Cross Your Heart! – The 11th Annual Valentiny Contest Is HERE!!!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Valentinies rock
And so do YOU!
Woo hoo! The time has come for. . .
The 11th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest!!!
~ for children’s writers ~
Since our posting days for the Valentiny Contest this year are February 13th and 14th, and February 13th falls on a Friday. . .
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 feelsSUPERSTITIOUS! Think of all the things kids are superstitious about – Friday the 13th, sidewalk cracks, black cats, broken mirrors, ladders, four-leaf clovers, lucky pennies, lucky charms, a rabbit’s foot, ladybugs, the number 7, crossing your fingers, knocking on wood etc., or even something that your individual, original character is superstitious about for their own reasons (as long as you let us know what and why), and choose one (or more!) that could affect your character – negatively or positively! – as they navigate their Valentine’s Day experience . . . anything you like! Sky’s the limit! Just make sure it is clearly Valentine-centered and that superstition 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 superstitious (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 Saturday February 14th by 11:59 PM Eastern. There will be no regularly scheduled posts for the duration of the contest (Tuesday Debut or PPBF), so this post and all of your entries will stay up for everyone to enjoy.
The Judging: over the following days, my lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to around 12-14 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 superstition, and success in making us feel the superstition! Superstition 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!
Get Your Manuscript on the Editor’s Desk!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Read and Critique from Michele McAvoy, Founder/Publisher, author and all-around #kidlit champion at The Little Press!
Michele McAvoy is a multi-award-winning children’s book author, publisher, attorney, and educator from New Jersey. While Michele wears many hats, they all point towards a single goal, bring entertaining and meaningful stories to kids. Michele’s published titles include Willa the Werewolf (The Little Press, Sept. 15, 2023), Buckingham Gets A New Shell (The Little Press, June 9, 2026), Cookie & Milk (Cardinal Rule Press, October 1, 2019), and Toby Undone.
Kathy Halsey, children’s author, is a former English teacher and K-12 school librarian with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Supervision who coordinated 15 successful school visits. She is the founder of Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult, a service for children’s authors and illustrators designed to make school visits more fun, instructive, and engaging. She is the author of Be A Rainbow (KiwiCo Press, 2023)
⭐️ AFree Admission Ticket to Rosie Pova’sMarch or April Workshop + A Breakthrough Consultation With Rosie for unagented and unpublished PB writers! The Breakthrough Consultation with Rosie is a one-on-one session with her, designed to help the writer identify and overcome any challenges they’re facing—whether it’s related to story craft, manuscript submissions, finding an agent, building an authentic author brand, or strengthening their online presence. During your session, Rosie will help them pinpoint what’s holding them back and create an actionable plan to help them move forward!
Rosie J. Pova is an award-winning, multi-published children’s author, poet, and writing coach. Her books include Sunday Rain, featured in The New York Times, The School of Failure, a Readers’ Favorite silver medalist, and her latest title, Sally’s Musical Tale. She is also the founder of Picture Book Author Academy, where she mentors aspiring authors toward publishing success. In addition, Rosie hosts monthly workshops with agents and editors, offering exclusive learning and submission opportunities for the kidlit community.
Rosie J. Pova
Zoom AMAs + !
⭐️ A 30-min Zoom AMA PLUS A Signed Copy of The Littlest Solstice Tree from talented author Lisa Varchol Perron! Do you have questions? Chat with Lisa!
Lisa Varchol Perron is a children’s author and poet based near Boston, Massachusetts. She especially enjoys writing about our natural world, including in her most recent picture books, The Littlest Solstice Tree(which began as a Holiday Contest Entry! 😊) (Beaming Books, Sept, 23, 2025), Wonder Why (HarperCollins, April 15, 2025), and All the Rocks We Love(Rise x Penguin Workshop, July 16, 2024), and Kite Day (forthcoming from Penguin Random House, April 21, 2026)!
⭐️ A 30-minute AMA Zoom chat with accomplished author Jolene Gutiérrez! Do you have questions? Chat with Jolene!
⭐️ Winner’s Choice of a signed Picture Book w/ Swag, Query Letter Critique, OR 3 Pitch Critique from gifted author Jilanne Hoffman!
Jilanne Hoffmann is the author of the award-winning picture book A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon,illustrated by Eugenia Mello (Chronicle Books, July 25, 2023); two board books The Honey Bear Hive and Happy Camper (Amazon Editor’s Choice); and the nonfiction picture book The Ocean’s Heart, illustrated by Khoa Le, forthcoming from Millbrook Press (March, 2026). HeartLand, her historical middle grade novel in prose/verse, is forthcoming from Little Brown (July, 2026).
Picture Book Manuscript Critiques!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Historical NF) from author Sharon Wilson! (apologies – no images available or provided!)
Sharon teaches picture book and basic novel writing at her local tech schools and colleges as well as at local libraries. She has an adult historical novel and juvenile historical novel on submission. She won first prize in the Oklahoma Federation of writers annual contest for both middle grade historical novel and adult historical novel and has won either second or first prize every year for each picture book that I have entered since 2014. She takes great care with her in-depth critiques.
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique from author Gabi Snyder!
Gabi Snyder is a fan of the unexpected and the celebrated author of several picture books including Two Dogs On A Trike (Harry N. Abrams, May 19, 2020), Listen (S&S/Paula Wiseman Books, July 13, 2021), Count On Us: Climate Activists From One To A Billion (Barefoot Books, Sept. 20, 2022), Today (S&S/Paula Wiseman Books, Jan. 30, 2024), and Look (S&S/Paula Wiseman Books, April 16, 2024). Gabi studied psychology at the University of Washington and creative writing at The University of Texas. When she’s not writing, she loves taking nature walks, visiting Little Free Libraries, and baking sweet treats. She lives in Oregon with her family.
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction, no rhyme) PLUS A Copy of Each of her Picture Books from authorKris Tarantino!
Kris Tarantino is a children’s book author whose writing is filled with humor and heart. BedSlime Blues is her second book (WaterBrook/PRH, 2/3/2026). Her debut picture book, Be My ValenSlime (WaterBrook/PRH 2023), illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Doerrfeld, received a Starred Review from School Library Journal. A third book in the Slime series is planned for 2026. Kris is a member of SCBWI, and speaks frequently at conferences and schools. Most recently, she was selected to participate in the 2025 Storyfest literacy day in San Antonio, Texas. And in 2024, she was picked as a faculty presenter for the All Texas Y’all SCBWI Conference. Kris holds a B.A. in Business, Marketing, and Art. Prior to writing children’s books, she worked in marketing, licensing popular entertainment characters for companies that make fun products like toys, books, and balloons. You can find her online at https://kristarantino.com, as well as Twitter/X, FacebookLinkedIn
⭐️ Winner’s Choice of a Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyme or prose) OR A Query Letter Critique from author Kelly Conroy!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique from author Stacy Jensen!
Stacy S. Jensen is a children’s book author with a passion for history, research, and exploring new topics like she did as a newspaper journalist. Her debut book BEFORE I LIVED HERE, illustrated by Victo Ngai (Neal Porter Books, Aug. 26, 2025), was written while she lived in Colorado—inspired by her neighborhood.
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming, 300 words or less) from author founder of Rhyme Revolution, Angie Karcher!
⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) AND a signed copy of IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE from author Cynthia Mackey!
Cynthia Mackey is a children’s author and poet living in Victoria, British Columbia. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s Zumba dancing to latin rhythms, chasing after butterflies to get photos, or listening for bird songs on her morning walks. Her books include IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE, illustrated by Vikki Zhang (Yeehoo Press, May 2025), and the forthcoming BUTTERFLY SEA, illustrated by Marie-Laure Couët (pub date: Tielmour Press, Jan 30, 2026)
⭐️ A Bundle of Two Books by talented authors Pamela Courtney and Ann Magee!
1. From Pamela Courtney, a signed copy of A SEASON FOR FISHIN’: A Fish Fry Tradition
Pam’s Louisiana upbringing inspired her 2025 debut A Season for Fishin’, A Fish Fry Tradition and nurtured her life’s passion for writing, teaching, music. Combining these loves, Pam brings the eyes of a classroom teacher to each narrative she crafts and created MyLMNOP, a literacy and music program for early learners “My duty is great,” says Pam. “I am a writer who teaches. I am a teacher who writes.”
Ann Magee is an elementary school educator, children’s writer, and lifelong learner. She lives in NJ and is an active member of SCBWI. Stories that especially interest her are ones of unknown, yet significant people and historical events. She also is drawn to stories that reveal the positive ways people (and children) impact the environment.
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for birthday, holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, recommending them for school and library visits, recommending their books for school and library purchases, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊
Now! Cross you heart (and maybe your fingers, toes, etc!) and post your entries!
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! I will get the links up as soon as I can, but I can’t start linking until there are 50 entries or they get all messed up!
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! 😊)
Everyone brought bags full of shiny cards. Milo didn’t. He stared at the holes in his shoes. He counted the cracks in the floor. He hoped no one would notice his empty hands.
Valentine’s Day was a silly superstition. No one was nice unless they got something in return. And even if they were nice, they left without saying goodbye. That’s how it worked.
His dad used to be nice. He called Milo “buddy”. He said he’d be back soon. Then one Valentine’s, he wasn’t. Nice didn’t stay.
The girl in front of Milo wore a coat that used to be sunshine yellow. It was fog yellow now. She didn’t have a bag either. She kept her face tucked in her hood.
Milo found a bent heart on the floor. It said Friends, but a corner was torn.
He thought she’d like it, so he fixed it with tape…
Gulp. What if she laughed? What if kids teased?
But her smile made the sun rise.
It was too late to turn back. He slid it on her desk and waited for the bad part…
It never came.
She held the heart tight. “You and me, friends forever.”
Milo grinned. Nice didn’t leave. She stayed. Maybe Valentine’s wasn’t cursed after all.
Beaver was busy carving a secret valentine when a strange creature flew down.
“I need these sticks! Please?!” it pleaded.
“Why? And where are your clothes?” asked Beaver.
“I’m Cupid, the famous matchmaker. One strike from my bow and you’ll be lovesick…but I’m fresh outta arrows. Your sticks could save Valentine’s Day!”
“Love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time, like woodworking,” Beaver said.
“Wanna bet?” Cupid grinned.
“My Valentine surely prefers a handmade gift over a phony love spell,” she said but shivered with superstition. Beaver gnawed on wood, just in case.
The next day, Beaver paced, “Breathe, you got this.”
What if her valentine was refused? Rejected?
She gnawed on wood…
…and chewed straight through her gift!
Only a pile of sticks remained.
“Nooooo!” Beaver cried.
She called Cupid, “Take my sticks under one condition: leave me and my Valentine alone. I’ll have true love or nothing.”
Cupid agreed and flew off with her sticks.
Beaver Woody overheard and said, “Weird looking bird. But I totally agree: love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time…”
“…like woodworking!” they said in unison. Beaver’s heart soared.
As the beavers swam off together, Cupid ‘s heart pulled. He dropped the sticks and repaired Beaver’s valentine with a note: “This Valentine’s, true love wins!”
Beaver was busy carving a secret valentine when a strange creature flew down.
“I need these sticks! Please?!” it pleaded.
“Why? And where are your clothes?” asked Beaver.
“I’m Cupid, the famous matchmaker. One strike from my bow and you’ll be lovesick…but I’m fresh outta arrows. Your sticks could save Valentine’s Day!”
“Love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time, like woodworking,” Beaver said.
“Wanna bet?” Cupid grinned.
“My Valentine surely prefers a handmade gift over a phony love spell,” she said but shivered with superstition. Beaver gnawed on wood, just in case.
The next day, Beaver paced, “Breathe, you got this.”
What if her valentine was refused? Rejected?
She gnawed on wood…
…and chewed straight through her gift!
Only a pile of sticks remained.
“Nooooo!” Beaver cried.
She called Cupid, “Take my sticks under one condition: leave me and my Valentine alone. I’ll have true love or nothing.”
Cupid agreed and flew off with her sticks.
Beaver Woody overheard and said, “Weird looking bird. But I totally agree: love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time…”
“…like woodworking!” they said in unison. Beaver’s heart soared.
As the beavers swam off together, Cupid ‘s heart pulled. He dropped the sticks and repaired Beaver’s valentine with a note: “This Valentine’s, true love wins!”
Butter Pot, hat full of butter, pastry chef at the Woodland Fairy Forest Bakery, stared at the Valentine Picnic poster, Couples Only. The Couples Only bench with one heart meant she’d miss the party.
“No chocolate on Valentine’s Day! Magic Hives will make your hat fly!” yelled Grandma Bluebell.
A new customer—Steak on a Bun. A date for the picnic? A butter trail led to the bakery.
Each night before the picnic, Steak appeared at the bakery with a gift: Night One: Fondue. Night Two: Hearts. “Please be my Valentine.”
Splash!
Covered by a blanket of chocolate from his gift, seconds drifted by. Sweetness trickled into her mouth. She accepted the gift. No magic hives—none at all!
“No Hives, High Five!” She grinned at Steak.
She looked in the mirror, and blew out a stream of cool air.
“I have an allergy to butter, but I love your bakery,” Steak laughed.
Holding hands on the Couples Only bench at the picnic, Grandma Bluebell watched nearby.
Grandma bit into a chocolate and started to itch. Butter Pot made a heart shape with her hands and blew a kiss to Grandma.
Taruki, still in her pajamas cuddled next to Aththamma and said, “Aththamma I had an awesome dream, yesterday.”
“Little one, share your dream with me.”
“Aththamma, I flew on the Kookaburra that always sit on our fence. Yes! on its wings.”
And then a house gecko cried, “Chook, chook, chook.”
“And you, Aththamma, said, “oh, no! Wait a few more minutes before you begin your flight. A gecko’s cry before an important job is said to bring bad luck, so if you start at once, the work may not succeed.”
“Oooh! Too late, Kookaburra wouldn’t stop.”
“Then I heard you praying, Aththamma.”
“Let my little girl, sprout fairy wings, and fly smoothly.”
“And fairy wings did sprout on my shoulders and I started flapping them, joyfully.”
“Then I heard the noise of a helicopter hovering close to me. Inside, mummy and daddy smiled.”
“They grabbed me with both hands, and I landed safely inside their helicopter.”
“Aththamma, your pray was answered.”
“That’s a lovely dream, my dear.” Aththamma smiled.
“Thank you Aththamma for wishing me fairy wings.”
“Remember today’s February 14th. And you are my valentine, Aththamma.” cried Taruki. A pinky handshake to Aththamma. Love heart bubbles popped all over.
And the Kookaburra did sit on the fence that morning!
On the northernmost part of the Scottish Highlands, Cinder Cow spent all day helping her stepsisters get ready for the Valentine Ball. She had brushed and braided their long tails, fluffed Strawberry’s overgrown bangs, and polished Milkshake’s curvy horns. But when would she have time to get ready? Cinder Cow sighed as she held a mirror before her stepsisters.
Strawberry admired her reflection. “The prince will dance with me.”
“No way!” Milkshake bellowed. “He’ll choose me.”
“Knock on wood!” The heifers tapped their hoofs on a pine tree.
Cinder Cow looked into the mirror. But when she saw her shaggy coat, she shook with sorrow. Then without warning, the mirror slipped out of reach, tumbled down a cliff, and smashed into a thousand pieces.
“Bad luck!”
“Plus, you’re out of time.”
Her stepsisters left without her.
Cinder Cow sunk to the ground. As she nibbled on a blade of grass her eyelashes fluttered. Right before her snout was a four-leaf clover! She made a wish and Poof found herself dressed for the ball.
That night, she outdanced the handsome Prince Bull. And when the cowbell struck midnight, he disappeared into thin air, leaving only his nose ring behind. Cinder Cow retrieved it. Victory! She was now Queen of Scots and ruled all of Cowdom!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
The Soaper Bowl
2/14/27
Super Bowl LXI.
The first to ever be held on Valentine’s Day.
The first time my Lions have made it this far.
In 61 years!
And they owe it all to me.
See, I have this lucky pair of socks. Honolulu blue. Officially licensed.
I got them at the start of the season. I wear them every game, and we haven’t lost yet.
So I ain’t washed ‘em yet.
Not once. It would wash all the luck off!
Now the game’s tied. We’re halfway through the halftime show, and – the smell I can live with – but oh my goodness…
The itch.
It’s like my feet are the stadium…
And a crowd of germs is doing the wave.
I tried wiggling.
I tried scrunching.
Nothing.
I told myself, “You can do this.”
My feet replied, “Absolutely not.”
But my team needed me!
So I did the only thing that made sense.
I filled a huge bowl with warm water.
Added soap.
Sat down in front of the TV.
And dunked my feet in, socks and all.
And I kept ‘em right there, in the soapy, socky, yucky, *lucky* water…
Until the Detroit Lions won Super Bowl LXI.
Best Valentine’s Day ever!
Next year… I think I’ll get a lucky hat instead.
213 words
VALENTINE MATH-A-MAGICIAN
By Lori Bonati
210 words
I’ve counted my Valentines, counted again.
I hope I’ve miscounted, but 3 more than 10?
11’s okay. Even 12 would be fine,
but I’ve got 13 asking, “Will you be mine?”
13 is a jinx, and I’m quite superstitious.
Doreen disagrees. She declares, “That’s fictitious!”
I won’t take a chance, though. I know what to do:
I’ll send myself one that declares, “I love you.”
I find a blank card and inscribe on reverse:
“To Jackie, love, Me.” That should sure end the curse.
I now have 14. Give a shout! Ring a bell!
By adding one card, I have broken the spell!
I go see Doreen and inquire, “Did you get
some Valentine greetings?” but she is upset.
“Yes, 13,” she cries, adding, “What if it’s true
that 13’s unlucky? Oh, what should we do?”
I know the solution. I’ll give up two cards,
erase the word “Jackie.” There. That wasn’t hard,
and in my name’s place, I write “Doreen” in red.
I’ve changed who they’re for. See? They’re for her instead.
“Here, take these,” I offer. “Let’s count again now.
You’ve 15, I’ve 12.” Dear Doreen wipes her brow.
“That’s magic!” she sighs. “Jack, I like how you think!”
“Not magic, just math-ic,” I say with a wink.
STEMtastic premise with wonderful wordplay, meter, and rhyme. I especially love superstitious/fictious!
Hidella’s Happy Valentine’s Day, NOT!
By Katia Jesson
214 words
Hidella was one grumpy witch!
She hated cheerful holidays,
so she used her magic to try ruin everyone else’s fun.
One Easter she turned chocolate eggs into chocolate turds.
One Christmas, she steered her broom into Santa’s sleigh causing a reindeer pile-up.
But the holiday she detested most of all was Valentine’s Day.
“All that lovey-dovey nonsense. BLECH!”
“Tricks and scares and spooky superstitions-
I’ll make every holiday into the best one -Halloween!”
SNAP!
She filled sidewalks full of cracks.
“Break your darling mother’s back!” she cackled.
SNAP!
She made mirrors shatter.
“Seven years bad luck sweetie!”
HAHAHA!
She sent her cat Midnight to spook folks all over town,
and turned lovebirds into squirrels on Valentine’s morning.
But one Valentine’s Day, her little niece Loula came to visit.
Hidella had never taken care for a child before.
“Let’s make cards Auntie!”
“Wanna help?” she grinned.
Loula cut, glued and glittered.
“What a horrible mess Loula!”
“But Auntie Hidella, I made you a special card!” Loula bubbled.
Auntie Hidella, will you be my Valentine?
Hidella had never ever received a Valentine’s card before.
Her heart exploded with unfamiliar feelings. Could this be joy?
She hugged Loula. “YES!”
“Maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t so terrible!”
SNAP!
Mysterious “Be my valentine XOXOXO” cards filled mailboxes all over town!
Awww, I love this!
Bravo! Such a fun read! Auntie Hidella didn’t stand a chance!
The Black Cat Valentine Blues (210 words)
Sebastian was looking for love.
And Valentine’s Day was the perfect day to find it!
No one ever wanted a black kitten.
But Sebastian had a secret plan…
a lucky penny hidden under his blanket!
Bright blue eyes peered into the kitten pen.
Sebastian meowed his cutest meow.
“Black cats are bad luck. I want the orange one!” the girl said.
Sebastian’s heart squeezed.
Big brown eyes peeked through the bars.
Sebastian made sweet kitty eyes back.
“Black cats belong in haunted houses. I want the gray one!” the boy said.
Sebastian’s heart cracked.
Two sets of lively green eyes peeped into the kitten pen.
Sebastian swished his tail playfully.
“Black cats are spooky. We want the white one!” the twins said.
Sebastian’s heart crumpled.
He crawled under the blanket…
where the not-so-lucky penny was still hidden.
Sebastian swatted it away.
It clink-clank-clunked onto the floor.
A boy whirled around at the sound.
Dark eyes searched the kitten pen.
A small hand lifted the blanket.
“A black kitten! In Egypt, where I’m from, black cats are…
lucky!”
Sebastian’s heart thumped as the boy scooped him up and cuddled him close.
“I wished on a dozen dandelions for you,” the boy said. “What a happy Valentines Day!”
Sebastian purred in agreement.
I love Sebastian and the fun twist at the end!
I was rooting for Sebastian the whole way through! So happy for him. Clever and emotional story. Bravo!
FRIENDS FOREVER
by
Lori Knutsen
(210 Words)
Everyone brought bags full of shiny cards. Milo didn’t. He stared at the holes in his shoes. He counted the cracks in the floor. He hoped no one would notice his empty hands.
Valentine’s Day was a silly superstition. No one was nice unless they got something in return. And even if they were nice, they left without saying goodbye. That’s how it worked.
His dad used to be nice. He called Milo “buddy”. He said he’d be back soon. Then one Valentine’s, he wasn’t. Nice didn’t stay.
The girl in front of Milo wore a coat that used to be sunshine yellow. It was fog yellow now. She didn’t have a bag either. She kept her face tucked in her hood.
Milo found a bent heart on the floor. It said Friends, but a corner was torn.
He thought she’d like it, so he fixed it with tape…
Gulp. What if she laughed? What if kids teased?
But her smile made the sun rise.
It was too late to turn back. He slid it on her desk and waited for the bad part…
It never came.
She held the heart tight. “You and me, friends forever.”
Milo grinned. Nice didn’t leave. She stayed. Maybe Valentine’s wasn’t cursed after all.
You had me at “nice didn’t stay.” Wonderful story! 🥰
So heartwarming, great story.
Philipede’s Leg(s) Up (211 words)
by Susan Corry
Philipede laced up his 400 red sneakers, grabbed his valentines, and scurried to school.
When he saw Millypede across the playground, his tibias tingled and his heart thump-thumped. He put his right feet forward to approach her.
“Stop!” cried his friend, Caterpillar.
“Why?”
Caterpillar stuffed his mouth with conversation hearts. ““If you step on a cwack, you’ll bwake your mudder’s back.”
Cracks crisscrossed the blacktop. It was impossible to reach Milly without stepping on each one—400 times!
“How can I get her attention?” Philipede paced the yard, deep in thought.
“I know…I’ll tap dance!”
Philipede visualized perfection: clickety-clack, clickety-clack, tap-tap-tap.
But he actualized: stompy-stump, stompy-stump, clump-clump-clump.
“You’re wucky she didn’t see dat,” said Caterpillar. “Nom-nom-nom.”
“Fine,” Philipede huffed. “I’ll serenade her instead.”
He crooned, “My sweet Millypoo-woo-woo, happy Hearts Day to you-woo-woo.”
“Yikes,” said Caterpillar between bites. “I can’t bewieve dat was worse.”
Thankfully, Milly didn’t hear him over the playground pandemonium.
Philipede curled into a ball. “I give up.”
“Don’t be siwwy,” said Caterpillar, as he tossed back more conversation hearts.
Clitter-clatter, clitter-clatter, plink-plink-plink.
“Oh no!” Caterpillar’s candies scattered across the blacktop.
“That’s it!” cried Philipede. He stood on his hind legs and hopped from BE MINE to XOXO to LOVEBUG, straight into Milly’s arms—all 400 of them.
Susan, you had my heart at Philipede and Millypede! Absolutely adore this story!!! Soooo funny and I love all the onomatopoeia.
Oh my goodness, I LOVE Philipede and Millypede, what a clever and hilarious story, and an adorable ending!
Sticks and Love Tricks
By Shawna Cain
WC: 214
Beaver was busy carving a secret valentine when a strange creature flew down.
“I need these sticks! Please?!” it pleaded.
“Why? And where are your clothes?” asked Beaver.
“I’m Cupid, the famous matchmaker. One strike from my bow and you’ll be lovesick…but I’m fresh outta arrows. Your sticks could save Valentine’s Day!”
“Love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time, like woodworking,” Beaver said.
“Wanna bet?” Cupid grinned.
“My Valentine surely prefers a handmade gift over a phony love spell,” she said but shivered with superstition. Beaver gnawed on wood, just in case.
The next day, Beaver paced, “Breathe, you got this.”
What if her valentine was refused? Rejected?
She gnawed on wood…
…and chewed straight through her gift!
Only a pile of sticks remained.
“Nooooo!” Beaver cried.
She called Cupid, “Take my sticks under one condition: leave me and my Valentine alone. I’ll have true love or nothing.”
Cupid agreed and flew off with her sticks.
Beaver Woody overheard and said, “Weird looking bird. But I totally agree: love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time…”
“…like woodworking!” they said in unison. Beaver’s heart soared.
As the beavers swam off together, Cupid ‘s heart pulled. He dropped the sticks and repaired Beaver’s valentine with a note: “This Valentine’s, true love wins!”
What a sweet story! Love this line, “’Love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time, like woodworking,’ Beaver said.”
Susan, you had my heart at Philipede and Millypede! Absolutely adore this story!!! Soooo funny and I love all the onomatopoeia. 🙂
Sticks and Love Tricks
Shawna Cain
WC: 214
Beaver was busy carving a secret valentine when a strange creature flew down.
“I need these sticks! Please?!” it pleaded.
“Why? And where are your clothes?” asked Beaver.
“I’m Cupid, the famous matchmaker. One strike from my bow and you’ll be lovesick…but I’m fresh outta arrows. Your sticks could save Valentine’s Day!”
“Love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time, like woodworking,” Beaver said.
“Wanna bet?” Cupid grinned.
“My Valentine surely prefers a handmade gift over a phony love spell,” she said but shivered with superstition. Beaver gnawed on wood, just in case.
The next day, Beaver paced, “Breathe, you got this.”
What if her valentine was refused? Rejected?
She gnawed on wood…
…and chewed straight through her gift!
Only a pile of sticks remained.
“Nooooo!” Beaver cried.
She called Cupid, “Take my sticks under one condition: leave me and my Valentine alone. I’ll have true love or nothing.”
Cupid agreed and flew off with her sticks.
Beaver Woody overheard and said, “Weird looking bird. But I totally agree: love isn’t a trick. It’s built carefully over time…”
“…like woodworking!” they said in unison. Beaver’s heart soared.
As the beavers swam off together, Cupid ‘s heart pulled. He dropped the sticks and repaired Beaver’s valentine with a note: “This Valentine’s, true love wins!”
SWEET DREAMS
By Susan Gleeson
WC 214
Winston was having a Valentine’s Day party.
Unlike that other “famous groundhog meteorologist”
Winston had not seen his shadow.
Which meant Spring was in the air and so was love.
Squirrel and Rabbit were invited,
and the guest of honor.
Winston’s heart went pit-a-pat!
But for now, Winston had a “To Do” list.
Forage for Refreshments
Sweep Burrow
Make Valentines
Hang Decorations
Suddenly, Winston locked eyes on his calendar.
Today was… Friday… the 13th!
“NO!” Winston cried.
For he was undeniably superstitious.
Something or…
everything could go wrong.
Especially his plan to woo Miss Wanda Woodchuck.
Winston panicked.
A broken mirror?
A hat on the bed?
An open umbrella, inside?
Winston hid these would-be offenders.
Time to forage!
Outside, Winston spied Jinx, the neighbor’s black cat.
Winston made tracks.
Rounding a corner, Winston stopped short!
A workman with a ladder.
That was close!
Forget foraging.
Refreshments would be improvised.
Inside…
He swept.
He dusted.
He polished.
Surely, Miss Wanda would be impressed.
He made favors.
He hung streamers.
He created valentines.
But Winston was exhausted.
He needed a nap.
Valentine’s Day arrived.
The guests were punctual.
They rapped at his door.
They called Winston’s name.
They shivered in the cold.
There was no answer.
Inside, Winston was fast asleep,
dreaming of Springtime and love.
Palmer’s Red Shoes
by Shelley Jones Clark
Palmer dropped two slices of bread into the toaster.
On the table…hmm…a present. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY PALMER! LOVE, AUNT PAT!
His aunt left early every morning. She owned a bakery called Miss Patty Cakes. And if there were cookies in that box, Palmer’s toast was toast.
But…it was a pair of red tennis shoes. Lucky shoes.
At school, three golden heart-shaped trophies gleamed on the teacher’s desk.
Palmer smiled at his shoes. He was sure to win a prize in the classroom Valentine games.
That afternoon, the class played PIN THE WINGS ON CUPID. When Palmer removed the mask, he had “pinned” his wing on the pencil sharpener.
During FREEZE DANCE, when the music stopped, Palmer froze with one foot in the air. He lost his balance. “You’re out, Palmer.”
In THE RED PONY RACE, Palmer’s stick horse was leading until…
Tate galloped past him with her skinny legs.
No trophy for Palmer. He frowned at his shoes.
Everyone sat to hear a Valentine story and eat candy message hearts.
Then,
squeak—squeak—squeak echoed down the hallway.
A cart was wheeled into the classroom. On it were red-sprinkle cupcakes with a cotton candy heart floating above each one.
“Aunt Pat?!” Palmer said.
“Miss Patty Cakes is your aunt?!” Tate said. “You’re so lucky!”
Butter Pot and the Magic Hives
By Robin Donovan
190 words
Butter Pot, hat full of butter, pastry chef at the Woodland Fairy Forest Bakery, stared at the Valentine Picnic poster, Couples Only. The Couples Only bench with one heart meant she’d miss the party.
“No chocolate on Valentine’s Day! Magic Hives will make your hat fly!” yelled Grandma Bluebell.
A new customer—Steak on a Bun. A date for the picnic? A butter trail led to the bakery.
Each night before the picnic, Steak appeared at the bakery with a gift: Night One: Fondue. Night Two: Hearts. “Please be my Valentine.”
Splash!
Covered by a blanket of chocolate from his gift, seconds drifted by. Sweetness trickled into her mouth. She accepted the gift. No magic hives—none at all!
“No Hives, High Five!” She grinned at Steak.
She looked in the mirror, and blew out a stream of cool air.
“I have an allergy to butter, but I love your bakery,” Steak laughed.
Holding hands on the Couples Only bench at the picnic, Grandma Bluebell watched nearby.
Grandma bit into a chocolate and started to itch. Butter Pot made a heart shape with her hands and blew a kiss to Grandma.
My Purr-fect Valentine
by Anne Lipton
206 words
I set to work on valentines
to earn a special treat.
I sign my cards. “Oh, Mom,” I say,
“I yearn for something sweet.
“But keep your conversation hearts
and chocolates in a box.
I want a soft and cuddly pet—
I’m sick of petting rocks!”
Mom laughs, and says, “I understand.
You are so full of love.
What kind of pet would bring you joy?
What were you thinking of?”
“I’d really like a kitty cat
as small and sweet as me
to snuggle in my lap and PURRRR
while I read silently.”
“A kitty cat will grow,” Mom says,
into a larger cat,
and animals require care.
Are you prepared for that?”
“I cross my heart to do my part
and clean the litter box.
I’ll fill the food and water bowls—
and put away my socks!”
We scurry to the rescue place,
a shelter down the block.
I have my pick of any pet—
except a boring rock.
I learn so many people think
that black cats cause bad luck,
they’re very often left behind
and sometimes they are stuck.
I say, “Oh, Mom. We can’t have that.
I know what we can do.
Because it’s Valentine’s today,
let’s share our love with—TWO!”
The Dream: Granddaughter’s Fairy Wings.
213 words
Taruki, still in her pajamas cuddled next to Aththamma and said, “Aththamma I had an awesome dream, yesterday.”
“Little one, share your dream with me.”
“Aththamma, I flew on the Kookaburra that always sit on our fence. Yes! on its wings.”
And then a house gecko cried, “Chook, chook, chook.”
“And you, Aththamma, said, “oh, no! Wait a few more minutes before you begin your flight. A gecko’s cry before an important job is said to bring bad luck, so if you start at once, the work may not succeed.”
“Oooh! Too late, Kookaburra wouldn’t stop.”
“Then I heard you praying, Aththamma.”
“Let my little girl, sprout fairy wings, and fly smoothly.”
“And fairy wings did sprout on my shoulders and I started flapping them, joyfully.”
“Then I heard the noise of a helicopter hovering close to me. Inside, mummy and daddy smiled.”
“They grabbed me with both hands, and I landed safely inside their helicopter.”
“Aththamma, your pray was answered.”
“That’s a lovely dream, my dear.” Aththamma smiled.
“Thank you Aththamma for wishing me fairy wings.”
“Remember today’s February 14th. And you are my valentine, Aththamma.” cried Taruki. A pinky handshake to Aththamma. Love heart bubbles popped all over.
And the Kookaburra did sit on the fence that morning!
(Aththamma means Grandma)
WHEN THE COWBELL STRUCK MIDNIGHT
WHEN THE COWBELL STRUCK MIDNIGHT
By Kathleen Jacobs
WC: 214
On the northernmost part of the Scottish Highlands, Cinder Cow spent all day helping her stepsisters get ready for the Valentine Ball. She had brushed and braided their long tails, fluffed Strawberry’s overgrown bangs, and polished Milkshake’s curvy horns. But when would she have time to get ready? Cinder Cow sighed as she held a mirror before her stepsisters.
Strawberry admired her reflection. “The prince will dance with me.”
“No way!” Milkshake bellowed. “He’ll choose me.”
“Knock on wood!” The heifers tapped their hoofs on a pine tree.
Cinder Cow looked into the mirror. But when she saw her shaggy coat, she shook with sorrow. Then without warning, the mirror slipped out of reach, tumbled down a cliff, and smashed into a thousand pieces.
“Bad luck!”
“Plus, you’re out of time.”
Her stepsisters left without her.
Cinder Cow sunk to the ground. As she nibbled on a blade of grass her eyelashes fluttered. Right before her snout was a four-leaf clover! She made a wish and Poof found herself dressed for the ball.
That night, she outdanced the handsome Prince Bull. And when the cowbell struck midnight, he disappeared into thin air, leaving only his nose ring behind. Cinder Cow retrieved it. Victory! She was now Queen of Scots and ruled all of Cowdom!