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 
THE BEST CARDS
By Cindy Greene
Word Count: 201
On February second, Gina gathered her supplies;
her mission: make great Valentines, that thrill and tantalize.
A passionate creator (and competitive, to boot),
“This year, my cards must be the best!” cried Gina, resolute.
Scissors sculpted, glitter flew,
markers danced and spun.
Stickers stuck and pompoms puffed –
Gina glowed when done.
The time arrived for students to distribute cards in class.
Gina skipped from desk to desk, looked down –
and then she gasped.
Maylin’s cards had better bling,
Beck’s were bigger, brighter too.
The other cards made hers look bad!
(from Gina’s mixed-up point of view).
An evil thought filled Gina’s head;
she lumbered to her chair,
“If other cards just disappeared,
then no one could compare.”
Plotting, Gina spied as classmates read their cards with zeal.
Surprised, she noted their delight was palpable and real.
So rather than plan sabotage, she opened Valentines;
some were fancy, some were spare – what assortment of designs!
“Every card is special,” Gina slowly came to see.
“I’m not thinking which is best – I love they’re made for me.”
The next year Gina focused on the things that good friends should,
Enjoying making awesome cards… that make her mates feel good.
So nice Cindy, Gina’s enthusiasm led her to an epiphany! Great rhyme and rhythm too!
Something Special by Darcee A. Freier 213 words
Peter built a block garage for his excavator. Building always helped him think. What Valentines could he make for his classmates? Last year, with help, he’d baked cookies, and the year before he’d made slime. How could he top those? Then he had an idea.
“Mom,” Peter said. “Can I give excavators to everyone for Valentines? Tommy would like that. Diego, too.”
“Oh, honey, we can’t afford 30 excavators.”
“They wouldn’t fit in the Valentine boxes, anyway.” Peter pondered. “I have a ton of bricks. I could build thirty cars.” He calculated. “But I don’t have 120 wheels.”
“Think flat,” said Mom. “To fit through the slots.”
“I could build something special for each person,” said Peter.
“That’s sweet to share your bricks.” Mom hugged him.
Peter built go-karts for Tommy and Diego. Salame raced karts, so Peter built one for her, too. He marked their names off the list. He thought about each classmate in turn. Peter built dogs, cats, fish, monsters, and a flower for his teacher.
On party day, Peter slid one creation into each box.
At party time, Peter just watched.
Diego and Salame raced their go-karts. His teacher displayed the flower on her desk. All around, classmates were playing with their gifts.
Satisfied, Peter opened his own Valentines.
So sweet that Peter wants to personalize his Valentines. I also love how he watches everyone else before opening his own. 🙂
A nice entry expressing one child’s EXTRA special valentines for his classmates. Well done!
Awe. I like Peter! He’s a good friend.
Darcee,
Peter reminds me of Ayla, a gift for everyone.
Open mine last
So I can see everyone have blast.
Amira’s First Valentine’s Day
Word Count: 214
By Danna Zeiger
On Amira’s first Valentine’s Day in America, her valentines rustled with every bounce in her step.
She’d listened to all of her neighbor Angela’s suggestions.
She’d looked up how to say new words and spell them.
And she couldn’t wait to share them with her new friends!
As she handed them out, Ryan said, “I’m over the moon you came to America!”
Olivia said, “I’m bouncing off the walls wanting to read these!”
Penelope said, “I’m tickled pink!”
After school, Amira ran straight to Angela’s house.
Angela had barely opened her door when Amira barged in.
“I did EVERYTHING you said!
I added extra glitter and spelled everything correctly,” she cried. “But they HATED them!”
“What happened?” Angela asked.
“Ryan wanted to run away from me to the moon!
Olivia threatened to bounce them off the walls!
And Penelope said they made her ticklish!”
Tears poured down Amira’s face.
“Over the moon? Bouncing off the walls? Tickled pink?” Angela asked.
Amira nodded.
Angela laughed. “I’m walking on air, Amira!”
“Huh??” Amira asked, staring at Angela’s shoes clearly planted on the ground.
“Amira, that was their way of saying how much they LOVED your valentines! They’re English expressions!” Angela explained.
Angela and Amira traded sparkly valentines and hugs. Happy as clams, sitting on cloud nine.
I absolutely love this! You fit so much into so few words, and I know it is very relatable to anyone who has tried to learn English as a second language.
Thank you so, so much!! 🙂 Haha, this very much comes from personal experience… my husband STILL makes so much fun of me for not knowing many English idioms 🙂
This is so clever!
Thank you so so much!! 🙂
How do you explain- ” I love your story to death!!”
Ha! Thank you so much 🙂
Talia’s Valentine’s Day Magic
Word Count: 214
by Danna Zeiger
“Finally, it’s Science fair day!” Talia cried.
“Good luck!” Mom said. “But… where are your valentines?”
“Valentines? Just wait until they see my project!”
Still, with minutes before the school bus arrived,
Talia made some tweaks.
She mixed.
She measured.
She marked.
At school,
her classmates pulled out bags
of sparkly, sequined, stickered valentines.
All Talia had
was a seemingly blank sheet of paper,
and a purple tinfoil-covered container.
As each friend dropped their valentine on Talia’s desk,
and asked for theirs,
Talia replied, “Sorry! My science fair project kept me busy!”
But Hudson didn’t hear…
and grabbed the purple container,
mistaking it for Talia’s Valentine’s Box.
“No!” Talia shouted.
Too late.
As he lifted the tinfoil,
the smells made him gag.
“EEEEEEEEEW!” everyone shrieked.
Talia hid her face
as the class walked to the Science Fair.
At Talia’s table, the kids held their noses.
“For my project,
I used science to create some Valentine’s Day magic,” she explained.
With a paintbrush dip
into her purple container,
Talia swiped the stinky cabbage juice
over the invisible vinegar on the not-blank paper…
and her secret heart-swirled message slowly appeared.
“Happy Valentine’s to my friends!”
“Can I have turn?” each kid begged,
forgetting all about the smell.
Everyone wanted to try Talia’s Valentine’s Day potion.
Hey, very cool! Sensory descriptions, self-expression, and a STEM tie-in!
Thank you so so much!! 🙂
A Valentine Snow Day
By Lori Dubbin
Word Count 214
If you are lucky enough to have a snow day on February 14, Valentine’s Day,
And the snow is powdery soft
And the sky is only partly cloudy
And your dad shouts, “Let’s go outside!”
So, you grab your sled,
Throw on your coat, mittens, and hat
And race outside as fast as you can, pulling your sled up a hill to a clearing,
With your dad bolting behind you
While you both leave deep footprints,
That don’t get in the way of the two of you whooshing down the hill, laughing all the way,
Till you reach the bottom, where you build a snowman together,
With berry eyes and carrot nose,
Then you re-climb the hill
And slide down again and again until you
Smell the warmth of a fire and the melting of chocolate
From the sweetest, Valentine’s Day hot beverage
That beckons you inside
As you dash through the front door with rosy cheeks and snowy boots,
And you yank off your boots so the floor doesn’t get muddy,
As you run to the table where you sit with your dad and sip hot chocolate,
After adding five heart marshmallows each,
Until you both feel warm again,
Which is to say, this is the best, most magical Valentine snow day,
Ever!
So much fun, loving, warm and cozy–it makes me wish for a snowy Valentine’s Day too!
Love the pace. Love the vision and feel!
SNOW much fun! I felt the love in this sweet story. Snow days are so magical!
This is a fun and memory filled story. Great job!
This story brings so many childhood memories to so many people. Great job, Lori! 💕
Love Day Wish
by Daniella Kaufman
WC: 191
Chipmunk scampers all around
in search of seeds hid underground.
“It’s Valentine’s! They must be found!”
he chitters as he digs.
The seeds are for his friend to share,
but he can’t find them anywhere!
Will Wren think Chipmunk doesn’t care?!
She’s here!! He grabs some twigs.
“Oh my!” she chirps. “Are these for me?”
And Chipmunk blurts, “Uh, yes! You see . . .
these twigs are from a . . . Love Day tree
that makes your wish come true.”
A spark enchants her beady eyes.
“Let’s share this Valentine’s surprise!!”
She flutters off as Chipmunk sighs,
“Oh no! What do I do?”
He watches Wren give twigs to buds
and gulps when Worm says, “Compost muds!”
As Vole adds, “Tree, I wish for spuds!”
Boar roars, “I’d LOVE a snack!”
Enthusiastically Wren states,
“Your Love Day magic gift awaits!”
While Chipmunk hyperventilates,
he squeaks, “I’ll be right back!”
This Chipmunk knows what he must do.
He digs, determined. Gathers poo,
potatoes, roots and mushrooms too.
He grants their wishes. Phew!
But what about Wren’s wish today?
When Chipmunk asks, she’s quick to say,
“My wish? I got it right away!!
A Valentine’s with you.”
Love your rhyme scheme and how the gift of being “present” instead of a present is just right for Wren.
This is so sweet with such a solid impressive rhyme scheme! I want a Chipmunk Valentine ❤
Super cute Daniella, love how you sprinkled some unexpected rhyming words in there!
Great pace – reflecting chipmunk’s extra-busy energy – plus the rhythm and rhyme! And I loved the characters!
Sweet story and very enjoyable to read aloud! It’s easy to root for Chipmunk.
Chipmunk is such a sweet friend who made everyone’s day special.
I love their sweet little friendship! 🥰
Awww, sweet story & great visuals via your words
ENTRY POSTED FOR EMMIE
Snip, Snip, Snip
Emmie R Werner
Word Count 80
Everyone was excited.
Not too many days
Till it’s Valentine’s Day.
Helpful ideas from the
Usual people mom, pop,
Sister and uncle.
I was telling Gram my ideas
“All those ideas are good but when I was your age I
Snipped, snipped, snipped
To make my valentines.” So Gram and I snipped, snipped, snipped.
In no time at all the valentines were finished and I
Carried my homemade valentines to school, all but one, “this one is for you GRAM.”
Sweet ending 🙂
aww
This is a fun format! And sweet!
Enthusiastic! Clever!
Valentine Trap
By Amy Martinez
WC: 214
February topped the calendar in Room 14.
Heart beamed.
Trapezoid did not.
Star had the spotlight in December.
Octagon owned Safety Week.
Triangle brought Jack-o-lanterns to life.
And P.E. was nothing without Circle.
Every shape had a time to shine, except Trapezoid.
Instead, he was forgotten…or worse, mistaken for Rectangle.
“I will make Room 14 appreciate me,” Trapezoid decided.
He crafted a plan.
“Nobody can resist googly eyes.”
Trapezoid glued them to his face.
The students pointed, smiled…
And added adorable eyes to… everything.
“Hmmph!”
They like the eyes, not me.
Trapezoid pivoted.
I will force them to appreciate me.
He built a trap.
He moved desks during recess.
To his captive audience he enthusiastically announced, “Please welcome, the new face of February…Me!”
He waited for applause.
There was none. `
Trapezoid continued, “Trapezoid cookies, candies, Valentines… what could be better?”
“Uh….Hearts?” The students replied.
Trapezoid knew he could fit in.
He just needed the right angle.
“What does Heart have that I don’t?” He questioned.
“…Curves?”
Trapezoid fell flat.
Rhombus came alongside.
“All shapes are equal and worthy of love,” she announced. “Let’s find where Trapezoid fits.”
“He looks like a boat.”
“Bucket.”
“Beach bag.”
Students agreed, “…He’s the face of Summer!”
Trapezoid beamed.
“They’re right. June is my time to shine!”
So cute, clever and creative Amy!
This is so clever! It’s such a fun story with such an important message of inclusion and acceptance.
Love the pun on “he just needed the right angle” to fit in!
Love the perspective / point of view of Trapezoid – so creative! Great payoff!
What an amazing concept story. The puns were so well done, and I am so happy that trapezoid didn’t have to change who he was and he still found a month for himself!
Aw thanks! It means a lot that you mentioned him not needed to change himself to fit in. Leave it to a Valentines story about shapes to reveal the intrapersonal lessons I didn’t realize I was processing (Ha Ha Ha! I love these contest!)
I love it! A unique underdog story with tons of fun wordplay. From now on, I will celebrate Trapezoid Summer!
Thanks. me too!
Love the concept! I’m so glad Trapezoid found his place to shine!
He fell flat. 😆 This is so much fun. Good job!
Thanks!
When Peanut Butter Met Jelly
By: Angela Martinelli
WC: 208
It was Valentine’s Day and Peanut Butter was new in the town of Cupboard. What better way to make friends than to share some Valentine cards?
“You rock!” Peanut Butter handed Salt a Valentine, “Wanna play together?”
Salt shook and spilled a little.
“I could throw you over my shoulder!” said Peanut Butter.
Salt sighed, “You’re nuts.”
“You’re sweet!” Peanut Butter handed Sugar a Valentine, “Wanna bake together?”
Sugar smiled, “Sweetie, I’m already your second ingredient.”
“BFF!” Peanut Butter handed Oil a Valentine, “Wanna dance together?”
Oil separated, “I think I need some space.”
Peanut Butter felt stuck. He hadn’t made any friends.
Then Cupboard’s gates opened with a view to the city of Refrigerator. A little girl stretched for a jar of shimmering, pink crystals. Jelly.
Peanut Butter was awestruck. He had to meet Jelly.
The little girl placed Jelly on the Counter Commons and turned to search for Bread.
Peanut Butter jumped down in a jiffy.
“Be mine!” Peanut Butter handed Jelly a Valentine, “Wanna make something together?”
“Yes!” Jelly jiggled, “I was thinking the same thing.”
The little girl turned back, “Great idea!” She grabbed Peanut Butter, Jelly, two pieces of Bread, and a butter knife.
Scoop. Spread. Slap.
It was love at first bite.
Well done with the romance and puns! Loved ‘jumped down in a jiffy’… hehehe.
Yes, yes, yes!! So tightly woven with the nonstop wordplay and the plot. I was rooting for PB to find his J!
Hilarious! Very cute! I don’t like peanut butter & jelly, but have an odd craving for it. Good luck!
In the Cards
By Jan Schwaid
WC: 211
“Please be my Valentine,” I whisper, even though I know no one can hear me. “Please, please pick me!!”
The shoppers pass right by me, instead choosing cards with flowers and hearts and squiggly cursive writing I can barely read – and not just because I’m a card.
And what a card I am!
On the front, a jiggly, fuzzy squirrel and a funny message: I’M NUTS FOR YOU!
Inside, a speaker that plays hilarious, high-pitched squirrel giggles, over and over and over and over, any time I’m opened.
What more could you want from a Valentine!?
Someone opens me! But immediately, they shut me, hard, when they hear the giggles. They put me behind another card. With all the strength my paper soul can muster, I fling myself off the shelf to the floor.
Just as I’m about to get trampled, a little girl picks me up. She opens me and giggles along. “I get it,” she whispers. “Nuts!”
“Can I get this card? Please?” she begs as the shrieky squirrel cackles continue. Her mom makes a face.
“Who’s it for?”
“Me!”
Her mom sighs. “Just… keep it in your room, okay?”
And that’s how I found my Valentine! My love for her will never die, and neither will my battery.
This is so funny! I love that the card knows and loves its own difference, and that the little girl gives herself a valentine. But the narrative voice remains just wry enough to acknowledge that most of us, well…we’re the “just keep that thing in your room” grown-up. 😀 Awesome stuff!
LOL this is hilarious, and the ending is clutch!!!!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JEN
Talentines Day!
by Jen Keenan
WC – 214
At Clark Elementary
February’s fun!
January doldrums
Are over. Finished. Done.
Yay! Today is Feb. fourteenth
And yes, it’s Valentine’s.
But everybody here at Clark
Calls it Talentines.
It’s our yearly talent show
And everyone’s excited!
Many kids participate,
Parents are invited.
Every single act must have
A Valentines-y theme.
And hey, the sky’s the limit –
Whatever kids can dream.
Dress up like a Hershey’s Kiss
And dance on roller skates.
Throw the crowd some candy
While you sing “The 50 States.”
Molly’s a ventriloquist,
Harold plays the flute.
I hear he’ll be performing
In a Cupid-covered suit.
Tess plans to juggle hearts,
Leonard’s going to croon.
It’s an opportunity
To get his crush to swoon.
Last year, I read a poem –
Snooze. A total bore.
This year The Amazing Kate
Will leave them wanting more.
I’m getting really nervous!
My tricks are so complex.
Where’d I put my playing cards?
Do I have both decks?
Suddenly I’m on the stage,
Reaching for my hat.
My wand is waved and I pull out
A Valen-tiny cat!
The teachers all sing “Venus”
Before the curtain call.
Kids and parents all join in –
It’s voices wall-to-wall!
The talent show is over,
The room is really loud!
Clapping, whoops and cheers are heard
From this delighted crowd!
I like the Talentines Day concept. Cute story.
Unique concept, fun imagery, and great rhythm – particular kudos for the periods in “Over. Finished. Done.” to reflect the finality of said doldrums.
You had me at the title! What a fun premise. I enjoyed all the Valentiny talents. So creative!
A HOME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
By Linda Staszak
211 words
Bernard flew over the peaceful park and landed thinking he’d found his new home.
But the townspeople ran away screaming, “Dragon! Run for your lives!”
“I just want to be your friend,” Bernard called, but no one heard.
Bernard sighed. It was so pretty there with flowers and birds. Maybe he’d get a puppy, and…
Sniff, sniff—what was that mouth-watering aroma?
He followed his nose to a little bakery with a baker covered in batter and sprinkles.
“I’m busy,” she said. “It’s Valentine’s Day. If you want to burn down my bakery, come back tomorrow.”
“No burning. Can I help? It smells amazing.”
“Too busy.”
Bernard shrugged. He’d wash windows and sweep floors and pull weeds in the garden. Anything to keep smelling the wonderful smells.
But then—“Arrggh!” Pans crashed. Doors slammed.
Bernard dashed inside. “What’s wrong?”
“My oven broke. It’s my busiest day,” the baker moaned. She jiggled knobs and unplugged and re-plugged, but nothing worked.
Bernard bounced with excitement. “I can help.”
The baker frowned, but then smiled when she saw Bernard’s flame baking the holiday goodies.
“Come in,” the baker yelled to the townspeople. “Meet Bernard. He’s a wonderful dragon and our new neighbor!”
Bernard glowed. “I knew I could help.”
He’d finally found his home.
I love it! It’s terrific in bite-sized form (tbh the baker character is my favorite), but I could totally see it expanded into a PB too!
Thanks!
The Heart Collector
By Lucie Nouraud
211 words
It’s Valentine’s Day, Rat’s favorite day.
Rat is the biggest heart collector this side of New Orleans.
Quick! A candy heart falls from the hand of a little boy. Run, run, zoink! Into the pocket!
Hurry! A stream of confetti hearts flies above the pavement! Jump, jump, grab! Into the pocket!
A burst of February wind makes Rat shiver as he suddenly sees a bright red reflection in a shop window. Oh, OH! A big, HUGE balloon heart lazily floats by!
Rat feels his eyes become heart-shaped too.
He jumps, jumps, runs, runs, jumps, JUMPS. Too short! Too slow! He runs, runs some more, jumps, jumps as high as he can, and YES! He’s got it! He grabs onto the balloon’s string but oh! Oh no.
Oops.
Rat is being lifted from his feet, up and up he goes. And now he’s too far up to let go!
From there, Rat can see the parade, the floats, and all the dancers. All is pink and red and heart-shaped. Rat feels his own little heart warm up at the beauty of it all.
As he finally lands on a balcony, he thinks, this is much better than collecting hearts. And he fills his mind’s pockets full of the beauty of the day.
I like how rat gets caught up in the balloon and then sees the beauty of the crowd below him.
Thank you 😀
Unique and creative. Love the ending.
Aww thanks! Those are my favourite words 😆
You packed so much action and a great character arc into the 214-word limit! Bravo! I loved Rat’s unexpected balloon ride 😀
Thank you so much! 😀
For some reason, I had read the word limit at 240 words and had to quickly edit the text down before posting!
THE RESCUED VALENTINE
By: Jennifer Rathe
214 Words
Valentine’s Day! A day filled with sharing love.
Vinnie would know he’s loved, right?
White-spotted paws, brownish-black ears matching the rest of him, and the saddest, sorrowful eyes.
He didn’t understand he was home yet. He had a huge heart. I knew it. And I would win it over!
Meals were hit-and-miss. Sometimes he’d eat. Other times, he stayed curled on the couch.
He’d come when I patted my knee. But when he got close, back to the couch he’d go.
If he let one low bark slip, his eyes darted around the room, seeing if it was okay.
It was.
Today, I’d love on him. More. Then. Ever.
First, I’d decorate.
Balloons!! Missie, our dog we’d said goodbye to, loved balloons.
But after a few mishaps…
POP. POP. POP.
Vinnie hid under the bed.
Next, I threw a new squeak toy.
After an awkward bounce, it bumped him on the head.
He slunk…
back under the bed.
After school, I held warm, heart-shaped biscuits in my hand.
He stepped closer.
Closer.
He craned his neck until…
He grabbed it!
Then came back for the second. I rolled onto my back. Yes!
Sl-op! Sl-op! Sl-op!
Wet kisses filled my face. Dancing eyes looked down at me. His big heart shared love.
Vinnie. My valentine.
What a lovely way to frame the process of helping a rescue pup feel comfortable and loved!
The Heart of the Party
Debbie Moeller
WC: 214
Gracie nudged Ella. “Three days till the party!”
“You have an assignment for Valentine’s Day,” Miss Mavie began.
Happy smiles turned upside down.
Jackson groaned.
Gracie frowned. He’s grumpy.
Miss Mavie continued. “Everyone make a mailbox to hold all the valentines you receive.”
“Whoo-eee! Ella, what do we need?”
“A shoe box.”
“Scissors. Glue.”
“Red and white paper!”
“Crayons. Paints.”
Gracie gasped…
“GLITTER!”
Gracie tore through the house, tossing wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and supplies on the table.
Mom stared. “Please clear that off.”
Gracie huffed.
“Eat your dinner, Grace.”
“Take a bath. Brush your teeth.”
“Bedtime.”
Gracie stomped upstairs.
Saturday, she colored, cut, painted, posed, glued, glittered and added the finishing touch. Voila! It was magical.
Gracie raced to find another box. That was fun! She’d do another.
She colored, cut, painted, posed, glued and glittered again. Voila! It was magnificent.
Monday, she chattered with Ella in the hall. Grumpy Jackson lined up behind them.
He was unusually quiet.
“Are you OK?” Gracie asked.
“My mailbox broke,” he mumbled.
Could Gracie share?
She hesitated.
“I have two. You can pick.”
Jackson gazed at a gleaming box. On top, a glittery pop-up heart was surrounded by bows, ribbons, and sparkly jewels.
“Thank you.”
The smile on Jackson’s face was magical.
And Gracie felt magnificent.
How nice of Gracie to share. Jackson’s smile was a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. I like your title.
Cherished Gifts
by Erin Bylund
WC:214
Lizzie loved love day! She loved the colors, the hearts, the hugs and kisses.
She also loved her twin brother Jack. They were two peas in a pod.
Lizzie wanted to give him an extra special present. She made him a glittery Valentine card, a clay elephant, and a cardboard shield with gems.
Lizzie couldn’t wait to see his excited face! And she couldn’t wait to see what he made for her.
After school on Valentine’s Day, Lizzie gave Jack his presents.
“Wow Lizzie! Thanks!” He said.
Lizzie felt warm inside.
Jack handed her a heart.
It said:
Dear Lizzie,
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love, Jack
Her warm feeling fizzled. That was it?! She tried to smile.
“Oh. Thanks Jack.” She said.
Lizzie ran to her room, tears flowing. No gifts? Did he not love her like she loved him? She threw herself on her bed.
Suddenly she sat up.
Her bed was neatly made. It wasn’t that way this morning. She looked around.
Toys in bins
Stuffies in corner
Books on shelf
Lizzie dried her tears and smiled. Jack did love her like she loved him, he just showed it in a different way! Lizzie went to go give him a giant hug.
His gift might be different, but the love was the same.
I loved this. They may be twins but each show their love in different ways indeed. Love the twist. I’d love to have a brother like Jack. I’m a tidbit messy.
Kate Chabarek
I Met Him at Mardi Gras
Word Count: 214
Today is the day
I have waited for
Put on my costume
Finished the last chore
Mardi Gras
Fat Tuesday
Carnavales
By the blue bay
In my town it’s
Inauteriak
Hit pots and pans
Bang-wow bear-a whack-ee-whack
Flutes toot the wake-up song
Parading nurses and fat shepherds
Blatting tubas, bleating trumpets
And my friends the leaping leopards
The dancing fox kicks and prances
Streets are teeming
Fox chases after, bim-bam-POW
Kids are screaming
Giants and big-heads
Whirl and whirl and twirltwirltwirl
Stepping high on stilts
When I see the girl
I’m the girl with the pearl
Dressed in spots, watching tots
on a float with a goat
Went downtown to watch clowns
Bouncing up bouncing down
When I saw him
At first I was a little shy up until he met my eye
I walked on over, I ate a clover
I pretended not to look; he thought I was a crook
I sniffed his shoe, I said ‘mew’
I wound around his ankle
Mardi gras is past
Bury the sardine
Put away your costume
Wipe your face clean
I met my best friend
Her name is Lulu
A calico cat living
down Street 22
On Mardi Gras
or any other day
visit the cats and dogs
meet a friend along the way, hey!
Wow! So much whirling imagery – and a twist – in a dancing rhythm!
You got me here. I would have never guessed it was a cat. AND I have nine kitties. Great imagery by the way. Good luck!
Horse to Heart Talk
By Gina Marina Gustafson Faena
WC 212
Mama said, “A horse, why?”
To explore sweet smelling
cedar treed ranges,
or trots down at the shore
painted with spots of eggplant
purple mussel shells.
Papa said, “A horse, for what?”
To gallop straight up to a hill-
top to gaze at patterns
of farmland stretching
far, and down and up green
hills like spines of sea monsters.
Grandma said, “I know a mare.”
Bay coloured? Black? Leopard?
Rose Grey? Is her mane
in fancy knots?
Her tail let
loose and long?
My brother said, “I want a new bike.”
Grandpa said, “A horse is work.”
Work, smerk. If you love
what you do, you won’t work
a day in your life.
Isn’t that what you said?
Horse + work = no work.
Grandma said, “The mare
just had a colt.”
Don’t put horse ideas
in her head.
“I always do my homework
and chores!”
Grandpa said, “She remembered
what I told her.”
Mama and Papa glanced at each other.
Isabella said, “Doesn’t the barn
smell like a newborn colt? There
she is.”
A wobbly, long-
legged, tall-eared,
with a white heart between
chestnut eyes colt
snuggled beside her mother.
Isabella said, “Born
on Valentine’s Day.”
Her soft nuzzle sniffed my palm.
“Do you have a name for her?”
“Valentine Heart,” I said.
Horse lovers will understand this story 🙂 I like your opening and characterization. I love grandma.
Thank you. 🙏🏽♥️
Beautiful images, especially in the opening!
Thank you. 🙂
Nice twist at the end. I love horses and have riden both Western and English, I prefer the latter it’s easier on me and the horse.
Thank you. 🙂
THE MOUSE IN THE (ELEPHANT) ROOM
By J Buchet, 212 w
Fanny danced and pranced to school.
Heel Hoof Clap
“Today’s our Valentine party,” she trumpeted.
“That’s right,” said Ms. Mastodon. “But first, lesson time.”
Fanny shuffled to her seat.
Hoof Stomp Stomp
“Not the calendar again. I know it’s February!”
Her feet fussed.
“Stop touching me, Elle.”
Fanny’s trunk twitched and turned.
“I know my numbers.”
Her ears wiggled and waved.
“Not another story!”
Fanny’s throat tingled. Something loud itched to escape.
When would the party begin?
She huffed. She chuffed. She couldn’t sit still!
Fanny raced to her backpack, unfurled her trunk and…
Counted to ten and back down again.
“Seven, six, five…”
“AHHHHH!!”
What was eeking? Who was shrieking?
“MOUSE,” bellowed Ms. Mastodon.
Pint-sized pachyderms clamored and scampered every which way.
Cupcakes teetered! Cards tottered. Paint swooshed and swirled!
Like an arrow from Cupid’s bow, Fanny leapt into the frenzy and fray..
Skip Turn ..Scoop
Heel Hoof…Carry
Pirouette…“Out you get. Now let’s party!”
But everyone remained still..
“Fanny, you’re not afraid of mice?”
“Nothing’s spoiling our special party, Ms. Mastodon!”
Their lesson was forgotten. The party kicked into gear.
Cupcakes were gobbled, hearts handed out.
With everyone busy, Fanny sidled to the windowsill.
Shimmy Shimmy Hop.
Hoof Tusk Tap, Hoof Tusk Clap
“Great job, my little friend.”
Squeak!
Gotta love a dancing elephant! Great job building up her fidgety impatience, and the record-scratch introduction of the mouse!
SO MUCH FUN! It’s easy to relate to and root for ready-to-party Fanny.
She’s my kindred spirit!
Clever J. I love the imagery and word choice. Sooo mouse was part of the plan?
Maybe……only Fanny can tell, lol
ENTRY POSTED FOR LYN
MADDIE’S VALENTINE
By Lyn Jekowsky
Word count = 163
Almost Valentine’s Day,
Maddie claps with delight.
Lines up red and pink paper
to craft hearts and the like.
She giggles while collecting
other valentine supplies.
Scissors, glitter, stickers
and glue that quickly dries.
Maddie struggles to punch out
the bright red and pale pink hearts,
but bows her head and cries
when some start to fall apart.
She folds white paper half-wise,
glues on a striped red heart.
With excitement she then chooses
to add glitter to her art.
Maddie loves the stickers,
finds three that say “LOVE.”
Thinks, where should I stick them,
below the heart or above?
Inside her finished valentine
she can’t wait to sign her name.
She whirls around, laughs happily,
“My masterpiece,” proclaims.
Her favorite color’s neon pink, and
Valentine’s crafts are extra fun.
She loves to make card hearts so much,
but for now this activity’s done.
Maddie’s glad that she created
a valentine for her Dad.
Making Valentine’s Day cards is so exciting. I can picture Maddie creating her masterpiece. I’m glad she persevered and succeeded in the end.
I’m sure Dad will love her creation. Well done!
A VALENTINE FOR MALAMUTE
By Jessica D. Phillips
Word count: 214 words
Malamute dragged his cart of tennis balls to the dog park. He was going to find his perfect Valentine.
“Do YOU wanna be my Valentine?” said Malamute.
“I have a Valentine,” said Corgi. “But not a ball.”
The next dog, Chihuahua, said, “No!” They batted and barked at their ball. Swat. ARF, ARF.
With pride, Malamute gave away many more. Then, only one ball remained. And, Malamute had no Valentine.
“Can I have one?” said Groundhog, peeping from his burrow.
“I’m saving this for my Valentine,” said Malamute.
“They’re very lucky,” said Groundhog.
Then, Groundhog disappeared, and everything went quiet except for Shhwoo…bounce, CHOMP, and distant barking.
After a short time, Groundhog emerged again.
“You’re still here. I can keep you company until they arrive.”
“They’re not coming. Everyone liked my gifts, but no one wanted to be my Valentine.”
“I could be your Valentine. I love playing ball!”
Groundhog grabbed the ball and dove into the dirt. “3,2,1…GO!”
The ball soared high in the sky like a geyser.
Malamute’s heart exploded with joy. He jumped like a rocket and caught the ball with a CHOMP and an enormous grin.
“Will you be my Valentine?” Malamute panted.
“I’d be delighted,” said Groundhog. “Great catch by the way!”
“No, you’re the real catch!”
aww…great heart in your story!
A heart-felt story. Nice word play. An unlikely friendship, original.
Making Valentine’s Day cards is so exciting. I can picture Maddie creating her masterpiece. I’m glad she persevered and succeeded in the end.
Oops! Wrong place.
An ‘Ernest’ Effort
(210 words)
Ernest was desperately trying to find words that rhymed with Opus.
Rope us?
Soap us?
Hope us?
He was penning a poem for Opus, his cute classmate.
If he could write the perfect poem, he was certain he would feel confident enough to ask her to be his valentine.
But finding poetic words that rhymed with Opus seemed impossible.
So he attempted a new strategy: bedazzle her with surprises.
Would delivering a warm sugar donut melt her heart?
Opus explained she couldn’t eat gluten.
Would a blooming buttercup seal the deal?
Opus was allergic to flowers.
So he bought her a sparkly bracelet.
On the way to school, the bracelet fell from his hand …
and disappeared into the gutter, along with his hopes of impressing Opus on Valentine’s Day.
When he arrived at school, Ernest frantically created a card from notebook paper.
He sketched all the things he had wanted to present to Opus, even the bracelet falling into the gutter.
Ernest was shaking as he handed Opus her card.
She peeked inside
… and smiled!
“I love it,” Opus said.
Ernest’s mouth fell open!
“Why?” he asked.
“Because your card is from your heart, not a store,” she said. “It’s one of a kind.
Just like you, Valentine.”
aww love the emotion!
Thank you, Eric.
Beautiful message, from the heart. Love it!
Thanks, Eleanor Ann. I appreciate it!
Impossible Love
By Katie Mahood
Word Count: 202
The eager Sun – in need of love – dawned his brightest shine,
and searched the universe for his celestial Valentine.
From East to West, he scoured. Day by day, he circled round.
The months progressed and still his one true love could not be found.
“I’ll never give up hope,” he cried. “I’m sure to find her soon!”
It happened – unexpected – when he slipped behind the moon.
Eclipsed by Moon, his brilliance dimmed, the Sun observed the Night.
“Be my Valentine!” he called.
“I can’t! You’re way too bright!”
But Sun was not deterred, in fact, he pushed the Moon away.
By then Ms. Night had disappeared, the sky was bright as day.
“Come back,” he called. “and be my Valentine through time and space!
I want to share my light, you’re in a dark and shadowed place.”
“Of course I am, I’m Night, the dark is ME.” was her rebuttal.
“And I don’t like your flashiness. I like my sparkle subtle.”
She smiled while she danced away. She much enjoyed the chase.
‘Cause somehow, she felt lighter when she glimpsed his radiant face.
The chase electrified the northern skies – still does today.
Aurora Borealis — tragic romance on display.
Love the personification! From Sun’s point of view.
Love the line “I like my sparkle subtle”…great payoff with the Aurora Borealis
Thank you Eric!
Wow, you took this to a mythic level! Very cool characters, and a great rhythm and rhyme too.
Thank you, I had a lot of fun thinking about it!
I so admire anyone who tackles rhyme! I think your story is so sweet! Nicely done!
Thank you, I was a little worried because it’s not a HEA romance 🙂
Katie, this is so GREAT! I love how creative it is and that ending is perfect. MY favorite part is “I like my sparkle subtle.” Nicely done.
Thanks Sarah! Loved your entries as well!
Lovely with STEM tie-ins.
Thank you, I’m so glad they came through as some were hidden in words with double entendres.
This is amazing, Katie! I love the nonfiction essence of this piece and enjoyed the personification of the sun and moon! So well done! ~Lauren
Thanks Lauren!
Oh wow! What a creative personification. Great job!
Thank you!
Katie, loved the rhyme, imagery and the Sun’s point of view. Great job! 👍
Thanks Suhasini!
This is so beautiful and poetic! Clever, too–love the layers of STEM and Sun/Moon and also impossible love, which is so true to life :-). Well done!
Thank you!
Valentine’s, the Eclipse AND perfect rhyme! LOVE IT! Bravo and BEST of luck!
PINK’S SHINY VALENTINE
by Christina Shawn
WC: 213 words
Pink Glitter Paper was tossed aside for Halloween, and passed over for Christmas, but Valentine’s Day was her time to shine!
When the second graders lined up at the craft bin, Pink shimmered…
but no one noticed.
“Pick me!” she squealed.
But no one did.
She flapped and fluttered, but still wasn’t chosen.
So, she caught a glint of light shining through the window and sparkled with all her might.
The kids squinted. “Too bright!”
A frenzy of hands blindly grabbed for supplies.
Fingers flicked Pink’s edges and clawed her corners.
Finally, one woolly sleeve caught hold of her rough, glittery surface.
Maribel pulled the paper from her sleeve.
“Oooh glitter! Fran’s favorite!”
“Fran!” Pink was going to be a Valentine for someone named Fran!
She peeked around the room. “Fran is probably the girl with sparkle shoes, or the boy with cool glasses.”
Pink giggled as Maribel drew tickly hearts.
“I will be the perfect Valentine for Fran,” cheered Pink.
But when Maribel passed by the girl with the shoes and the boy with the glasses, Pink folded with worry. “Who is Fran?”
Maribel placed Pink next to a glimmering, bubbly, bowl of sparkle-pebbles.
Pink blushed. “Fran’s a…fish?
A shiny RAINBOW fish!”
Pink razzled and Fran dazzled.
“Shiniest Valentines ever!”
Love the point of view of the pink Valentine’s paper perspective!
I was rooting for her! Love your verbs!
Oh thank you!
Oh, that’s an awesome resolution! Fun POV choice too!
Thank you, Vanessa!
Delightful! I love the unusual POV, mystery of Fran’s identity, and sweet surprise at the end.
Thank you, Sarah!
I was getting worried about Pink for a second there. So glad she found her happy ending. 😊
I love your beautiful voice that shimmers here, and the funny surprise at the end! Well done!
Capybara and Bird
by Eric Herrington
Word Count: 203
Capybara and Bird
A tear dripped then splashed
off his muzzle.
A late Valentine’s Day card debacle
Chocolates, candies,
and flowers all failed delivery,
All compounding his misery.
Even then they couldn’t express it
Bird is the BEST,
and this called for his grandest efforts.
“She chose me to taxi her around
She chirp announced
then glided down
her feet lightly lit upon ME
not the ground.”
“My heart flutters
I’m NOW full of zest and zing
I must do more, I must SING!
Oh, the way she walks,
her feet caress my hair!
Her beak plucks insects from my ear.”
“I pledge my affection
I vow she is deserving of my best efforts.
She is my devotion or my undoing
But How do I express my GIGANTIC emotion?”
I’ll attach wings and fly
Can you picture it?
twirling around in currents of the sky
brushing feathers against my hair,
toes, and feet touching.
nose and beak nuzzling
But perhaps I’m a bit heavy to fly
though my steady diet is leaves and thin grasses
“Chirp, Chirp, Grand gestures are nice.” Bird said.
“But being yourself will be our grandest adventure!
Providing a perch, announcing my name,
Rides together floating on your mane”
flap-i-ty flap flap!
Ok I am TRANSFIXED by the image of a flying capybara!! Very sweet story.
Aww…thank you I pictured them twirling and spiraling around one another in the air too!
Love this sweet story! It’s easy to root for these delightful characters.
Thank you!
Such a sweet story Eric. Love this relationship!
Thank you so much!
Her beak plucks insects from my ear. I can picture a rhino and the bird. I may be wrong of course. Good luck!
Yes you are right there are a few friendly animal “taxi’s” out there in nature. Several different animals have been seen riding on the social Capybara I understand.
There is an entire Twitter feed about different pictures of animals riding on Capybara. I didn’t realize it.
The lion’s “mane” idea was a creative license for how he felt when bird rides on his back.
I love this! Such a great story.
Thank you so much!
LOVESICK
by Maria Piñero Pope
214 Words
It felt like forever, but it’s finally here!
I bought chocolates, flowers, and used extra glitter on the heart-shaped card.
I put on my favorite red shirt and brush my hair the way I do for VERY special occasions.
But, I can’t go to school.
I’m too sick.
I feel a tingle in my toes and my foot won’t stop tapping.
Shivers are running up my legs and my knees are bouncing.
A million butterflies swarm in my belly, so I squeeze it tight.
I can’t even eat my pink pancakes and strawberries,
because my throat is too dry.
I gulp down my water and start coughing.
“Don’t you see?” I beg my mom, “I can’t go to school, I’m too sick today!”
Mom holds back a giggle and pats my back as she soothes,
“Maybe you’re just LOVESICK. And there’s only one cure for that.”
So, I fill my backpack with the chocolates, flowers and heart-shaped card with extra glitter.
I hold my breath as I walk into class.
Samantha is tapping her foot and clutching her belly.
Oh no, is she sick?
We both smile as she gives me a Love-a-saurus stuffy.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Jack. I like you.”
Ohhh, she’s LOVESICK!
“I like you too,” I whisper. “These are for you.”
Aww….love the surprise that they are lovesick for one another!
Thanks so much 🙂
Love it! So sweet.
Love how you turned being sick into this lovely story! It’s so relatable for kids as they first catch feelings for someone <3.
Thanks Katie! Nothing like those first crush feelings!
Aww, sweet idea – I didn’t see it coming that Jack’s classmate would have the same ailment! (Though these things do of course go around!)
It’s definitely contagious 😉
So sweet!
Thanks Sarah!
Oh my goodness, lovesick. We all went through this at one stage or another. Good luck!
Thank you! Yeah I remember those butterflies well!
So sweet. Did being sick yourself inspire all this lovesickness? 😉
Lol, absolutely! Had zero ideas until I was sick on love day then…oooh!
Love this so much, Maria! So sweet and relateable for so many with our first young love 🙂
Thanks Nicole! And special thanks for helping me get it in shape through my feverish delirium!
Sweet story of young love and the emotions that are involved. Nice work! I’m #34.
CII PTD (Cupid)
By Claudine Pullen
WC: 192
There once was a robot called CII PTD and all CII PTD wanted was to help his human find love. “Beep-boop.”
So when his human asked him to deliver a heart-shaped pepperoni pizza to his sweetheart, he knew this was the job for him.
“A-ffir-ma-tive, beep-boop!”
Ding-dong!
“Pep-per-o-ni pi-zza heart for sweet-heart. From hu-man!”
“Yippee!”
“Was that love? Neg-a-tive! Beep-boop.”
Ding-dong!
“Pep-per-o-ni pi-zza heart for sweet-heart. From hu-man!”
“Woo-hoo!”
“Was that love? Neg-a-tive! Beep-boop.”
Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong!
CII PTD went to all the houses in the neighborhood.
The big houses…
The little houses…
The smelly houses…
The scary houses…
trying to find his human’s sweetheart! Until…
Ding-dong!
“Pep-per-on-i pi-zza heart for sweet-heart. From hu-man!”
The girl giggled. Her face flushed pink and she hugged CII PTD with a huge gigantic squeeze.
“Is this for me? Thank you. Here’s a gift for your human!”
“Was that love? A-ffir-ma-tive! Beep-boop Beep-boop! Must re-turn.”
CII PTD whirred home carrying the gift for his human.
Ding-dong!
“For you hu-man, from your sweet-heart!”
Suddenly, from behind CII PTD leapt the giggling girl and hugged the human with a gigantic squeeze.
“Beep-boop, beep-boop,beep-boop!”
Mission complete!
Love the precious ending and the robot’s characterization
You nailed the robot’s voice Claudine. Beep-boop-beautiful!
Very fun twist on Cupid as a character! And I love that the love gift is pepperoni pizza ^__^
This captures the essence of what love really is. So good! I love this, Claudine! Well done! ~Lauren
Nice ending! I wonder? The gift for the human was a robot?
hehe! So funny, clever, and sweet!! Beep-Boop!!!
This is adorable!!!
This is certainly a unique Valentine story! Wow! Love it! ❤️
I still can’t get over how creative the name of your robot was. Such a sweet and clever story!
I Lava You
By Elizabeth Muster
WC 212
Maddie’s enthusiasm for Valentine’s Day began in January. She bought stuffies for her besties. She signed cards for her classmates. She even sketched a plan for her Valentine box – a volcano erupting hearts surrounded by the words “I lava you.”
However, Maddie thought she might explode when Daddy said his work convention would be in Lexington February 12 through 14.
“But, Daddy!” Maddie’s hot tears flowed like magma. “I’ll miss the party!”
“Honey, you said you wanted to go with us when I asked a couple of weeks ago.”
“You didn’t tell me it was on Valentine’s Day!” Maddie exclaimed.
“I didn’t realize,” Daddy replied.
“Trust me,” Momma sighed, “He didn’t.”
On February 13, Maddie and Momma started the day splashing in the hotel pool. After lunch, they went to the arcade and together defeated aliens and zombies. That night, Maddie, Momma, and Daddy cheered on the Kentucky Wildcats. Go Big Blue!
“This has been a fun day,” Maddie said as she snuggled into bed. She heard Momma and Daddy whispering as she fell asleep.
The next morning the family traveled back across the state to their little town, arriving just as the class party was about to start. As Maddie sprinted into school she called to her parents, “I lava you!”
Love the solution to Maddie’s problem…awesome parents, is this based on a true story?
Yes, true story! And thank you for the compliment, as I am Maddie’s mother.
Sweet! It’s easy to root for enthusiastic Maddie. I love the specificity of this story.
Thank you!
I’m happy her parents realized how important Valentine’s day was for Maddie.
Thanks for reading!
I “lava” your story! So glad Maddie was able to go to the Valentine Celebration at school! ❤️
Thank you!
What sweet parents.
so fun and full of emotion! Love the surprise ending. Love the robot
dialogue.
Sorry this was for a different story…
Every Day Should Be Valentine’s Day
Word Count 105
By Tracy T. Agnelli
Valentine’s Day is Dandy with
Candy
Store bought cards are sweet with pink and red hearts dancing, but the cards made by hand are the ones I fancy/treasure.
Flowers are eye-catching and nose notable, but when made with candy it is sooo delectable.
Cutesy patootsie is Valentine’s Day, but do not miss the biggest and the best thing of the day.
Giving
Giving can
Make a frown turn upside down.
It can get contagious.
No, not like an illness
Being bighearted, Silly
One card here
Candy there
Turns into…
Oodles everywhere
Rousing others to do the same
Let’s treat every day like Valentine’s Day!
Love the idea and message of caring all year!
Such a sweet message!
I agree. Be kind every day. Don’t wait for a special occasion to show love. Good luck!
Perfect message! ❤️
Birthdays are Better
Word Count 84
By Tracy T. Agnelli
Valentine’s Day is
Yucky with
Pinks, reds
Birthdays are
Great with
Blacks, Blues
Valentine’s Day is
Gross with
Hearts, flowers
Birthdays are
Special with
Friends, games
Valentine’s Day has all kinds of
Cutesy patootsie decorations
Birthdays are cool with
Boy decorations of
Superheros and trucks
The best thing about birthdays is
The presents
Valentine’s Day is for giving, which I like to do, but
Giving on my birthday is very hard to do, but
I will be glad to do so.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Like the boys perspective (his comparison to birthdays) and the change of heart at the end.
Very sweet!! Being a big sister, it took me back when I was growing up and would take the lead with my three siblings. Loved it!
Bertie Saves Valentine’s Day!
By Liz Frank Godfrey
212 words
Bertie felt love everywhere . . . heart-shaped rocks, snowy footprints, curve-necked swans, and kindness. “Love is beautiful,” she sang in awe.
But Bertie worried that Valentine’s Day wouldn’t happen. Busy people with sour faces and furrowed brows rushed past.
No one held hands.
No one helped eachother.
No “Helloooos” sang out.
No joy, laughter, or melodies.
While Bertie twirled in sparkly rose light, she fretted about the holiday. If she didn’t help people see all the love in the world, Valentine’s Day would vanish!
Bertie gathered up her heart-shaped leaf collection. If she shared her hearts, people would smile.
Bertie stood on the hill and the wind swept the leaves to the town below.
People grinned! Bertie felt cozy and warm from head to toe.
But noses went back to phones.
Bertie laid her heart-shaped rocks in the park. Everyone gathered and beamed . . . but they didn’t know what to say to each other!
Bertie set up her old lemonade stand and a sign for “FREE HUGS.”
A line curved, like the shape of a heart.
Bertie hugged the first person, who then hugged the next and so on, all day long.
Everyone held hands.
Everyone helped each other.
“Helloooos” rang out, with joy, laughter, and song.
Love everywhere!
Love the solution and the ripple effect!
Thank you, Eric!
I get it. Too many busy people always looking at their phones and social. Great message. I only wish people could realize what a real hug means. Being seen and loved in this crazy world . Well done!
Thank you so much! Sending hugs, Eleanor!
SHORT STACK
by Jess Freeman
Words: 199
A deliciously sweet smell tickled Violet’s nose, teasing her awake. She blinked open her eyes and smiled. “It’s today! It’s finally today!” she shouted. Violet jumped out of bed and raced down the stairs.
She couldn’t wait to taste the syrupy-sweet pancakes that her Grandpa made each year on Valentine’s Day! Sure, he made pancakes other times, but today’s would be special.
Extra-fluffy,
chocolate-chippy,
stacked-to-the-sky,
whipped-creamy,
with not one, but two cherries on top!
And….
they would be heart-shaped!
A fresh-off-the-griddle, mouth-watering stack of heart-shaped love.
Violet knew Grandpa always added extra love to the plate for her on Valentine’s. Her stomach knew too, and it grumbled in excitement.
She sped around the corner and into the kitchen to find Grandpa placing a steaming plate on the table. He gave her his perfect, wrinkly, eye-sparkly smile. Violet smiled back, and gave Grandpa a
popping-at-the-seams,
squeeze-til-you-can’t-breathe,
I-love-you-this-much
kind of hug.
Then they both plopped down in their chairs and inhaled the sweet smell of happiness-in-the-morning.
“Better get them while they’re hot, Short Stack!” said Grandpa.
She didn’t need to be told twice. Grandpa winked at her, and Violet tried to wink back, smiling as she took the first love-filled bite.
You can really feel the love in this one! Cute and creative! Love the word choices! Nice work!
Thank you! 😀
Aww…such a special connection! Love the “squeeze til you can’t breathe I love you this much kind of hug” line
Thanks so much!
I love the poetic descriptions in this (of the pancakes and the hug). So much love in this story!
Thank you, Katie!
Jess!! I can absolutely taste these pancakes, and feel this hug too. Amazing descriptions! Not to mention the nickname “short stack.” Love it!
Awe, thank you! It was easy to think of how to describe them, because my Grandaddy (Grandpa) is the king of pancakes. 😉
I’m hungry. Lovely story Short Stack.
Wonderful descriptions, Jess! This is beautifully done– I could feel the hug! Great job!
So much love!! Great job Jess!
Awwww I love that this was Grandpa in particular–we all have these kinds of delicious and sweet memories triggered by specific smells. You’ve conjured this so well!
A VALENTINY FLUFFLE
by Laura Martinez
(214 words)
I uncurl and stretch—W-I-D-E awake.
Now it’s time to celebrate!
I quiet tip-toe. Pull on a scarf.
Out the burrow, hippity-hop!
Into the thicket, go-go-go.
Fox lurks in the shadows.
I slide around the brambles,
other bunnies scramble,
to the Songbird pairing.
Forest creatures gather ‘round
to watch them choose their mates.
With joy they weave
mud and twigs-nestled
in strong branches.
Like wedding guests,
they shower us
with tiny, braided favors!
Each bird-sized token
brims with love,
bonds are never broken.
My spirits soaring,
Hippity-hop,
I clutch my brimming sack of hearts.
Back to the burrow – one last stop.
I celebrate a soul loved, not lost,
and hang a Valentiny heart.
My tears and sadness fade
when I hear a quiet snap.
Into the thicket, go-go-go.
What lurks in the shadows?
“Not today, you sneaky fox!”
I whisper as I hip-hip-hop
and gather twigs with
tender bark.
“I choose to play and dream and love—
with my joyful fluffle.
You can sneak and snap and snear.
I will live and outsmart fear.”
Careful, quiet, circle ‘round.
Fox can’t see me hiding now.
He wanders off while I wait
to slip beneath the maple tree.
In the burrow warm and safe,
my precious fluffle celebrate
nibbling tender meadowsweet
and wearing Valentinys!
Fluffle=bunny colony
Laura, I love the changes you made. The lyrical language is lovely, and the ending image of the bunny babies wearing valentinies is adorable!
Sarah–
I had problems submitting on Tuesday. It did not take (like 10:45 pm) and had to scramble on Wednesday. Thanks for your reply. Hoping to read some myself now!!!
Love bunny’s daring trip to collect the hearts and celebrate with her fluffier! What a wonderful term fluffle.
oh dear, watch that gloo!
Mel and Nell didn’t Gel Well
By Suhasini Gupta
WC: 160
In a cottage there lived Mel and Nell,
Siblings, who would squabble, didn’t gel well.
Over toys and games, they’d often fight,
Then, tug and pull with all their might.
On Valentine’s, their mother had a plea,
“Please craft something special just for me.”
Would they find a way to work together?
Combining skills and making something clever!
Mel loved baking treats with flour and dough,
While Nell preferred to sew with needles in rows.
Though they often fought, they agreed to try,
To create a lovely gift, that caught mom’s eye.
Mel started rolling heart cookies with flair,
while Nell designed the apron, with artistic care.
They argued and bickered, over colors and style,
But deep down both knew… they had a smile.
Cookies all iced, and apron’s fine design,
Both gave the gifts to mom, their Valentine.
Mom was thrilled to see them like peas in a pod
Crafting gifts, with giggles, love, and nods.
Thank you, for the opportunity!
The power of crafting. I like the message.
What a sweet sibling story! I love how they use their strengths to give Mom beautiful gifts. Well done Suhasini!
I love this story and the rhyme! Nice job, Suhasini!
Suhasini
Yes under the squabbling is love and care. Siblings!!!
Love your rhyming couplets! Love the solution of working together on such a noble project!
Quokka and Koala
By Nicole Garnett
Word Count: 214
Quokka couldn’t wait to see her friend, Koala today– on one of her favorite days of the year!
“Hi Koala! Happy Valen–”
“Zzzzzzzz.”
“Koala! Wake up! It’s Valentine’s Day!”
“Zzzzzzzz.”
“KKKOOOAAALLLAAA!”
“Wh-wha-what?!”
“Oh hi! Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“Is that today?”
“Yes! TODAY is February 14th! And guess what….?”
“Zzzzzzz.”
“Koala, WAKE UP! I’m trying to tell you something!”
“Oh sorry. Yes, Quokka?”
“You are my friend, and I love you.”
“I lovvvvv– zzzzzzz.”
“Seriously?!”
Quokka wanted to celebrate this day with Koala.
But she needed him…
awake!
So…
“Koala! I’m waking you up! I’ll just take your blanket…”
“Zzzzzzz.”
“… and your pillow!”
“Zzzzzzz.”
“Alright, drums!”
“Zzzzzzz.”
“Squirt gun!”
“Zzzzzzz.”
“Pie in the face!”
“Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.”
Quokka, the happiest animal on the planet, was…
heartbroken.
“Wahhh! Wahhh!”
“Quokka? Quokka! What’s the matter!?”
“Koala? You’re awake! I thought I was going to spend Valentine’s Day…
ALONE!”
“I’m awake now. Happy Valentine’s Day, Quokka. Here, let’s share a meal.”
“Wow, eucalyptus! This is your FAVORITE! You don’t normally share this.”
“That’s true, but it IS Valentine’s Day. The day we remind our loved ones how much we care.”
“Awe! Thank you!” Munch munch.
“What do you think, Quokka? Do you like–”
“Zzzzzzzz.”
“Hmm, I wonder what got into her? Ah well, more for me.” Munch munch.
“Zzzzzzzz.”
The Quokka falling asleep after eating the eucalyptus is clever and made me smile. I’d actually never heard of Quokka’s but of course googled them – they’re so cute. Great story!
Hahaha this was so funny and sweet! I love how you built the characters, and how the unwakeable Koala woke up as soon as his friend was sad. Hilarious with the squirt gun and pie in the face too!
This story made me smile! I love the dialogue between these delightful charaters and the sweet ending. Nicely done, Nicole!
This is too cute. Great work, Nicole!
This is so cute, Nicole!!
I’ve never heard of a Quokka! Thanks for the cute introduction!
This is THE cutest story! I can’t wait for a Quokka and Koala series! I need more!
Love your alliterative characters! So cute! And love the humorous twist at the end.
Cupid’s Arrow
Word Count: 214
By: Angela Steffen
Cupid’s busiest day of the year had arrived. Cupid loved Valentines Day so much he would think about it for 364 days.
This Valentines Day however he thought about who he would spend his favorite day with.” I help everyone else find someone. When will I find mine?” he wept as he rolled around on the floor.
He noticed the time and grabbed his bow and arrows along with some candy hearts and flew out of the door.
Cupid began his search for people to help find one another. By lunchtime he had delivered 214 arrows!
He could not help but admire all the love flourishing below him. His heart started to pound, his lips began to curl, and his eyes began to water. He threw his bow and arrow and flew away sobbing uncontrollably.
A few minutes later, Cupid stopped to calm down. He then felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned around, he could not believe his eyes. His wings began to flutter, and his heart began to pound. “She’s beautiful.” He thought to himself. “I think you dropped this” she kindly said handing Cupid his arrow.
That was the first Valentine’s Day that Cupid did not spend alone. And he has yet to be alone from there on out.
Cupid sobbing & rolling on the floor is a great, and unexpected, visual! Glad he finally found his love!
Clever, he delivered 214 arrows. It reminds me of the song: Everybody needs somebody sometimes…even Cupid.
Such a clever point of view! Very creative. We never think of Cupid’s perspective.
Zoey’s Beehive Valentines Show
By Hannah Roy LaGrone
240 words
Zoey dreamily dozed on Valentines’ Day morning in her beehive bed. Then, her five eyes popped WIDE open. TODAY WAS THE BIG DAY! She flew out of bed humming.
“Yes! My favorite holiday is here!”
Her antennae bounced as she reviewed her to-do list for the Valentine show she’d planned for her buzzing buddies.
Draft a song dedicated to my friends
Design choreography
Drizzle my signature honey blend on desserts
Drip raindrop dew punch
Decorate stage with petals
She was an enthusiastic planner, but a bit of a procrastinator.
Would 6 legs and 2 wings be enough to get it all done?
“If only I had 12 legs!” she sighed.
She buzzed from task to task. (Pollinating was good practice.)
Zoey penned lyrics in her notebook:
Bee-lieve you are bee-autiful,
You make the world bloom.
On days that are gray,
You can brighten the gloom.
“Almost done. I might just have to wing it tonight!”
As she excitedly practiced her dance moves while singing (and reading), she bumped into her honey jar, spilling it all across her to-do list.
Oh no!
But when she read the undamaged letters, they spelled…
D———
e———-
—-le——g—
—————-
——ate ——-
“delegate.”
“That’s it!” Zoey realized. “I can’t just do this show FOR my friends. I need to do it WITH them.”
The whole hive buzzed to life, tackling the to-dos.
Zoey and her buddies beamed! The Valentine’s show turned out to be a bee-autiful collaboration celebration.
What a fun play on the “busy bee”! Great message, too! This could expand into a full PB!
Oooh, I love Zoey! I think you can definitely expand this into a traditional picture book & see what buzzes out of the pages!
Awesome! Delegate, I’ve heard that so many times but I should put it into practice. Great message for kids and adults alike.
So creative! Love the solution of the mishap leading to grand solution!
Love the voice of your bee and puns!
I HATE Valentine’s Day! 214 words by Janet Scratchley
“I LOVE Valentine’s Day!’ cheered Pedro.
“I HATE Valentine’s Day!” Tyrone shouted.
“I’m going to make the best, most awesome mailbox!” said Pedro.
“I’m not making one!” Tyrone shouted.
“If you’re bringing cards, have one for everyone. We don’t want anyone to feel left out,” said their teacher.
“Don’t bring one for me!” shouted Tyrone. “And I’m not giving out any either!”
“I would be sad if no one gave me one,” thought Pedro. “No matter what I said.”
That night, Pedro made a super, amazing mailbox, even better than his, and brought it to school the next day.
“I’m giving Tyrone the BEST Valentine I have,” said Pedro.
What if this could be the best Valentine’s Day Tyrone ever had? Pedro got his classmates to help.
On the day of the party, hearts and candy filled the mailboxes.
“Whose mailbox is this?” said the teacher. “To Tyrone,” she read.
“I didn’t make a mailbox, and I never get valentines!” he shouted.
“It looks like some people wanted to give you one anyway, Tyrone,” said the teacher.
He spread them out across his desk.
“But I didn’t bring cards for anyone,” he whispered.
“It’s OK,” said Pedro. “What candy did you get? Wanna trade?”
Tyrone smiled. Maybe Valentine’s Day wasn’t so bad after all.
It’s great seeing caring characters like Pedro 🙂
Ahhh! Lovely! Way to go Pedro.
I like the mirror image of positivity and negativity.
Jack and Jill
(114 words)
by
Pat Finnegan
Spitting out the colored sweet tarts,
Shaking off her shirt with big hearts,
Jill heard scratching on her door.
Oh, that scratching made her shiver.
Oh, that scratching made her quiver.
Who was scratching on her door?
“Don’t be mushy,” she commanded.
“Don’t be gushy,” she demanded,
As she tiptoed cross the floor.
While she tiptoed, she heard growling.
While she tiptoed, she heard howling,
Yet she tiptoed cross the floor.
“Love for all?” she said while growling.
“Not for me!” she said while howling.
And she burst out her front door.
“A bone for you,” barked her friend, Jack.
“For me? I love it!” Jill barked back,
“Tumble with me; we’ll find more.”
I’m glad it was Jack at the door. Nice ending.
You got me. I was expecting a werewolf. Nice suspence and cute ending.
VALENTINE’S EVE
By: Nicole Terry
Word Count: 118
Tonight’s the night! It’s almost time –
to hang up my surprise!
When Mommy comes to wake me up,
she won’t believe her eyes!
I’ve gathered, glued and glittered.
I have sparkled, stamped and sprayed.
I tried my very hardest –
it’s the best I’ve ever made.
It even has a box to check her answer:
yes or no.
I hope when Mommy reads it
that her love for me will grow.
My eyes won’t shut. I can’t lay still,
and it’s already late.
How am I supposed to sleep
when it’s this hard to wait.
Tomorrow when I see her
both my love and sign will shine!
Can’t wait to know if she’ll say yes…
and be my Valentine.
Nicole, this is so sweet! Yay for Mommy Valentine’s. I know which box I would check <3.
Thank you so much, Katie! I know which one I would too 🙂
I love this sweet story. Moms deserve valentines, too!
Thanks, Judy! I really loved yours with the unlikely Valentine as well 🙂 !
I love the word play and the judges will appreciate the WC. Good luck.
Thanks, Eleanor! I really loved yours and your creative scavenger hunt! Good luck to you too!
No One Is Butter Than You
By R.C. Chizhov
Word Count: 199
In a bustling bakery, called Puff n Rise,
Stood Crusty, the bread, with longing eyes.
Loafed up on display, this Valentine’s day,
He waited his turn to be whisked away.
Bagel found Cream Cheese, they were quite the pair.
Muffin cuddled with Jam, a sticky love affair.
Even Croissant spotted a flaky delight.
But Crusty just sighed, feeling out of sight.
Morning faded quick. Afternoon passed by.
Cookie twirled with Milk. Ice Cream with Pie.
While Frosty and Cake whipped the air up sweet.
Poor Crusty still had no friends to greet.
Just then, Crusty noticed a shadow by his side.
It was Butter in a lonely nook, missing her glide.
Was she waiting for Biscuit? Pastry? Or perhaps Scone?
But they had long gone, Butter should have known!
Crusty crumbled “Umm…ahem…mmm”, then he did say,
“Would you like to spread love this Valentine’s Day?”
Butter sizzled up, melting into a smooth spread.
Crusty knew he had found his perfect thread.
Sometimes, love finds its way when you feel alone,
Toast after toast, till it seems a little less unknown.
For in the smallest moments, in life’s quiet hue,
You might just find someone, no one butter than you.
Love this R.C. So cute!
This is so fun! And it’s making me hungry for breakfast. Come on Crusty, you’re my jam!
Deliciously sweet!
LOVE all of your word play! So creative! Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARY
I BOUGHT YOU A ROACH
By Mary Miller
201 Words
Last Valentine’s Day, I bought my mom flowers. The year before that…candy. And the year before that…a card. This year I want to surprise her with something extra special, something unique, something she will never guess. That’s it! I found it! I found an extra special unique gift she will never guess . . . a cockroach! This cockroach is warm, and fuzzy, and needs a name.
What’s a good name for a cockroach? My grandpa’s name is Clarence. Clarence the cockroach it is.
I buy the roach, and after careful consideration, the chocolates too. Then wait for them to be delivered.
Ding Dong!
“It’s here!” I answer the door.
“What’s here?” Mom asks.
“A surprise.”
Ding Dong!
Mom answers the door.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“A surprise.”
We go our separate ways to wrap the gifts then return when we are done.
“Open yours first,” I say.
Mom suggests we unwrap them at the same time.
I tear into mine. She tears into hers.
WHAT? Unbelievable!
“Mom, meet Clarence.”
“Hi Clarence. I’d like to introduce you both to Bernice.”
I surprised my mom with a roach… and she surprised me with a roach too.
HISS! HISS! KISS! KISS! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Are they Madagascar hissing roaches? Is Mom an entomologist? Congrats on thinking outside the valentine box!
Thank you :). You guessed correctly! Clarence and Bernice are Madagascar hissing roaches. The Bronx Zoo has a Valentine’s Day name a roach fundraiser complete with roach certificate, plush roach, and chocolates.
A special gift, indeed. Clever!
Thank you, Eleanor :).
The Worst Valentine’s Cookies for the Best Friends
(202)
Valentine’s Day was in a few days and Lily Bunny wanted to make something special for her friends: cookies that they would all love!
She listed her friends’ favorites:
Salmon for Breckie Bear
Snails for Rex Raccoon
Crickets for Benny Bird
Leaves for Johnny Deer
Seeds for Nellie Mouse
Berries for Fiona Fox
Nuts for Serena Squirrel
And for herself, bunches of clover
Lily thought happily of each friend as she mixed in their favorite food. These cookies would be a big hit!
On Valentine’s Day Lily could have burst with excitement as she presented the cookies to her friends. But they did not look thrilled. They looked uncertain and even uncomfortable. Finally, each took a bite. The friends tried to hide their feelings, but no one took a second bite.
Lily realized to her horror that her friends hated the cookies.
She ran off in tears.
Her friends found her and Lily sniffled, “I just wanted to make something to show how special you are to me.”
Fiona spoke for all of them, “You were so kind to think of each of us and our favorites.” The friends hugged and agreed that their differences are what makes them such great friends.
I’m glad it was resolved in the end. Her friends showed empathy. Group hug.
We love a good group hug ❤
Thanks for reading!
Poor Lilly, she poured her soul in making them special for each and everyone. It’s the thought that counts. Good luck.
My thoughts exactly 🙂
Thank you!
The Biggest Valentine
by Judy Sobanski
213- words
Everyone finished passing out their valentines, except for Dylan. He had two more to deliver. Chloe squirmed at her desk. One of Dylan’s valentines was huge! Everyone watched to see who was getting the “jumbo” love note. Chloe remembered what Dylan had said at recess the day before,
“I’ll have a treat for you tomorrow!”
Surely he didn’t mean that giant card?
As Dylan approached her desk, Chloe slunk down in her chair. Her face was burning. She could already hear the giggles and teasing. He’d never be able to fit the massive card in her valentine box. He’d have to hand it to her.
She closed her eyes.
Closer
Closer
Closer… She opened one eye.
Dylan placed the small valentine in the box on Chloe’s desk. She spotted the piece of candy taped to it.
Chloe smiled. “Thanks!”
Who was going to receive the super-sized card?
“May I go to the cafeteria?” he asked Mrs. Frazier. “Mrs. Beeker always gives me the biggest piece of pizza on pizza day. So I’m giving her my biggest valentine!”
“Absolutely,” said Mrs. Frazier. “I’m sure you’ll make Mrs. Beeker’s Valentine’s Day very special!”
Chloe opened the piece of candy taped to Dylan’s card. She popped it in her mouth. He made my Valentine’s Day special, too!
This made me smile! So sweet, Dylan!
Judy- Cute story! I remember your name from previous contests. You placed before if I’m remembering correct and even won? I’m #34.
Yeah for remembering the hard-working chefs in our schools! I’m sure Dylan will always get a good slice now 🙂
I love the layers of suspense in this, Judy, and the great twist! So creative and well done! Good luck!
My Transylvanian Valentine’s
By Griffin Schultz
(212 words)
Should you ever visit Transylvania mid-February
You’ll find their customs romantically scary
The townspeople here go beyond the extreme
Monsters, that is, make their valentines scream!
Love notes dangle long from a web
And read things like “U LOOK UNDEAD!”
Heartthrob spiders snatch up juicy love bugs
As sweetheart skeletons give out bony hugs
The zombie buffet beats busy with hearts
Plus fancy pastries, like raw rat tail tarts!
“Oh, won’t you be my Valentine?”
Might ask a guy named Frankenstein
Wooly werewolves howling at the moon
Will wildly wail you a romance tune!
Your secret admirer could be a ghost
And float right through you just to boast,
“Blood is red, roses are thorny”
Love poems here are hauntingly corny!
Mummies lovestruck by Cupid’s arrows
Are helpless but to flirt with ancient pharaohs
Headless horsemen are head over heels!
This day sure gives them all the feels
Come Valentine’s, even vampires are bitten
Their blood runs hot with fangs so smitten
Warty-old witches adore this day too!
On Valentine’s Day they brew a love stew
And if you forget a nice gift for your crush
A coffin of chocolates will make them blush
So, this Valentine’s Day, please skip buying a card
Just take your valentine down to the local graveyard!
Such a fun concept, and love the wordplay!
So enjoyable. Love it.
The Perfect Match
By Sarah Elynn
Word Count: 213
In the town of Heartsville lived Hug Bug, a cheerful Valentine’s Day card with glittery heart-shaped wings and fluffy antennae, ready for hugs.
But Hug Bug had a problem. A scratch on its cover made it less than perfect and was always the first thing people saw.
Every day, Hug Bug sat on the store shelf, watching other cards being picked.
“When will my turn be?” it thought.
But just when Hug Bug was about to give up hope, a curly-haired girl entered the store. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the card, and she grabbed it with excitement.
“Daddy, look! This one is perfect!” the girl said, holding up Hug Bug proudly.
With a skip in her step, she ran to the checkout counter. Hug Bug couldn’t believe it. Was it really going to find a home?
“Are you sure? It has a scratch,” said the store clerk.
The girl smiled. “So do I.” She lifted her bangs, revealing a thin scar.
The girl’s dad nodded. “It’s perfect, sweetheart. Let’s get it for Mommy.”
Hug Bug surged with happiness. It had found its perfect match! As it traveled home with the girl and her dad, Hug Bug felt proud of its scratch because it’s our differences that make us special.
Great ending! 🙂