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!
So let the Valentiny Contest begin!
Happy Writing and Happy Valentines Day! 🩷💕🩷💕🩷
I can’t wait to read your entries!!!
THE 96 ENTRIES! (Anyone who feels nice can start at the bottom of the list so that the later entries get read too! 😊)
Good to see you again Katia, and good luck (haha) with this contest. Love the images at the opening of how Hidella ruins other holidays. And you created a big “aww” moment for the end. -Martha
katiajesson says:
I was having fun thinking of all the tricks Hidella could play for other holidays, but 214 words! Would be fun to depict in illustrations.
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.
Lori, what a gut-punch of a Valentine’s Day story, in the very best way! Love the voice and these characters, and what a powerful and perfect ending! Good luck in the contest!
Your story reminded me of Valentine’s Days from my childhood when it was so important to be the child who received the most Valentines’ from the decorated box. What an endearing story!
An absolutely fantabulous ending! Clever, surprising, and so fun. Love the humor all the way through; Caterpillar makes a great foil for Philipede. I can already visualize these three characters in a pb!
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!”
Oh Susan- you sure surprised me with a groundhog story- I wrote one too! I adore the line “Spring was in the air and so was love.” Also loving the “to-do list.” Great use of short sentences/lines throughout to keep it snappy.
The valentiniest, red rosiest, cushioniest, HUGEest heart shaped box of chocolates she had ever seen.
“Hello there, love of my life” she said to the box in the window. “You are my one true desire!”
Coco was sure someone would understand her greatest wish.
She told her friends.
She told her family.
At dance class she told Ms. Curtsy.
“Stop right there,” she yelped, throwing up a hand. “You’ll jinx yourself!”
OH! THE HORROR!
How had she forgotten about the JINX? Rule number 1 of getting your wish is that you don’t say it out loud! She’d never receive the box now!I’ll have to buy it for myself, she thought, shoulders slumped. But there’s no other way.
She ran to her piggy bank: “12 dollars! Not enough,” she cried.
She scrounged through her junk drawer. “Grandma’s money from Christmas! 14 dollars. Almost.”
Her super-secret box for emergencies… “Eureka!”
Coco skipped home holding her lovely gift.
She held her box, stared at her box, even ate some chocolate.
But something was wrong. She felt empty with her full box.
This is not valentiney!
She got to work on valentine cards and wrapped a chocolate for each friend. Now SHE felt full, and her box empty!
On Monday, Janie woke up with an itchy ear. Mama smoothed some cream on the spot, and the itch calmed down. But Janie didn’t.
“Mama, we’re supposed to make our Valentine boxes today, but I haven’t made a single friend since we moved here. No one talks to me, and I see the kids whispering on the playground. I’m not going to get any cards. Do you think the kids are talking about me now?”
Honey, what makes you think they’re talking about you right this minute?
“You remember when we visited Mamaw on our way out here—how her ear was itching? She said someone was talking about her.”
Oh, she used to say that a lot when I was growing up.
“Is it true, Mama—that when your ear itches, someone’s talking about you?”
Well, I never saw any proof.
Janie dragged herself to school on Friday. But as she entered her classroom, she took an astonished breath. On her desk, her Valentine mailbox was overflowing!
Janie smiled as she read the messages:
Will you be my friend?
You have beautiful hair!
Can you come over to play at my house?
Were the kids talking about her the morning her ear was itching? Janie didn’t know. But it didn’t really matter anymore.
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.
Anne, love your poem and the narrator, who knows her own mind! Love how you intertwined a true fact about black cats into a Valentine’s Day story of love and kindness!
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!
I shuffle towards Drama class clutching a simple valentine. I spent hours coming up with the cheesy Shakespeare pun scrawled inside; my crush, Cordelia, is a huge fan. (Maybe because the alternative was to grow up bitter that she’s named after a King Lear character.)
As I push open the door, someone shouts, “Macbeth!” and there’s a squeal followed by raucous laughter. Through a ring of classmates, I spot Cordelia, spinning like a top.
“My turn! Macbeth!”
Cordelia twirls again, her scrunched-up face looking miserable.
I’m baffled. “What’s going on?”
Aidan smirks. “It’s hilarious. She thinks she has to spin three times whenever someone says—”
“Macbeth!” finishes Theo gleefully.
So, bullying. I muster up my best scowl. “Stop it.”
“Nah.” Aidan looms over me. “But you could spin instead.”
Suddenly, I’m in the center of the ring. Ivy leans in. “Macbeth.”
Faces flash past me as I’m shoved in circles. The valentine is torn from my grasp—not that I’d deliver it after this.
Everyone finally scatters when the teacher walks in, late as usual.
After class, I’m slinking out of the room when I feel paper being pressed into my hand. It’s Cordelia, returning my trampled card.
Annie lived a block away from school. Every day she played the same game. If she ran from the school gate to her mailbox, and held her breath the whole way, something nice might happen. There could be grilled cheese and bacon. Or the cat might sit on her lap. So far, Annie wasn’t successful, but it was a fun game anyway. On Valentine’s Day, when school was over, Annie took a deep breath, and ran. If I can do it, there will be a valentine for me in the mailbox. At first she felt a little shaky. But as the mailbox jolted closer and closer, her chest started to burn. Just as she thought she would explode, Annie reached out and smacked the box. I did it! Breathing hard, she pulled down the lid. Inside was a piece of paper. It read, “Dear little girl, I live across the street from you. I am 100 years old, and have lived here my whole life. Each day I watch you run home from school just like I used to do. I held my breath too. If you come and visit me, I will show you old pictures of your school. Love, Annie.” And drawn carefully on the paper was a shaky red crayon valentine.
I can really relate to this charming and heartwarming Valentine’s story, Elizabeth! I especially love the budding intergenerational friendship. 🌹💌 💞Anne
We wear a bit of red. “For luck and love and life,” Mama says.
I wear red socks.
Mama wears her red shirt. The airplane on my shirt is red, too.
It’s a looong journey, and I get bored at times. Mama and I play games. We cuddle. Eat a bit. I watch the clouds and their shapes outside.
I fidget in my seat, but Mama has some art supplies for me.
Which gives me an idea.
I get to work while almost everyone’s asleep.
Then we TOUCHDOWN.
The wheels under us go bug-a-jug-a-jug, and we shake a little, and I grab Mama.
I touch her red shirt and my red socks. “For luck,” I say.
When we emerge into the heat and the smell of the sea,
I see Lolo’s and Lola’s crinkly smiles and silver hair in an ocean of faces.
We smash into a hug, and I say, “Mano po,” taking Lola’s hand to my forehead.
Then I give her my airplane creation.
“Happy Heart’s Day,” I say, and hand her the card I made, with a big heart on the front. “Will you be my Valentine?” I ask Lola, and she laughs and kisses me.
Today is NOT looking good: I stepped on a crack as I stomped to school. Then, to avoid another, I walked under a ladder. As I came out the other side, a black cat started crossing my path, so I ran to get past it and dropped nearly half of the two-dozen black roses I was carrying, which got trampled by a passing troll, leaving me with 13! And this is the day when I wanted everything to be perfect!
She’s the first thing I see as I enter the classroom: her sleek black hair framing her gorgeous green face.
“Hey, Frankenstein!” she calls, then blushes when she sees the roses.
“Hey, Witchy,” I say as I hand her the flowers. “Will you… be my Valentine?”
She smiles her wicked smile. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad.
“Oh, Frankenstein. Of course!” she says. “But, how did you know? 13 is my favourite number!”
Valentine’s Day can be fun with spreading kindness and love to everyone.
Spreading kindness and love is as easy as giving a card to everyone everywhere you go. It is as easy as that to spread kindness and love.
Black cats and unlucky numbers is not what this day is about.
Spreading kindness and love everywhere you go is what it’s about.
You don’t have to find a penny heads up, or wish upon a star to spread kindness and love right where you are, you just have to give a card from your heart.
Homemade or store bought it is all about the kind thought.
Friday the 13th is nothing to fear.
Get your cards ready because Valentine’s Day is near.
Spreading kindness and love is what God is all about.
This one little act of kindness and love can make a person’s day shine so bright that even God will have to wear sunglasses even at night.
The girl who lives in my house doesn’t mind being haunted. Nadine is her name, and she doesn’t bat an eye at flickering lights or creaking doors.
“Boo,” I say to her.
“Boo to you,” Nadine replies.
Her parents don’t feel the same. When I say “Boo,” they shriek. Not with delight, but horror. They scatter salt, and knock on wood, and ring bells. They are peculiar people.
“They want you to leave,” Nadine whispers.
“But I like it here,” I say.
Her parents sit her down. “You mustn’t encourage it!” they say. “If you ignore it, maybe it’ll go away.” They seem angry.
So I stop flickering lights and I stop creaking doors and I stop saying “Boo!” I don’t leave, but I fade into the walls, and I turn blue when I hear Nadine whisper to her ceiling at night, “I don’t want you to go away.”
So, one day, I leave a note on her dresser. When she finds it, she runs her finger along its lacy edge and crinkles the heart-shaped paper. She reads, “Nadine, do I have a ghost of a chance of asking you to dance?”
I see her smile from where I hide, and I turn pink.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” she says. “Foxtrot or waltz?”
Haha! I love the intrepid Nadine, and wish this new couple the best!!!! I giggled at her parents’ reactions and love all the wordplay!!! Good luck in the contest, Natalie!
Sindri loves Sylvie. He knows her quirks and loves them. She always shakes her tail three times out of the pond. She always spreads her wings three times into the pond. And she never, ever forgets that elegance brings good luck.
Sylvie is a superstitious swan, and she has a singular wish. She lo-o-ongs for a scarf for Valentine’s Day.
But Sylvie knows that scarves are nothing but Trouble. Look at goose; probably a scarf got him cooked. Look at loon; a scarf just makes her look, well, loony. And a scarf on duck—impossible! He has almost no neck at all.
Sindri imagines Sylvi’s gorgeous neck adorned with an equally gorgeous scarf. Sylvie dreams of such a scarf, but is wrapped up in her fears.
Sindri notices the children on the shore tossing them treats while admiring them. He notices how feathered and furred they are in February. He hatches a plan…
On Valentine’s Day he presents Sylvie with a l-o-o-ng scarf made of swan feathers. As he wraps it around her neck three times, Sylvie sees that there is nothing to fear. This scarf is neither dangerous nor silly. It’s perfectly elegant.
Sindri made himself one too.
Necks entwined, they make two halves of one heart and have a lucky Valentine’s Day.
Annette, such a creative story! Love your superstitious swan, the elegant Sylvie, and your gorgeous (and romantic) Valentine’s Day story, with that beautiful ending image! Wow! Good luck in the contest!
Such a delightfully sweet story, Mona! I love the rhyming mantra of these two friends. What a creative way to include superstition! And of course, I’m so happy that the girls were granted their Valentine wishes to enjoy together! Well done!
You create such a memorable story in so few words, Mona. I especially love your clever rhyme variations and your deft depiction of the two friends’ devotion to each other.
Luckywas a gray-faced mutt stuck in a noisy shelter, surrounded by bouncing, barking dogs.
For weeks, people passed her, picking puppies and purebreds instead.
“If only I was lucky like my name.”
Word spread through the kennel about an annual Valentine’s Day Adoption Event. Hopeful, but superstitious, Lucky hatched a plan.
She’d knock on wood, thumping door frames with her tail and cross her toes, nearly impossible for dogs to do. Surely that would help her find a fur-ever home.
On Valentine’s Day, Lucky smiled, sat tall, and even did her “lucky” dance, hopping in a circle on her hind legs.
But everyone crowded around a litter of kittens.
A little girl held a trembling black kitty with a white star mark on its forehead. Suddenly the kitten leaped from her arms, darting for Lucky’s cage.
“Stop!” Lucky barked. A black cat could ruin her chances!
The kitten slipped through Lucky’s gate, curled at her feet, and began to purr.
The kennel attendant laughed. “Poor Lucky found a friend!”
“Why ‘poor Lucky’?” the girl asked.
“It’s hard for old dogs to find new homes.”
The girl whispered to her parents.
“We’ll take them both!” said her father.
As luck would have it, the little kitten, soon named “Star” became Lucky’s brightest one.
Lovey Lovebird didn’t have a superstitious feather on her frame. She flew under ladders and opened her umbrella inside the nest without a care. But Lovey was lonely and looking for love. So, since today was Valentine’s Day, Lovey was leaving nothing to chance. She would perform whatever superstitious stunt was needed to find love at her Valentine party.
Lovey heard the number thirteen was unlucky, so she carefully counted out twelve strawberries for each of her twelve guests. She arranged them on a bed of twelve four-leaf clovers at each guest’s place. Then she planted a few lucky pennies and charms among the pink hearts and red balloons.
Petey was the last to arrive.
“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my cousin Arlo,” he said.
OH NO!That would make thirteen guests!
Lovey wondered if an extra guest might harm the good karma. She was about to protest when…
…in cruised Arlo on the back of a black cat, carrying an unlucky bouquet of buttercups, and whistling (indoors of all things!) the most beautiful tune Lovey had ever heard! Lovey and Arlo’s eyes met, reflected in the cracked wall mirror.
It was a lucky in love Valentine’s Day for the two lovebirds (even if they weren’t superstitious).
Rose, I love your superstitious Valentine’s story, especially the phrase, “harm the karma”, Arlo whistling, and their eyes meeting in a cracked mirror!! Happy Valentine’s Day and good luck in the contest!
I LOVE this one! What an excellent ending with Arlo’s arrival with all the “bad” luck! This story had me smiling. Love the language throughout, especially “might harm the karma.” Nicely done!
Laura!!!! What a fabulous Valentine’s Day tale of determined love!!! Love your amazing poem, especially its perfect refrain, the confidence of the woodpecker, and the magic in those last two lines! Good luck in the contest!
Oh, the onomatopoeia, clever characterization, and phenomenal wordplay, Laura! I especially love “my beak taps along to the throb in your chest” 💗 and the wonderfully witty “woodchips” and “CHECK!”
Alligator adores Crocodile and wants to swim with her forever, but every time Alligator gets near, Crocodile shows her toothy grin. Alligator doesn’t dare ask her.
He seeks the advice of Wise Old Tortoise.
Tortoise tells him about Reptile Lore.
“Superstition says if you bite what you admire most first thing in the morning on or before Valentine’s Day, it will be yours forever.
It was three days before Valentine’s Day.
Crocodile was strolling by. Alligator lurches and bites her right on the snout.
“Ouch!” She gave Alligator her toothy grin and crawled away.
“No”, said Tortoise. “You have to bite her on the tail.”
The next morning arrived and…
CHOMP!
Crocodile gave Alligator quite a stare.
“Superstition says bite her after telling a tale. You don’t listen,” proclaimed Tortoise.
Alligator was running out of time. He knew what to do. The next morning…
“Once upon a time…” SNAP! Right on her foot.
Tortoise explains that Alligator is to nibble on her tail after telling her a tale.
Today is Valentine’s Day. Last chance!
“Stop! Why do you keep biting me?”
Alligator uttered it all. Crocodile laughed. “Oh, such superstitious hogwash! I will swim with you forever.” And she gave him one big CRUNCH on his tail. Afterall, it was love at first bite.
“Surprise, Taramin,” Tamniar says on my birthday, “your first outer space ride!”
I open my gift during liftoff. A pile of rubies glistens beneath my fingers- all sixteen of them.
“Rubies bring us luck – make a wish, Taramin.”
“I wish for a new forever friend.”
We land on a blue-green planet.
“Look, Tamniar- it’s a sign!” I shout.
VALENTINE’S DAY GIVE LOVE GET LOVE ADOPTION EVENT
I open the door and race towards rows of cages filled with barking four-legged creatures.
“Hi Fluffy,” I say.
ACHOO – too hairy!
“Hello Boomer.”
WOOF- too loud!
“Greetings Rocket.”
WHOA- too hyper!
BEEP BOOP!
“Time to go, Taramin,” Tamniar calls.
Tears fall from three of my six eyes. “These birthday rubies aren’t lucky after all.”
A bundle of fur hobbles towards me.
“Hello, little cutie!”
“Tee-hee!” My noses tickle as a warm tongue licks my tears away.
THREE, TWO, ONE-
OH NO!
“Tamniar, wait!” I wave all my arms frantically at the rising ship.
“YIP YIP YIP !”
“YIP YIP YIP!”
“YIP YIP YIP!”
Splunk! The ship touches down.
“You’re the best!” I say, scooping the puppy into my spacesuit.
“I’m the luckiest Martian in the galaxy, Tamniar,” I say as we soar through the atmosphere. “Meet my new forever friend- Lucky Ruby from Planet Valentine’s Day!”
I walk under ladders, on cracks on the sidewalk, that’s me. I’ve even been seen with my umbrella up strolling around the house.
Friday the thirteenth is my favorite day, next to Valentine’s Day. This year was going to be amazing!
Our teacher, Miss Hart, has activities planned with PRIZES! The theme is Valentine Superstitions…YES! My friends were feeling a bit worried. I was ready!
We gathered for Valentine circle time. First activity, musical ladder, whoever was “under” Miss Hart’s step ladder when the music stopped was out! First round easy…I made it to the end! Umm, I may have pushed my friend Josh a tiny bit, but he’s okay. Next, musical “cracks” on the “pretend sidewalk”, winner… me! It wasn’t my fault Cora got in my way! Miss Hart gave me her teacher look. I pretended I didn’t see it!
My friends were superstitious, I’m not, that’s why I’m winning! Find the lucky penny. Easy! I was ready, but no one wanted to play. My teacher gave the class heart puzzles, except me, she wanted to talk. I jumped over the crack, around the ladder to her desk.
The chat was fine, I crossed my fingers the whole time!
LOL. That ending made me laugh out loud for real! Love all the superstitions and games. Rose is a delight, and I wonder how the rest of her day will go. 🙂
Ladybugs are supposed to be lucky, so I’ve gone all-in. I picked a ladybug card. I decorated it with ladybug stickers. I even found a ladybug lollipop!
It’s the perfect valentine. Now I just have to wait for the perfect time to give it.
When I get to class, all our valentine boxes are lined up by the window. Mine’s right in the middle, covered with ladybugs. “A loveliness of ladybugs,” Miss Lewis said, which I think means there’s a lot of them. Because there are. I need all the luck I can get. I shove Superman cards into the rest of the boxes—I didn’t put names on them, so I’m super fast.
I keep the ladybug valentine. It’s not time. Not yet.
Miss Lewis knocks on her desk to get our attention. “Class will start soon. Don’t forget to hand in your math homework.”
Now.
I dig the envelope out of my bag and bring it to the front, keeping my sweaty palms away from the paper.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Miss Lewis. This is for you.”
The loveliness of your double entendre title had me immediately researching what a group of these insects is called. This little hook affords an opportunity for educative back matter. Your work caught my eye since I have a ladybug problem, (non-native infestation) which I wrote a poem about last year. You hit on a relatable child/teacher relationship and accountability situation. Nice!
As a teacher I very much appreciate this! Great job working superstition into the Valentine’s Day story. And I love that a group of ladybugs is called a loveliness.
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, Little Miss Scissors bounced from blade to blade. Her first Valentine’s Day was six days away and children would hold her to create magnificent pink and red cards!
Friday:
Doom loomed.
The teacher cancelled the upcoming Valentine’s Day. According to ancient, Hindu-influenced astrology, red and pink are unlucky on Wednesdays.
Children swiped their tears and Little Miss Scissors swallowed a snippy comment. Her first Valentine’s Day—ruined.
Saturday & Sunday:
Little Miss Scissors pouted, sighed, and stayed in bed.
Monday:
A stroll helped Scissors think. She stepped over (not on) sidewalk cracks.
Tuesday:
At the library, Little Miss Scissors skirted around (not under) a bookshelf ladder, scrambled up, snatched an astrology book, and studied it.
Wednesday, Valentine’s Day 2024:
Children boohooed—until . . .
Little Miss Scissors fetched the construction paper.
She shared her library findings with the class. According to ancient, Hindu-influenced astrology, green is lucky on Wednesdays.
Children snipped, glued, and glittered green hearts stuffed with freshly cut (thanks to you know who) four-leaf clovers: Happy Lucky Valentine’s Day.
Thursday:
Little Miss Scissors bounced from blade to blade—so as not to cross paths with the new class pet. A black cat.
I was unaware of color superstitions in other cultures. Now I want to look that up. The way you’ve structured it by days of the week could make for fun page turns if it turns into a book.
Mew, mew . . . kittens! So exciting to watch them grow until they’re ready to rehome in February. We give them all Valentiny names— Lovey-Dovey, Cupid, Heartsy and Smooch— except the black one.
For her, we try Blackie, Coffee and Soot. My best friend, Sue Perstitious, nicknames her Trouble.
“I want to adopt one,” Sue says, “As long as it’s not Trouble. I don’t need any bad luck!”
On Valentine’s Day, I discover that rehoming plans are already set: Cupid to Mom‘s boss, Smooch to Uncle Frank, and Lovey-Dovey to Mrs. Piening at church. Our neighbor wants Heartsy because of the heart-shaped white patch on his forehead.
My heart sinks. The only one left is the black one. I don’t think Sue’ll ever agree but I’m concocting a plan to convince her.
“All the kittens are spoken for,” I explain, holding the black one, “…except this cutie.”
Sue shakes her head, scowling. “Not that one! No Trouble for me.”
I rub the kitty’s black belly. She purrs and stretches her paw toward Sue.
Here’s my chance.
“Sue, have you ever heard the saying ‘find a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck?’”
“Sure, but what’s that got to do with anything?”
“Well, I’ve finally settled on a name for her. . . meet Penny.”
Sarah, FYI, I reblogged this, and reposted to Bluesky. I don’t have a big following, your explanation of the event is helpful. I love the way you hit the word count of 214 spot on AND, how did you think of February being 7 months from July? I would NEVER have gotten that math worked out. Kudos! No I need to find the participant badge and toot my own horn. Why is that hard?
The Valentine’s Day mailbox decorating contest had been posted around the school for weeks. Alfie was determined to be the proud winner of the heart shaped chocolate trophy. His mouth would water at the mere thought of chomping into his first-place prize.
It was the night before the contest and Alfie still had no idea what to make. He needed luck FAST. Alfie’s family leant a superstitious hand. His mom helped him search for a shooting star so he could make a wish, his sister let him borrow her lucky rabbit’s foot, and his dad found him a four-leaf clover. Now that he felt lucky, maybe inspiration would strike.
Alfie laid out his blank canvas (an empty shoebox) and art supplies. He began snipping, glittering, gluing, and stickering until his vision came to life. He made a shimmering monster head that he named, Valenstein! The box had hinges on each side so the mouth could open for valentines. Alfie was proud of his creation.
The next day, the contest was over in a flash. Even with all his lucky items, Alfie didn’t win the chocolate trophy. Valenstein did, however, earn him a “most creative” ribbon. No, he couldn’t eat the ribbon but he felt quite lucky that it would last much longer than chocolate.
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
Ha, they owe it all to you and your socks. I have known people who do just that kind of thing… cute story. love the sopay, socky, yucky, Lucky, water.
Love it, Seth! And I think everyone knows someone like this!
I definitely had sports superstitions as a kid!
Great visuals. ; – )
HERMAN’S SUPERSTITIOUS VALENTINE’S DAY
By Debbie Neuenschwander
214 Words
Herman Bruce, the timid goose, could hardly leave his pond.
Who knew what dreadful dangers lay outside the world beyond!
His list of superstitions could’ve filled the ocean bay.
Every unexpected thing meant something grim and gray.
A bullfrog sneeze meant rain was close despite a sunny sky,
water skeeters snoring meant it wasn’t safe to fly,
smells of sour catfish meant a toothache would appear,
clouds resembling beavers meant a grizzly bear was near.
But way outside his pondly home, across a field of pine,
a lovely snow goose honked and hollered, “Be my valentine!”
Why, Valentine’s Day HAD arrived! And Herman’s heart was splashing.
“I’ve GOT to meet that girl,” he thought, “I hope she finds me dashing!”
Herman looked around him. All was nicely ordinary-
no sneezing, snoozing, smelly fish, or clouds appearing scary.
He took a breath, looked side to side, exerted all his powers,
and paddled to the field, where there, he plucked a dozen flowers.
Just when he had nearly reached the lovely goose who called him,
a STINKBUG landed on his beak and dark foreboding stalled him.
“Don’t you know,” the snow goose giggled, grabbing her bouquet,
“Unexpected things like that mean LUCK is on the way…”
MUUUAH!
…That Valentine’s Day was, indeed, a VERY lucky day.
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!
Love a bit of self love!
Clever, and a catchy rhythm- makes for a fun read aloud!
Very cute story! I especially like the last line.
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!
Good to see you again Katia, and good luck (haha) with this contest. Love the images at the opening of how Hidella ruins other holidays. And you created a big “aww” moment for the end. -Martha
I was having fun thinking of all the tricks Hidella could play for other holidays, but 214 words! Would be fun to depict in illustrations.
A grumpy witch ruining Valentine’s Day with superstitions is such a fun concept, and the heartfelt moment at the end is adorable! Love it!
I love the humor and onomatopoeia—
SNAP!
Hidellas transformation warms my heart 🙂
Vote YES Valentine’s Day!
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!
I hoped this story would have a happy ending because it was tugging on my heartstrings and I was rooting for Sebastian.
Yay for Sebastian and his new owner! 🙂
I love this story! It has so a lot of vivid imagery and I love the ending with the dandelions.
Thanks for the sweet comments! This Sebastian is named after my own perfect black cat who passed away many years ago so its dear to my heart.
Amy Drouet
That’s a great story. I enjoyed reading it
Such a sweet story! I absolutely love this.
Hooray for Sebastian. So glad he found a home. And what fun to know black cats are lucky in Egypt! They’re also beautiful, IMO 🙂
Thank you! And I agree!
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.
Ohhh Lori, my heart skips for Milo. Such a sweet story!!
Such a powerful story, Lori, and in so few words. I love it.
Lori, what a gut-punch of a Valentine’s Day story, in the very best way! Love the voice and these characters, and what a powerful and perfect ending! Good luck in the contest!
Ahhh, Milo. You break my heart and then mend it again! Such a sweet story. So happy for Milo and his Valentine with the sunny smile!
What a touching story! Great take on the superstition part of the prompt.
Your story reminded me of Valentine’s Days from my childhood when it was so important to be the child who received the most Valentines’ from the decorated box. What an endearing story!
sweet and sour makes a great flavor blend. Good work!
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.
Thank you, Lori!
Oh my goodness, I LOVE Philipede and Millypede, what a clever and hilarious story, and an adorable ending!
Thanks, Shawna…I appreciate it!
Susan, this is completely adorable! LOVE it!
Susan- Such a great story- I love the twists and turns!
Such a cute story Susan! Love the bug theme!
An absolutely fantabulous ending! Clever, surprising, and so fun. Love the humor all the way through; Caterpillar makes a great foil for Philipede. I can already visualize these three characters in a pb!
This is adorable! I love the names and the creative take on Valentine’s Day.
This is so cute. 400 legs, 400 sneakers – who would ever get out the door!
Oh my goodness! What an adorable story! I love the caterpillar character and I really felt for Philipede.
Where there’s a will, there’ a way. 🙂 Keep on keepin’ on and she’ll be yours. 😉
CUPID-IN-TRAINING
(214 words)
By Sarah Hirsch
I’m here at Cupid-Training-Camp on February 3.
I’m training to be Cupid — I’m a first-time CIT.
I’m excellent at archery, my flying’s pretty strong,
But AHHH I’M NERVOUS! WHEN I’M CUPID, SO MUCH COULD GO WRONG!
My magic golden arrows could completely miss their marks!
Or start gigantic forest fires, not romantic sparks!
My school-related duties – even more to stress about!
Distributing class valentines, I might leave someone out!
I tell myself, “Stop panicking — you’re gonna do just fine.”
But once again it hits me: MORTAL LOVE IS ON THE LINE!
My first thought is, “It’s too much pressure! Run away and hide!”
My second is, “I’ll be okay if luck is on my side.”
I hang a horseshoe right-side-up above my cabin-door,
And search for four-leaf clovers. Is that –? OH YEAH, COUNT ‘EM — FOUR!
I clutch a silky rabbit-foot, throw pennies in the lake,
Take every step a superstitious CIT can take.
I finish Cupid-Training-Camp on February 10,
And spend the weekend terrified, pretending to be zen.
On February 14, I wake up and knock on wood,
And tell myself, “The goal is not be perfect, it’s be good.”
With rabbit-foot in pocket, bow-and-arrow-case in hand,
I soar into the sky to SPREAD SOME LOVE ACROSS THE LAND!
Very cute Sarah – you included so many good luck charms!
This is so cute! And I love how you included 4-leaf clovers, rabbits’ feet, horseshoes, and pennies. You got a lot in with so few words!
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.”
I love Beaver’s attitude. We need more like him in the world!
Shawna, I love it! So many heart-tugging moments. A beautiful story arc with a wonderful message in so few words. Well done!
Shawna- This is a lovely story, love the beavers!
Susan, you had my heart at Philipede and Millypede! Absolutely adore this story!!! Soooo funny and I love all the onomatopoeia. 🙂
BLACK CAT’S LUCKY VALENTINE
By Julie Gordon Turla
Pig was rooting around when Cat walked up.
“Where is my lucky four-leaf clover?” groaned Pig.
“Pig, I have something…”
“Scram!” squealed Pig, “Black cats are bad luck!”
Owl was digging through his nest when Cat appeared.
“Where is that lucky penny?” moaned Owl.
“Owl, I have something…”
“Shoo! You’re bad luck!” hooted Owl.
Cow was tearing apart a stall when Cat came over.
“Where is my lucky horseshoe?” muttered Cow.
“Cow! I have something…”
“Mooove away, black cat!”
Cat’s shoulders slumped as he walked away.
On Valentine’s morning,
Pig, Owl, and Cow opened the Valentine’s left on their doorstep.
Inside was a four-leaf clover for Pig,
a lucky penny for Owl,
and a lucky horseshoe for Cow.
Each card was signed…
You dropped this.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
– Cat.
“Oh, moo!”
“We were sow mean,” moaned Pig. “All because we were scared.”
“Oh, hoot! We definitely messed up.” Said Owl, “We should get catnip.”
“Catnip would be nice,” said Cat from behind them.
“Yikes!” jumped Owl.
“Sorry,” said Cat.
“No, we’re sorry.” Said Cow.
“You’re our friend,
and we treated you terribly
because of some silly superstition.
Can you ever forgive us?”
“That’s what friends do, especially on Valentine’s Day.”
Hoot, Purr, Oink, and Moo:
Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
No such things as an unlucky cat!
214 words
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.
Oh Susan- you sure surprised me with a groundhog story- I wrote one too! I adore the line “Spring was in the air and so was love.” Also loving the “to-do list.” Great use of short sentences/lines throughout to keep it snappy.
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!”
Oh, I love the ending! Well done!
A Valentine Wish
Coco had never seen such a glorious sight-
The valentiniest, red rosiest, cushioniest, HUGEest heart shaped box of chocolates she had ever seen.
“Hello there, love of my life” she said to the box in the window. “You are my one true desire!”
Coco was sure someone would understand her greatest wish.
She told her friends.
She told her family.
At dance class she told Ms. Curtsy.
“Stop right there,” she yelped, throwing up a hand. “You’ll jinx yourself!”
OH! THE HORROR!
How had she forgotten about the JINX? Rule number 1 of getting your wish is that you don’t say it out loud! She’d never receive the box now! I’ll have to buy it for myself, she thought, shoulders slumped. But there’s no other way.
She ran to her piggy bank: “12 dollars! Not enough,” she cried.
She scrounged through her junk drawer. “Grandma’s money from Christmas! 14 dollars. Almost.”
Her super-secret box for emergencies… “Eureka!”
Coco skipped home holding her lovely gift.
She held her box, stared at her box, even ate some chocolate.
But something was wrong. She felt empty with her full box.
This is not valentiney!
She got to work on valentine cards and wrapped a chocolate for each friend. Now SHE felt full, and her box empty!
Itchy Ears (214 Words)
By Angela Garvey
On Monday, Janie woke up with an itchy ear. Mama smoothed some cream on the spot, and the itch calmed down. But Janie didn’t.
“Mama, we’re supposed to make our Valentine boxes today, but I haven’t made a single friend since we moved here. No one talks to me, and I see the kids whispering on the playground. I’m not going to get any cards. Do you think the kids are talking about me now?”
Honey, what makes you think they’re talking about you right this minute?
“You remember when we visited Mamaw on our way out here—how her ear was itching? She said someone was talking about her.”
Oh, she used to say that a lot when I was growing up.
“Is it true, Mama—that when your ear itches, someone’s talking about you?”
Well, I never saw any proof.
Janie dragged herself to school on Friday. But as she entered her classroom, she took an astonished breath. On her desk, her Valentine mailbox was overflowing!
Janie smiled as she read the messages:
Will you be my friend?
You have beautiful hair!
Can you come over to play at my house?
Were the kids talking about her the morning her ear was itching? Janie didn’t know. But it didn’t really matter anymore.
So sweet!
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!”
Aw, what a purrfectly sweet story, Anne! The rhyme is lovely
Anne, love your poem and the narrator, who knows her own mind! Love how you intertwined a true fact about black cats into a Valentine’s Day story of love and kindness!
I love this message — that’s so true about black cats. What a sweet ending 🙂
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!
Very creative Cinderella story! Good luck to you and Cinder Cow.
The Bard’s Play
by Jasmine Sears
214 words
I shuffle towards Drama class clutching a simple valentine. I spent hours coming up with the cheesy Shakespeare pun scrawled inside; my crush, Cordelia, is a huge fan. (Maybe because the alternative was to grow up bitter that she’s named after a King Lear character.)
As I push open the door, someone shouts, “Macbeth!” and there’s a squeal followed by raucous laughter. Through a ring of classmates, I spot Cordelia, spinning like a top.
“My turn! Macbeth!”
Cordelia twirls again, her scrunched-up face looking miserable.
I’m baffled. “What’s going on?”
Aidan smirks. “It’s hilarious. She thinks she has to spin three times whenever someone says—”
“Macbeth!” finishes Theo gleefully.
So, bullying. I muster up my best scowl. “Stop it.”
“Nah.” Aidan looms over me. “But you could spin instead.”
Suddenly, I’m in the center of the ring. Ivy leans in. “Macbeth.”
Faces flash past me as I’m shoved in circles. The valentine is torn from my grasp—not that I’d deliver it after this.
Everyone finally scatters when the teacher walks in, late as usual.
After class, I’m slinking out of the room when I feel paper being pressed into my hand. It’s Cordelia, returning my trampled card.
“That was so sweet,” she whispers. “Thank you.”
I don’t think she means the pun.
Love this and the Shakespeare nods 🙂
Valentine’s Day from Annie to Annie
Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
214 words
Annie lived a block away from school.
Every day she played the same game.
If she ran from the school gate to her mailbox,
and held her breath the whole way,
something nice might happen.
There could be grilled cheese and bacon.
Or the cat might sit on her lap.
So far, Annie wasn’t successful,
but it was a fun game anyway.
On Valentine’s Day,
when school was over,
Annie took a deep breath,
and ran.
If I can do it,
there will be a valentine for me in the mailbox.
At first she felt a little shaky.
But as the mailbox jolted closer and closer,
her chest started to burn.
Just as she thought she would explode,
Annie reached out and smacked the box.
I did it!
Breathing hard, she pulled down the lid.
Inside was a piece of paper.
It read,
“Dear little girl,
I live across the street from you.
I am 100 years old,
and have lived here my whole life.
Each day I watch you run home from school
just like I used to do.
I held my breath too.
If you come and visit me,
I will show you old pictures of your school.
Love,
Annie.”
And drawn carefully on the paper
was a shaky red crayon valentine.
Such a sweet valentine…
Thank you!
Love these two Annies!
Thank you!
Lovely.
I can really relate to this charming and heartwarming Valentine’s story, Elizabeth! I especially love the budding intergenerational friendship. 🌹💌 💞Anne
RED FOR LUCK AND OFF WE FLY
By Lily C. Fen
212 words
It’s almost time for us to fly.
We wear a bit of red. “For luck and love and life,” Mama says.
I wear red socks.
Mama wears her red shirt. The airplane on my shirt is red, too.
It’s a looong journey, and I get bored at times. Mama and I play games. We cuddle. Eat a bit. I watch the clouds and their shapes outside.
I fidget in my seat, but Mama has some art supplies for me.
Which gives me an idea.
I get to work while almost everyone’s asleep.
Then we TOUCHDOWN.
The wheels under us go bug-a-jug-a-jug, and we shake a little, and I grab Mama.
I touch her red shirt and my red socks. “For luck,” I say.
When we emerge into the heat and the smell of the sea,
I see Lolo’s and Lola’s crinkly smiles and silver hair in an ocean of faces.
We smash into a hug, and I say, “Mano po,” taking Lola’s hand to my forehead.
Then I give her my airplane creation.
“Happy Heart’s Day,” I say, and hand her the card I made, with a big heart on the front. “Will you be my Valentine?” I ask Lola, and she laughs and kisses me.
“Why, yes, of course,” she says.
Super cute, Lily!
Sweet!
Love Struck Stanley Tuck
By Sue Lancaster (211 words)
Stanley Tuck was hard of luck;
Things rarely went his way.
So, picture his glee, when Felicity Lee,
Said she’d meet him on Valentine’s Day!
Superstitious was Stan, and so his plan
Was this: to take no chances.
He couldn’t risk things going amiss,
Under ANY circumstances.
The flustered fella, grabbed his umbrella,
(But did NOT put it up ’til outside).
He walked down the street, with his eyes on his feet,
To avoid touching cracks with his stride.
Then – just to test him – a ladder was resting,
(No way would he walk under that!)
When he spied something black, he quickly changed track,
So he didn’t cross paths with a cat!
Stan got to the street where they said they would meet,
But his date wasn’t where he expected.
Confused and frustrated, Stan waited… and waited,
And then he left, feeling rejected.
Growing sadder and sadder, he strode under the ladder,
And stepped on each crack he could see.
He stormed back inside – his umbrella out wide,
And he wept for Felicity Lee.
In his sorrowful state, Stan glanced at the date,
It was FRIDAY THIRTEENTH! “Oh! No way!
I am such a buffoon, I was one day too soon!
I’ve a suspicion today’s NOT my day!”
Hi Sue, your first line is really fun say out loud. I noted your word choice throughout- flustered fella, strode, sorrowful state, buffoon.
Fun! Love the funny ending.
What a fun read aloud! and great twist ending 🙂
Snowy with a Chance of Valentines
By Inbal Alon – 213 words
Eloise glared at her glitter.
“How’s my Little Thunder?” Mom asked.
“Oh…” she said, looking at Eloise’s Valentine’s cards spread across the floor.
Mom never had to guess how Eloise was feeling.
When Eloise cried, rivers formed.
When she was mad, the ground shook.
When she was happy, her laughter cleared the fog.
“Uh‑oh, I feel a storm coming…” Dad teased.
Eloise rumbled to her room.
Her superstition whispered that her feelings controlled the weather… and Valentine’s Day.
A tornado spun in her belly as she worried about the cards.
A rainbow shimmered when she imagined chocolates.
Snowflakes drifted out when she thought about the cards she made.
“If I keep making it snow, Valentine’s Day will be snowed out,” Eloise worried.
She tucked the cards in her bag and zipped it tight.
The next morning, Eloise opened one eye, cautiously.
Everything was white.
She shook her head to make sure she was awake.
Snow piled up high.
“I ruined Valentine’s,” she cried, a lake of tears forming.
Mom rushed in. “Get ready for school, sweetheart.”
Eloise couldn’t speak between sobs, but pointed at the window.
“That’s just a dusting, love.”
Eloise looked at her cards, then thought of her friends.
The sun came out.
Valentine’s Day was slushy, but Eloise loved it.
That ending line made me smile. 🙂 What a fun story!
Aww! I love that she turned it around!
“Eloise rumbled to her room” is such a great phrase. Lovely story!
Love the title! Eloise and her feelings all portrayed with weather references. Clever indeed! And quite charming as well. Good luck!
Love at Monster High
By Jodie Houghton
155 words
Today is NOT looking good: I stepped on a crack as I stomped to school. Then, to avoid another, I walked under a ladder. As I came out the other side, a black cat started crossing my path, so I ran to get past it and dropped nearly half of the two-dozen black roses I was carrying, which got trampled by a passing troll, leaving me with 13! And this is the day when I wanted everything to be perfect!
She’s the first thing I see as I enter the classroom: her sleek black hair framing her gorgeous green face.
“Hey, Frankenstein!” she calls, then blushes when she sees the roses.
“Hey, Witchy,” I say as I hand her the flowers. “Will you… be my Valentine?”
She smiles her wicked smile. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad.
“Oh, Frankenstein. Of course!” she says. “But, how did you know? 13 is my favourite number!”
Love the delightful details and unexpected characters!
Does He Love Me or Not?
By Jodie Houghton
100 words
My Valentine gave me a single red rose, but I’m still unsure how he feels, so I count the petals as I pluck them, one by one.
1: He loves me.
2: He loves me not.
3: He loves me!
4: He loves me not.
5: He loves me!
6: He loves me not.
7: He loves me!
8: He loves me not.
9: He LOVES me.
10: He loves me not.
11: He loves ME!
12: He loves me not.
Only two petals left. Uh oh.
I discard petal 13, because everyone knows it’s unlucky.
14: HE LOVES ME!
LOL – This made me giggle Jodie! I love a MC who takes love matters into their own hands!
Thank you, Laura. Sometimes it has to be done 🙂
Jodie!!! Haha! Your Valentine’s story cracked me up and I love the clever and fun ending!
Thanks, Mona 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
Cute and funny!
LUCKY PENNY’S VALENTINE
By Lisa Carmody Doiron
(WC: 214)
Douglas Dover, four-leaf clover,
begs, “Will you be mine?”
Holds a lucky Penny’s hand,
“Please be my Valentine!”
Penny’s giggle makes her jiggle,
“I’m already taken.
13 Valentines arrived
from charmer, Frederick Bacon.”
Dougie’s heart is torn apart.
“I guess I’m out of luck.”
Penny’s heart is off the chart,
“Don’t be such a schmuck!”
“Win me over, Douglas Dover.
I’ve got superstitions:
Bad is good and good is bad
in my Valentine’s traditions.”
“We need a cat, the blackest cat,
from Pets “R” Us in town.
All our clothes go inside out
and hats go upside down.”
Pet shop bound, reflection found,
They glimpse a mirror to break.
They smash it into smithereens,
until the sidewalks shake!
On February Avenue,
the sidewalk’s full of cracks.
They step on every single one
and break their mothers’ backs!
Inside the store, they slam the door
and pick a cat named Bella.
Before they head outside again,
Doug opens an umbrella.
Pitter patter, under ladder
Doug and Penny walk.
“You’ll be struck with such bad luck!”
the city-dwellers squawk.
“Absolutely not!” says Penny.
“Nope,” says Douglas Dover.
“This is how a lucky Penny
picks her four-leaf clover.”
“REALLY?” Douglas Dover gasps.
“Penny, say it’s true!”
“Douglas Dover, four-leaf clover,
clearly I pick you!”
Cute, clever, and full of superstitions– love it!
Thank you, Sarah! Best of luck to you!
GROUNDHOG SEES HIS
SHADOWVALENTINEBy Martha Simmons
211 words
With exactly one sunset left before hibernation, Charlie tumbled into a
hidden nest.
“Thump. Thump-Thump!”
Look at those magnificent feet!
The poems he could write!
“Ode to a Snowshoe Hare”
For once in his groundhog life, Charlie would have a Valentine.
Except —
he had never been above ground on February 14th.
Too cold!
Too scary!
Much safer to sleep until spring.
Except —
this handsome hare deserved to be wooed!
Charlie’s whiskers tingled as he ambled back to his burrow.
He used the remaining daylight to spiffy his home.
Adding more red leaves to the entryway,
tucking pink berries into nooks,
Charlie would be ready for Valentine’s Day, “just in case.”
Except —
pesky monsters could be lurking when he emerged.
Those thoughts ruffled his fur.
Nevertheless, Charlie slumbered through December,
dreamt across January-
and on February 2nd, he popped out of his den, right on time.
But clouds cast shadows across the valley. Charlie closed his eyes. His pelt
shivered. Too cold! Too scary! Spring could wait.
Charlie turned back toward his den, and that’s when he heard—
“Thump. Thump-Thump!”
He knew those feet! His honey bunny remembered!
Charlie whistled his best tune.
Every photo captured the critters touching noses. Newspapers announced,
“Spring may have to wait, but Valentine’s Day has arrived.”
Adorable ending!
Kindness for Valentine’s Day
By Tracy T Agnelli
162 Words
Valentine’s Day can be fun with spreading kindness and love to everyone.
Spreading kindness and love is as easy as giving a card to everyone everywhere you go. It is as easy as that to spread kindness and love.
Black cats and unlucky numbers is not what this day is about.
Spreading kindness and love everywhere you go is what it’s about.
You don’t have to find a penny heads up, or wish upon a star to spread kindness and love right where you are, you just have to give a card from your heart.
Homemade or store bought it is all about the kind thought.
Friday the 13th is nothing to fear.
Get your cards ready because Valentine’s Day is near.
Spreading kindness and love is what God is all about.
This one little act of kindness and love can make a person’s day shine so bright that even God will have to wear sunglasses even at night.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love this message of kindness.
Cupid and the Black Cat
By Erin Zampaglione
WC: 214
Cupid was feeling a little bit blue
On this Valentine’s Day, though, he knew what to do.
“I can fire my arrows and help love to bloom,
But I’m feeling lonely, beleaguered by gloom.”
He found his first target, his arrow nocked fast,
Then he yelped as a tiny black cat sauntered past.
The arrow flew wild, soaring high in the sky.
(Somewhere else, a small dog fell in love with a pie.)
“Well that was unlucky! This day can’t get worse!”
The cat licked her paw, not one sign of remorse.
Later on in the day Cupid found a new mark:
Two happy lovebirds on a stroll in a park.
“This one is a shoo-in, I can’t mess up that.”
When suddenly, crossing his path, was the cat!
His string snapped with a TWANG! Cupid let out a groan.
(But don’t worry, those lovebirds were fine on their own.)
“Kitty cat! What was that?” Cupid crossed his arms coldly.
The cat just looked back with her emerald eyes, boldly.
She crossed once again and rubbed up on his shin,
Cupid found that this time he could not help but grin.
Then she purred in his lap as he sat on the ground.
“I guess third time’s the charm; now my luck’s turned around!”
Fun twist to turn the arrow on cupid!
Erin, love your poem and the clever twist of Cupid meeting his match!!! Good luck in the contest!
This is delightful! Love the witty little asides in parentheses and the sweet ending.
BOO TO YOU, VALENTINE
Natalie Finch
212 words
The girl who lives in my house doesn’t mind being haunted. Nadine is her name, and she doesn’t bat an eye at flickering lights or creaking doors.
“Boo,” I say to her.
“Boo to you,” Nadine replies.
Her parents don’t feel the same. When I say “Boo,” they shriek. Not with delight, but horror. They scatter salt, and knock on wood, and ring bells. They are peculiar people.
“They want you to leave,” Nadine whispers.
“But I like it here,” I say.
Her parents sit her down. “You mustn’t encourage it!” they say. “If you ignore it, maybe it’ll go away.” They seem angry.
So I stop flickering lights and I stop creaking doors and I stop saying “Boo!” I don’t leave, but I fade into the walls, and I turn blue when I hear Nadine whisper to her ceiling at night, “I don’t want you to go away.”
So, one day, I leave a note on her dresser. When she finds it, she runs her finger along its lacy edge and crinkles the heart-shaped paper. She reads, “Nadine, do I have a ghost of a chance of asking you to dance?”
I see her smile from where I hide, and I turn pink.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” she says. “Foxtrot or waltz?”
love ‘ghost of a chance’ and the answer with a dance.
Haha! I love the intrepid Nadine, and wish this new couple the best!!!! I giggled at her parents’ reactions and love all the wordplay!!! Good luck in the contest, Natalie!
Lovely!
Swan Heart
by Annette Birdsall – 214 words
Sindri loves Sylvie. He knows her quirks and loves them. She always shakes her tail three times out of the pond. She always spreads her wings three times into the pond. And she never, ever forgets that elegance brings good luck.
Sylvie is a superstitious swan, and she has a singular wish. She lo-o-ongs for a scarf for Valentine’s Day.
But Sylvie knows that scarves are nothing but Trouble. Look at goose; probably a scarf got him cooked. Look at loon; a scarf just makes her look, well, loony. And a scarf on duck—impossible! He has almost no neck at all.
Sindri imagines Sylvi’s gorgeous neck adorned with an equally gorgeous scarf. Sylvie dreams of such a scarf, but is wrapped up in her fears.
Sindri notices the children on the shore tossing them treats while admiring them. He notices how feathered and furred they are in February. He hatches a plan…
On Valentine’s Day he presents Sylvie with a l-o-o-ng scarf made of swan feathers. As he wraps it around her neck three times, Sylvie sees that there is nothing to fear. This scarf is neither dangerous nor silly. It’s perfectly elegant.
Sindri made himself one too.
Necks entwined, they make two halves of one heart and have a lucky Valentine’s Day.
Annette, such a creative story! Love your superstitious swan, the elegant Sylvie, and your gorgeous (and romantic) Valentine’s Day story, with that beautiful ending image! Wow! Good luck in the contest!
This has the perfect mix of humor and heart, Annette. I just love the ending!
Awww! I can just imagine Sylvie in her elegant scarf! Nicely done, Annette! I especially love your description of the scarves on all the animals.
BEAUTIFUL.
Cupid, Cupid, Look Around!
by Mona Voelkel
(210 words)
“I’m never taking it off!” Jenny smiled, admiring her bracelet, a Valentine’s Day gift from Lena. “It’s just like yours!”
Jenny presented Lena with her gift, a heart-shaped cake pan.
“How did you know?” gasped Lena.
“I asked Cupid, like our mamas taught us: Cupid, Cupid, make it snappy! What would make my best friend happy?” replied Jenny.
“Time to bake a cake!” said Lena.
They raced to Lena’s house.
They were almost there —
“WAIT! Where’s my bracelet?” said Jenny, gaping at her bare wrist.
They retraced their steps. No bracelet.
Seeing Jenny’s tears, Lena begged, “Cupid, Cupid, look around! Something’s lost and must be found.“
No bracelet.
Jenny and Lena repeated, “Cupid, Cupid, look around! Something’s lost and must be found.“
Still no bracelet.
Lena took her bracelet off.
“I won’t wear mine if you don’t have yours,” said Lena, stuffing it in her pocket.
A tr-tr-trill caught their attention. Looking up, they saw Jenny’s bracelet dangling from a magpie’s rosy beak.
The bird waved her wing, then released the bracelet into Jenny’s outstretched hands.
“Cupid, Cupid, tried and true! Our day is sweeter, thanks to you!” said Lena.
The girls skipped on, bracelets sparkling in the fleeting February light, excited to bake a tasty Valentine’s Day cake together.
My day is sweeter after reading this, Mona! I love this sweet friendship story!
Love what you did with this idea, Mona! I was rooting for Jenny and Lena to find the bracelet!
Sweet and fun! Love the friendship theme and the delightful Cupid chants.
Such a delightfully sweet story, Mona! I love the rhyming mantra of these two friends. What a creative way to include superstition! And of course, I’m so happy that the girls were granted their Valentine wishes to enjoy together! Well done!
You create such a memorable story in so few words, Mona. I especially love your clever rhyme variations and your deft depiction of the two friends’ devotion to each other.
Lucky’s Star
By Julie Lerczak
(213 words)
Lucky was a gray-faced mutt stuck in a noisy shelter, surrounded by bouncing, barking dogs.
For weeks, people passed her, picking puppies and purebreds instead.
“If only I was lucky like my name.”
Word spread through the kennel about an annual Valentine’s Day Adoption Event. Hopeful, but superstitious, Lucky hatched a plan.
She’d knock on wood, thumping door frames with her tail and cross her toes, nearly impossible for dogs to do. Surely that would help her find a fur-ever home.
On Valentine’s Day, Lucky smiled, sat tall, and even did her “lucky” dance, hopping in a circle on her hind legs.
But everyone crowded around a litter of kittens.
A little girl held a trembling black kitty with a white star mark on its forehead. Suddenly the kitten leaped from her arms, darting for Lucky’s cage.
“Stop!” Lucky barked. A black cat could ruin her chances!
The kitten slipped through Lucky’s gate, curled at her feet, and began to purr.
The kennel attendant laughed. “Poor Lucky found a friend!”
“Why ‘poor Lucky’?” the girl asked.
“It’s hard for old dogs to find new homes.”
The girl whispered to her parents.
“We’ll take them both!” said her father.
As luck would have it, the little kitten, soon named “Star” became Lucky’s brightest one.
What a lovely story 🙂
This is so sweet. Beautiful story! Love the warm ending.
Lucky in Love (210 words)
by Rose Cappelli
Lovey Lovebird didn’t have a superstitious feather on her frame. She flew under ladders and opened her umbrella inside the nest without a care. But Lovey was lonely and looking for love. So, since today was Valentine’s Day, Lovey was leaving nothing to chance. She would perform whatever superstitious stunt was needed to find love at her Valentine party.
Lovey heard the number thirteen was unlucky, so she carefully counted out twelve strawberries for each of her twelve guests. She arranged them on a bed of twelve four-leaf clovers at each guest’s place. Then she planted a few lucky pennies and charms among the pink hearts and red balloons.
Petey was the last to arrive.
“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my cousin Arlo,” he said.
OH NO! That would make thirteen guests!
Lovey wondered if an extra guest might harm the good karma. She was about to protest when…
…in cruised Arlo on the back of a black cat, carrying an unlucky bouquet of buttercups, and whistling (indoors of all things!) the most beautiful tune Lovey had ever heard! Lovey and Arlo’s eyes met, reflected in the cracked wall mirror.
It was a lucky in love Valentine’s Day for the two lovebirds (even if they weren’t superstitious).
The image of Arlo makes me laugh! I love this adorable entry, Rose!
Rose, I love your superstitious Valentine’s story, especially the phrase, “harm the karma”, Arlo whistling, and their eyes meeting in a cracked mirror!! Happy Valentine’s Day and good luck in the contest!
Love this!
I LOVE this one! What an excellent ending with Arlo’s arrival with all the “bad” luck! This story had me smiling. Love the language throughout, especially “might harm the karma.” Nicely done!
I love the love story- and how quickly you tied everything together for a satisfying ending!
A Woodpecker Knocks on Wood for Love
By Laura Wippell
197 words
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
Hear my loud drumming and know it is fate,
I’m here to woo you, my Valentine’s date!
My swag and my brags and my boasts are for you,
I must keep knocking to make them come true.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
Rustle your feathers in awe of my beat,
it won’t be long ‘til you’re swept off your feet.
Swoon at my dark wings and flaming red crest,
my beak taps along to the throb in your chest.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
This superstition’s so bad for my neck…
Still, I’ll keep going, you’re worth every ache,
But could you just tell me how long this will take?
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
Woodchips! I’m weary, but won’t stop, my dear.
I’m so glad V-day is just once a year!
Although I am tired, I’m handsome as ever.
Watch me keep pecking, so strong and so clever.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY, PECK.
PECKETY, PECKETY, PECKETY—
CHECK!
Yes! I have done it—you’ve stars in your eyes.
Take my wing, lovebird, let’s soar through the skies.
So fun and rhythmic! Glad woodpecker can finally give his neck a rest.
Laura!!!! What a fabulous Valentine’s Day tale of determined love!!! Love your amazing poem, especially its perfect refrain, the confidence of the woodpecker, and the magic in those last two lines! Good luck in the contest!
Aww.. Rustle your feathers in awe of my beat,
it won’t be long ‘til you’re swept off your feet. This is so lovely! Love the woodpecker’s pecks! 🙂
Aww.. Rustle your feathers in awe of my beat,
it won’t be long ‘til you’re swept off your feet. This is so lovely! Love the woodpecker’s pecks! 🙂
I’m in awe of your beat 🙂 well done!
This is delightful! I love it.
This is lovely, Laura. The rythm and the woodpeckers determination to attract a mate. It could become a non fiction PB.
Now THAT is a woodpecker madly in love! The confidence, the determination! I love — “Still, I’ll keep going, you’re worth every ache,
But could you just tell me how long this will take?” Your writing makes me think of Julia Donaldson, Laura!
Oh, the onomatopoeia, clever characterization, and phenomenal wordplay, Laura! I especially love “my beak taps along to the throb in your chest” 💗 and the wonderfully witty “woodchips” and “CHECK!”
Love at First Bite
(214 words)
by Nadine Poper
Alligator adores Crocodile and wants to swim with her forever, but every time Alligator gets near, Crocodile shows her toothy grin. Alligator doesn’t dare ask her.
He seeks the advice of Wise Old Tortoise.
Tortoise tells him about Reptile Lore.
“Superstition says if you bite what you admire most first thing in the morning on or before Valentine’s Day, it will be yours forever.
It was three days before Valentine’s Day.
Crocodile was strolling by. Alligator lurches and bites her right on the snout.
“Ouch!” She gave Alligator her toothy grin and crawled away.
“No”, said Tortoise. “You have to bite her on the tail.”
The next morning arrived and…
CHOMP!
Crocodile gave Alligator quite a stare.
“Superstition says bite her after telling a tale. You don’t listen,” proclaimed Tortoise.
Alligator was running out of time. He knew what to do. The next morning…
“Once upon a time…” SNAP! Right on her foot.
Tortoise explains that Alligator is to nibble on her tail after telling her a tale.
Today is Valentine’s Day. Last chance!
“Stop! Why do you keep biting me?”
Alligator uttered it all. Crocodile laughed. “Oh, such superstitious hogwash! I will swim with you forever.” And she gave him one big CRUNCH on his tail. Afterall, it was love at first bite.
Nicely done! Happy that Alligator and Crocodile found each other.
FUN! Love all the biting– my kids would enjoy this story!
Planet Valentine’s Day
Margaret Zotkiewicz
214 words
“Surprise, Taramin,” Tamniar says on my birthday, “your first outer space ride!”
I open my gift during liftoff. A pile of rubies glistens beneath my fingers- all sixteen of them.
“Rubies bring us luck – make a wish, Taramin.”
“I wish for a new forever friend.”
We land on a blue-green planet.
“Look, Tamniar- it’s a sign!” I shout.
VALENTINE’S DAY GIVE LOVE GET LOVE ADOPTION EVENT
I open the door and race towards rows of cages filled with barking four-legged creatures.
“Hi Fluffy,” I say.
ACHOO – too hairy!
“Hello Boomer.”
WOOF- too loud!
“Greetings Rocket.”
WHOA- too hyper!
BEEP BOOP!
“Time to go, Taramin,” Tamniar calls.
Tears fall from three of my six eyes. “These birthday rubies aren’t lucky after all.”
A bundle of fur hobbles towards me.
“Hello, little cutie!”
“Tee-hee!” My noses tickle as a warm tongue licks my tears away.
THREE, TWO, ONE-
OH NO!
“Tamniar, wait!” I wave all my arms frantically at the rising ship.
“YIP YIP YIP !”
“YIP YIP YIP!”
“YIP YIP YIP!”
Splunk! The ship touches down.
“You’re the best!” I say, scooping the puppy into my spacesuit.
“I’m the luckiest Martian in the galaxy, Tamniar,” I say as we soar through the atmosphere. “Meet my new forever friend- Lucky Ruby from Planet Valentine’s Day!”
This is so sweet and fun! Love the lucky rubies and puppies!
Thanks, Sarah!!
Not Rose…Narrated by Rose
By Susan Elizabeth Schipper
WC 206
Superstitious …not Rose! Not one bit!
I walk under ladders, on cracks on the sidewalk, that’s me. I’ve even been seen with my umbrella up strolling around the house.
Friday the thirteenth is my favorite day, next to Valentine’s Day. This year was going to be amazing!
Our teacher, Miss Hart, has activities planned with PRIZES! The theme is Valentine Superstitions…YES! My friends were feeling a bit worried. I was ready!
We gathered for Valentine circle time. First activity, musical ladder, whoever was “under” Miss Hart’s step ladder when the music stopped was out! First round easy…I made it to the end! Umm, I may have pushed my friend Josh a tiny bit, but he’s okay. Next, musical “cracks” on the “pretend sidewalk”, winner… me! It wasn’t my fault Cora got in my way! Miss Hart gave me her teacher look. I pretended I didn’t see it!
My friends were superstitious, I’m not, that’s why I’m winning! Find the lucky penny. Easy! I was ready, but no one wanted to play. My teacher gave the class heart puzzles, except me, she wanted to talk. I jumped over the crack, around the ladder to her desk.
The chat was fine, I crossed my fingers the whole time!
LOL. That ending made me laugh out loud for real! Love all the superstitions and games. Rose is a delight, and I wonder how the rest of her day will go. 🙂
Funny 🙂 And I love the games being non-superstitious. Fingers crossed for you!
Red Checked Socks
By Lyn Jekowsky
(206 words)
Louanne’s obsessed with socks,
they always have to match:
same color,
same length,
same pattern,
same as her outfit.
She has Fancy socks
topped with lace
to wear to birthday parties.
White socks
that stop at her ankles
for gym and walking her dog,
Blue socks
that go up to her knees
to wear with her school uniform.
Heavy wool socks
to wear with her boots
to keep her toes warm.
“Where are my red checked socks?
I need that pair by tomorrow
to go with my red Valentine’s outfit.”
She looks in all her drawers.
No socks.
“ I need my red checked socks,
Or I won’t get any Valentines!”
She hunts under her bed
and behind her dresser.
No Socks.
“Did I leave them in my brother’s room?”
She looks under his bed,
behind his toy box, and in it,
throws out all his toys.
No socks.
“Hold on,
I wore a red outfit yesterday.
Did I wear my red checked socks?”
“They’re in the laundry.
They don’t look too dirty.
Just a smudge of peanut butter.
They don’t smell very bad either.”
“YAY. I can wear them tomorrow,
with my red dress that has red checked pockets.
I’ll get so many Valentines! ”
Cute and kidlike! Happy Valentiny!
A Loveliness of Ladybugs
By Danielle Anderson
Word count: 211
Ladybugs are supposed to be lucky, so I’ve gone all-in. I picked a ladybug card. I decorated it with ladybug stickers. I even found a ladybug lollipop!
It’s the perfect valentine. Now I just have to wait for the perfect time to give it.
When I get to class, all our valentine boxes are lined up by the window. Mine’s right in the middle, covered with ladybugs. “A loveliness of ladybugs,” Miss Lewis said, which I think means there’s a lot of them. Because there are. I need all the luck I can get. I shove Superman cards into the rest of the boxes—I didn’t put names on them, so I’m super fast.
I keep the ladybug valentine. It’s not time. Not yet.
Miss Lewis knocks on her desk to get our attention. “Class will start soon. Don’t forget to hand in your math homework.”
Now.
I dig the envelope out of my bag and bring it to the front, keeping my sweaty palms away from the paper.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Miss Lewis. This is for you.”
She smiles. “Thank you, Leo! How lovely.”
Success.
I head for my desk, but she stops me.
“Leo?”
“Yeah?”
“I still need your math homework.”
Ugh. I guess ladybugs aren’t lucky after all.
The loveliness of your double entendre title had me immediately researching what a group of these insects is called. This little hook affords an opportunity for educative back matter. Your work caught my eye since I have a ladybug problem, (non-native infestation) which I wrote a poem about last year. You hit on a relatable child/teacher relationship and accountability situation. Nice!
Thanks, Sherry! It’s such a good name for a group of ladybugs, isn’t it.
LOL. That ending made me chuckle. This is so much fun!
Thanks Sarah! I’m glad you liked it.
Nice try, Leo! 🙂
If only he put that much effort into his homework… 🤣
As a teacher I very much appreciate this! Great job working superstition into the Valentine’s Day story. And I love that a group of ladybugs is called a loveliness.
Thanks, Amy! I stumbled on the loveliness fact and HAD to write a story that included it. It’s too good not to share!
Oh, I love it, Danielle! Such a fun nonfiction fact in there with the ladybug loveliness. Well done!
SUPERSTITIOUS STICKS
By Jany Campana
Word Count: 135
Rita worried.
A storm threatened her party.
What if nobody came?
Or the cake was ruined?
Or her games got soggy?
To stop the rain,
Like Grandmama taught her,
Rita grabbed sticks,
Made X’s,
And placed them around the patio.
Rita checked the sky.
The purple clouds stayed dry.
Happy, Rita pulled out the red decorations.
She iced the chocolate cake.
Her white dress swirled in the breeze.
Only the wind grew strong.
Lightning cracked.
Thunder roared.
Sheets of water plummeted down.
Rita sank.
Her decorations, torn.
Her dress, filthy.
Her lucky sticks, unless.
No one was coming.
Ding-dong!
Rita opened the door.
“Surprise!”
Rita jumped for joy.
All her friends rushed in.
Dance music played.
Jokes were told.
Candy hearts made.
Rita and her friends,
Couldn’t wait,
For the next,
Rained-out,
Valentine’s Day party.
Love this ecstatic ending! I like the title and superstition as well, which was new to me. Happy Valentiny!
Lucky Seven
By Joy Dickinson
(202 words)
Seven gifts for my mom would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. Seven is her lucky number.
Her birthday is on the seventh.
She was the youngest of seven kids.
And our home address is 7.
I searched for seven good luck charms to give her.
Since knocking on wood is good luck, I tried to find seven pieces of wood.
But no luck.
Everything seemed to be made of plastic.
So instead, I looked for seven lucky pennies.
I checked under sofa cushions, in car seats, and under the beds.
There were nickels, dimes, quarters … but not a single penny.
At least I had money now.
I called the jewelry store and asked if I could buy lucky charms.
But I think they misunderstood.
They said I’d have to go to the grocery store.
My luck was terrible!
I made her a valentine, but it didn’t seem like enough.
On Valentine’s Day, I gave my mom the card. I explained that I had wanted to give her seven good luck charms.
Mom said, “You already did.”
What??
“You’re 7 years old,” she said. “We have seven years of great memories. You are my good luck charm.”
Boy, do I feel lucky!
This story has additional hooks for St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day!
Thanks for pointing that out, Sherry!
So sweet! I love how they told him to to go the grocery store for lucky charms!
Thanks, Sarah!
Superstitious Scissors’ First Valentine’s Day
by P. J. Purtee (Jill)
201 words
A couple of years ago . . .
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, Little Miss Scissors bounced from blade to blade. Her first Valentine’s Day was six days away and children would hold her to create magnificent pink and red cards!
Friday:
Doom loomed.
The teacher cancelled the upcoming Valentine’s Day. According to ancient, Hindu-influenced astrology, red and pink are unlucky on Wednesdays.
Children swiped their tears and Little Miss Scissors swallowed a snippy comment. Her first Valentine’s Day—ruined.
Saturday & Sunday:
Little Miss Scissors pouted, sighed, and stayed in bed.
Monday:
A stroll helped Scissors think. She stepped over (not on) sidewalk cracks.
Tuesday:
At the library, Little Miss Scissors skirted around (not under) a bookshelf ladder, scrambled up, snatched an astrology book, and studied it.
Wednesday, Valentine’s Day 2024:
Children boohooed—until . . .
Little Miss Scissors fetched the construction paper.
She shared her library findings with the class. According to ancient, Hindu-influenced astrology, green is lucky on Wednesdays.
Children snipped, glued, and glittered green hearts stuffed with freshly cut (thanks to you know who) four-leaf clovers: Happy Lucky Valentine’s Day.
Thursday:
Little Miss Scissors bounced from blade to blade—so as not to cross paths with the new class pet. A black cat.
I was unaware of color superstitions in other cultures. Now I want to look that up. The way you’ve structured it by days of the week could make for fun page turns if it turns into a book.
This is so much fun! Love how she swallowed her snippy comment. Great puns and superstitions throughout.
I love the image of her bouncing from blade to blade 🙂
Not Trouble
Diane Mittler
(214 words)
Mew, mew . . . kittens! So exciting to watch them grow until they’re ready to rehome in February. We give them all Valentiny names— Lovey-Dovey, Cupid, Heartsy and Smooch— except the black one.
For her, we try Blackie, Coffee and Soot. My best friend, Sue Perstitious, nicknames her Trouble.
“I want to adopt one,” Sue says, “As long as it’s not Trouble. I don’t need any bad luck!”
On Valentine’s Day, I discover that rehoming plans are already set: Cupid to Mom‘s boss, Smooch to Uncle Frank, and Lovey-Dovey to Mrs. Piening at church. Our neighbor wants Heartsy because of the heart-shaped white patch on his forehead.
My heart sinks. The only one left is the black one. I don’t think Sue’ll ever agree but I’m concocting a plan to convince her.
“All the kittens are spoken for,” I explain, holding the black one, “…except this cutie.”
Sue shakes her head, scowling. “Not that one! No Trouble for me.”
I rub the kitty’s black belly. She purrs and stretches her paw toward Sue.
Here’s my chance.
“Sue, have you ever heard the saying ‘find a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck?’”
“Sure, but what’s that got to do with anything?”
“Well, I’ve finally settled on a name for her. . . meet Penny.”
CUTE story! I love the renaming of Penny. Consider sharing this with an organization that helps black cats get adopted.
So sweet! I love black cats. 🙂 Happy Valentiny!
Aww! So sweet! Mine is about a black cat too. Love it!
Very sweet, and love the clever solution at the end!
A Superstitious Heart (WC 148)
By Sherry Dubis
Superstitious Alouicious
bought some hearts
that looked nutritious
though their number
seemed suspicious!
Peachy-yellow,
pink, and green.
“Oh, no,” he gasped,
“There are thirteen!”
“I cannot eat
these curs-ed sweets.
I’ll need to find
some other treats.”
“But then perhaps,
there is one more.
Hah! I see one
on the floor.”
Ignoring dust
he plucked it up,
then dropped it in
a tiny cup.
His sweetheart, Lou
burst in to say,
“Are those for me
this special day?”
All fourteen hearts,
she gulped ‘em down!
That’s when her smile
turned upside down.
And from her lips
with one big cough
a heart flew out!
Their date was off!
Al said, “Lou,
Not to be mean.
You’ll have to leave.
You ate thirteen.”
Lou stomped away
and said, “That’s fine.
Don’t want to be
your Valentine!”
To each his own.
For Alouicious
that fourteenth heart
was quite delicious!
Delightful! Happy Valentiny!
Thanks same to you!
How cute! Especially love the title.
Valentine’s Day with Lucky Lucy
By Sarah Meade
214 words
Lucy was born on the seventh day of the seventh month.
“Lucy’s lucky,” said Mommy.
“Our lucky charm,” said Daddy.
In February, Lucy was seven months old.
“It’s Lucy’s first Valentine’s Day!” Mommy cheered.
“Let’s make Cupid cookies!” Daddy declared.
Lucy cooed.
Daddy sifted. Mommy mixed. Lucy reached . . .
Oops! She spilled the salt.
“That’s unlucky!” Mommy murmured.
Mommy and Daddy tossed some salt over their shoulders.
Lucy tossed salt, too.
Then sugar!
And flour!
And sprinkles!
Wheeeee!
“Let’s decorate the dining room!” Mommy suggested.
Lucy clapped.
Mommy climbed the ladder to hang up hearts.
Lucy crawled over . . .
“Not under the ladder!” said Daddy, scooping Lucy up.
“That’s unlucky!” Mommy moaned.
Then Nana called. “Did you check the mail yet? I sent Lucy something special!”
They looked outside.
Sleet fell in sheets!
“I’ll go,” said Daddy.
Mommy handed him the umbrella, but—
Lucy pushed the button.
POP!
The umbrella opened like a red, red rose.
Lucy laughed.
“That’s unlucky?” Mommy wondered, laughing too.
Daddy chuckled.
He grabbed the umbrella and hustled out to the mailbox.
Lucy waved from the window.
That night, they all cuddled on the couch.
Mommy’s decorations were slightly askew.
Daddy had pink sprinkles in his beard.
Lucy snoozed with her new stuffy from Nana.
“We’re so lucky.”
“With our lucky valentine.”
Sarah, FYI, I reblogged this, and reposted to Bluesky. I don’t have a big following, your explanation of the event is helpful. I love the way you hit the word count of 214 spot on AND, how did you think of February being 7 months from July? I would NEVER have gotten that math worked out. Kudos! No I need to find the participant badge and toot my own horn. Why is that hard?
That’s a sweet angle on lucky seven!
Valenstein
Word Count: 214
By Kathryn Kindig
The Valentine’s Day mailbox decorating contest had been posted around the school for weeks. Alfie was determined to be the proud winner of the heart shaped chocolate trophy. His mouth would water at the mere thought of chomping into his first-place prize.
It was the night before the contest and Alfie still had no idea what to make. He needed luck FAST. Alfie’s family leant a superstitious hand. His mom helped him search for a shooting star so he could make a wish, his sister let him borrow her lucky rabbit’s foot, and his dad found him a four-leaf clover. Now that he felt lucky, maybe inspiration would strike.
Alfie laid out his blank canvas (an empty shoebox) and art supplies. He began snipping, glittering, gluing, and stickering until his vision came to life. He made a shimmering monster head that he named, Valenstein! The box had hinges on each side so the mouth could open for valentines. Alfie was proud of his creation.
The next day, the contest was over in a flash. Even with all his lucky items, Alfie didn’t win the chocolate trophy. Valenstein did, however, earn him a “most creative” ribbon. No, he couldn’t eat the ribbon but he felt quite lucky that it would last much longer than chocolate.
“Stickering” an invented verb! Cool!
JINX’S VALENTINE
By Deborah Foster
213 words
Jinx put the final dots on his Valentine’s Day card.
Now to find my special person, he thought.
Jinx set off across town, looking in their favorite places.
He crossed main street – causing all the traffic to turn around and go the opposite way.
It wasn’t easy being a stray black cat.
Everyone ran away from him.
Everyone except her…
Jinx checked the bus stop outside the library.
“Back up! Or he’ll give you bad luck!” one lady said.
But his friend wasn’t there.
He checked the bench outside the ice cream shop.
“Eeeeek!” a patron screamed, dropping his cone.
His friend wasn’t there either.
He checked the playground full of bouncing kids.
“RUN AWAY!” the kids yelled.
Jinx hung his head.
Where could she be? he wondered.
“Meowwww,” he cried.
“Jinx? Is that you?”
He turned.
Sitting in the shadow of the tree was his best friend, running her fingers along the page of her book.
“MEOW!”
Jumping up, Jinx dropped the card onto her lap.
“What’s this?”
She ran her fingers over the raised dots.
⠠⠺⠊⠇⠇⠀⠽⠕⠥⠀⠃⠑⠀⠍⠽⠀⠧⠁⠇⠑⠝⠞⠊⠝⠑⠦
“Will you be my Valentine?” she read. “Only if you will be mine, Jinx.”
“PRRRRRRR.”
Jinx curled up with the only person who saw his love instead of superstition…
His Valentine.
One Wild Valentine
By Kelly Clasen
212 words
Zeke zipped down the bus steps and into the zoo.
He could hardly believe his luck. A field trip on Valentine’s Day!
And if he was REALLY lucky, he’d find the perfect moment to give a special card to a special someone.
Zeke’s class dashed from exhibit to exhibit.
“Penguins! Cool!”
(Zeke counted thirteen. He shuddered.)
“The elephants are getting a bath!”
(The zookeeper had an umbrella. INSIDE.)
Zeke waited for the right moment.
And waited.
As his class hiked toward the big cats’ enclosure, a ladybug landed on Zeke.
Zeke whooped—a sign!—and whipped out his Valentine.
Then his heart plummeted.
A black panther prowled
RIGHT
ACROSS
THE GLASS.
“Nooo,” Zeke whispered.
If a black cat meant bad luck, a panther was worse!
Zeke pocketed his card.
He slumped off toward the last exhibit.
Today had not been very lucky AT ALL.
Zeke pushed open the aviary door and—SPLAT! Something warm hit his hair.
He touched his head hopefully.
Could it be?
Parrot poop!
“Thank you!” He beamed up at a macaw.
Zeke’s teacher brought him a tissue.
At last, Zeke shared his Valentine:
Dear Miss Hart,
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Valentine’s is meh,
But not at the ZOO!
Thanks for being the BEST TEACHER EVER.
-Zeke
Bravo Kelly, especially for this sensory image “SPLAT! Something warm hit his hair. He touched his head hopefully.”
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂