Roses are red
Violets are blue
Valentinies rock
And so do YOU!
Woo hoo! The time has come for . . .
The 10th 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 WORRIED! They can be worried about something or someone, or for something or someone. They can worry about succeeding or failing, making the right impression or the wrong one. They can worry about something as big as love or as small as whether they have enough paper. They can worry about a person, an event, an activity, an animal, an art project, a performance. . . anything you like! Sky’s the limit! Just make sure it is clearly Valentine-centered and that worry is central to your story! 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 who is worried (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 Friday February 14th at 11:59 PM Eastern. There will be no regularly scheduled posts for the duration of the contest (Tuesday Debut or PPBF), so the post and all of your entries will stay up for everyone to enjoy. You are welcome to also post your entries on your own blogs, but you must post them here for the judges! 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. Please copy and paste your entry into the body of your email and include your name, story title, and word count. No attachments, please!
I do my best to keep up with all the emails and other admin associated with running the contest, but I appreciate your patience if I don’t get things up right away. I promise I’m working on it! 😊 💕
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 worry, and success in making us feel the worry! Worry 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: So many amazing prizes from such generous kidlit folks! Have a good look – it will motivate you to write your entry!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Lydia Lukidis, accomplished author of UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone Editions, January 1, 2025), DEEP, DEEP DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone Editions, Augist 1, 2024), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars To New Heights (Albert Whitman, April 4, 2024, ), NO BEARS ALLOWED (Blue Whale Press, July 1, 2019) as well as more than 40 other titles for the trade and educational market, with GROUCHO THE GROUGHY GROUNDHOG: Pancake Problems (book 1) (Andrews McMeel Publishing, July 15, 2025) coming soon!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Penny Parker Klostermann, talented author of MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR MARS (September 3, 2024 from Macmillan/Godwin Books) – a story that placed 2nd in the 2011 Holiday Contest! How’s that for inspiring? – as well as THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017) and the forthcoming SPIDER LADY: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army (Astra/Calkins Creek 2025)
⭐️ Signed Copy of WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW! PLUS A 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, 4/15/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-And-Seek Adventure (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024), LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN (Scholastic, 9/3/24), WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW! (Capstone, 1/1/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), FINDING FORGIVENESS (Macmillan/FSG, 8/5/25), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (Barefoot Books, Fall 2025), and LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story (Macmillan/FSG, Fall 2026)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (no rhyme or verse, up to 1000 words) OR a Chapter Book Manuscript Critique (up to 5000 words) from Kizzie Hutcheson Roberts. Kizzi is the 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)
⭐️ A first read-through recording package from children’s author and poet Sarah Meade, contributor to HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING (Pomelo Books, 2020!) where she will read aloud and record up to five PB manuscripts for one author (1,000 words or less each, fiction or nonfiction, rhyming or non-rhyming) so you can hear how your stories sound to someone who is unfamiliar with them on a first read-through! Very helpful and enlightening!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming or non-rhyming) from Nancy Derey Riley, author/illustrator of CURIOSITY’S DISCOVERY (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, November 10, 2020), BUTTERFLY INN (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, May 25, 2022), YETI IN THE SERENGETI (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, May 30, 2023), and a new book due out next spring that is still hush-hush 😊
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) OR 30 Minute Ask Me Anything – winner’s choice! – from Karyn Friedman-Everham, author of OTTER OUGHTA KNOW (Orchard Books, April 2, 2024)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique or Ask Me Anything Email Chat from Donna Martin, creator of Storycatcher Publishing, and first rate author of picture books THE STORY CATCHER, THE GREAT POTATO RACE, HAILEY’S HATS, A BUMP IN THE NIGHT and A BARNYARD CHRISTMAS, as well as her middle-grade HISTORY’S MYSTERIES, a YA – LUNADOR, and others!
⭐️ 2 Fantastic Picture Books! A signed copy of CLOUDS IN SPACE: Nebulae, Stardust and Us by Teresa Robeson (MIT Kids Press, August 20, 2024) AND a copy of WHO’S WRITING THIS STORY?! (Creston Books, May 7, 2024) by Robin Newman!
⭐️ A 30 Minute Zoom Ask Me Anything with Cindy Williams Schrauben, author of THIS COULD BE YOU: Be Brave! Be True! Believe! Be You! (Cardinal Rule Press, April 1, 2022) and the forthcoming HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART (The Little Press, November 4, 2025)
⭐️ A Signed Copy of Jilanne Hoffman’s gorgeous A RIVER OF DUST: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon OR A 30-minute Zoom Ask Me Anything (Winner’s Choice) from Jilanne Hoffman, talented author of 2 board books, THE HONEY BEAR HIVE (Mudpuppy January 2023), HAPPY CAMPER (Mudpuppy January 2022), and A RIVER OF DUST (Chronicle Books, July 25, 2023) as well as THE OCEAN’S HEART forthcoming from Lerner in Spring 2026!
⭐️ A “Love Bundle” Consisting of a Signed Copy of LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND AND a Heart Pillow from the lovely and talented Mary Munson!!!
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for birthday, holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, recommending them for school and library visits, and supporting them in any other
Now! Take heart and post your entries without a smidgeon of worry!
With so many great prizes up for grabs I hope there will be a lot of entries – the more the merrier! And you’ve still got a couple days to write, so you can squeeze in under the wire if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!
Contest Entrants, remember you MUST post your entry in the comment section below and include title, byline, and word count.
Eager Readers – just go along the list of links below, click on them (they’ll take you directly to whichever story you click on), and enjoy the stories!
So let the Valentiny Contest begin!
Happy Writing and Happy Valentines Day! 🩷💕🩷💕🩷
I can’t wait to read your entries!!!
THE ENTRIES! (Anyone who feels nice can start at the bottom of the list so that the later entries get read too! 😊)
1. Hurting Hearts – Jude Westerfield
2. Punctured Romance – Donna Kurtz
3. Great-Grandma, Great Valentine’s-Day! – Donna Kurtz
4. A Happy Surprise! – Donna Kurtz
5. Love Comes In Waves – Katie Schwartz
6. A Safe Space For Valentines – Lauren N. Simmons
7. Humpty Dumpty’s Eggs-Cellent Valentine’s Day – Michelle S. Kennedy
8. An Icy Romance – Paul Kurtz
9. Big Party, Big Trouble! – Paul Kurtz
10. No Flowers? No Problem! – Paul Kurtz
11. Andy The Alpaca – S.J. Little
12. The Strawberry Cowboy – Emma Applegarth
13. Chicken’s Valentine – Poupette Smith
14. Smelly Valentines – Bethany Brodsky
15. Valentine’s Day For Della – Stephanie Mena
16. The Valentine Nuzzle – Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD
17. Creepy & Sweet – Heather Kinser
18. A Valentine For A Fish – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
19. Elbow To Elbow – Bridget Magee
20. Art As Big As My Heart – Kiran Vazir Nair
21. Luna’s Valentine Surprise – Ian Rodrigues
22. But Roses Aren’t Red – Jessica Russo
23. What’s In The Box? – Jodie Houghton
24. Millicent Makes A Move – Jesse Anna Bornemann
25. Rumble Tumble Bumblebee – Lisa Carmody Doiron
26. Nuts About Each Other – Cathy Stenquist
27. Valentines Crafternoon – Rebecca Tronrud
28. Granny, My Valentine – Claire Lincoln-Gordon
29. I Dream In Red And White – Margaret Zotkiewicz
30. The Valentine’s Day Feast – Deborah Foster
31. Cupcakes And Slobbery Kisses – Sonja McGiboney
32. A Little Courage – Jany Campana
33.
34. Valentine’s Day Rocks – Mona Voelkel
35. A Pine Woods Valentine – Kelly Clasen
36. Blue Valentine – Kari Liska
37. No Worries, Wendi! – Jen Subra
38. Walter Worries – Elizabeth Volkmann
39. From A To V: A Valentine Story – P.J. Purtee
40. The Planets’ Party – Emily Roberts
41. Invisible Sheera – Barbara Senenman
42. Teddy Be Mine – Samantha Howard-Els
43. Lizzy In A Tizzy – Susan Elizabeth Schipper
44. Go Away, Worry Bird! – Rose Cappelli
45. Beatrice And The Worst Valentine’s Day – Lynne Marie
46. Brave On The Bus – Deborah Holt Williams
47. Wally Isn’t Worried – Melissa Johnston Miles
48. Valentines From Space – Kristin Falleroni
49. The Valentine Rock Hunt – Eleanor A. Peterson
50. A Sunny Valentine – Nicole Loos Miller
51. Plop! – Cari Chamberlain
52. Valentiny Search – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
53. Glow – Amanda Blaylock
54. Revolting Chocolates – Stephanie Flom
55. The Perfect Song – Emmie R. Werner
56. With Love, Evangelina-Mae – Kendra Lusty
57. Heart Words – Marilyn Wolpin
58. Valentine For My Family – Kara Williams
59. Don’t Worry About The Flurry – Kate DiMaio
60. Cupid Needs Help – Jamie Bills
61. Swamp Fever – Kathleen Jacobs
62. The Great Crushtastrophe – Emy McCarthy
63. Love Saves The Day – Corine Timmer
64. My New, Furry Love – Jenn Gaulding
65. Groundhog Love – Sherry Dubis
66. First Love – Kelly Kates
67. The Kaleidoscope – Seth Standley Mueller
68. A Love Like Bob’s – Jacinta Patterson
69. A Wish And A Worry – Julie Lerczak
70. My Valentine’s Day Worries – Betsy Bennett
71. V-Day D-Day – Laura Wippell
72. Hush Now Phoebe – Laura Rice Martinez
73. Que Sera, Sera, My Sweet – Shuba Mohan
74. An Octopus Apology – Susan Summers
75. The Mystery Gift Returns – Susan Summers
76. Phyllis’s Quivery-Quaking Valentine – Karen Opp
77. Will She Be Mine? – Marta Cutler
78. Tyler – Sue Ko
79. Happy Friends Day – Trine Grillo
80. The Perfect Valentine Gift – Priyanka Bertrabet
81. Chicken Little’s Valentine’s – Katie Schwartz
82. That’s What Squirrels Are For – Lori Dubbin
83. Secret, Secret Valentine – Michael Kokozos
84. First Love – Jen Summers
85. Valentine’s Day Road Trip – Elyse Trevers
86. One In A Million – Ellen Akemi Crosby
87. Anna Beaver And The Shining Heart – Elise Derstine
88. The Blank Heart – Jill Lambert
89. A Valentine’s Day Surprise – Catherine Rose
90. A Pebble For Penny – J. Buchet
91. Bonnie’s Valentines – Lizzie Dunn
92. Mandy’s Valentines – Una Belle Townsend
93. The Valentine’s Day Flu – Elizabeth Muster
94. Caty The Cactus – Katie Gigliotti
95. A Pirate’s Love – Andi Chitty
96. Valentimes Day – Lori Sheroan
97. A Valentine Bear – Penelope McNally
98. Will The Worrier – Marty Findley
99. Everyone Deserves A Valentine – Lucia Lemieux
100. The Last Linguini – Rella B Books
101. Glitter, Glitz, and Valentine Bits – Gabriella Keys
102. Jack’s Valentine Yarn – Jessica Iwanski
103. Worried Winds – Gabriella Keys?
104. Lil’ Wavey, The Worrier – Judy Hughes
105. Broken Hearts – Lisa Billa
106. Firefly Dance – Katie Dubay
107. Happy Valentine’s Day, Worry Wart – Sharon McCarthy
108. Who Will Be Grandma’s Valentine? – Lauri C. Meyers
109. Picture Perfect – Helen Lysicatos
110. A Paw-sitively Perfect Valentine’s Day – Tiffany Hanson
111. Love At Last – Teresa Speranza Vargas
112. Shakesbear Presents: Honey and Berry – Dawn Hauptner
113. A Valentine From For Chloe – Caitlin T. D. Robinson
114. What Color Is Love? – Marcia Dalphin Williams
115. First Day Valentine – Joanne Szeto
116. Love Gone Wild – Bri Lawyer
117. Who Stole Valentine’s Day? – Debbie Neuenschwander
118. A Valentine For Porcupine – Susan Corry
119. The Otter Valentine – Susan Burdorf
120. The Valentine Mouse – Anne Catliff
121. Adaline’s Valentine Box – Jessica Evans
122. Healing Hearts – Sarah (Sezza) Hetu
123. Not So Perfect Valentines – Rebekah Hoeft
124. Valentine’s Rules – Rachel Schiller
125. Moon-eyed – Hannah Gordon
126. Allergic To Love – RFREMMER
127. Cards Of Concern – Mike Flowers
128. A Very Junky Valentine – Dominic Plavny
129. V Is For Vulture, NOT Valentine – Rebekah Reaves
130. It Takes All Kinds – Webb Smith
131. Made With Love – Webb Smith
132. Sweet Teeth – Amber A. Novak
133. A Worrisome Mission – Nancy Ferguson
134. Please Make It Home – editingbydanielle
135. A Valentine For All – Jamie Kravetz
136. Don’t Worry About The Wrong Things – Linda Staszak
137. The Night Guard, A Sweet Tooth, and Love’s Unbreakable Bond – Amy Martinez
138. Heartfelt – S. J. Barratt
139. Furry Worries In Wood’s Hollow – Samantha Cora
140. Untitled – aliakirsch123
141. From The Heart – Morna Gersho
142. A Little Fairy Dust Always Helps – Linda Staszak
143. Clarissa Countpolis – Ana Kelly
144. The Missing Teddy Bear – RJCLARKEN
145. Nose Need To Worry – Samantha Howard-Els
146. Sweet Message Dilemma – Joan Leotta
147. Worried – Greg Beatty
148. Skeptical V-Day – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
149. Valentines For Everyone – Jamie Kravetz
150. The Almost-Perfect Valentine – Susan Jakubowski
151. Dear Valentine’s Day – Liz Godfrey
152. Just Cute Won’t Do – Erin Lyons
153. Just Enough – Jessica Evans
154. Teddy’s Gift Of Art – Kimberly Zhuo
155. The Perfect Valentine Card – Deborah Dolan Hunt
156. Recipe For The Perfect Valentine – Anne Lipton
157. A Heart For Helena – KM Jesson
158.
159. I Am Not Good At Art And Crafts – Maritere Bellas
160. Vovo’s Valentine – Kayla Martinez
161. Love, Cade – Briana Caballero
162. Cupie – M. A. Caballero
163. The Day After St. Valentine’s – Alice Bianchi-Clarke
164. The Groundhog And The Airpig – Angela Martinelli
165. Cupid Versus Baby New Year – Susan Gleeson
166. Pennygirl’s In Love – Judy McGee
167. Sir Snacks-a-Lot Saves The Day – Amanda Fletcher
168. Lizzy-Loo McBride’s Valentine’s Dance Disaster – ere
169. Ramona’s Cookies – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
170. Unsweetened – Russell Wolff
171. Valentruck – Sarah Meade
172. Be Mine, Twine! – Sarah Meade
173. Found Acceptance – Laura Proven Croyle
174. I Can’t Read My Valentine – Alicia Meyers
175. Haiku For Two – Sharon Korzelius
176. Sheba’s Sweet Valentine – Barbara Lerman-Golomb
177. Sometimes We Argue – Elizabeth Bryer
178. A Fruitful Valentine’s Day – Shaunessy Sinnett
179. Just An Inkling, Valentine – Rainy Ostrom
180. Clever Caramel – Janelle Mikulas
181. Veer’s Worry-ful Valentine – Kay B Author
182. Jubilee’s Chiclickity Catastrophe – Julia Ruschmann
183. Cupid’s Conundrum – Katia Mykytiuk
184. Valentine Cuddle-fish? – Abby Kass
185. Love Squad – Maria Piñero Pope
186. Valentine Mix-Up – Christina Shawn
187. Cupid’s Worry – Bonnie Kloster
188. Bump, Bump, Vee – Vanessa Ireson
189. Sweaty Letty – Susan Hamlin
190. The Stinkiest Valentine’s Day – Ella English
191. Lily’s Valentine Fear – Amanda McIntyre
192. Cupid’s Big Day – Marty Bellis
193. Have A Heart – Cindy Rivka Marshall
194. Truffle Woes – Kate Chabarek
195. The Password To My Heart – Lauren Wu
196. Nuts! – Daniella Kaufman
197. Phishing For Valwntines – Alea Garbagnati
198. Lunchtime Worries – Linda Hofke
199. Zoo Love – Jennifer Tarr
200. Cupid Makes A Mark – Cindy Greene
201. Tea And Chocolate? – Tarja Helena Nevala
202. The Sweetest Friend Chip – Cheryl Simon
203. Love, Lily Lou – Sally Macaluso
204. Gravitational Crush – Dana Dillaman
205. Miss Muffet’s Sweet Treats – Shaunessy Sinnett
206. Val The Mail Snail – Griffin Taylor
207. The Memory Valentine – Jennifer Rathe
208. Too Many Valentines? – Maya Elson
209. Special Delivery – Angela Steffen
210. What About Waffles – Jared Bryer
211. Date Night – Rathi Munukur
212. Jenna’s Story – Dianne Borowski
Susanna Leonard Hill 
HURTING HEARTS
Jude Westerfield
200 Words
Did he… push me??! He did! BE MINE just pushed me! Now, that bossy KISS ME is climbing over XOXO – what nerve! And I’m sinking…down… to the bottom of the bag.
I give up. I mean, it’s bad enough that I’m practically buried under chipped bits of candy hearts, but there’s a bigger problem: my message. It’s supposed to say LUV ME, but the L didn’t print. Who wants candy that says UV ME? I get one day a year to shine and… what’s hap… Wait! Shush! Somebody got picked!
It’s hard to hear down here but the two little girls sharing the bag are giggling and I think – yes! They picked MARRY ME. It’s fine; I’m glad for him. At least he didn’t bruise anyone on his way up.
But what if this is it for me? My one chance to spread joy, kaput? Oh – there’s movement above me… hearts tumbling… I see fingers! Two fingers grab me! Me! And pull me up for inspection. But I’m embarrassed! I’m defective! I’m…
“OMG it says UV ME!!!” Girl 1 shrieks.
“I UV it!” Girl 2 cries. “Gimme!”
They love me! I’m a star! Wait! Yikes! Who turned the lights off??!
Jude, I just smiled through your whole story about your worried “UV ME” candy heart! So creative, with such a funny ending! Fantastic!
Thank you Mona! ❤
I thoroughly enjoyed this Nuala! So cute!!
Thanks so much Andi!
sweet!
❤
Such a fun read! I thought it was going to be the girl’s initials but you surprised me at the end. Great POV and voice.
I appreciate your comments so much, Michelle!
Writing from the perspective of a candy heart waiting to be chosen is cool idea!
Thanks so much, Sherry!
Still smiling here. Crazy . . . this story is like a mesh of 2 of MY stories. Great minds.
<3<3
Cute story…I especially loved the ending!!
Thanks so much!
So much fun! Very cute and the ending made me LOL.
Thank you Sarah!
I “UV” this idea!!!!!
❤ ❤
Punctured Romance
by Donna Kurtz
210 words
Eyeing the immense, heart-shaped hot-air balloon floating above them, Emma gasps.
“This can’t be my Valentine’s Day surprise, Noah.”
“It sure is.”
“I’m not going up in that dangerous monstrosity!”
“Stop worrying.” Noah jumps into the basket. “The pilot will be here soon.”
Hauling Emma in, Noah’s elbow snags the anchor rope.
The balloon flies free.
“NOOO!” shrieks Emma.
Noah laughs. “This is awesome!”
“HELP! HELP!” Emma howls. “Noah, get us down!”
“Uh, I don’t know how. Do you?”
“NO!”
Noah admires the fluffy, white clouds. “Pretty, huh?”
The clouds turn dark gray. Rain pours down.
Emma shrieks. “My Valentine hairdo is ruined, and my pink-chiffon dress is soaked!”
“It’s stopped and there’s a rainbow,” Noah says. “Look, a big flock of white doves—cool, huh?”
“No, a hawk’s chasing them,” Emma shouts. “Now he’s diving at us!”
KA-THUNKK!
“He bounced off the balloon,” Noah says.
H-I-S-S-S!
“He punctured us,” Emma screams. “We’re falling!”
“EEE-YIKES!” Noah yells.
“YOWWIE!” Emma shrieks.
KA-RUNCHH!
The balloon and basket land in a treetop.
“You okay, Emma?”
Emma glares at him. “Don’t worry, huh?”
“Happy Valentine’s Day.” Noah opens a jewelry box. “You want to go steady? I don’t climb good—can you help me down?”
Emma’s hands curl into fists. “I can push you!”
Fun story! I love the ending LOL
Love the last line!!! Haha!
Love the humor. Looks like Emma’s anger “ballooned!”
Hilarious! Who wouldn’t fall for Noah’s adventurous spirit!?
Love the ending.
You nailed ‘the worry.’ I imagined the whole thing!
LOL! Great action and tension here. Poor Emma!
Wow! You must come from a very talented family!
You guys 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great-Grandma, Great Valentine’s-Day!
by Donna Kurtz
207 words
Ava runs to her great-grandmother.
“Yay, Nanna! You came to my Valentine’s Day party!”
“No dear, I’m going to dinner with your dad, my only grandson, like I always do.”
“Not this year, Ethel,” Mom says. “He’s taking me out, and you’re in charge of the kids’ party.”
Nana’s eyes widen. “What?”
“Have fun,” Mom says, dragging Dad out to the car.
Greeting children at the door, Nana mutters. “Nineteen kids—will this never stop?”
“Here’s number twenty,” says a tall man holding a girl’s hand, “and me, her great-grandpa Fred.”
“I’m supposed to entertain you, too?” Nana growls.
He holds up a stack of records. “I love parties and brought these. Do you dance?”
“I’m worried my grandma will never speak to me again,” Dad says.
Opening the front door, Mom’s eyes widen. “What is this?”
Ethel and Fred hully-gully to Fred’s records, surrounded by twenty kids doing the mashed potato, frug, and twist.
“Join the fun, Mom and Dad,” Ava says, grasping her parent’s hands. “I’ll show you how.”
Ethel and Fred hully-gully to the door.”
“I’m taking my lovely valentine for a late dinner,” Fred says.
Ethel beams. “This is the most fun Valentine’s Day I’ve had in years—take care of Fred’s records!”
Awh! Glad for Ethel!!! Donna, you outdid yourself with all these entries!
What a fantastic great-grandmother! Such a fun story!
What a fun great-grandmother! Fred is a great guy also!
My favorite line: “Nineteen kids—will this never stop?”
Great ending.
So much fun! Love the image of the couple surrounding by the kids dancing. Nicely done.
So fun! Now I need to look up hully-gully!
I could picture all the dancing! Loved it!
A Happy Surprise!
by Donna Kurtz
214 words
Sophia opens her front door. Lucas, her best friend, holds a wriggly puppy.
“Sophia, I’m giving my mom this puppy for Valentine’s Day. Your mom says I can keep her here so mine won’t find out.”
Sophia takes the puppy and giggles as the cute pup licks her face. “You have fluffy red hair like mine!”
Lucas visits Sophia every day. They train the puppy and play with her.
“Let’s name her,” Lucas says. “Do you have an idea, Sophia?”
“Happy!”
Each day, Sophia loves the puppy more. She worries Happy will be un-happy in her new home.
On Valentine’s Day, Lucas ties a shiny red bow to Happy’s collar.
Sophia wipes tears from her eyes. “I don’t think Happy will be happy anywhere but here.”
Lucas hands Sophia a big red card. “This is for you.”
The front of the card says HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, SOPHIA!
She opens it and sees a drawing of herself hugging Happy with the words HAPPY IS YOURS! LOVE, LUCAS
Sophia’s heart thumps with joy as Happy jumps all over both of them.
Sophia kisses Lucas’s cheek. “Thank you!”
Lucas’s face turns red as a Valentine.
Picking up Happy, Sophia gives her a humongous hug. “Now I have two best friends—this is my happiest Valentine’s Day ever!”
What a great idea Lucas had! 🙂
I love the twist of Lucas gifting Sophia the dog, Happy! Such a sweet story (and such great language), so perfect for Valentine’s Day!
My dad had a dog named Happy when I was growing up. He was the best dog ever! Your story brought back sweet memories of him. (PS- Lucas is a gem! We need more guys like him in this world!)
What a clever way for Lucas to give Sophia a nice gift!
Sneaky Luca. How sweet they trained Happy together.
Very sweet. Love the happy surprise!
So cute, Donna! Especially for us animal lovers!
Such a fun contest, I had to do it twice! Thank you again, Susanna, judges, and prize givers!
LOVE COMES IN WAVES
Katie Schwartz
w/c – 214
I can’t find my Valentine!
I wander to the waterline…
crane my neck, then stretch some more.
Search the waves along the shore.
Early daybreak, she was here.
She likes me too! She made it clear –
swoooshing…smiling – like a dart –
piercing deep into my heart.
She balanced on her flukes and waved.
My heart went thump, my love engraved.
Time for lunch – cause love is draining.
But she’s a catch, I’m not complaining!
A nap – sweet dreams. Then off I go
to find my sunshine, let her know –
she’s the only one for me.
She isn’t where I thought she’d be!
This was the place. The tracks I made
are all that’s left of where we played.
She’s sleek and swift, I’m short and slow.
Where’d she go? I just don’t know.
She’s got the cutest bottlenose!
But like the tides…love comes and goes.
Should I forget her? I cannot.
I worry in my sandy spot.
Hours pass. Still, hope burns bright.
I plod through foam, in fading light.
Ooo – the sunset, rosy pink.
A sign for Valentine’s, I think!
There she is! CHIRP-CHIRP — EEE-EEE!
We harmonize – a symphony!
Our love blossoms, twice a day.
I sway – she sprays – that’s how we play!
When tides are right, we hold a pose.
Dolphin, tortoise, nose-to-nose.
Love the rhyme. Very nice story, Katie. Best of luck!
Beautiful language and rhyming story, Katie!!! Love the play on words in the title and lovely images throughout this amazing dolphin and tortoise love story!
Thank you! Good luck in the contest!
Thank you for reading. And good luck with your entry!
Your last line… so SWEET! This is adorable Katie!
Thank you, Michelle!
A fun twist! What a wonderful surprise ending.
Thank you! We should be more like the inspiring animal friends in the wild, shouldn’t we!
Love the title, love the riddle-like clues leading up to the reveal at the end. Beautiful imagery and wordplay, Katie!
Thank you, Jill! Love coming up for something in Valentiny – definitely one of the sweetest contests of the year!
Lovely lines:
like the tides . . . love comes and goes
We harmonize – a symphony!
The entire last stanza!!!!! I didn’t see this lovely ending coming.
Thank you, Jill! I’m trying to keep up with all the other amazing entries in this contest. Inspiring to read them!
Thank you, Jill! And good luck in the contest!
This is delightful!
You packed so much story, character and mystery into such a short rhyming tale. So original!
Katie, did you email me? I wasn’t sure (until I made the connection). I deleted the email (worried it was scam). I’m on Bluesky (@pjpurtee).
A Safe Space for Valentines
by Lauren N. Simmons
Word count: 202
I worry about everything at school.
I worry I won’t do it right.
I worry the other kids will say I did it wrong,
that I ruined everything.
It’s even worse around a holiday,
like Valentine’s Day.
I already know I’m not liked.
Who would spare a valentine for me?
When I’m home, I don’t worry.
I relax.
I play in the yard with my siblings.
Oh man, not bedtime! I just get to wake up and worry all over again.
I worry some more
Until someone extends a hand.
What are they giving me?
A valentine? Whoopee!
At home, I work straight away on a valentine to return.
Will I get it right? Will they like it?
Will they say I ruined it?
Oh no, my worry has followed me home! To my safe place!
I hold out my hand to the one who extended friendship to me,
my whole arm, shaking.
I scrunch my forehead a little, and close my eyes, bracing for unkindness.
Should I just walk away, before they can say anything?
“Thank you so much! Your cut-out hearts are so cool!”
With those few words,
My worry at school melts…
Even if for just a few moments.
The metaphor and literal scene of “I hold out my hand to the one who extended friendship to me” was so memorable! Kids will relate to the worry throughout your story, especially on Valentine’s Day! Loved the ending, too!
I could feel the angst of that sweet child in this story! Reminded me of me when I was younger and used to worry about EVERYTHING! I’m glad for the happy ending to the story. Well done.
Love this sweet story, Lauren! Beautifully written. Good luck 🙂
I can feel the worry. Well done!
I was struck by the line, “Oh no, my worry has followed me home! To my safe place!” I think that is the ultimate worry of the kid in all of us. Right!? We can handle things as long as our safe space is impenetrable, but at some point risk becomes a necessity.
This line made me so sad: I just get to wake up and worry all over again.
I bet every day will get better for this worried child.
Sweet and sad. I felt for the child who had their safe space invaded by worries. I enjoyed the realistic ending as well.
HUMPTY DUMPTY’S EGGS-CELLENT VALENTINE’S DAY
(212 WC)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
On Valentine’s Day, when the hearts overflow,
Humpty sat high, with his head hanging low.
While others eggs-changed Valentines with a flurry,
he perched on his wall, feeling nothing but worry.
He watched the king’s horsemen all pridefully prance,
woo with their music and playfully dance.
“With courage like theirs, I would be of good cheer,
but eggs-pressions of fondness infuse me with fear!”
Inhaling the flowers (their scents filled the air),
he thought of his fall and drooped down in despair.
“My shell’s held together with putty and tape…
Will anyone love me? I’m all out of shape!”
“Oh Cupid, where are you?” He desperately prayed.
I need your assistance—my heart is sauteed!”
Poor Humpty felt fragile, the stress was eggs-hausting.
And then… She strolled by…
Deviled.
With frosting!!!
“Hi Humpty!” she said. And she gave him a card.
His eggs-pression was shell shock. She’d caught him off-guard.
“Will you be my Valentine, egg of my dreams?!
You’re eggs-actly my type!”
Humpty straightened his seams.
Down from the wall, they rolled out to the park,
with gaggles of giggles igniting their spark.
The way that they scrambled was hard to ignore.
Humpty felt happy. He worried no more.
Life’s been sunny-side-up since Valentine’s Day.
They were equally yoked…in every way!
C.U.T.E.!!!!!! So clever and fun!
This is amazing, Michelle!!!! Love all the entertaining wordplay and I laughed out loud when Deviled Egg walked in! What a perfect (and creative) Valentine’s Day story!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE it!! This is so cute!
Love it!! Such a fun and clever twist on a familiar nursery rhyme.
So totally cute, Michelle! I would say ‘eggcelent’!
I love this romantic adventure. A fun story with lots of egg-scellent puns. Yay Humpty!
Wonderful fairy tale/nursery rhyme retelling! So fun and cute with the puns! Well done!
I love the puns, I love the pacing, and I love the story arc with so many layers! Well done!
quite clever!
Egg-ceptional, Michelle! A++++
I love that you revisited Humpty Dumpty for Valentine’s Day and whipped it into a froth with eggy puns. I can just picture the illustrations. Terrific!
PUNS! Bring on the puns! EGGS-actly what makes the brain forge connections and apply semantics. Also interesting use of a well-known nursery rhyme character. This could be really fun as an illustrated story.
Oh what fun, Michelle! The puns are fantastic!
A clever retelling of Humpty Dumpty. Wonderful word choice. Good luck.
This is such a great story Michelle! And the rhyme is great too!
Super Clever and Well Written! Who doesn’t love a good deviled egg?
Deviled…with frosting!!! So good! Nice job
WOW! Of course, Dan Santat should illustrate this.
Clever rhymes and egg-cellent egg puns! What’s not to love?
So clever and great rhyme!
Your word play is fantastic! Well done on this cute story!
So much FUN! Love all the egg puns, the clever language, and the charming plot. Well done!!
EGG-ceptional! I’m so happy that Humpty had a happy ending.
So clever and creative. Congratulations!
An Icy Romance
by Paul Kurtz
214 words
Snowshoe hare Snowden worries. “My heart will break if Bitsy Bunny won’t be my Valentine. Jake Jackrabbit likes her too—I need a super-special gift!”
Snowden shakes his plastic carrot-bank.
“Empty! I need to earn money fast.”
Grabbing his snow shovel, Snowden trudges around his snow-packed neighborhood.
“The front walks are all cleared!”
“Jake shoveled them,” Ms. Cottontail says. “You’ll do it next time.”
Snowden groans. “I need another idea!”
ROOARRR! ROOARRR!
Bertie Beaver cuts branches off a fallen tree.
“A chainsaw?” Snowden asks.
“I’m repairing my dam,” Bertie says. “My teeth won’t gnaw through frozen wood.”
Watching Bertie, Snowden gets an idea fast.
Next morning, Snowden enters Bitsy’s home.
Jake is handing Bitsy a Valentine’s Day card and big box of candy.
Snowden says, “I have something for you too.”
Jake follows as Snowden leads Bitsy to the frozen pond.
Bitsy gasps. “Goodness!”
A humongous ice sculpture gleams. Bouquets of beautifully-carved roses and orchids frame the words BE-MY-VALENTINE.
Snowden opens a box. “I made red heart-shaped carrot cookies for you, too.”
Bitsy laughs. “Yes! You’re my Valentine!”
Snowden’s happy heart thumps triple-time as Jake trudges off.
Bitsy hugs Snowden. “Are you taking me to the Valentine’s Day Dance at the community center?”
Wrapped in Bitsy’s arms, Snowden’s heart thumps even faster. “You bet!”
I love all of your character names! Nice job!
My favorite line: Snowden shakes his plastic carrot-bank.
I think the ice sculpture won me over!
Wow! You’re an overlooked genius!
You guys are so funny 🙂
This charming icy romance made me smile. 🙂
Big Party, Big Trouble!
by Paul Kurtz
214 words
Ten-year-old Charlotte waves a poster. “King Ding-a-Ling banned Valentine’s Day!”
“That’s horrible!” Mason groans.
“I’m still giving my big party. You’re my best friend and helping.”
Mason reads, “Violators will be thrown into the king’s deepest dungeon!”
“Don’t worry, it’ll be a secret.”
“Mason, our friends adore our decorations,” Charlotte says. “And they love our heart-shaped cookies, punch, and their Valentine cards too.”
“I’m worried.”
BAMM! BAMM!
“The door,” Mason moans. “We’re in big trouble!”
“Calm down, it’s latecomers.”
King Ding-a-Ling and six guards storm in.
“You’ve violated my order!” the King bellows.
“Mercy, please! Mercy!” Mason wails.
“Shush,” Charlotte says, frowning. “Your Majesty, how could you give such a terrible command?”
With a deep sob, the King bursts into tears. “People think kings have everything and are happy. No one invites me to a party or gives me a Valentine card—I’m lonely!”
“How awful!” Charlotte hands the King a card. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Your Majesty.” She nudges Mason. “Give the guards cards and bring cookies and punch for everyone.”
King Ding-a-Ling laughs. “Thank-you, this is my happiest Valentine’s Day’EVER!” He taps his sword on Charlotte’s shoulder. “For your noble service to Ourselves, We dub thee Countess Valentine.”
“Wow! Does that mean lots of pretty dresses, a big palace, and a pony?”
The poor king! I think he needs to be more worried about his name than late guests. lol
King Ding-a-Ling . . . hahaha. Love the name.
Nice story arc . . . and ending!
I’ll take a pony any day! Lovely story!
That’s a cute story, Paul. I love the King’s name! King Ding-a-Ling… Perfect!
Fun! The ending line made me smile.
No Flowers? No Problem!
by Paul Kurtz
214 words
Twelve-year-old Leo gasps. “No flowers?”
“It’s Valentine’s Day,” the florist says. “Everyone ordered weeks ago.”
“I can’t ask Olivia to be my Valentine without flowers,” Leo groans.
Worried, he darts into the jungle.
“Maybe I’ll find orchids or birds-of-paradise.”
He spots a flash of red high in a tree.
“Those flowers look like hearts. Perfect!”
Climbing halfway-up—
“OWW!”
—Leo feels a sharp stab in his butt.
Watching the woodpecker dive again, Leo flaps his hands.
“Bird, shoo! Whoops—”
Leo falls—
KA-WHUMPP
—into a pile of leaves.
“Umphh!”
Leo spots pink passionflower vines threading through a fragrant allspice tree.
He sniffs. “Ahhh! Together they’ll make a perfect bouquet.”
As he finishes, branches rustle.
A jaguar appears.
“Whoa! Nice kitty—”
The jaguar sniffs his bouquet—
PURRR! PURRR!
“You like the smell too?”
The jaguar’s head rubs Leo’s belly.
“Want to be my valentine?”
ROARRRR! ROARRR!
A bigger jaguar crashes from the brush.
“EEYOW!! Her boyfriend!”
Leo runs.
Glancing back, Leo sees the jaguars rubbing heads. He feels the bouquet, clutched in his fist.
“Whew!”
Olivia loves the fragrant bouquet and the card and coconut patties Leo buys before arriving at her home. “Yes, I’m your valentine!” She hugs him.
“Why was I worried?” Leo says. “This is my BEST VALENTINE’S DAY FOREVER!”
Leo went to a lot of trouble for Olivia! I’m glad she appreciated it!!!
I love how Leo goes off to the jungle to solve his problem, lol!
Phew, than goodness for Leo’s imagination!
I had to laugh out loud:
A jaguar appears.
“Whoa! Nice kitty—”
You’ve got to love a story with a jungle setting! One of my favorite types of settings!
Fun! I love all the action.
Andy the Alpaca
S.J. Little
96 words
Andy the Alpaca murmured as he bustled about.
He hurried to the oven.
“Hurry furry. The cookies must not burn.”
He wrapped the present.
“Hurry furry. The chocolate must not melt.”
He reached for his red shirt.
“Hurry furry. The shirt must look good.”
He signed his name.
“Hurry furry. The card must be pretty.”
He lifted the bouquet.
“Hurry furry. The roses must be fresh.”
Becka Alpaca peeked in the window.
“Hi Andy, why so worried?”
“Becka! Because everything must be perfect.”
“Why?”
“To show you how much I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day, Becka.”
Awwwww! So sweet!
Thanks, Michelle! All the best with your entry!
Ahhh, so sweet.
Thank you. All the best with your entry, Eleanor!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Andy wanted everything to be perfect . . . and it was!
Thanks for the comment, Jill!
Sweet story! “Hurry furry” is adorable.
The Strawberry Cowboy
Emma Applegarth
Every year, Slim the strawberry cowboy brought his wild strawberries to town for Valentine’s Day.
Today, Slim fretted. He fussed. He frowned.
“It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and I haven’t roped nearly enough strawberries!”
Slim rode out on his horse, Shortcake, but though they looked under leaf and flower, there was scarcely a wild strawberry to rustle up in a hundred square miles.
“How will the townsfolk wish each other a sweet Valentine’s Day without my strawberries?”
He was so worried he ate his hat.
On Valentine’s Day morning, he rode into town with a single small basket of strawberries.
Slim stood in the market square, jiggling his feet and jangling his spurs. What would the townsfolk think when they arrived and saw only a few strawberries? Even Shortcake flicked her ears nervously.
Lucky the lemon rancher waved to him from behind his wheelbarrow.
“Howdy, Slim! Your strawberries look mighty delicious!”
“Maybe so, but there aren’t enough!” Slim said. “I’m afeared the day will be ruined!”
He was so worried he ate his lasso.
“Slim, I have a notion,” Lucky said. “Don’t eat your boots.”
That year, the townsfolk enjoyed a new Valentine’s treat: wild strawberry lemonade.
What a great way to make ‘lemonade’. lol (I love your character names—so much fun!)
I love the strawberry cowboy! So cute, a fun take on the wild west and valentine’s day. I think I’ll go get some lemonade…
Original, set in the West. I’ll have a glass of lemonade please.
You had me from the title!
The story didn’t disappoint . . . from the humor to the names of the characters.
Well done.
! I can’t believe I forgot my word count. This is 198 words.
Perfect solution and a charming story! I love how he ate his hat and lasso. 🙂
CHICKEN’S VALENTINE (214 words)
by Poupette Smith
[Chicken looks at calendar]
Valentine’s Day? Yippee!
Flour *
Sugar *
Eggs *
Butter *
Chocolate… Hmmm, find stash…
Scratch scratch… Here… no, here…
Here? Oh dear, no chocolate?
[Chicken surfs internet]
Shop baking chocolate… Click, click, click…. Dark chocolate… none? Milk chocolate… none? White chocolate… no? ANY chocolate! What, out of pink chocolate, too? Now what? Bonbons?
[Chicken phones]
“Hello, Bonbons au Chocolat? 1 box of heart-shaped drops, please.”
“Chocolate shortage? Hoarding?” Oh no! Poor Rooster…
Stop. Think. Aha, make chocolate!
Grinder *
Cocoa beans *
Sugar *
Heart mold *
Sort… Roast… Crack… Grind… Sugar… Mix… Sort… Roast….
Taste? Perfect! Licky-lick-lick…. licky-lick-lick… Rooster will love this!
“Smells delicious, Chicken. Can I have some?”
Sure! Uh oh, empty bowl? Make more!
Sort… Roast… Crack…Grind… Sugar… Mix…
flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup…
Done! Final batch… Phew!
[onlookers line up]
“Wow! Tasty and gorgeous and oohlala yummy-yum! Me too, please?”
“And us?”
Sure! Uh oh –out of cooking gas? Start log fire!
Crrrackle pop pop… Crackle pop pop…
Sort… Roast… Crack… Grind… Sugar… Mix…
flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup… flup…
50 more beans… Yikes –more sugar?
Nope, just enough –phew!
DONE! That’s it! Happy Valentine’s Day all! Off I go to give Rooster his box!
Rooster, oh Rooster, where arrrrrre you?
Wow, I love the idea of grinding cacao beans.
I love the onomatopoeia in your story! So active and fun with all the sounds.
No chickens, no chocolate! I love your sound words and can imagine these chickens at work!
Chicken is so adorable and determined–a great role model for all of us!
What a fun story! If everyone read it, Buffalo chicken wings would go out of style!
The tension is certainly there. Nice idea making her own chocolate. Maybe a n/fic in the future?
This was fun to read! Very clever.
Oh this is fun! So much onomatopoeia and funny voice.
Chicken’s character came through loud and clear.
I had to laugh: “Hello, Bonbons au Chocolat”
Great play with all those words! I love using a chicken and rooster!
Delightful!
Poupette, I ‘cracked up’ reading this funny story about poultry and baking! Very humorous and awesome choice of words! Thanks for sharing!
Sticky Valentines
By Bethany Brodsky
214 words
I stayed up all evening to make valentines,
for all of my fabulous friends.
I hope they don’t notice I messed up a few,
when the ink smeared right out of my pens.
Lucky for me that I had extra paper,
however, I had no more glue.
Thinking up things that might possibly stick…
bubblegum, peanut butter, shampoo?
Lets try a few out, I thought to myself,
and reached for a purple gum ball.
Chewing and chomping, and blowing some bubbles–
this wasn’t so bad after all.
Taking the big wad, I squished it up tight,
but admit I got covered in spit.
The gum was more slimy instead of all sticky–
too deep in this project to quit.
Next was the nut butter, straight from the fridge,
but crunchy turns out to be lumpy.
I spread it around, on top of my hearts,
then my cards got incredibly bumpy.
I never was able to try the shampoo,
I’m guessing it was a real winner.
Cause my mother came home and sent me to bed,
without even eating my dinner.
I stayed up all evening to make valentines–
they look a bit funny, it’s true.
Next year I’ll make sure that i’m ready to go–
stocked up on more pens and new glue.
‘bubble gum, peanut butter, shampoo’ (Your story cracked me up!) So much fun to read and reminded me of ON ACCOUNT OF THE GUM. With it’s humorous language, I could totally picture the scenes.
What a creative kid, using what’s at hand to make a special valentine…this was great fun to read and to imagine the final product! 🙂
Haha! what a fun story!
I love that this character is so determined and I can completely identify with
“too deep in this project to quit.” The second stanza from the last, makes me think that the child is already thinking ahead to a project that might purposely involve shampoo. CUTE!
Gum and peanut butter as alternatives to glue kept me smiling. I really enjoyed this!
Ha ha, funny! Love it!
Ah felt so sad that mom made her go to bed for making a mess? They sounded like awesome Valentine’s day mashups.
Valentine’s Day for Della
By Stephanie Mena
214 words
Valentines’ Day was Della’s favorite holiday. Della had a hard time making friends. Dinosaurs look scary. Fire came out from her mouth with every sneeze. Valentine’s Day is February 14, the start of Spring and allergy season. More pollen on the trees made Della sneeze even more.
Della had a plan. Her Valentine couldn’t be paper or cardboard, it had to be fireproof. She wrote a message on a tile. Every sneeze burnt colors in deeper. Shapes and words became shinier.
Della finished in time. The tile was large and heavy. The glaze made it slippery. Della pulled and tugged getting it out of her cave. It slipped from her fingers. The tile splintered into pieces raining down on the valley below.
At first, everyone was afraid. Clever monkeys saw the pieces fit together. Challenge accepted! The mouse family clicked the edges together. A flock of Blue Jays, with their birds-eye-view, linked colors and shapes forming the center. Words took the longest time to complete. Intelligent, elephants finished the puzzle.
Together they read the message out loud. Be My Valentine! Your friend, Della.
Their happy laughter and singing filled the valley. Della heard their excitement all the way to the top of her mountain. Della found friends.
That was the best Valentine’s Day Ever!
I think it’s interesting that February 14th is the start of allergy season since for us northern folks it’s more like May. A sneezing dinosuar/dragon character could lead to more story shenanigans. Also she is her own clay firing artist. That’s clever.
Thank you. oops, I guess I’ve been living in Florida too long :-0 Allergies come earlier here 🙂
I love that the animals took it as a ‘challenge puzzle.’ Very clever!
The visual of a dinosaur intent on creating a valentine . . . so sweet.
Cute and clever story, Stephanie.
I love that Della made a tile and her fiery sneezes made it prettier.
Julia
The Valentine Nuzzle
By: Danielle Render Turmaud, PhD
Email: danielleturmaud@gmail.com
214 Words
Tear, tear, tear
I sneak.
I shred.
I spread.
Tearing up the paper until … it’s everywhere!
A mischievous puppy, I’m running here and there.
While everyone is sleeping,
I tear,
tear,
tear.
I drift to sleep,
dreaming of my masterpiece.
But as the sun begins to rise …
I see an unwelcome red, pink, and heart-filled surprise.
I didn’t tear a tissue.
I didn’t tear a book.
I didn’t tear a napkin.
I’m afraid to look!
I tore … my girl’s school valentines.
This is TEAR-ible!
Rose will be heartbroken when she comes out of her room
and sees her valentine creations …
being cleaned up by a broom.
I slide some of the mess under a coffee table.
They stick out a bit.
I push the pieces back together,
hoping they will fit.
I lick them for glue
(they don’t seem to stick).
When Rose awakes to see the mess,
like petals her eyes droop.
She’s sad to see her art torn around the room.
My head hangs low, my tail droops,
for this mess that I have made.
I offer Rose a kiss and a fluffy puppy nuzzle.
On her face a smile blooms, as she receives my cuddles.
Maybe love matters more than paper–
maybe love solves the puzzle.
Forgiveness and a puppy!
Yesss 😀 It was a fun one to write! Thanks for your comment Sherry!
Such a CUTE story Danielle!!! I loved how unique the POV was from a little puppy and the Valentine’s vibes were perfect ❤️ This is Briana btw 🙂
THANK YOU Briana!!! 😀 You’re so kind! I appreciate you!
Puppy LOVE! This is really sweet.
That pup was BUSY! Such fun imagery.
Aww, puppy love! Very creative, Danielle!! Love it!
CREEPY & SWEET
by Heather Kinser
214 words
High in a redwood tree, foggy and cool,
on Valentine’s Day at Sylvania School,
Benji Banana Slug authored a rhyme,
cleverly penned, in his tidiest slime:
“Marvelous Millicent, creepy and sweet,
when you are near me my heart skips a beat.
How I admire your four hundred feet!
They dance in my dreams. I sigh when they run.
Could you look twice at a guy who has…none?”
Millicent passed Benji’s desk in a hurry.
All of his tentacles twitching with worry…
he crept to her chair at a slow, steady rate,
dropped off the card, and awaited his fate.
Millie returned. She opened the note.
Benji looked on with a lump in his throat.
She dabbed at a teardrop with one limber limb
and aimed an antenna directly at—him!
“Benji Banana Slug!” Millicent cried.
(Had he offended her millipede pride?)
A millisec later, she stood by his side.
“You…,” she announced, with a leggy embrace,
“go gliding through life with an effortless grace.
I’ll be your Valentine! Love’s not a race.
I’m a big fan of your slow, mellow pace.
Let’s make a date. We’ll plan a soiree
down on the ground at the end of the day.”
“It’ll be great!” the two friends agree.
Whenever
poor
Benji
creeps
down
from
the
tree.
So much fun and really well done! Wonderful concept and impeccable rhyme! 🙂
Very well done, Heather. Love your rhyme.
I love this so much haha creepy & sweet, what a change.
Who knew millipedes and banana slugs could be so adorable?? What a fun, sweet rhyme!
Heather, this is wonderful! How did you ever come up with such an oddball romance? Love it!
Ha-ha! Well my eldest child has been going to UC Santa Cruz for the past 6 months (their mascot is the banana slug) and finally encountered a banana slug for the first time a few days before I wrote this. So I guess banana slugs crept into my subconscious (pun intended).
So clever and love the rhyme!
What an original choice of characters and clever vocabulary. Millicent the millipede and millisec! Love this. The descending text at the end supports the tone so well. I could picture it. Is there a real Sylvania in redwood country?
I dont’ write rhyme but this flows so well and the word choices are so incredible. I love your characters.
I LOVED this story! I could see this as a lovely valentines book!
“tidiest slime” — LOVE!
Heather, I love this! Brilliant rhyme and so funny! I’ve been working on a banana slug PB for ages and really enjoy this adorable pair.
This creepy and sweet Valentine story was a rollicking fun read!
Such fun.
Love this: and aimed an antenna directly at—him!
Another Millicent! We must have been channeling the same muse. This is so fabulous, as expected. The rhyme, the humor, the charming details and clever ending — I dig all of it!
Heather, this is wonderful! Great job!!
This was such a joy to read. Congrats on an awesome piece!
What a great story of opposites finding one another! Loved it!
A Valentine for a Fish
by Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
214 words
Walter and his fish named Fish
Lived simply with his mother.
They didn’t have a lot to spare,
although they had each other.
But Walter’s pet was suffering.
He had aquatic troubles.
Fish just slumped inside his bowl,
And whispered tiny bubbles.
“You seem so sad and desperate,
you little fish of mine.”
So Walter cut and drew and shaped
A scaly Valentine.
He dropped the card into the bowl,
nose pressed up to the glass.
Fish shimmied there, then shimmied back.
It was a cold, hard pass.
Walter paced and panicked.
Then he found a candy heart.
He dropped in DO U LUV ME?
Ignored, it broke apart.
“That’s too bad,” his mother said.
She stroked his reddish hair.
“At least on Valentine’s we have
Each other’s love to share.”
Then Walter got a brainwave.
His feet began to scurry.
He bolted to the pet store
and he flew back in a hurry.
He poured a bag into the bowl,
Fearing a mistake.
Fish looked around. And then he did
A fishy double take!
For swimming calmly towards him
Was another little fish!
The two began to chase around,
then glide, then dive, then swish.
Walter’s worry turned to joy
While watching them duet.
It seems that two is better,
Even for a little pet.
This so sweet!
Thank you!
Two are definitely better than one. Walter had a lovely idea. Love: “A fishy double take!”
Thank you!
Nicely done in rhyme! I love that the boy is thinking of his pet’s needs.
Thank you!
Nicely done! Charming, with a sweet twist.
Thank you!
Loved this story Elizabeth! This would make a great board book ❤
Thank you!
Awh! Glad Fish got a friend in his dish!
I love everything about this!
Love this! A fish named Fish 🙂
Elbow to Elbow
by Bridget Magee
214 words
“Dude, wanna go to my Valentine’s party?”
This was the most Chad had said to Scotty besides, “Nice shot!” in PE class.
Scotty jumped for joy…inside.
Outside, he played it cool. “Yeah, dude. Fire.”
Since switching middle schools so his nonverbal twin brother, Sean, could get special services, Scotty struggled with making friends.
But Scotty never blamed Sean. He worried about Sean as much as himself.
After school, Scotty told Sean about Chad’s party. “I heard Jenna’s going,” he added as he pantomimed a jump-shot. Sean bumped Scotty’s elbow and smiled.
At dinner, Scotty told his mom about the party.
“Sounds great, but Sean has to go. I have a shift at the hospital.”
“No!” Scotty snapped. Then added, “Not about Sean coming, it’s just that I have to ask Chad.”
“If he’s your friend, he’ll understand,” mom said.
“That’s a big IF…”
Sean bumped Scotty’s elbow again and nodded.
The next day 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.
“Come play!” Chad called to Scotty.
Scotty bumped Sean’s elbow and said, “Nah, I’m good.” Then he and Sean flailed and bopped to the music.
Jenna joined in, too.
I’m glad Scotty got his priorities straight!
My favorite part: “Yeah, whatever…pass the ball!”
Scotty probably fretted for hours about asking Chad, and it was okay.
ART AS BIG AS MY HEART
By Kiran Vazir Nair
208 words
Aria loved art.
When she painted, she saw colours and dreams.
Ma called Aria for lunch, but she was too busy planning their surprise.
A canvas as big as her.
Dip. Swish. Swoosh.
Tiny red polka dots glimmered on the canvas.
A heart was yet to be formed.
Phew! She looked at the clock. This was taking longer than she thought.
Ma called again.
Crunch. Munch. She gobbled her lunch in three bites.
Dip. Swish.
Dip. Scratch.
“Am I out of paint?” Aria whispered.
She turned the bottle upside down. Red paint was nowhere to be found.
She paced up and down and looked at the time.
She stared at her art. The canvas appeared bigger than her.
Aria tried brown. Too dull.
She tried yellow. Too bright.
She used all the paints but nothing came close to red.
She painted again to forget about all her worries.
Pop! She thought of an idea.
Tear! Crumple! Aria made a thousand tiny balls out of red paper.
Dip! Swish! Glue! Glitter!
Tiny red polka dots danced and shimmered on the canvas.
A heart was almost formed.
“Happy Valentine’s Day Ma and Papa!” greeted Aria.
A heart that popped, sparkled, and glowed was formed. A heart as big as her.
Super cute and heart-felt entry, Kiran!
Thank you, Laura. 🙂
Beautiful!
Thank you. 🙂
Kiran absolutely loved your story! It’s such an arty and hearty story. I could feel Aria’s anxiety and the worry to finish her artwork for her Ma & Papa on time for Valentine’s Day! It gave me goosebumps so so beautifully written.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Lovely Kiran. Very heartfelt. Aria put her heart and soul into finishing her project. Good luck.
Thank you, Eleanor! 🙂
You had me at the title! Nicely done.
Thank you, Michelle. 🙂
True to an artist’s mind . . . improvise . . . on the spot.
Thank you, Jill. 🙂
Luna’s Valentine Surprise
By Ian Rodrigues
197 words
Luna the moth was a worrying soul
she worried about things beyond her control.
Weather and traffic, ripping her clothes,
but mostly opinions of people she knows.
When it came in the mail, a red invitation:
a Valentine’s party — heart palpitation!
Should she go? Should she not? What would she wear?
How should she style her antennae and hair?
Worry and doubt filled all of her head.
Sleepless and anxious, frozen with dread,
she worried so much that her back wings fell off!
The very worst thing if you are a moth!
With only the front ones she looked all askew!
Could she go now? Oh, what should she do?
But her friends Norma-Jean, Lindsay, and Bess
all said they were going — she’d have to say yes.
The night of the party she stood at the door,
with only two wings where there should have been four.
Scared to go in and afraid of a scene,
when who should walk up but her friend Norma-Jean.
“Luna my dear this is simply divine,
you’ve made yourself heart-shaped; a live valentine!”
Relieved, she went in, all her friends were entranced,
and all of the evening they partied and danced.
This is such a great story! Love it!
Thanks very much!
Well I just love Luna! And heart-shaped for the Valentine’s Dance is such a satisfying way to tie up this lovely story.
Thanks!
Aw, so sweet. My heart went out to lovely Luna. I smiled when I read the beautiful ending! Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome, I’m glad you liked it!
I like that Luna became a heart and didn’t see it, but others did. Cool idea!
Thanks so much!
A clever and unique premise! Smart word choices, too, and plenty of worry.
Thank you!
All that worrying for nothing. Nice ending.
I love that Luna’s wings made a Valentine shape! What a great surprise ending!
My favorite part:
she worried so much that her back wings fell off!
The very worst thing if you are a moth!
Clever. A moth valentine!
Luna’s friends saw the best in her despite her worries – loved it!
But Roses Aren’t Red
By Jessica Russo
Word Count: 214
February 14th.
A day I truly dread.
Bursting with its pink,
Erupting with its red.
Another card exchange.
What will they all think?
“You used green and yellow?”
“Why not red and pink?”
I do not want to tell them.
I don’t want them to know.
I can’t see every color
when I look at a rainbow.
What sparkles for them
looks different to me.
The beauty glittering,
I simply cannot see.
If red was vibrant,
if pink looked sweet,
if they weren’t just shadows,
I would feel complete.
So I use neon colors.
Pigments I can see.
It’s very bright, to my delight.
Will anyone agree?
Tucked in my backpack,
Should I leave them there?
If I didn’t pass them out,
would anybody care?
It took several gulps
to swallow down the worry.
Pass them out, sit back down.
Do it in a hurry!
Ring, bell, ring!
Before everybody sees.
My heart couldn’t take
a snicker, sneer, or tease!
The bell didn’t ring,
and everybody saw.
But, all of their reactions
left me filled with awe.
“Your card is really great!”
“I love all of the colors!”
“This one is my favorite!”
“It’s unlike any others!”
Never on this day
have I felt so free!
Love knows no color.
I can finally see!
What a great twist, color-blindness for Valentine’s Day. I love this! Something people don’t even think about for those that struggle with it. A great story. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you so much for reading and leaving such kind comments! ❤️
This is wonderful. Such emotion.
What a spectacular twist!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, Michelle! I always love seeing your name in these contests! ❤️
This is so clever, well written, and original. I haven’t seen a story about color blindness before. Well done!
Thank you so much, Bri!
Nice take on the prompt!
Thank you for reading, Jill!
Love your choice of topic – color blindness! How very unique! Nice rhyme. My husband is color blind and I know color blind people and it’s easy to forget that in their world, regular colors like ‘different’ to them. Super job!
Thank you so much! ❤️ It’s easy to forget that so much of holiday fun is connected to colors! I appreciate your comment!
What’s in the Box?
By Jodie Houghton
214 words
My true love, Sooty, purrs on my desk, licking her paws and scrubbing behind her ears without a care in the world, oblivious that next to her lies something truly ghastly: a sparkly red box with a golden bow.
Unwanted.
Unopened.
Unknown.
It taunts me.
My big sister gave it with a smile, but I don’t know what the smile meant.
Last Valentine’s, it meant there was a dead spider inside. Was it alive when it was put into the box? Probably. Do I hate spiders? Definitely!
The box is bigger this year – big enough for a tarantula even. It has a bigger bow, too, which I’m happy about: the stronger the barrier, the better.
I won’t be so gullible this time, though: I’m armed with a huge glass bowl, so I can open the box but trap the evil inside.
I’m building up my courage when Sooty stops washing, grabs the bow in her mouth and… pulls!
“NO!”
But it’s too late. I rush at the sinister box with my bowl and trap… chocolates?!
I pop one in my mouth and let the deliciousness melt on my tongue, but my pleasure’s interrupted by…
“AHHHHHHHH!”
My sister storms into my room, covered in cream. She opened my present. I smile and offer peace: “Chocolate?”
Hahaha! Cute and imaginative.
Thank you 🙂
Aw, this is great. Love the sibling rivalry. So true to life!
Thank you 🙂 I’m glad you like it
Sibling pranks! Nice!
Thank you 🙂
Sisterly love. Gotta love it. I was glad she didn’t bite into a chocolate covered bug!!!
Maybe that’s next year 🙂
My favorite part: I’m armed with a huge glass bowl (She knows her sister well).
Thanks, Jill 🙂
Hi Susanna. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong! 🙂 Only ‘into’ and ‘chocolates?!’ should be italic, and there should be a line space after “NO!” and “AHHHHHHHH!”. Are you able to fix it? Sorry for the extra work for you!
I’ll fix it in a few minutes!
Did I get it right?
Perfect! Thank you so much 🙂
Millicent Makes a Move
By Jesse Anna Bornemann
210 words
“It’s settled then, without a doubt—
I’m tossing February out!
It’s way too SHORT…and COLD, as well!
And more than that—it’s hard to SPELL!”
“I’ll sign an order! Where’s my pen?”
The king harrumphed and stroked his chin.
“I-I’m not sure, sir,” his courtier said.
“W-why not have a rest instead?”
“FINE!” The king switched off his light.
“I’ll finish by tomorrow night!”
Millicent suppressed a wail.
The king’s young niece looked fraught and pale.
(She’d eavesdropped from behind a door.
Hey, what’s a trusty peephole for?)
“How wrong!” she cried. “How low and mean!
For, now, they’ll be no Feb. 14!”
Valentines made Millie glow.
Flowers, cards—she loved them so!
“I’ve got to calm my uncle’s ire,
Or Cupid might as well retire!”
The next day dawned in clouds and rain.
Millie plotted—but in vain?
She had a plan, but would it fly?
“Well,” she thought, “I’ve got to try.”
“A LOVELY day!” the king announced.
At that moment, Millie pounced:
“Before you sign your bold decree…
Uncle, how about some tea?”
“Ah, kumquat tea!” proclaimed the king.
“So divine! My favorite thing!”
Millie nodded. “It’s sublime!
Guess when kumquats reach their prime?
FEBRUARY!”
“…then, it can stay.”
The king sighed, “I’ll get rid of May.”
Hilarious! I hope Millie comes up w/ reasons for the king to keep May and the other months…
Aw, thanks! Me too! I need Mother’s Day to stick around!
So clever, Jesse!
Thank you, friend! Fun to write — kind of cathartic.
This made me want to look up when kumquats ripen. Too funny!
Thank you! I did some Google research to figure out which fruit I should use, and I’m lucky kumquat worked! Yay for finding a silly, 2-syllable fruit! 😄
A great combo of poetry and narrative! Off-the-charts clever premise! I’m highly entertained.
Wow! This is amazing praise, esp. coming from talented you! Thanks, Heather!
heh-heh! Glad it didn’t get rid of February—it’s my birthday month! (PS- I’d love to know what kumquat tea tastes like!)
Happy birthday, Michelle! Raising my mug of kumquat tea to you! (I just made this comment somewhere else by accident!)
This is so charming and quirky! I love the LOL ending, too!
Thanks, friend! I had a good time putting it all together!
So cute Jesseanna, and fun to read! Happy to know February’s not going anywhere (cause what would we do without Valentiny!). Those princesses – they’re always the clever ones, aren’t they! Good luck!
Thank you, Katie! February IS pretty hard to spell, but I’m glad it’s sticking around!
I loved this from the opening line . . . all the way to the end. Well done.
Thanks so much! I love this contest — it always nudges me out of the creative doldrums. 💜
Hi Susanna, CAn you please remove this entry. There is a small type. I have reposted my story below.
RUMBLE TUMBLE BUMBLEBEE
by Lisa Carmody Doiron
Word count: 210
Rumble Tumble Bumblebee
has a problem, you’ll agree.
Cards and candy for her friends.
Hand them out? Well, that depends.
Sometimes when I give a hug,
Stinger zings cuz I’m a bug.
I don’t mean it. I’m not bad.
Got my stinger from my dad.
Wrap me up in bubble wrap,
then my stinger, it won’t zap!
Drop the treats down from the sky.
I can’t sting from way up high!
Maybe I could fly a blimp,
then my friends won’t cry and limp.
What if I put snow pants on?
Then it’s like my stinger’s gone!
Wear a sign to warn the class.
They can choose to hug or pass.
Maybe I should stay home sick.
No one wants to feel my prick.
Day has come, it’s here at last.
I’m so worried ‘bout my past.
High five! Knuckles! Fist bump! Shrug…
“Would you like to have a hug?”
Unsure what to do, I blurt,
“IF WE HUG YOU MIGHT GET HURT!”
I’m not worried ‘bout your sting.
Snuggle underneath my wing.
Slowly, slowly, gently in,
Rumble Tumble cracks a grin.
Hugging! Snugging! Look at me!
I’m a gentle bumblebee!
Sometimes when I think too much,
worry can become a crutch.
Rumble Tumble Bumblebee,
tender heart once more set free.
I enjoyed this. Clever and fun. I can feel the worry throughout. What a dilemma! I’m glad Bumblebee overcame her fear.
A sweet story and fun read-aloud with a zippy pace. Nice work!
Thank you, Heather!
Very cute! What a sweet and humble bumble bee. Glad he was finally able to get a hug!
Thank you, Michelle,
Best of luck in the contest.
Lisa
I could visualize the whole thing. Well done.
Aw, thank you, Jill. Best of luck to you!
Nuts about Each Other
By Cathy Stenquist
WC: 214
Twitch, twitch.
Scooter’s whiskers poked out of his nest. Perfect! The pink sky was giving just enough light for his stealth mission.
Snuggled under some leaves—smooth bronze, licked clean and shiny, textured cap on straight — it waited since fall. Scooter had never sniffed such a perfect specimen. Its taste was sure to be nutty sweet, just to her liking… Right? Surely this would be enough to win Little Gray’s heart… Right?
Intently watching the feeder below, her favorite place for breakfast, Scooter spied her minky tail perfectly groomed, flicking and flirting with his heart. This was his chance. Tenderly clutching the gift in his jaws, he tip-toed down the tree.
Little Gray had noticed Scooter last fall. His branch gymnastics, and nest building skills made him a worthy candidate. Hearing her gallant suitor, she played coy, burying her nose in the spilled seed, pretending not to see him. With each gingerly step forward, Scooter‘s heart pounded.
Maybe it was too soon, maybe his gift wasn’t enough…
Wings at the feeder stopped to watch as Little Gray slowly raised her head, eyes locking his. Fighting the urge to run, Scooter laid his gift at her paws.
It was the perfect Valentine. All could see it was Acorn Love. They were nuts about each other.
Oh my goodness, Cathy! A proper love story! Love the lyrical language.
Thanks so very much! I watch the squirrels every morning. I swear I could see Little Gray waiting yesterday:)
I love the title and story.
Thank you, Eleanor!
Love the last lines! So perfect!
Thank you Michelle. 🙂
My favorite part: His branch gymnastics
So true.
hank you Jill. I am amazed at the flips and leaps I see sometimes.
Great title and story! My back yard buddies are quite the gymnasts as well! 🙂
Thank you for your kind comment. They really do amuse!
VALENTINES CRAFTERNOON
214 words
By Rebecca Tronrud
It’s Valentine’s Day Eve, and the craft bin is all atwitter.
“You excited, Ruler?” asks Paintbrush.
*Sigh.*
Every year, my friends get chosen for crafting while I get passed over. In case you hadn’t noticed, straight lines aren’t heavily featured in valentines.
Hearts.
Flowers.
Smoochy lips.
Not a single straight line in sight.
But, us rulers love valentines, too! How better to say “my love for you is immeasurable” than with a nice triangle or maybe a trapezoid?
“Showtime!” says Red Marker as the craft bin opens.
“Let’s all stick together,” says Glue.
Paper scraps, marker caps, and crayon crumbs fly.
Paintbrushes sweep.
Glue sticks swoop.
Markers swoosh.
I try to keep a level head, but my heart droops.
I‘m alone in the craft bin. Again. And the valentines are finished.
Will I ever measure up?
Hang on…hands reach for more paper.
*fold, flip, fold, flip*
Is she making…an envelope?? I LOVE envelopes! Straight lines, even edges, hard angles. Inch-anting!
But, that doesn’t look right.
Those edges – too wavy.
Those angles – too wonky.
That opening – too weeny.
UGH! Let me help!
Wait.
Is she reaching…for me??
*GASP*
“It’s your time to shine!” says Glitter Glue.
“I knew you’d make the cut!” says Scissors.
I’m so excited, I can barely see straight.
Valentine’s Day rules!
Love the puns and love the word “Inch-anting,” especially for a ruler.
Oh my goodness! I never thought I’d empathize with a ruler. Just brilliant!
This is great! I ADORE all of your ruler puns. I’m a pun fan too!
Such a clever take on the prompt. Love the puns!
GRANNY, MY VALENTINE (212 WC)
by Claire Lincoln-Gordon
My granny’s in the hospital. She’s feeling quite unwell.
My mum asks, “Are you worried love?” I AM! I want to yell.
But Granny’s brave and so am I. I open up the door
and see my granny in the bed who says, “My leg is sore.”
“I brought this for you,” I say as I pass her what I made.
“I coloured it with glitter pens in reds of every shade.”
Then granny cries and hugs me tight. “I’m keeping this forever.
I love the poem that’s inside. You really are so clever.”
“Why don’t you read it out to us?” Mum asks after a while.
“OK,” I say and clear my throat (which makes my granny smile).
“My grandad used to write to you on Valentine’s each year.
I really miss him too and it’s not fair he isn’t here.
So here’s a paper heart to let you know how much I care
and Grandad’s photo in a locket just for you to wear.
I love our visits to the beach, exploring hand in hand
and when we take the surfboard and climb up the golden sands.
So Happy Valentine’s! I hope you get to leave here soon.
Next time, just be more careful when you sand-surf down the dunes!”
Oh, Claire, this is gorgeous! And I love the ending 🙂
What a sweet grandchild!
Aha! We know what happened at the end! Make me LOL.
I Dream In Red and White
By Margaret Zotkiewicz
204 words
I dream in red and white,
Because I do believe,
The second month, the thirteenth day,
Is just like Christmas Eve.
A visitor will find me,
His gift will say ‘Be Mine’,
And when I tear it open,
I’ll thank St. Valentine.
I grab my robe and pj’s,
And tumble into bed.
I hold my heart-shaped pillow,
Against my drowsy head.
Soon my mind is filling,
With ribbons, lace, and bows,
A box of ivory satin,
A red-as-rubies rose.
What’s tapping on my window?
Oh no! Not that! No way!
Big icy flakes are falling.
This feels like Christmas Day!
A blizzard is upon us,
The drifts are piled high.
Will Cupid ever find me?
How can he even fly?
I cannot rest or slumber.
This snowstorm is a fright!
I find my boots and jacket,
And shovel through the night.
Look out! A yeti’s coming!
I close my eyes and scream.
“Wake up! Wake up!” Mom utters.
“You’re having a bad dream!”
Hello, what’s that? A present,
Is laying on my bed.
A box with hearts and candy,
All trimmed in white and red.
At last, my nightmare’s ended.
This snow-filled sleep of mine,
My worries fly, like Cupid,
Thank you, St. Valentine!
I’m glad the bad dream had a happy ending! Very cute!
Nice!
I love the “red-as-rubies rose” description. Lovely!
Thanks, Kelly!
Sweet story and it has a satisfying ending. I like “My worries fly, like Cupid.”
The Valentine’s Day Feast
by Deborah Foster
214 words
On Valentine’s Eve, the animals of Chestnut Glen received an invitation:
You’re invited to Wolf’s Valentine’s Day Dinner.
Come for a bubbling good time and delicious food!
See you soooooooon!
Squirrel gulped. “I must call a meeting! Kuk-kuk-chirp. Kuk-kuk-chirp!”
In the morning, all the animals gathered.
“What’s Wolf really planning? Bubbling. Dinner. Food. I think he plans to eat us!” Squirrel fidgeted with her tail.
“I’m worried too. I was up all night,” Raccoon said, rubbing his dark circles.
“The party is starting soon,” Skunk murmured.
“I’d be sad if no one came to my party,” Mouse squeaked.
“You’re right,” Squirrel replied.
A few minutes later, they knocked on Wolf’s den door. It creaked open, revealing a large table, one chair, and a bubbling pot.
“Is that s-s-stew?” Squirrel stammered.
The group stepped inside. Wolf wasn’t there.
Suddenly, a giant shadow appeared.
“I told you it was a trap!” Squirrel screamed.
The group turned…
and there stood…
a little wolf.
“You’re here! I was worried no one would come. I had to get more chairs!” Wolf explained.
The animals sighed in relief. They ate, made Valentine’s cards, and had a bubbling good time.
“…and squirrel thought you were going to eat us!” Skunk giggled.
“I would never!” Wolf winked.
Squirrel’s eyes went wide. GULP.
I love this, Deborah! So suspenseful and with wonderful characters. Best of luck!
Thank you Jen!
I was worried for the animals! Glad they had a good time 🙂
Deborah, I love your cozy woodland V-Day setting and your characters (loved the raccoon rubbing his dark circles:)). I especially love how you built up the worry here and then gave us a suspenseful surprise at the end!!! Great job!
haha! The little wink at the end cracked me up!
Cute. Cute. Cute. I couldn’t wait to se how it ended!
This is so imaginative. I love the squirrel call, I think they say that to antagonize my dog while they run on the power lines and tree branches. And I also like the wink at the end. Great suspense!
Cupcakes and Slobbery Kisses
Sonja McGiboney
214 Words
Barnaby licked his lips, sniffed the cinnamon hearts that topped the pink cupcakes, then shook his head and stepped away. “Oh my, what’s taking him so long?”
“Hup, two, three, four.” A line of ants marched toward the cupcakes.
Barnaby put out his paw and barked, “Stop, you can’t eat the cupcakes!”
The lead ant stopped. The other ants crashed into each other. “Why not?”
“Because.”
“Because why?”
“Because, I promised Joey.”
“Fine.” As they walked by, drool fell like raindrops onto the ants.
Barnaby’s tummy growled and he tucked his tail. “Where is Joey?”
He stepped closer and took another sniff. His tongue flapped around with hope. Drool poured everywhere. Joey wouldn’t notice a small piece missing if I just took it from the bottom.”
Drool splashed as Barnaby shook his head. “No”
“Barnaby!” a familiar, loving voice called.
“Joey!” Barnaby forgot all about the cupcakes. He ran to Joey and pounced, knocking them both to the ground, then he covered Joey’s face with slobbery kisses.
“I wasn’t gone for that long, was I?” Joey laughed.
After untangling himself from Barnaby’s hug, Joey walked to the picnic blanket where he saw the cupcakes. “Barnaby, what a good dog. Love you, bud.”
Barnaby wagged, the whole-body kind of wag. “I love you too, Joey.”
I really like the ‘scene’ of the ants. Too funny.
A LITTLE COURAGE
By Jany Campana
Word Count: 67
Chris clutched his homemade card. What if Kelly didn’t like it?
He shuffled over to the cubbies, and stood by Kelly.
With a deep breath, he handed her the card.
“For me?” Kelly asked as she ripped it open. “It’s so cute!”
Chris’ worry melted like butter on a biscuit.
“Want some of my candy hearts?” Kelly offered.
Chris grinned.
Valentine’s Day wasn’t scary.
It was sweet!
What a sweet story. Such a nice close up of these two.
Short and sweet! Love that his worry melts like butter on a biscuit.
Short and sweet (the word count AND the story).
Valentine’s Day Rocks
By Mona Voelkel
198 words
Bart was a classmate with little to say
but he was my pick on this Valentine’s Day.
I ran to his desk and was thrilled to the core
to give him my gift from the Dollar Plus store.
He took his sweet time as he studied each sticker.
“Colorful,” he said, his smile a shy flicker.
Then Bart put a measly rock in my hand.
“If… if you don’t like it, I will understand.”
He fiddled his fingers and looked at his feet.
Waiting in silence, his face filled with heat.
The slump of his shoulders then caused me to say,
“Thank you so much! Your rock made my day!”
“It’s not just a rock but a fragment of granite.
A truly remarkable piece of our planet.
Look how it sparkles. It is nature’s art.
My favorite part is it’s shaped like a heart.”
He stopped then, dismayed. Was it too much to share?
Bart took a breath and decided to dare:
“I can show you some others I found after school.”
“Thanks, Bart, I’d like that. You gave me a jewel.”
That was the day my true love was defined:
Learning about every rock I can find.
My heart! What a wonderful moment – and a sweet ‘ever after’!
Go Bart! How fun – I love that he dared to be his quirky self and was so appreciated for it! A great message for kids to hear!
This is so sweet. The way you conveyed Bart’s worry (and bravery!) was so effective!
Thank you so much, Cari!!! I LOVED your worry rock story!! Good luck in the contest!!!
This is such a wonderful love story! I loved how it’s about embracing one’s true self – but also the worry that comes with that (will someone else accept it?). Handles a common fear with such a sweet ending. Well done!
Thanks so much, Lauren, for reading and for your encouraging words!!! Good luck in the contest!!!
Hooray for rock lovers! Good luck, Mona.
Thanks so much, Rose!!! I am so happy Valentiney connected us!!!
So lovely, Mona! The heart behind this can be felt through and through. Love your rhyme and your sweet message of looking beyond the surface of things – and of people too. 🙂 Just beautiful!
Jessica, thank you so much!!! Your insights and generous feedback really helped me find Bart’s heart!!! Always so grateful we met through SLH Holiday Contest!!!! Good luck in the contest!!!
Mona, this is lovely and how Bart dared to ask if he could show other rocks after school. A good introduction to rocks and minerals. A n/fic book perhaps?
Eleanor, thank you so much!!! I love your rock-themed story and love our common element of heart-shaped rocks!!! It would be fun to talk all things rocks with you, if you’d like! My email is movoelkel@me.com Good luck in the contest!!!
Great! I’ll keep in touch. Talk soon.
What a joy to read aloud! I loved how you kept the worry and tension right until the end with the line – “was it too much to share?”
This entry rocks, Mona!
Laura, thank you so much!!!
This is so sweet! I love it!
Thanks so much, Deborah!!!! I loved your story, too!!! Good luck in the contest!!!
The rhyme is great! Love this story and the surprise ending 😁
Jen, thank you so much!!!
Spectacular poem, Mona! Your rhyme and rhythm flow like water rolling over rocks with magnificent heart and STEM elements.
Oh, Anne, you just made my day!! Thank you so much!!!
A PINE WOODS VALENTINE
By Kelly Clasen
213 words
Nuthatch perched in the great pine and warbled a troubled tune.
Bluejay fluttered over.
“What’s needling you, Hatch?”
“I have nothing to give Wren for Valentine’s Day, yet she deserves it ALL. Chocolates, roses, the STARS. She’s only the most special bird in the forest—no offense, Jay.”
“None taken, Hatch! Wren IS special. Her nest is soooo colorful.”
That gave Nuthatch an idea.
Snip! Snap!
Nuthatch plucked plump berries.
He squeezed red juice onto a perfect pinecone.
Now he had a forest flower almost as lovely as Wren.
Chickadee sailed in next.
“Whatcha doing, Hatch?”
“Trying to make something truly special for Wren. She’s only the most amazing bird in the forest—no offense, Dee.”
“None taken, Hatch. Wren IS amazing! She always shares her cookies.”
That gave Nuthatch another idea.
Splish! Splash!
Nuthatch poured rainwater into a walnut shell.
He stirred in fresh pine needles.
Pine tea would be perfect with cookies!
Nuthatch clutched his gifts and waited.
Flutter! Flip!
His tummy twirled.
Wren was soaring his way!
Would she even like his gifts?
“Hello, Nuthatch,” Wren chirped. “I brought you something.”
At the sight of Wren’s homemade card and cookies, Nuthatch’s worries floated away on the wind.
“And I have something for you, Wren. …
Will you be my Valen-pine?”
Very clever! I love a bird-centered Valentine story! Lovely!
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Love this woodsy story! Good luck Kelly!!
Thanks, Stephanie! I’m rooting for those Revolting Chocolates, as well!
This is Tree-rific!!! 🙂
Thank you!
Love this story with the nature theme. Good luck to you!
Thanks for reading, Margaret!
Blue Valentine
Kari Liska
180 words
WHERE is my pink crayon?
Oh what can I do?
My pink crayon is lost,
and I’ve only got blue!
The blue crayon won’t cut it,
it’s lookin’ despicable.
The pink crayon screams LOVE,
the blue one screams PITIFUL.
A blue card looks gloomy,
way down in the dumps.
Created by grouches,
and written by grumps.
A blue heart looks broken,
so dreary and glum.
A sad little thing,
all mopey and numb.
The doorbell is ringing,
my Valentine’s here!
She’s right on my doorstep,
and looks so sincere.
My hands are all clammy!
The room’s closing in!
My tummy is turning!
My head starts to spin!
What will she say,
‘bout this blue valentine?
“LEAVE ME ALONE!”
or “NEVER BE MINE!”
But she’s given me hers,
all sweet and adorable.
So I’ll give her mine,
all BIG BLUE and HORRIBLE.
I can’t bear to speak.
I mumble instead,
“I used blue and not pink”,
my face turning red.
“Perfect” she says,
“cuz my favorite is blue!”
Well then…
have I got the MOST perfect card here for you!
This is a cute take on making Valentines. I love the clever way you’ve ascribed moods to colors. Good luck!
NO WORRIES, WENDI!
word count: 214
Wendi Witch was worried. I mean, this wasn’t her holiday. Her holiday was black cats and jack ‘o lanterns and hairy spiders. But, oh, Valentine’s Day–red hearts, pink candies, glitter–it was her favorite! Every year, though, she chickened out. “Witches don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day,” she whispered.
This year would be different! Yesterday she had spent hours cutting, coloring, and glittering special cards for all her friends. She was so excited! But now Wendi realized she needed to deliver the valentines. Her, Wendi witch, out delivering valentines! What would people think?
Early on Valentine’s Day, Wendi slipped out. No one would see her tiptoeing the neighborhood in the pink morning light. Snip! Snap! What was that? She peered into the bushes. “Easter bunny? What are you doing?”
“I, uh, am delivering Valentines,” he mumbled.
“You, too?” Wendi gasped in surprise. “Let’s go!”
Tip-toe, hop-hop! Off they went into the still sleeping neighborhood. It was nice to have company. Jingle-jangle! They froze and looked up. Santa?
“Ho, ho!” he chuckled uneasily.
“Valentines?” they both asked. He nodded with a smile.
“Let’s go!” they cheered.
Tip-toe, hop-hop, jingle-jangle! They decided to use the sidewalk. Snuffle-snuff!
“Hello, Groundhog!” they cried. “Valentines?”
“Yeah,” he chortled, shyly.
“It looks like we were all worried about nothing!” said Wendi.
Valentine’s Day love is for everyone. Clever how you incorporated other festivities within. Good luck!
This is a great story Jen! Wishing you all the luck!
This story is charming! I especially like the sound words used.
Great poem! My granddaughter sent me a black Valentine with vampire teeth colored on it, so I guess Valentines Day is for everyone!
I love the idea of a witch going against convention, and then it’s even better when everyone else joins in too!
by: Jessie Lehson
214 words
Elizabeth Volkmann
214 words
WALTER WORRIES
Walter is a warthog.
He worries.
It’s his nature.
Being the new kid in school
doesn’t help.
Even worse, it’s one week
until Valentine’s Day.
Warthogs are hard to like –
Walter knows this –
even harder to love –
Walter knows this, too –
especially when no one
really, truly
knows you.
So, he worries.
‘Will someone –
anyone –
want to give
a Valentine
to me –
a worrywart
of a warthog?’
All week, Walter bops
between being
a wall-flower,
and a live-wire,
wishing only to be
the kind of Walter
someone –
anyone –
would warm to –
while worrying
that everyone is wondering
why Walter
is so very . . .
weird.
Even though he isn’t.
He’s just . . .
Walter.
Soon, Valentine’s Day arrives
weighing upon Walter’s
overly-worried
heart.
‘Are the cards all wrong?
Are the names written right?
What if the wind whisks them
into a wet and wintery puddle?’
Woe is Walter on his walk to school!
As he winds his way to room 101
he wrings his hands,
wrestles his nerves, and
reins in his run-away heart.
From the doorway,
Walter watches
as classmates
slip cards into boxes,
white and red,
when . . .
someone whispers,
everyone whirls.
“WALTER!” they whoop. “We’re so glad you’re here!”
Walter’s heart warms –
his worries waft away –
and Walter, the wonderfully lovable warthog,
enjoys his Valentine’s Day!
I love the lyricism and alliteration!
Thank you, Kelly! I went a bit crazy with the alliteration but it was just plain fun! 🙂
Elizabeth, Walter the Warthog captured my heart from the first stanza! So heartwarming, with such gorgeous alliteration!!!
Thank you, Mona. I doubled down on the alliteration because it was so much fun!
Walter is a charming worrywart of a warthog!
Aw! Thank you, Rose! 🙂
As he winds his way to room 101
he wrings his hands,
wrestles his nerves, and
reins in his run-away heart.
Lovely how you show his emotions.
Thank you so much, Eleanor!!
Elizabeth, this works so well on so many levels, and it’s so touching. I started to tear up while I was reading it!
Elizabeth!!! Now I’m weepy! 🙂 You’ve made my morning! xo
Delightful story and fun to read aloud!
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much! I had fun writing it! 🙂
Such an enjoyable read! 🐗🤎
Thank you so much!!❤️
FROM A TO V: A VALENTINE STORY
by P. J. Purtee (Jill)
214 words
In kindergarten, Annie has learned how to write the letters A through U. Upper and lower case. She stretches out words in her head, but writing words is hard.
On Valentine’s Day, Annie stretches out what she’ll write in Vance’s card.
To: Vance
From: Annie
Happy Valentine’s Day
Oh, no! Two Vs! Gasp. Her writing skills stop at U.
Her brain scrambles for a solution.
Plan A: Skip Vs.
To: ance
“Nope.”
Her sweaty palm scrunches her shirt into wrinkles.
Plan B: Try different consonants.
To: Bance, Cance, Dance . . . Rance, Sance, Tance
“Uh-uh.”
Annie wrings her hands and bites her lip.
Plan C: Think. Think. Think.
“Ugh.” Her eyes flit around the room and freeze on the V in the alphabet banner.
Scribble. Scribble. Scribble. Her Vs look like chopsticks. “Hmmm.”
“I know.” She covers the chopsticks with hearts.
Oh no! Happy Valentine’s Day has two Ys!
She wipes sweat from her brow and covers the chopsticks with hearts.
Vance loves his card.
To: ♥ance
From: Annie
Happ❣ ♥alentine’s Da❣
Annie loves her card, too.
To: Annie
From: 🥢ance
Happ❣ 🥢alentine’s Da❣
Annie’s face warms, her heart races, and her palms sweat again. “Vance, I love . . .
the way you write your chopsticks. I mean your Vs.”
Love this Jill! So creative, with the heart emojis for the V and Y! This has all the makings of a wonderful PB!
Thank you for your kind comments.
So clever and funny! The emojis are perfect, such great problem-solving by Vance and Annie.
Absolutely adorable, Jill! And yes, great minds…! 😁❤️
So sweet and I love that there was a plan A, B and C . . . and now I need to go check out all the emojis on my phone!
Ingenious little girl. Good luck! It makes me think of my grandchild when he writes me msgs on WhatsApp.
Thank you. What I witness in the kindergarten class (where I volunteer once a week) helped me come up with a lot of this story.
I bet your grandchild’s msgs are hysterical!
You guessed right. Not only hysterical but indeciphrabel with lot’s of emoji’s.
Love this ending! The emoji use is so creative.
Thank you, Lauri!
kids always find the most creative solutions! Fun read, Jill!
Thank you.
Love the substitutions and the struggle to learn to write.
Thank you.
I see the kids struggle on my kindergarten volunteer day. We forget how hard it was to learn to write a 3 letter word!
Jill, this is adorable and so creative! I love it!
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I appreciate your kind words.
Creative and fun!
Thank you for taking the time to to read and leave a delightful comment!
Clever, Jill! Poor, Annie so stressed! Sweet kiddo!
Oh, my heart! You’ve written such a heartwarming Valentine story, Jill, with all the emotion—and the emojis!😍
Awww, this is adorable!! What a fun way to highlight a child’s creativity!!
Love it!! Best, Mari
This is so clever and fun to read!
The Planets’ Party
By Emily Roberts
Word Count: 213
The sky was quite busy on Valentine’s Day.
Paper hearts and streamers filled the Milky Way.
Mercury baked cookies while Venus sang out.
“It’s Valentine’s morning,” Earth said with a shout.
But in a faraway corner, deep in space,
there spun planet Pluto with tears on his face.
“Other planets are big; the others are tough.
Now that I’m a dwarf planet, am I enough?
And what if my friends don’t accept me for me?
Maybe I should skip the Valentine’s party!”
So, as Pluto stayed home, the others met up.
Soon there were sweet treats on plates and drinks in cups.
As the music began and the friends got loud,
they noticed their small friend missing from the crowd.
A friend was not there! They had tears in their eyes.
The eight worried planets raced off through the sky.
They moved so quickly it was like a sky race,
and before too long they reached Pluto’s place.
He was sitting alone, just floating in space.
But when his friends spoke, a light lit up his face.
“Today’s about friendship; it’s about caring.”
We all love you, and your size has no bearing.”
Pluto wiped his big tears and hugged his friends tight.
He joined his eight friends for the party that night.
I was teaching 4th grade when Pluto was downgraded from full planet status, and my students were indignant! Love this take on Pluto’s planetary plight. 🙂
Thank you so much! My students still talk about Pluto! They have a lot of questions about what a dwarf planet is.
Yes! It’s definitely a downgrade. 🙂
Awww, love for Pluto! So cute.
Thank you so much!
Aww, I’m cheering for Pluto- so cute! Well done!
Thank you so much!
You’re enough, Pluto! 🙂
Aww, love this take on Pluto! 🙂
Thank you so much!
Thank you for this fun contest and thank you judges for your time.
INVISIBLE SHEERA – 202 words
Barbara Senenman
Sheera was starting Ghoul Elementary School — in February – a month with Valentine’s Day – a day when friends exchanged cards. New school meant no friends.
Worse — she was invisible.
“Let’s welcome Sheera,” said Mrs. Crone.
No one knew where to look.
“Hello!” Sheera said.
“Aaaaah,” the kids in front screamed.
“Sorry.” At least they know I’m here.
“Wolfie, raise your hand. Sheera will sit next to you.”
The empty chair scritched!
Wolfie glanced over.
“What are you looking at?” Sheera was not used to people looking her way.
“Um. Nothing?”
“Class, here’s our Valentine Mailbox. We’ll distribute your cards during our party on Friday.
Will I get any?
During recess, her classmates played tag. They forgot to ask Sheera. No one could tag her, anyway!
She sat by a tree with her snack. Her usual recess routine.
How am I going to make friends?
Wolfie sat next to her. “Hi.”
“How did you find me?”
“The floating cookie,” he said.
“Oh?” That gave her an idea.
Each day she wore a ribbon. People now knew she was there and wouldn’t scream at, “Hello.”
On Valentine’s Day, Sheera received cards. One was different. It was a party invitation for Wolfie’s birthday.
Sheera was visible.
I realize a few of the thought sentences weren’t italicized. Oh well. That’s the stripping of the formatting when pasting in a document.
I loved this story. It’s so important that kids feel “seen.” Nicely handled.
Thank you! I’m glad the theme is ‘showing.’
Lovely story- I can relate! Good luck in the contest!
Thank you.
Lovely story- love the quiet tone and evocative scenes from nature. Good luck!
Thank you Margaret!
Samantha Howard-Els
Teddy be mine
214
There’s a feeling inside me of what I’m not sure,
But it’s there when I take a few steps out the door.
“It’s okay my sweetheart we don’t need to hurry,
I promise we’ll get there, so please don’t you worry.”
These kind words are uttered to me by my mum,
As I clutch teddy tightly, my very best chum.
My teddy is missing an arm and an ear,
So much stuffing was lost that it’s too late I fear.
Mum squeezes my hand as we enter the store,
I smile brightly at teddy to help reassure.
Teddy’s been there for me through thick and through thin,
I love him so much with his lopsided grin.
I’m sure I saw teddy’s grin move just a twitch,
I hope he just needs, only one tiny stitch.
As I hand teddy over my heart skips a beat,
Quickly wiping my eyes I look down at my feet.
“Oh sweetheart” mum says and pulls me in tight,
“Don’t worry they’ll fix teddy up overnight.”
“Oh no! so you mean that he has to stay?
Won’t teddy be lonely? It’s Valentine’s Day!”
Tomorrow came fast to my delight,
Teddy was fixed, eyes sparkling bright.
“Teddy” I whispered “I do love you so,
You’re my valentine, didn’t you know?”
Who doesn’t love their teddy bears?
I loved this story. It’s so important for children to realize they can not only love, but be caretakers of those they love. It should teach him, later as an adult, to help those he cares for.
I see the Teddy as “real” as the Skin Horse would say in Velveteen Rabbit.
Lizzy in a Tizzy
By
Susan Elizabeth Schipper
WC 116
It’s going to be the best Valentine’s Day
But I’m running out time
I cannot worry or begin to fret
I’ll make Phoebe’s Valentine the very best yet!
My checklist of the things to do
Ribbon, gift box, wrapping paper too
A fancy card with lots of hearts
Waaahh… no gift the important part!
I’m in a tizzy but I can’t worry
Got plenty of time yet I do have to hurry
A DIY Donut rack, cookies, or a book
Tomorrow’s the big day! Where can I look?
Phoebe’s here, Oh dear, oh dear!
I’m so sorry friend, there’ll be no cheer
I have no gift I’m feeling blue
Oh, Lizzy, the best gift is you!
You had me at the title! Love it!
Thanks so much❣️
aww, so true!
Thanks for reading Lizzy In a Tizzy❣️
We’ve all been there LIzzy. Wonderfully creative.
Thanks…always helps to have great CPs❣️
Lovely, Susan. Best friends are forever. I could feel Lizzy’s anxiety. Good luck!
Thank you, Eleanor!🙂
So sweet and fun! It’s easy to get in a tizzy about Valentine’s Day gifts. 🙂
Thanks Sarah! Guess we all have a bit of “Lizzy” in us!
Go Away, Worry Bird! (204 words)
by Rose Cappelli
I baked cupcakes for the Valentine’s Day Party –
some vanilla and some chocolate
with creamy buttercream frosting.
Then…
Worry Bird flew in.
What if everyone wants vanilla and there’s not enough?
Will Tara think I’m not her best friend anymore
because I didn’t save her one?
Go away, Worry Bird!
I’ll top them with tiny conversation hearts, but…
what if Timmy picks one with “Be Mine” or “Hug Me”
and he thinks I like him?
Go away, Worry Bird!
Cinnamon hearts might be a safer choice,
but what if everyone’s tongue feels like fire
and the line at the drinking fountain is as long as a dragon’s tail
so no one gets to read their Valentine cards?
Go away, Worry Bird!
Should the topping be something healthy?
But who wants healthy on Valentine’s Day
when there’s candy?
Anna might, or maybe Will
(but no nuts on account of allergies.)
Go away, Worry Bird!
There are choices, plenty of choices.
That’s it!
I’ll pack up
conversation and cinnamon hearts,
chocolate chips and coconut,
gummy bears and marshmallow chicks,
dried fruit, granola, and bubblegum sticks,
and lots and lots of sprinkles
(because everything’s better with sprinkles)
for a choose-your-own-topping buffet.
Thanks, Worry Bird!
Now go away.
Such a sweet entry, Rose! Still craving cupcakes 😉
The whole class will be thanking worry bird for all the choices.
Wow!!! From the opening stanza and throughout the poem, the idea of the “Worry Bird flying in” (as worry does) to ask the main character worrying questions is just BRILLIANT!!! So entertaining and so fun to read aloud, Rose!!!
Oh my goodness! I so relate to this story – and the Worry Bird. Such a captivating story! So beautifully written.
I can so relate! Next time I have to make cupcakes for my daughter’s class, I’ll remember to shoo my worry bird…and try choose-your-own toppings!
Great title Rose. We all have worry birds flying around us. Choose-your-own-topping is ingenious.
Very nice!
Yay Rose! Lovely story. So sweet and relatable.
Cute story..now I’m craving a cupcake!!!🧁
I love the imagery of the Worry Bird. Very visual. It should help children understand and deal with their own worries. Go Away Worry Bird!
Such a fun contest — I always appreciate the call to create and appreciate the break from working with others on their writing LOL It was fun!
Beatrice and the Worst Valentine’s Day
By Lynne Marie
Word Count: 214
“Our art project today is Valentine’s Day Cards!” Miss Carpenter told us. “Use
bee-utiful words to show classmates that you care.”
The other beelings in Kinder-garden Class B buzzed happily. But not me – Beatrice.
“Blech!” I said. “Valentine’s Day sounds super sappy!”
“Be sweet,” Miss Carpenter said. “You’ll find the right words to say to everyone.”
“Harrumph!” I didn’t think so.
I worried…
What words could be sweet, but NOT sappy or silly?
You’re the Bee’s Knees… Gah! So silly. What does that even mean?
Bee Mine… Punny, but also sappy. And, Buzby might think I love him. Yuk!
You’re as sweet as can be, Valentine! Nope. Buzby wasn’t sweet. He was always bugging me.
Ack! I’d never finish!
Bianca buzzed by and dropped a card on my desk.
Just then, a bee-utiful idea bloomed.
I pasted hearts onto twenty class cards. On each one I wrote:
Buzzing by to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. From Beatrice.
Not too silly, or too sappy!
And on the back of Bianca’s I wrote, “Thanks for Beeing my Best Friend” in bee-utiful, flowery letters.
I was no longer worried. Until…
Buzby handed me a frilly card.
It said, “We were meant to Bee!”
I turned red as a rose.
It was the worst Valentine’s Day ever!
I agree with Beatrice. Silly and sappy…blech!
LOL Thanks for buzzing by and leaving your fun comment @ShubaMohan!
So much fun to read – all the puns and perfect ‘bee’ names! Glad you took a break from your other writing responsibilities, letting us enjoy this bee-utiful story!
Awww, thank you @KatieSchwartz for your sweet comments! The puns were lots of fun! LM
Great Story Lynne Marie! I loved the alliteration and word play throughout!
Awww, thanks, @Deborah Foster — we must integrate those poetic devices!
What a fun story..Bee-utifully done! 🐝
Awww, thank you — I appreciate your comment. It’s the bee’s knees!
Buzby and Beatrice are meant to Bee! Nice twist at the end.
Awww, thanks so much for your honey sweet comments! LM
Brave on the Bus by Deborah Holt Williams 157 words
I dread stepping onto the noisy bus where the big kids laugh and punch.
They push me and squoosh me and call me names and try to steal my lunch.
But today, I’m protecting my Valentine box! I worked on it for hours.
I worry they’ll take it and shake it and break it and laugh at its toilet paper flowers.
So today I’ll pretend I’m enormous, gargantuan in size.
Like a tree in a forest, a huge me-asaurus! I’ll look them right in the eye.
And it worked! Today they left me alone and found some poor new kid to tease.
He looked worried and scared so I said to him, “Hey! Will you come and sit by me, please?”
He sat, mumbled “thanks,” reached into his box and gave me a Valentine card.
I never thought I could make friends on the bus, but I’m brave, so it wasn’t that hard.
Love the happy ending!
thanks, Melissa!
Love the huge me-asaurus and bus setting!
Thank you Laura!
love the line “a huge-me-asaurus!”
You’re so kind!
Cute story! Love a happy Valentiny ending❣️
Me, too! Thanks!
Thank you kindly!
Great cadence and rhymes! “Me-asaurus” is perfect! ❤️
Thanks, Jesse!
So sweet! 🙂
Thank you! You are sweet to comment!
Wally Isn’t Worried!
by Melissa Johnston Miles
213 Words
Wally is the fiercest, most ferocious ferret in the forest.
Everyone knows it.
Well, maybe not everyone…
Okay, okay, maybe no one.
Still, Wally repeats these words
each morning while staring at his reflection
in the pond near his home—
hoping to make them true.
Maybe by repeating them enough,
he’ll become braver. Less worried.
Fatigued of fearing other forest creatures,
Wally sets out to deliver the custom Valentine’s
he’s spent weeks crafting.
First stop is Snake’s house.
“Who’ssssssssssssss there?”
Wally gulps, drops the Valentine, and scurries away.
Next stop is Owl’s place.
“WHOO WHOO WHOO’s there?”
Wally gulps, drops the Valentine, and scurries away.
He tiptoes towards Bear’s cave.
Wally’s heart hammers.
His paws tremble.
“GRRRRRROOOOOOWWWWWLLLLLL!!!!!”
Wally gulps, drops the Valentine, and scurries away.
Back at the pond, Wally sits with sagging shoulders.
I’ll never be fierce or ferocious. I’ll always be worried and scared.
Behind him, a twig snaps.
Wally scrambles to his feet and spins around—
prepared to run for it!
In the clearing, a flurry of forest friends gather.
“Thanks for our Valentine’s!”
“You knew where to find me?”
Wally always worried no one knew he existed!
“SSSSSSS-sure we did,” says Snake.
Wally grins. All that worry for nothing!
Maybe friendly is better than ferocious anyway.
“Happy Valentine’s Day!”
I love all he alliteration you put into the one Melissa! So glad Wally got over his worry! Nice job.
Thanks for reading!
Way to go, Wally!
Thanks for reading!
Great use of alliteration and repetition, Melissa!
Thank you so much!
Hi Melissa! I agree with all of the other comments! Amazing Alliteration as well as the repetitions! 🙂🙂
Thank you! I appreciate you reading and commenting!
Melissa, lovely alliteration throughout your manuscript. Nice ending and I love your characters.
Thank you so much for reading!
Love the alliteration from “fierce, ferocious, and fearsome” to “friendly.” Well done!
Thanks, Webb! Did you post an entry? If so, I’m sure it’s amazing!!
And also so funny and voicy! Well done!
Thanks, Amanda!!