, thought Violet, the day of truth. Her class made their valentine’s bags the day before the big day. The teacher taped each bag on the front wall of the classroom in alphabetical order. Violet made a valentine for each student in her class. She made sure not to print I love you and put two names together with an arrow with a heart or write sweetheart. Violet inserted her valentines in envelopes the night before and licked them shut. Tommy walked up to Violet and said with a shy look on his face, “I put a special valentine in your bag.” Violet couldn’t believe it. She raised her hands in the air and danced in a circle.
Violet’s best friend Grace looked at her and said, “What’s with you? Since when do you get excited on Valentine’s Day.”
Violet said, “I knew he would see my inner beauty.”
“Who?” Grace said.
“You know, Tommy,” Violet said.
Each student was given their Valentines as they sat at their desks.
Violet spread her valentines out. She looked for the special valentine.
Violet found it! It had a baseball on it with her name. She frowned.
Violet said, “I don’t like baseball! I guess it’s the thought that counts.”
She smiled at Tommy.
A Day For Heart
By Ariel Eishen
Word Count: 213
“It’s my favorite day of the year!” Heart exclaimed. “I get to dress up in ruffles and sparkles! I’ll be displayed on cards and chocolate boxes all over the country!”
Circle, Square, and Triangle smiled for their friend but felt a little down.
“I wish I had my own special day,” mumbled Circle.
Square sighed, “No one ever thinks about me.”
“It’d be nice if everyone got excited about me once a year,” whined Triangle.
Heart overheard his friends and felt himself break a little. He scratched his head humps. Aha! I’ve got it! he thought.
“Circle, we wouldn’t even be alive without you! Our own planet and sun are your perfectly round shape!” Circle swelled with pride.
“And there wouldn’t be homes to live in, presents to open, or board games to play if you weren’t around, Square!” All four sides of Square blushed.
Heart looked at Triangle. “And you, my pointy friend! The Great Pyramids would never have been built without you! And how would people survive without slices of pizza to eat?!” Triangle beamed.
The three of them gave Heart a great big squeeze. They hadn’t realized just how loved they were. “You sure know how to bring everyone together, Heart! Happy Valentine’s Day! Now let’s get this party started!”
So so so sweet! Great characters, relatable feelings, and solid humor (heart felt himself break; scratched his head humps). Love it!
Thank you so much, Vanessa!
Great story. Clever use of shapes as characters and playing with their traits.
Thank you, Tom!
What a fun story to teach everyone has something special about them and they matter. I will have to say triangle made me think of pizza. 😉
Thanks, Lynn! Pizza is the best triangle! Maybe I’ll go get some cheese and tomato sauce triangles for dinner, now that I think about it… 🙂
The Dullies
by Tom Wright
214 words
This is a dull story. No, wait. This story is about an elephant tribe called the Dullies. Now we’re on track.
You see, the Dullies were very boring elephants. They had no fun at all. In fact they’d never heard of the word party. Can you imagine that, no parties?!
But that changed the day Thoosy arrived. Thoosy was a monkey explorer who was all energy and all fun. Thoosy especially loved parties. So when she discovered the Dullies, she was shocked.
“This won’t do!” said Thoosy. Valentines Day was tomorrow but they had no plans for a party. Thoosy’s tribe always had a Valentine’s party.
So Thoosy got to work. A Dully watched her decorate and noticed how happy and positive she was. He wanted to feel that way too. So he joined Thoosy, and it worked!
Other Dullies noticed and joined their effort. Soon it was ready and they had their first Valentine’s party. What fun they had! The Dullies were not so dull anymore.
The next day the Dullies gave Thoosy an award. They thanked Thoosy for the party and announced a special honor, “From now on we will remind each other to have some enTHOOSYasm around here!”
Thoosy was touched, “From now on I will help others find enthoosyasm too.”
I like the names in this one. Clever use of “enthoosyasm”
Thanks for the kind feedback!
Tee hee – nice word play with the names.
Thanks! Hopefully others feel the same. Sometimes being too clever or cute can backfire.
Very sweet, Tom! Best wishes.
Thank you! Best of luck to you as well.
Fun story! We need more Thoosy’s.
Thank you Lynn! And yes, I agree we could use some more Thoosy’s.
Cactus and Wren
By Jessica Iwanski
Word Count: 214
Ever since Cactus was a tiny saguaro, it had been his dream to give the perfect Valentine’s hug – the kind that fills the heart to the tippy-top. Cactus was sure he’d be a great hugger! He had the arms to do it.
A jackrabbit hippity-hopped through the February morning.
“Hi!” said Cactus. “Need a hug?”
The jackrabbit took one look at Cactus’s prickles and hippity-hopped away.
“Maybe jackrabbits don’t like hugs,” thought Cactus.
In the afternoon, a rattlesnake slithered through a tangle of tumbleweeds.
“Howdy!” called Cactus. “Need a hug?”
The rattlesnake spied Cactus’s spikes and swiftly slithered away.
“He probably couldn’t hear me,” Cactus shrugged.
That evening, a kit fox frisked through the brittlebush, awake earlier than usual.
“GREETINGS!” Cactus shouted loudly this time. “Need a hug?”
The kit fox eyed Cactus’s pokes and frisked her tail away.
The sun sank behind the mountains, painting the desert with pink, purple, and gold. Cactus’s heart sank with it.
But just then – a flutter of wings.
“I’m Wren,” said a voice. “Need a hug?”
“Really?” said Cactus hopefully.
“Yes,” said Wren. “I was made for just your kind of hugs.” And she wrapped her wings around Cactus, prickles and all.
It was the perfect Valentine’s hug – the kind that fills the heart to the tippy-top.
You had me wondering if any creature existed that would hug the cactus. Good job on the surprise! Now I need to go research cactuses and birds!
Thank you, Brenda! Yes, cactus wrens love those spiny cacti! 🙂
I’m so glad Cactus got a hug in the end!
Me too! 🥰🌵 everyone deserves a hug!
I love the desert setting and the full-circle ending. Nice!
Thank you, Kelly! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for spending some time with my story!
Love some desert critter rep. And this was such a well-constructed story!
Oh thank you so much, Vanessa! I had such fun with it! 😊🌵
I loved this. Good luck.
Thank you so much for reading! And good luck to you, too!
A cactus wanting a hug is such a great story idea, and I love that Wren came along and asked to give one. Cute story!
Aw thank you! Cactus and Wren are the perfect Valentine match. 🙂
What a sweet story!
Thank you, Lynn!!! 🙂
Jessica- I enjoyed reading your story and learned something in the process. Well done. I’m #34.
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for commenting. I’m excited to read your story too. 🙂
The Best Valentine’s Day Card
By Tiffany Hanson
Word Count: 212
This year I’m making my mom the best Valentine’s Day card ever. She’s been stressed with her new job, but this will cheer her up.
It will be epic! Ice cream sundae epic. Front row seat of a roller coaster epic.
I write a poem, draw some hearts, and fold the card. But it needs something else. Something to stand out.
Paint!
I cover it with pink and red until no white is left.
It drips as I hold it up. It looks better but it’s missing something. Something that will make Mom grin.
Glue!
I flip it open and glue on paper hearts and small beads.
A few beads roll across the table as I shut the card again.
It looks good but it’s still missing something. Something to catch Mom’s eye.
Glitter!
I cover the back in sparkles, a rainbow glitter masterpiece.
Priceless. I smile. Now it’s ready.
Then I look at the table now covered in paint, glitter, and glue. I frown. Will Mom be mad? Will my epic Valentine’s Card turn into an epic disaster?
Before I can clean up, Mom enters the room.
She smiles when she reads the card then gives me a big hug.
“Thanks for making this Valentine’s Day the best ever,” she says.
For Someone Special
By T. Laree Krushensky
Word Count: 198
Today teacher came into the classroom in the most unusual way,
“Valentines’ day will be here soon, and we are making cards today!”
“Cards, for someone special who … you couldn’t live without.”
The enthusiasm in her voice rose higher as it filled the room throughout.
Murmurs heard across the room, “someone special?” “can’t live without?”
Cards were folded, heart shapes cut out,
As possibilities were discussed.
Our parents? Coach? The teacher? Or the man who drives the bus?
‘Snip’ ‘Snip’ ‘Snip’ the scissors flew.
As murmurs of enthusiasm grew.
“I need the markers.” “Ooh, who has Red?”
“Over here,” another said.
“I’ve got glitter.” “Where’s the glue?”
“I’m making mine for you know who.”
Bonnie drew a glittery rainbow with heart-shaped clouds across the sky.
Ben built a bridge of hearts connecting the words “You” and “I.”
On Valentines’ Day the cards were shared with sweethearts, teachers, and friends.
Ben gave his to Bonnie and Bonnie gave hers to Ben.
Both admired each other’s work and creativity.
Excitedly, and overjoyed they both opened them to see,
They had each signed their cards just the same within.
“Happy Valentines’ Day to you from me, Love, your favorite twin!”
Cute story. I like the ending.
GAME ON
by Anne Lipton
(213 words)
I have to write some valentines—
emoji: crying face—
I’d rather grab my gaming pad
and win a go-cart race.
Instead, I have to go to cards
and sign them with my name.
Mom says I have a “fortnight”—Ha!
That sounds just like the game!
I’ve learned to think strategically
in every role I play,
sneaking in the backdoor to
some secret passageway.
Leona is my gaming friend.
We partner on our raids.
She outperforms in math and sports
and always gets good grades.
Upul is my foodie friend
who loves to cook and bake.
He can power-up our lunch
with his next-level cake.
Veyoncé is a dancing queen.
She dresses very well.
In shiny gown and sparkly wings,
she flies like Tinkerbell.
I organize my valentines
and input every name,
calling on my coding skills,
for my love of the game.
I program pure heart-stopping fun
with Easter eggs and traps,
and when I let my besties play,
I earn their eager claps.
Leona is Head Sorcerer.
Upul, the Baking King.
Veyoncé slays as Dragon Knight—
I thought of everything!
My BFFs play starring roles
in my cool storyline.
My classmates choose their avatars
to win a valentine!
(And, ProTip: If you search for LUV,
you’ll find the Easter Egg above.)
Love this Anne! Happy Game-ntine!
Thanks, Laura!
As always– so clever and fun, Anne! That Easter egg is a delightful touch, too!
Thanks, Sarah!
Another fun entry, Anne. So clever and fun! Good luck.
Thanks, Glenda!
Bravo! What a well-woven story! Love that Easter Egg and all the gaming references too. ^__^
Thank you!
I read this to my 8 yo and he loved the “fortnight” reference:) Well done, as always!!
Clever, clever! 😉 And so en pointe with today’s kiddos. Cute ending too!
THE BIGGEST HEART EVER!
To mummy and daddy
Rose wanted to say
just how much she loved them
this Valentines Day.
“My gift must be bigger
than anything bought,
so, I’ll build the biggest
heart EVER!” she thought.
“I’ll go to the park where
There’s room on the ground
and build it with anything
that can be found.”
From home to the park
She ran fast as she could,
carrying paper and
boxes and wood.
The neighbours watched Rose
with a curious grin,
and when she explained they
all rushed to join in!
Her classmates brought toys
And her cousins brought sweets.
While grandfather brought lots
Of pillows and sheets.
Her aunty and uncle
Brought rocks, beads, and strings,
The whole neighbourhood
brought a lot of fun things!
Soon the whole city was
there taking part!
All helping Rose build
her enormous love heart!
They built it so tall
And so wide and so high,
the news helicopters
could see from the sky!
Reporters put Rose’s
heart on the air
and soon the WHOLE WORLD wished
that they could be there!
Mummy and daddy were
Watching the show.
Rose said, “I made it
for you don’t you know?”
They told her, “We love it
and we love you too,
the biggest heart EVER
is here inside YOU!
Lydia Rose
06/02/2024
Sweet story.
#1 Best Pest
By Kelly Adamson
(414 words)
This is it.
I’ve finally done it.
Momma and Pop told me to find something–
anything–
to love about my little brother before Valentine’s Day,
OR ELSE.
OR ELSE means
no candy,
no cards,
and—
most horribly—
no class party.
Valentine’s Day is
literally
the
most important day of the
entire
year at school.
I will
NOT
miss it.
They told me to find something to love about the
sticky,
stinky
creature
and I have.
He will win an award.
What says,
#1 best big sister
more than getting your
annoying,
ahem,
wonderful,
little brother
an award?
So I dress him up.
I put him in the wagon.
And I roll him down to Main Street.
“My brother is here to win
the #1 Best Pest Contest,”
I tell the shopkeeper with confidence.
He will win.
I will save Valentine’s Day.
“Oh honey,
I think you have it wrong,”
the shopkeeper says.
She points to a banner above cages
with bunnies
and other kids with wagons
full of fuzzy creatures.
“#1 Best Pet,”
the banner says.
Well…
“He can win that too!” I say.
I tell the pest to sit, stay, and roll over.
He does.
Valentine’s Day is still saved.
And somehow I will make this story sound
adorable
when we get home.
This really tickled my funny bone.
Creating Love on Valentine’s Day (213 words)
Tom circled the classroom, slinking from desk to desk, dropping valentines into brightly-decorated boxes. His crumpled red hearts with gobs of glitter glue perched atop piles of valentines – Disney princesses, smiling dinosaurs, rainbow unicorns, and more.
Tom slumped in his seat. “What a stupid holiday,” he thought. “Why wouldn’t Gran let him buy valentines like everyone else?”
Classmates munched cupcakes with pink icing, crunched heart-shaped cookies, and gulped pink lemonade. Tom’s tummy churned.
Teacher’s voice boomed over the festivities. She held a red heart high. Tom’s red heart. “I can’t read this scribbled name. Who made…”
Tom squirmed. His cheeks burned as red as the heart in Teacher’s hand.
“Not mine!”
“Me either!”
Tom felt his classmates’ stares. He imagined whispers. Giggles.
“I wish it were mine.”
“Me, too. Daddy didn’t have time to make valentines with me.”
“Auntie said, ‘Too messy.’”
“They look hard to make.”
“They’re not hard! Or too messy,” Tom stammered. “And it didn’t take long at all.”
“Can you show us? Please?”
Tom grinned. “Really?”
Classmates crowded around his desk. Tom grabbed a cupcake and art supplies.
“We’ll start with hearts,” he said. “Then…
Shamrocks for St. Paddy’s Day!
Trees for Earth Day!
Flowers for May Day!
We can create for every holiday! I LOVE Valentine’s Day!”
There’s something magical about handcrafted Valentine’s Day cards. I like your title especially.
Thanks! I love handmade cards, too!
Aw, this is great. Good pacing, nice twist in the middle, and a heartwarming resolution!
Thank you!
BERNARD CAN DO IT!
By Linda Staszak
213 words
Bernard’s tiny dragon wings flapped furiously but…
THUD!
“Oops!”
He jumped up and brushed off the dirt.
“I’m getting better,” he said to his neighbor. “Whatcha doing?”
Cupid smiled. “I’m getting everything ready—it’s Valentine’s Day.”
Bernard’s wings fluttered. “I can help, I can help.”
“Umm, okay,” said Cupid. “Help me polish these arrows.”
Bernard grabbed a cloth, but an accidental flame turned everything into ashes.
“Oops, sorry,” he said. “That’s why Mom sent me outside.”
“That’s okay,” said Cupid. “I’ll polish. You put the arrows in the quiver.”
“I can do that, I can do that,” Bernard beamed, but…
Crrunnchhh!
“Oops, sorry,” Bernard said. “I stepped on them.”
Cupid sighed. “That’s okay. I have more. Here—fill my goodie bag with candy.”
“I can do that, I can do that.” Bernard wiggled with anticipation.
But…
Whoossssh! A burst of flames—and the candy was a gooey puddle.
“Oops, sorry,” Bernard said. “Give me another job—pleeeease.”
“I have the perfect job. Follow me.”
Cupid grabbed his bow and arrows and zoomed skyward.
Bernard followed, his wings fluttering their fastest.
With every blast of flames, they toasted marshmallows and scattered the sweet surprises for lucky people.
“I knew I could help,” Bernard grinned, his eyes sparkling.
Cupid laughed. “We’ve started a new tradition.”
Cupid is very patient. I like how this unlikely friendship finds its balance in the end.
“With every blast of flames, they toasted marshmallows and scattered the sweet surprises for lucky people.” Sweet!
Thanks!
THE BEST-EST VALENTINE EVER
by Andy Narwhal (AndyNarwhal.com)
209 words
A best friend deserves the best valentine.
And Tai is the best-est friend ever!
So I get construction paper
Cut out a heart
And write a special valentine message,
But it’s just so… plain.
So I add glitter glue,
lacy ribbon,
more glue,
gold stars,
and glue,
washi tape,
and then,
more glue.
But now my special message.
is covered in decorations!
Argh! I have to start over.
First, I need more supplies
but when I come back, my valentine is gone!
I hope Tai doesn’t find it.
IT’S NOT PERFECT!!!
I look and find
lace in the creation space.
Then a gold star on the morning mat.
And washi tape in the library lounge.
I’m about to give up when I see gluey handprints.
They have red and green and blue and silver glitter.
Just like my valentine!
I follow the handprints to…
TAI !
“Thanks for the valentine!” Tai says.
“How did you know it was from me?”
“Easy, I just read the message.”
All the lace and gold stars and washi tape have fallen off,
leaving just my Valentine Day’s message.
“Do you like it, Tai? I can make you another.”
“What, no! I wouldn’t trade this one for the world…
… It’s perfect!”
And maybe Tai’s right.
Love the sweet messy valentine! 🙂
Agreed.
Thanks so much!
Cupid’s Redemption
WC 214
By Sharon McCarthy
Every Valentine’s Eve, Cupids practiced archery. Cupid 13 was extra enthusiastic as he mismatched love potion bows.
He shot a wayward wolf with love potion #9 and a panicked pig with love potion #8. He laughed as they fussed over housing plans.
The Archangel called him “Devilish!”
Cupid 13 said, “I’m only joking!”
The Archangel sent him to Broken Hearts School, where he learned more mischievous pranks, like telling Goldilocks to switch the three bears’ porridge with pudding.
“You are heartless!” said the Archangel and sent him to live with the Trolls under the bridge.
The trolls sniffed Cupid. “Nothing!” They inhaled the breeze. “Goats!”
Cupid 13 knew this story, so he gave advice. “Eat little goats. Big ones hit hard!”
When the littlest goat crossed the bridge squeaking, “Wait for my big brother.” The Trolls continued licking their lips and sharpening their teeth.
Cupid 13 soared above the terrified baby goat to watch. Yet heavenly sounds of laughter and divine love poems panged his heart. Cupids!
So, Cupid 13 reached for his super-pack of potion #14 and pling, pling, plinged every Troll and goat. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Archangel!” he harked.
From that Valentine’s Day forward, Trolls and goats lived happily together on the green grass, and Cupid 13 became Cupid number one.
.
An awesome peek into the world of cupids! My favorite line: “big ones hit hard.” Best wishes.
Thanks so much! Appreciate your kind thoughts.
A Develish Valentine for love-crossed cupids!
Thank you!
Jellyfish & Butterscotch
WC 214
Michelle Lee
Joan wanted to tell Max that she liked him.
Like-liked him.
As much as the neon dragon blowing fire across his backpack.
As much as the pepperoni pizza they shared in the cafeteria.
As much as the fiery lightning bolt on his sneakers.
But Max hated Valentine’s Day.
There was pink involved. His baby sister wore lots of pink.
It was fuzzy-sweet, like the piece of old butterscotch candy his grandma kept in her purse.
The words were rhyme-y and stuck to you like peanut butter. He was allergic.
What could Joan do?
She couldn’t make him a card, like everyone else.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m happy to have a friend like you!”
One morning, her teacher read the class a book about the sea.
“Did you know jellyfish don’t have hearts?” she asked.
Max said, “Awesome!”
Max wiggled up and down.
Max definitely liked jellyfish.
ZING! Joan got an idea.
She drew and cut, colored and glued.
On Valentine’s Day, she handed out a card for everyone in her class.
Even one for Max.
A blue jellyfish with a big red X where its heart should be.
Max said, “Awesome!”
Max wiggled up and down.
Max gave Joan an old butterscotch. And picked off the fuzz.
Ingenious! There’s so much to like about your story. The Voice, the characterization, your choice of words, and Joan. A strong story with a strong beginning. I really enjoyed it. Well done.
Aw, Corine! You made my morning – thank you! Just sitting down to write more words, and it’s daunting!
Great, engaging title and a great story for problem-solving and friendship!
Thank you, Vanessa! And Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
BLUE MOUTH VALENTINE
By Kelly Pellico
207 words
“How many sleeps until Valentine’s Day?” Juliet asked.
“Fourteen,” mom replied. “Goodnight.”
Juliet lay in bed. She tried to sleep, really she did. But heart-shaped lollipops danced in her head.
She couldn’t wait to give her valentines. The cards were red, the lollipops blue!
Juliet slipped out of bed. “Just a few,” she thought, stuffing them into her backpack.
The next day, with a secretive “hush,” she gave valentines to Vincent, Chloe and Claire.
But that night Juliet STILL couldn’t sleep – their smiles swirled in her head.
She snuck valentines to more and more.
Then something curious happened – Juliet’s friends began missing school.
At first just a few, but then the list grew.
Then, a message:
Parents,
We’re seeing a strange condition spread. We don’t know the cause, but the main symptom is a bright blue mouth. Please be advised.
Mrs. Worth
Juliet’s cheeks flushed red as her mom shared the note about the mysterious blue mouth.
Now every February the tale of the Blue Mouth Valentine is told, and its song is sung:
Roses are red, our mouths are blue,
The lollipop’s sweet and so are you.
But candy and cards are shared on a date.
Until the fourteenth, you’ll have to WAIT.
And Juliet does.
The last 2 lines of your poem got a chuckle out of me! Clever!
I’m happy it made you laugh!
So funny! I love the myth/folktale-type ending – and little Juliet’s increasing shenanigans throughout! The reveal of the suspected “blue mouth” symptom was so funny after you built up the concern over friends being missing from school, too. Great one!
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words.
So cute!
Haha! This was so clever and cute! The poem at the end made me giggle. 🙂
Dragon’s First Love
WC 199
Jessie Raspbury
Dragon was lonely.
She longed for love.
She wished for kisses.
She hungered for hugs.
She coveted cuddles.
Her heart almost burst.
But sometimes love must find you first.
She searched through the forest,
But no one came near.
She called through the valley,
But they cowered in fear.
She felt like a monster.
Perhaps she was cursed.
She wished that love would find her first.
She stopped by a lake,
To sit and to think.
She bowed down her head,
And took a long drink.
But only one thing
Could quench her thirst.
If only love would find her first.
She looked in the water
And found her reflection.
She saw what she’d missed
And made a connection.
It wasn’t her fault.
She wasn’t the worst.
She knew how love could find her first.
She spoke to herself,
“There’s nothing wrong here,
I’m not so scary.
I’m nothing to fear!”
She stood up tall,
Her worry reversed.
She saw that love had found her first.
She sang through the forest
“I’m no longer cursed!”
Her new favorite chorus was
“Love yourself first!”
She spread all her love
To the whole universe.
Because Dragon found love in herself first.
I LOVE this. Find love in yourself first. A great choice to pick a dragon (during the Year of the Dragon) to spread this message! In China the dragon represents positive qualities such as power, strength, good luck, and wisdom. Well written and fun to read. Good luck!!
What a lovely message! So needed these days!
A very sweet story with a flowing rhythm and an important message!
I love this.
Reeeeally good message here that’s not common in PBs I’ve read. Think you relayed it well with your story too. Well done.
Beautiful story! Loved your MC, the lyricism, and the message. Wonderfully written:)
A little flower bloomed
213 words
by: Hanno Zhang
Cloud adore a Mountain, He wrote to her with dew:
Can we be friends?
Mountain ignored Cloud.
No matter how Cloud turns into Mountain.
Or Cloud, use rainbow to show a smiling face.
Night, Cloud thinks: What is Mountain doing?
Cloud uses lightning to see Mountain is catching stars.
“You are so naughty”.
“I like stars”.
“You spent 10,000 years chasing stars but ignored everyone else.”
“I’m stupid, right?”
“But I like – I’m stupid too, right?”
Mountain smiled. They became friends.
“I will give you a gift. sleep now.”
Cloud made a tent out of fog，Mountain fell asleep.
On Valentine’s Day, Cloud back with a starlit wedding dress.
Mountain wears snowflake wedding dress.
“Let’s dance.”
Hail fell and sweet music sounds on the ice.
They dance.
“Stars are watching.”
“They wait for flowers to bloom.”
“I have a lot of buds, but still early. “
Cloud blew a gust of wind at Mountain.
The next day, Mountain turned green.
“Wake up, spring is here!” Mountain shakes but no one wakes up.
Cloud let the thunder wake up the animals.
They look at a bud says: “bloom! bloom!”
Cloud dropped rain, the bud——
Bloomed!
everyone dances.
The stars also dance.
They like flower.
Stars never have a flowers.
A friendship between a cloud and a mountain. What a lovely idea!
He wrote to her with dew. Cloud made a tent out of fog. Cloud blew a gust of wind at Mountain. The next day, Mountain turned green. Lovely.
Dear Corine，
Thank you for your kind words!
I have been in love with clouds since I was 18 years old. In this story, the cloud continue to create surprises by transforming into dew, rainbow, lightning, fog, snow, hail, wind, thunder, and rain, and finally get the love of the mountain, and also make Their crystallization – a little flower bloomed. This little flower that even the stars would envy symbolizes the preciousness of life. This story demonstrates the Eastern philosophy of “one flower, one world in the universe”.
Miss Hedgehog’s Valentine Surprise!
by Amy LaMae Brewer
(word count 214)
Miss Hedgehog loves holidays.
“Hooray! It’s Valentine’s Day!” Miss Hedgehog shouts.
“Hrrrmpphhh–,” grumped Badger peeking out his door.
“Why bother? What’s so cheerful about love?”
“It shares happiness and–”
“Don’t need it,” Badger interrupts turning back into his burrow.
“Oh dear,” Miss Hedgehog whispered,
“This will be a challenge.”
She decided to look for friends to help.
Knock, knock.
“Hello, Little Mouse.
Do you have an idea to cheer up Badger?
He’s always so grumpy after his winter slumber.”
Little Mouse shook her head.
Then she went to see the Otter Family.
Knock, knock.
“Hello, can you help cheer up Badger.”
“No way,” said the biggest brother, “He’s mean!”
“Yeah,” said the middle brother, “He has long claws!”
“Everyone needs a friend,” said the littlest otter, “I can help.”
While Miss Hedgehog prepared valentines,
Jack Rabbit put up balloons and Mrs. Quail set up tea.
They all met at Badger’s steps for a big surprise!
“Who will knock?”
“I will,” said the littlest otter.
Knock, knock.
“I don’t need a valentine,” grumped Badger peeking out his door.
Little Otter stretched out his hand. “Do you need a friend?”
Badger sighed and took it. They went up the steps.
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” They all cheered.
Badger began to grin from his big slumber.
Rabbit’s Valentine’s Surprise
By Marta Cutler
(213 words)
Mouse’s whiskers twitched in excitement. Everything was set for Rabbit’s Valentine’s Day party. He couldn’t wait to surprise his best friend! Right on time, the forest guests arrived.
“Woah”, said Bear.
The glen glowed pink and red. Every bush, branch and leaf were covered in hearts. The trees were wrapped in red ribbons. Pink wildflowers carpeted the floor.
“Oooo!” said the friends when they saw the heart-shaped tower of heart-shaped cookies.
“Ahhh!” they said when they saw the heart-shaped wall spelling, “Be My Valentine”.
“Mouse, you’ve outdone yourself!” said Badger.
“Rabbit will be so surprised!” said Squirrel.
“Where is Rabbit?” asked Raccoon.
Mouse looked around the clearing. Oh dear! Where was Rabbit?
“What was that?” said Badger.
From the far side of the glen came a muffled voice.
“Help! Help!” it said.
“That sounds like Rabbit!” said Bear.
“Help! Help!” it said again.
“Behind the heart-shaped wall!” cried Badger.
The animals dashed across the glen. Mouse tore down the wall. Behind it was Rabbit’s front door and in it stood Rabbit.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted.
“It certainly is,” said Rabbit.
“I’m sorry I decorated your door shut,” said Mouse. “But I hope you like your party!”
“Best Valentine’s Day ever!” said Rabbit.
He hugged his friend.
“But next year, perhaps a simple card?”
“I’m sorry I decorated your door shut” – hilarious! Very sweet story.
Thanks so much for reading and the comment Vanessa!
A Valentine for Grumpus
By Marta Cutler
(212 words)
Grumpus checked his calendar: February 14.
“Harrumph,” he grumped.
Grumpus hated Valentine’s Day.
“All those hearts,” he grimaced.
Grumpus’ favorite shapes were pointy.
“All that pink,” he grumbled.
Grumpus’ favorite color was grey.
“All those flowers,” he grizzled.
Grumpus’ favorite plant was a cactus.
“Valentine’s Day is for softies,” he growled.
Grumpus was NOT a softie.
Grumpus checked his watch. Time for his walk. He opened his door….and froze. Smiling up at him with big bright eyes was a little girl.
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” said the girl.
Grumpus slammed the door shut. He opened it back up. The girl was still there. She handed him a card. It was pink. It had hearts and flowers. It said, “Will you be my Valentine?”. Inside, it said, “From your new friend, Sophie.”
Grumpus started to growl.
“Don’t you just love Valentine’s Day?” said Sophie. “You get to give cards to all the people you want to be friends with!”
Grumpus frowned. He slammed the door again. When he opened it back up, he handed Sophie a grey heart with writing on it.
“Of course, I’ll be your Valentine!” she beamed.
She gave Grumpus a big hug. Grumpus patted her back.
Maybe he could learn to like pink after all…for one day of the year.
Cute!
Thanks Angela! 🙂
Love the characterization of Grumpus!
Thanks Vanessa!
It’s so nice to turn a grumpy around.
Takes a very enthusiastic person! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
A Date to the Valentine’s Ball
by Jennifer Gautam
213 words
Princess Nettle felt like yawning just thinking about the suitors to be her date to the Valentine’s Ball. They were all so – boring.
Prince Hupert talked only of slaying dragons.
Sir Mattholomew droned on about sword fighting.
And Lord Robibald… picked his nose!
UGH!
If only one of them had shared her love of plants! Plants were Princess Nettle’s favorite thing.
Their beauty and many shades of green made her soul sigh in content.
Every plant had its own secrets that she longed to delve into.
She could spend all day gardening if allowed.
What if she could find someone who loved plants just as much to be her Valentine? She had an idea!
Princess Nettle posted a flyer in the square: Plant Club 2pm.
2pm arrived and her heart hammered in her chest. What if this didn’t work?
She needn’t have worried as the group chatted excitedly for hours.
Lucan shared tips to coax a difficult orchid to bloom.
Amelia gushed about the ingenuity of plant defenses.
Benedict raved about the best fertilizers.
Not one of them picked their nose.
She couldn’t imagine better companions to take to the ball and asked all of them to be her Valentine.
They arrived at the Valentine’s Ball together, all wearing the most beautiful corsages!
Yes it would be so much fun to spend Valentine’s Day with all the trees and flowers:)))
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELLEN
Jelly Belly Finds Love
Ellen Akemi Crosby
150 Words
WHOAAAAAAAA!
“Hey, are you okay?”
Jelly Belly looked up.
The bag of his bored jelly bean buddies lay sideways on the table.
This was Jelly’s chance!
Away he rolled.
Who would he meet?
Chocolate? Chewy? Crunchy? Or, Crumbly?
He could barely contain his excitement.
New friends!? New home!? New family to love!?
He skidded into Skittles who smiled, but skipped away.
He bumped into Butterfingers who bounced and hid in a bowl.
He knocked over a Hershey’s bar who frowned and wrapped himself up.
He waved enthusiastically at the Whoppers who didn’t wave back.
Poor Jelly!
But, was he sad. No! His gleeful anticipation grew.
For what was that he heard?
Sweet singing!
He spies a box…
A box filled with happy, heart-shaped colors.
Jelly cannot contain his enthusiasm.
For as he rushes towards them, they welcome him joyfully.
Each of them wearing an “I Love You” and a smile.
He found Conversation Hearts? My son’s favorite! (Of course, my son loves ALL candy, so he would enjoy eating his way through your story…)
What is Love?
by Janel Caverly
Word Count 211
Each morning Squirrel started his day enthusiastically.
“Device, play us some music please,” Squirrel asked.
Device played peppy music to match Squirrel’s mood.
“What will the weather be?” Squirrel asked.
“Rain,” Device said.
“I will take my umbrella,” Squirrel said cheerfully.
“You have mail,” Device announced.
“Yippee!” Squirrel said.
It was a card.
“Happy Valentine’s Day! With Love.”
“Valentine’s Day must be today,” Squirrel thought.
“But what is love?” Squirrel asked.
“No data found,” Device said.
“I will find out,” Squirrel said.
“Woodchuck, what is love?”
“The taste of dandelion roots.”
“Earthworm, what is love?”
“The smell of rain when it touches the earth.”
“Bird, what is love?”
“The sky above – wide and free.”
Squirrel was still looking up when he stepped on a thorn. “Ouch!”
Mouse heard Squirrel.
“What’s wrong?”
“A thorn. Can you pull it out?”
Mouse pulled.
POP!
The thorn popped out.
Squirrel cried.
Mouse didn’t know if Squirrel’s tears were from pain or joy, so Mouse gave Squirrel a big Mouse hug.
Then Squirrel knew what love was.
Love was as exciting as getting a card in the mail, safe and protective as his umbrella, and as peppy as his morning music.
“I love you,” Squirrel said enthusiastically.
“I love you, too.” Mouse said.
“Happy Valentine’s Day!”
The different definitions of love were so thoughtfully done for each creature! Very cute story.
Great job. I really like the simple, yet big what is love question being repeated to multiple characters. It’s done in a concise way and as a reader I’m eager to hear their responses.
ENTRY POSTED FOR CASSY
Happy Cheese Day!
By Cassy Clarcq
206 words
“Happy Cheese Day!” squeaked Mouse.
“Valentine’s Day,” corrected Badger.
“It’s about sharing kindness,” explained Squirrel.
“And love,” piped Rabbit.
“Right! And I LOVE cheese! So, Cheese Day! Crackerjack Colby Jack, Brilliant Brie —.”
“No, no, it’s about exchanging Valentine cards,” interrupted Badger.
“Or giving chocolate,” added Squirrel.
“Or flowers,” mentioned Rabbit.
“But cheese is the BEST! Fabulous Feta, Cheddar —.”
“That’s not traditional.”
“It’s more about hearts.”
“And cupids.”
“Cupids? Who wants a baby with wings? Gimme Glorious Gouda, Scrumptious Swiss —.”
“But it’s a day to think of others.”
“Do nice things for them.”
“Show you care.”
“Exactly! Cheese Day!”
Mouse danced away, singing:
“Crackerjack Colby Jack,
Brilliant Brie;
Fabulous feta,
Cheddar’s lovely!
Glorious Gouda,
Scrumptious Swiss!
Cheese is the best;
Let’s seal it with a kiss!”
The friends stared.
“Only one thing to do,” said Badger.
They hurried to their homes. Soon, they gathered together to knock on Mouse’s door.
“Happy Valen— I mean, Cheese Day, Mouse!”
“Cheese? For me? You guys are the BEST! All together now!”
“Crackerjack Colby Jack,
Brilliant Brie;
Fabulous feta,
Cheddar’s lovely!
Glorious Gouda,
Scrumptious Swiss!
Cheese is the best;
Let’s seal it with a kiss!”
“Thanks, guys! Here – I made you cards! A very Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you!”
Aaah, I enjoyed this. Funny and original.
Hahahaha I love how Mouse’s friends all ultimately decide to just run with it. Very cute, and I love Mouse’s little song!
I so love cheese! Super fun 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR POUPETTE
INKY’S VALENTINE
by Poupette Smith
(214 words)
“Beachtime!” I gurgled. “It’s Valentine’s Day!”
Inky didn’t budge. She hid inside her cave, ignoring love’s call.
I hated insisting, but how else would I get her to come out?
“I’ve got a surprise,” I burbled.
She glared at me like I was a snorkeler peering through her porthole, waving ~NO~ with her tentacles and squirting ink.
Well, I’d find love without her! I packed beach toys and swam shoreward like a greyhound, not a turtle.
Before long, something tickled my flipper. I turned to see what.
“Can we come, too?” said Seahorse and Crab, holding hands.
“The more the merrier,” I said.
They hopped aboard, slowing me down as I ducked and zipped. I paddled past elkhorns, bellowing Happy Valentine’s to my coral-garden neighbors.
“Wait!” called Starfish, Welk, and Conch. “We’re coming, too!”
They grabbed my shell and tagged along with the others.
At this rate it’ll be night before I arrive… I upped my pace, but ─oops!─ I bumped into a mermaid!
“Slow down,” she murmured, swaying. “Wanna be my beach Valentine?”
Her blue eyes reflected the sea, and my heart thumpity-thumped. “Ah, sure…” I babbled.
Waves heaved us ashore. Then suddenly, I remembered ─Oh no, my Valentines!
I turned to double back, when out popped Inky ─tentacles filled with chocolate hearts!
Sea Turtle and Inky belong together! Loved the idea of “coral garden neighbors” and “tentacles filled with chocolate hearts!”
I love all the sea friends and the clever language. Lots of suspense and action too!
Such an incredible amount of opportunities for fantastic illustrations. The imagery is over the top. Excellent job!!!
In the Shape of a Heart
By Lisa Rowe Fraustino
214 words
Ollie lay in a snow angel and grinned up at a heart-shaped cloud. The sky knew tomorrow was Valentine’s Day!
“Lunchtime!” called Nana.
On the way, Ollie thought they heard something under the porch. A teeny tiny meow?
After lunch Nana helped Ollie make pink batter and pour it into heart-shaped baking cups. Then Ollie went outside, knelt by the porch, and said, “Meow!”
A scrawny calico cat peeked out. It had a collar, but Ollie couldn’t read the nametag. The cat hid again.
After dinner Ollie and Nana sampled the pretty pink cupcakes with whipped cream and strawberries on top.
That night Ollie lay awake listening for meows. If only they could read the cat’s nametag. Their people must really miss them.
“There’s a cat under the porch,” Ollie told Nana in the morning as they decorated cupcakes for school. “I think they would like a cupcake.”
“I doubt sugar’s good for cats.”
“Then strawberries?”
Nana smiled. “But keep your distance. You don’t want a cat bite for Valentine’s Day.”
While Nana watched, Ollie placed the strawberries to shape a heart in the snow.
Meow! Out shot the scrawny calico cat. It gobbled the berries, then purred and wove between Ollie’s ankles.
Ollie saw the nametag and laughed. “Hello, Pal! Happy Palentine’s Day!”
Nice pun and Happy Palentine’s Day :)))
I like how you developed Ollie – and Nana too! A sweet story with a nice ending.
Sweet story!
SLOTH & MOTH
by Katherine Rea
(214 words)
Sloth lived in a tree that gave him everything he needed: food, shelter, and a place to relax. But what he wanted was a friend.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Sloth was excited! It was his chance to make friends!
Sloth got glue, paper, and ribbons. By the time Sloth finished his Valentine’s Day cards, it was well into spring. But Sloth didn’t let that stop him.
In June, Sloth delivered his first card to Jaguar.
“Pee-ew!” she said. “You stink.”
By September, Sloth gave his next card to the Aracaris.
“Watch your claws!” they shrieked. “You almost ruffled our feathers!”
Sloth gave his last Valentine’s Day cards to the Monkeys.
“Valentine’s Day cards in December?” they cackled. “You’re unbelievably slow, Sloth.”
Sloth sighed. Maybe that was the reason he didn’t have friends.
That’s when he heard a little voice say, “I don’t think you’re too slow.” Sloth looked closer to find a small moth.
“What are you doing in my fur?” Sloth asked.
“I live here,” Moth replied. “You move at the perfect pace for me. Any faster, and I’d fall out of your fur!”
Sloth looked up at his tree and smiled.
“You cling to me like I cling to this tree,” said Sloth. He had finally found a friend.
I like the humor of sloth delivering Valentines late. Too bad the other animals didn’t show some appreciation!
Hard to listen to the other critters dissing Sloth, but you kept it light with the gentle humor (the dialogue revealing that it took Sloth almost a year to deliver all of the valentines, e.g.). And of course it was very sweet when Sloth finally found a friend!
I’m always a fan of the surprise twist endings and this was a good one. With a warm fuzzy ending with closure to boot. Glad sloth found moth. Well done.
For! The! Love!
214 Words
by Katrina Swenson
At Punctuation Grammar School,
love is in the air!
Students pass out valentines,
there’s candy everywhere.
A modest little celebration,
delightful, on the whole…
But Exclamation Point arrives,
And BAM! He’s lost control!
“It’s Valentine’s! Today’s the day!
Everyone! Be mine!
Yippee! Yahoo! Huzzah! Hurray!
Be my valentine!”
He passed out cards and filled the room
with tiny heart confetti!
He sang of love, and then he danced
‘til out of breath and sweaty!
Comma tried to slow him down.
“Bruh, just take a breath.”
But Exclamation Point burst out,
“I LOVE YOU GUYS TO DEATH!”
Another classmate tried to help.
Period said, “STOP!’
But Exclamation Point just crooned
into a lollipop.
Question Mark inquired, “Can you
ditch the ditties, dude?
But EP’s vast enthusiasm
couldn’t be subdued.
He sang! He danced! He sang some more!
He passed out cake and flowers!
He shared his love for all his friends;
the process lasted hours!
And in those hours, something more
than flowers bloomed and blossomed:
Something special! Something sweet!
Something kinda awesome!
Comma sighed and said, “My friend,
I guess I love you, too!”
Period concluded that
she loved him, through and through.
Question Mark was wondering,
“Could this be a thing?”
When it comes to love, perhaps,
you get back what you bring!
Clever, and such a fun idea! I can just see EP singing into a lollipop.
Totally genius!!!! 🩷🩷🩷
Delightful and so clever!
SO clever and so on-point for the contest prompt this year! Fantastic stuff. ^__^
Exuberantly Brilliant! Bravo!
Elbow to Elbow
by Bridget Magee
(214 words)
“Dude, wanna go to my Valentine’s party on Saturday?”
This was the most Chad had said to Scotty besides, “Nice shot!” on the basketball court.
Scotty jumped for joy…inside.
On the outside, he played it cool. “Yeah, dude. Fire.”
Since switching middle schools so his nonverbal identical twin brother, Frankie, could get special services, Scotty struggled with making friends.
But Scotty never blamed Frankie. In fact, the brothers had their own language – an elbow bump said everything.
As they walked home, Scotty told Frankie about Chad’s party. “Jenna’s going to be there,” he added while pantomiming shooting a three-pointer. “Swoosh!”
Frankie elbowed Scotty.
“Thanks, bro.”
At dinner, Scotty told his mom about the invitation.
“Sounds great,” she said. “But Frankie has to go too. I have a shift at the hospital.”
“No!” Scotty snapped.
Mom raised her eyebrows.
Frankie elbowed Scotty.
“I’ll ask Chad,” Scotty mumbled.
In PE, Scotty asked Chad.
“Yeah, whatever, pass the ball!” Chad answered.
On Saturday, heart balloons, twinkle lights, and music transformed Chad’s backyard.
Chad and some boys played basketball while everyone else danced on the patio.
Including Jenna.
“Come play!” Chad called to Scotty.
Frankie elbowed Scotty and started dancing.
Jenna smiled at Frankie’s moves.
She smiled even more when Scotty joined his brother and danced, too.
You really wove a lot of plot and character into the allotted space! Nicely done!
Heartwarming story – love the title in particular!
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
By Jodie Houghton
214 words
Nearly my turn!
Excitement rushes from my heart to my mouth, making it water.
I can almost taste the fudgy, chocolatey loveliness.
Hurry up! Hurry up!
Every Valentine’s, Dad buys Mum a heart-shaped box of chocolates,
and every year I choose…
It’s gone!
This can’t be happening.
But it’s true: there, in Mum’s guilty hand, lies the empty, golden foil.
As I stare, Mum’s eyes change from delight to concern.
‘What is it? What’s the matter?’ she asks, her teeth stuck with fudgy, chocolatey loveliness.
‘My… my… chocolate,’ I stutter, sadness rushing from my heart to my eyes, making them water.
Dad looks from me to Mum: ‘You didn’t?’
‘I’m so sorry,’ Mum says. ‘I thought you liked the silver. Here, have the strawberry instead.’
Strawberry? STRAWBERRY?
‘I want my fudgy, chocolatey loveliness!’ I cry as I run to my bedroom and slam the door.
My tears splash on the card I made for Mum. I couldn’t decide what to write earlier but, suddenly, I know:
‘I love you more than fudgy, chocolatey loveliness.’
I take the card downstairs.
‘I’m so sorry, love,’ Mum says.
I give her the card and we hug.
‘The silver ones really are good,’ Dad says, handing me the sweet.
‘Mmmm…’ I say. ‘Nutty, chocolatey loveliness! My new favourite.’
That’s a happy ending:)))
LOVE LETTERS
by Jana Locke
(214 words)
It’s Vowel-entine’s Day, and E is enthusiastically emblazoning envelopes with Xs and Os. But A, I, O, and U aren’t loving the other letters this year.
A is angry. O has a long face and I is short tempered. U feels underappreciated.
“Nobody loves us,” O moans.
“You can’t spell anything without us!” A rages.
“But do we get thanks? Noooooooo,” grumbles U.
“Egos,” E sighs with an eye roll. “I’ll deliver the cards alone!”
“Have fun. Love letters don’t matter to anyone,” snipes I.
“C, you’re cool!” E calls, tossing a card. “K, you’re kind! T, stay terrific!”
At the end of the alphabet, E hears a sob. “Y, are you crying?”
“I doubt you have a love letter for me,” Y wails. “Nothing good starts with y.”
“Actually, the best thing starts with y. You!”
Y melted with joy.
“Hey, could you tell my grumpy friends how this letter made you feel?” E asks.
“Yes!”
E and Y found A, I, O, and U.
“Your Vowel-entine made my day,” Y said. “I brought cupcakes to thank you.”
They agreed on another good y word for the treats: Yum!
Next Vowel-entine’s Day, A, E, I, O, U and Y (who sometimes hangs out with them) delivered cards together. Because love letters always matter.
This is original and really sweet Jana!
So clever – I love all of the letter personalities, and the wordplay!!
Your vowel-entine story gets 2 thumbs up from me!
I love this! Clever, fun, and a perfect ending line.
Happy V-ALIEN-tine’s Day!
(A Little Extraterrestrial’s DOs and DON’Ts for Celebrating Earth’s Weirdest Holiday)
By Vanessa Konoval
Word count: 202
DO:
Remember to bring your class list home so you can remember all your friends’ names.
DON’T:
Eat the paper.
DO:
Enjoy making small colorful paper cards for your classmates! (Again: not for snacking.)
DON’T:
Get any glue on your tentacles. Your suckers’ll be clogged for a week.
DO:
Sample all the tasty treats at your class party!
DON’T:
Forget to show your enthusiasm with a nice big Earthen smile. …Oh my! No, not that big. A little less mandible, perhaps. Ah! There you go. Great job!
DO:
Have fun decorating the classroom together with heart-shaped garlands and such.
DON’T:
Pull out your spare heart muscle to match. A fun party trick on Xrzopolabia, a trifle startling on Earth!
DO:
Ask nicely before tentacle-wrapping your friends as a sign of affection. Consent is important!
DON’T:
Wrap too hard, no matter how kind their card was. Humans, oddly, require oxygen to their brains, and a typical Xrzopolabian hug may make them pass out!
DO:
See this as an opportunity to learn about an odd Earthen tradition, grow closer with your classmates, and have a little fun.
DON’T:
Eat the cards your friends got you.
Save THOSE for an after-school snack!
Happy V-ALIEN-tine’s Day!
What a fun and unique entry! Enjoyed reading it. Well done!
Thank you! ^__^
This is a delightfully weird story! Love its structure and (spare) heart.
Hahaha thank you! “Delightfully weird” is high praise. 😀
Those don’ts made me chuckle…good reminders Vanessa!
Never know who needs to hear it 😀
This is so fun. Very clever.
Thank you!! 🙂
A fun twist on the holiday! I laughed at saving the cards for an after-school snack!
Thank you, Brenda! ^__^
Hahaha I absolutely love this! So unique and funny! Happy V-ALIEN-tine’s Day, Vanessa!
Aw, thank you! Happy V-ALIEN-tine’s Day to you too!!
What a fun idea! Made me laugh. Seems like excellent advice for any visiting aliens.
Thank you, Emma! Do pass it along to any you might meet! 😛
I love alien stories. It was clever and unique spin. 🙂
Thank you, Lynn!!
Totally had me laughing out loud! “A little less mendable…” 😀 I really enjoyed this.
Thank you so much, Amanda! 😀
Vanessa, I can see this picture book! A how-to in 202 words, I giggled all the way through! Innovative and original, submit this manuscript, it should be published!
Aw, thank you so much! I’m thinking about expanding it. Structure is so fun to play with, isn’t it?!
Oh my gosh, Vanessa. I cracked up at this one! So stinking fun. And yes, I think it just might be Earth’s weirdest holiday. 😄
Hahaha thank you, Jess! Glad it gave you a laugh! 😊
Vanessa, this is delightful! I love the weird alien details and the fun format. Nicely done!
Thank you so much, Sarah! (Also I read your entry to my kids. I pointed out the pancake tie-in and they were thrilled. 😊)
Thank you so much, Vanessa! Your comment made me smile 🙂 🙂 🙂 Pancakes for the win!
So fun and funny! This could be a full PB!
Thank you, Julie!! I just might expand it! 😀
What a creative take on this prompt, Vanessa! I love the title and the list of Dos and Don’ts. An illustrator would have a ball working on this!
Thanks so much, Jill! Aren’t funky structures so much fun to play with??
I absolutely love this! Please DO query this as a PB, DON’T have any doubts! I love the structure, the alien spin on valentines, and all the Xrzopolabian’isms. SO funny:)
What a fun take on Do and Don’t and Valentine’s Day.