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! 😊)
Nola was bursting to give Mom the Valentine’s card she made with her new watercolors. She’d poured hours and love into her card and Mom might even get tears in her eyes.
The class was packing up for home and cleaning up from their Valentine’s festivities. Surely, they would not have homework on Valentine’s Day.
“Is there homework?” she asked. The question, however, came out in perfect synchronized stereo. Taylor asked the same words at the same time.
“Jinx!” her classmate yelled. Nola and Taylor could no longer talk until someone said their names.
The bus driver said “Hi Kids.” The sitter called her Kiddo and felt her forehead. She wished her dog could talk.
Nola hid her card behind her back when mom walked in from work.
“What’s this, Honey?” She read the front and yes, her eyes got watery.
“Your painting is lovely, Sweetie.” She read the inside and held it to her heart.
“I will treasure this, Darling.” Nola pointed at her name on the inside.
“Ooh, cursive, my Big Third Grader!” Nola pointed harder.
“What is going on, Love?” Nola rolled her eyes.
“Well, whatever it is, you will always be my number one Valentine, Nola.”
“I hope you like your Valentine’s Day treats,” Elsie grinned as she hung heart-shaped seed cakes on the snowy branches in her backyard.
The songbirds pecked away happily. Then she noticed the solitary crow perched on the back fence, watching her attentively.
One crow visiting alone was a bad omen. “Go away, Crow,” she hollered, “You’ll bring bad luck!”
Crow ignored her, fluffing his shiny black feathers against the cold. She stepped forward to shoo him, and tripped face-first into the snow. “Bad luck already!” Still, he sat, his dark eyes trained on her. Was he asking for something? “Don’t you like seed cakes?” She asked.
Crow blinked once, definitely not.
“What else could you want?” She thought aloud. “Wait… I remember. You like sparkly things.” She slowly revealed her prized Valentine’s Day glittery pencil from her pocket. CAW! She startled at his excited cry, dropping it into the snow. In a flash, Crow snapped it into his beak and took flight.
“Hey,” she cried as he flew away, “I didn’t say you could have it! Double bad luck.”
The next morning, Elsie noticed something glinting on the fence. It was a shiny penny! He’d brought her good luck after all. CAW! Crow shouted from the treetop. She called back, ”Happy Valentine’s Day, Crow!”
Sticky fingers picked through the pile of pink and purple pompoms, red and silver glitter, tinsel and tassels, baubles and beads. Maureen was searching for one last decoration for her fancy box. Tomorrow it would be filled with cards and candy and love. She couldn’t wait.
“Aha!” She reached for a red felt heart, ready to dab it with the glob of glue on her popsicle stick.
But it moved! The fuzzy heart had eight fuzzy black – legs?!
She peered closer. Eight shiny eyes peeked out.
“Eek!” she cried, ready to swat.
“No! Don’t squish me!” squeaked the creature, trembling beneath the heart.
“Why?” She shuddered.
“It’s bad luck!”
“How?”
“Uh, because… you’ll make it rain?”
“It’s already snowing,” she pointed out. Flurries coated the playground outside.
“You’ll lose all your money!”
“I’m a kid. I don’t have any money.”
“Please! Be kind!”
“You’re a creepy, hairy, scary talking spider. And you’re freaking me out!”
Eight eyes darted about in desperation, landing on the box, bedazzled with swirls and twirls and glitter and lace. And scrawled in crooked cursive: “Happy Valentine’s Day”.
“I’m not a spider!”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m a love bug!”
“Oh. Why didn’t you say so?”
Maureen scooped him up and placed him in the box. The perfect finishing touch.
The first year it happened, a bag of caramels was left outside their door.
The second year, a box of colorful gumdrops.
And last year, a giant heart shaped chocolate.
“Do you think we’ll get chocolates tomorrow?!” Sully asked. His paws tap danced across the floor, and he twirled his umbrella with excitement.
‘Sully!” Amelia scolded her brother. “It’s bad luck for a mouse to open an umbrella inside the home!”
Oh no…bad luck!? If they didn’t receive any Valentine’s candy, would it be all his fault? Sully’s tail twitched with worry.
He loved his umbrella. Tattered from use, and dotted with faded flowers, it had fallen out of a glass tumbler during one particularly festive party. It had also taken him an hour to gather the courage to scurry across the kitchen floor and drag it back into their den.
That night, Sully gently placed his cherished umbrella outside, knowing he may never see it again.
Please, please, please let this undo any bad luck.
……….
“Sully! Come quick!” Amelia shouted the next morning. “Four pink gummy bears!”
Sully’s heart beat fast. Was his umbrella gone?
One of the gummies held a toothpick umbrella just like his, but with pink hearts and yellow polka dots.
Grandma used to go all out for every holiday. Halloween, meant homemade, whimsical costumes. Thanksgiving, a feast fit for a king. Christmas brought matching pajamas and tons of gifts under the tree. This is my first one without her. She used to say I was her favorite Valentine. Mommy said we are going to make today special, just like Grandma would. We are going to take Grandma some yellow roses, her special flowers, and then go to her favorite park. When we get to the park, Mommy points to something. “Do you see that?” Mommy asks. My eyes follow her finger, and I see it, a penny. Mommy asks, “Do you remember what Grandma told you about pennies?” I tell her, “Yes, not only are they lucky but they’re angel kisses too”. Mommy and I walk around collecting pennies. We find 14 pennies, 14 kisses from Grandma. I can feel Grandma all around me. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Grandma”, I whisper as I put the pennies in my pocket. “Let’s go home and bake Grandma’s infamous red velvet cake.” “I love you, Mommy.” “I love you too, baby.”
Four-leaf clovers peeked out from every window. Tracy Dragon needed good luck in her new mountaintop home.
Villagers below were already making salt circles, nailing up horseshoes and wearing garlic necklaces for protection.
“I’m not a monster. I’m your new neighbor.”
One clover leaflet floated on a warm breeze and settled in Tracy’s hand.
“It looks like a heart. That’s it! I’ll invite everyone to a Valentine’s Day party. To know me is to love me.”
Writing with fire is tricky.
Tracy tried paper.
POOF!
She tried cardboard.
SLOW BURN!
“I know, I’ll write on ceramic tile like in my fireplace!”
Sparks and rings of smoke hid the sun.
“The dragon will destroy us all,” people yelled.
Tracy struggled to move the heavy invitation. It slipped away and tumbled down, splintering into chunks as it banged and bumped into trees and rocks. Odd shaped pieces fell like rain.
“We’re doomed!” villagers cried.
Mayor Copperbottom took a closer look at one piece. Then another and another.
“WAIT,” he shouted, “It’s a puzzle.”
Villagers teamed up.
When the final jigsaw piece snapped together, the tile read.
Be My Valentine!
Come to my home at noon for food, fun and dancing.
Love, Tracy Dragon
Now sounds of laughter, music and dancing fill the mountaintop every Valentine’s Day.
I love the villager descriptions: “Villagers below were already making salt circles, nailing up horseshoes and wearing garlic necklaces for protection.” And a great theme that is quite fitting these days (and always).
She hops over the first crack, then the second, the third…but not number 13! Instead, she crosses the street and starts over.
Patting her pocket for McLucky, her elephant trinket, she heads into school.
Jinx is SUPER – Superstitious!
She was born on Friday the thirteenth, during a blizzard, just thirteen minutes before Valentine’s Day.
These habits help Jinx feel lucky…ok, well, luckier!
But, in February, Jinx jacks up the superstitions.
She only wears shades of red – to honor the holiday.
She puts on, not one, but two heart pendants – to attract luck.
And she stamps a four-leaf-clover onto every valentine she gives – to send luck.
This Valentine’s Day Jinx stuffs her rabbit’s foot collection and seven lucky pennies into her backpack before heading to school.
But –
“Uh oh,” Jinx shivers as she spots a black cat, ill-fated before her. Crossing her fingers, she shuffles along, praying it doesn’t cross her path before bolting into school.
In class, Jinx delivers her valentines, then knocks on wood.
She hopes Jason doesn’t recognize her handwriting or her secret crush will be foretold.
But, like most things, in true Jinx fashion…
Jason turns and smiles at her, knowingly.
What did I expect with a name like Jinx (no middle name) Omenwood?
This year, our Valentine’s Day party is on Friday the thirteenth. Such an unlucky day—I’ll need a super lucky Valentine box! What bits of luck can I add?
I cut-cut-cut four-leaf clovers from green paper.
I dig-dig-dig all the lucky pennies from the penny jar.
I plink-plink-plink all the dice from our Yahtzee game.
STAPLE-STAPLE,
GLUE-GLUE,
TAAAAAPE!
Is that enough?
I draw-draw-draw tiny ladybugs and lucky number sevens between all the pennies, clovers, and dice.
I wraaaaaap more tape around for good measure.
Hmmm.
It may look un-pretty, but no one can call it un-lucky.
At school the next day, I set out my good luck charm masterpiece. Some kids stare. Some giggle. But I’m not taking any chances with bad luck.
The party starts, and we deliver our valentines. We play games. We eat treats. And finally, at the end of the day, we collect our boxes.
I shake-shake-shake mine.
This can’t be!
My box is…EMPTY!!
What about my four-leaf clovers and pennies and Yahtzee dice? My ladybugs and number sevens? How could something so unlucky happen?!
I feel a tap-tap-tap on my shoulder.
Ms. Chapman has twenty-six valentines in her hand, all addressed to me.
Oops.
It turns out my lucky Valentine box is missing one important thing:
LOL= Lots of Love for your Laugh Out Loud onomatopoeia-packed and superstition-stuffed (Lots of Luck!) valentine story, Amanda! The ending is perfection. 💌
Awww, thanks! My daughter (Violet) took this to her class today and the teacher read it aloud during their party. It’s her very last one before she goes to middle school…😭 This particular Valentiny is very special to me.
Long ago, the Super King of Stitious and Queen Penny ruled lovingly. One Friday, the 13th to be exact, their daughter, Princess Clover, was playing with her pet rabbit when they heard a loud “CRASH!”
Rabbit’s foot had broken the Queen’s enchanted mirror! All the land of Sticious knew she had only seven years to live unless she could find her Lucky Prince Charming.
The King and Queen called for the royal Chef Valentine and devised a plan. They invited all twelve of the Stitious princes to the castle.
Chef Valentine baked cakes for the suitors to taste, but they had to detect the secret ingredient, or they could not marry the Princess.
As Chef Valentine prepared each cake, he saved batter to make a cake for himself. Just as he was putting the last cake into the oven, he spilled his salt. He tossed it over his shoulder and it landed in his cake batter.
No suitor could recognize the secret ingredient. They were all heartbroken.
Chef Valentine told the king he had one more cake. The king searched for another prince.
Captain Henry of Horseshoe Island came by sea. He recognized the sea salt in the cake!
Captain Henry and Princess Clover were married immediately, and declared February 14th “Valentine’s Day” forevermore!
This is the story of a brave princess. You see, long ago, as Princess Eleanor was born, her father tried to defeat an unloved dragon. But he failed. And to the queen, that meant their young daughter was in danger. So she herself cast a spell:
Our young princess must live alone,
until she is nearly grown.
And on her 18th Valentine’s Day,
the dragon will have to pay.
Well, that day had finally arrived.
“We will go with you,” pleaded Eleanor’s parents.
”I must go alone,” she replied.
And so she braved the cold armed only with a piece of paper. After a long journey, she arrived at the dragon’s den.
“Dragon,” she called. “I am here with a request.”
Now the dragon had been expecting her. He barged out of his castle, stomping his scaly feet. The two met face-to-face. Princess Eleanor showed no fear. She slowly slid the paper right in the dragon’s palm. Surprised, he looked down. A few seconds passed, and a smile spread across his face.
It read:
A Valentine’s wish for you and me:
I wish love for you and for me to be free
She hugged him tight, and he felt love. Dragon declared Princess Eleanor free.
For everyone deserves love and freedom, even dragons.
In the deep blue sea, Catfish was getting nervous. Today was the Valentine Cup Competition. And so far creatures with whiskers were not doing well. During Heart Hopscotch, Otter had tripped over her whiskers, and Sturgeon’s whiskers got caught in Octopus’s tentacles.
Now it was time for the Candy Heart Relay Race. Catfish lined up with Lobster and Seahorse. Together they were Team Tidalwave.
“What if having whiskers is bad luck?” worried Catfish.
Lobster and Seahorse tried to calm Catfish, but it was no use.
Lobster went first. She scampered quickly through the Under the Sea Swedish Fish route.
“Tidalwave wins!” announced Mayor Merlin.
Then Seahorse galloped through the Lovebird Lane Blaster.
“Another win for Tidalwave!” yelled the mayor.
One more win and the trophy was theirs. And that meant it all came down to Catfish.
His whiskers twitched. But still he swam full speed down the Dandy Candy Lane. Before long he could see the finish line. He and Squid were in a close race. And then, just as it looked like Squid was about to cross the finish line first, Catfish turned his head sideways.
The crowd went silent until Mayor Merlin announced: “Team Tidalwave wins by a whisker!”
“I guess whiskers are great after all,” laughed Catfish with a smile.
Eva clung to her grandmother’s leg. “Mimi, there’s a black cat. Something bad is going to happen.”
“Oh, no, darlin’, that’s my neighbor’s cat, Simone. She’s a sweetheart.” Mimi knelt down and patted the ground.
Eva hid behind her grandmother’s back. “It’s coming. We have to run away.”
“Such silliness,” said Mimi as Simone rubbed against her knee and rolled on the ground.
Eva peeked around and took a shaky breath. “Now you’re going to die.” She collapsed on the ground and sobbed.
Mimi sat and Simone climbed into her lap and purred. “Honey, look at this beautiful animal.”
Eva covered her eyes with her hands and shrunk away. “We have to get away. Let’s go inside, pleease.”
“Not until you sit up and look at Simone,” Mimi said as the friendly creature nuzzled her hand. Eva propped herself up warily and glanced over. “Forget everything you’ve heard about black cats and just look at this sweet girl.”
Simone slowly blinked her eyes at Eva.
“You don’t think she’s bad luck, Mimi?”
“Not at all. She’s just a sweet animal that wants to be loved.”
Eva slowly held out her hand. Simone purred loudly and leaned into it. “She likes me!”
Carly bounced down the path to the party shed. She heard music and smelled sugar, but when she rounded the corner, she froze. A folded ladder, covered with pretty red hearts, balloons, and streamers, sat in front of the shed entrance.
She crushed her invite and bumped Bobby as she ran away.
“Carly, where are you going?”
Carly kept running.
Bobby followed her past the school with red hearted windows, along the bubbling creek, and up to a swingset next to a small house.
Panting, he said, “Aren’t you going to the party?”
“I can’t”
“But you were just there.”
“I want to, but I can’t.”
Bobby hopped on the swing next to her and said, “Then I can’t either.”
They swung low.
They swung high.
They swung until a tear fell from Carly’s eye.
Bobby jumped off his swing. “Now will you tell me?”
Carly sniffled. “I can’t walk under the ladder.”
Bobby shrugged. “Why?”
“Because!”
“Because why?”
“Just because!”
Bobby scrunched his face. “Okay, I know what to do.”
He took her hand and pulled her along the creek, past hearted windows, and to the shed. “Wait here.”
He gripped the ladder’s legs and pulled sideways until the ladder no longer covered the doorway.
“I tried to get a snow day—I looked it up. I wore my pjs inside out. I stuck a spoon under my pillow. I even put a white crayon in the freezer…nothing. Valentine’s Day is the WORST!”
Max laughed. “You’re freaking out about Valentine’s Day?”
Darryl’s cheeks reddened. “Callie talked to me. I’m afraid she’s going to put a mushy card in my Valentine box. I have to stop the party.”
BRRRRRNNNNNNNGGGGG!
They dashed to their seats. “Cross your fingers,” Max whispered.
Darryl even crossed his toes for extra luck.
When lunch fi-i-i-nally came, Darryl was more jittery than ever.
“It’s almost party time,” Max teased.
Darryl ignored him. “Look, a penny—that’s good luck. Oh nooooo—it’s not heads up. That’s bad luck.”
Max grinned. “You know it’s Friday, and Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, right?”
Otto’s guts churned when he saw the calendar. He took seven sips of water to calm himself.
This year, Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday. Which meant his class would celebrate it on Friday.
THE 13TH
The unluckiest day ever.
Otto stared at his valentine for Flavia, the one he’d worked on for weeks. This did not bode well.
Otto was super superstitious. But he was also super determined. He dashed straight to the library (avoiding sidewalk cracks, ladders, and black cats, of course).
He studied every book on how to ward off hexes and hoodoo, jinxes and bad juju.
On the fateful Friday, Otto came to school prepared.
He had his special valentine for Flavia,
a backpack stacked with pennies heads up,
a frontpack full of rabbits with all their fortunate feet,
pockets stuffed with garlic, horseshoes, and a four-leaf clover,
and an elephant.
Flavia’s eyes met Otto’s from across the classroom. Otto couldn’t help but smile
until
a rabbit leapt from Otto’s pack and landed on the elephant’s head.
The elephant trumpeted and bumped Otto,
spilling the contents of Otto’s pockets,
sending rabbits flying,
scattering pennies,
and hurling Otto headlong into Flavia,
who gasped,
who laughed,
who handed him a big paper heart that said, “For Otto. Be my valentine!”
King Cake Baby circled his favorite day of the year, Fat Tuesday. Cupid, who was getting his bow and arrow ready for HIS favorite day of the year, gasped. And accidentally let go of the arrow.
Cupid shot the king cake baby in the butt.
“Ouch! Mon derriére! What was that for?”
“February 14th is MY FAVORITE DAY. You can’t have it.”
“Mardi Gras is more fun than Valentine’s. We have parades! Your candy hearts taste like sidewalk chalk.”
“Your Moon Pies aren’t even made out of the moon.”
Fat Tuesday didn’t always fall on February 14th, but this year it did.
Cupid did not want to share his special day. “I make people fall in love. Mardi Gras lasts for weeks. I only get one day.”
“But Fat Tuesday is the last day to eat yummy treats. People should love each other every day.”
Cupid’s lip trembled.
King Cake Baby frowned. If Cupid was sad, would Baby have bad luck finding love? Then he had an idea.
“There’s a superstition that whoever finds the baby in the king cake gets to be king or queen for the day.” King Cake Baby handed a slice to Cupid.
Cupid’s face lit up.
King Cake Baby danced. “You’re king for the day, let’s celebrate you!”
Great idea! I was just wondering today (as I prepare to go the MG parades) if Mardi Gras ever fell on Valentine’s Day. It’s only a few days off this year!
No one answered. All she heard was three quick taps:
Tap-tap-tap!
“Well, that’s strange,” she said.
Alice didn’t answer. She just stared out of the car window, looking more and more scared.
“Honey, we talked about this. It’s a new school, but we toured it. You played on the playground. You know where the restrooms are.”
Alice didn’t answer.
Her mother’s phone rang again.
“Hello?”
Tap-tap-tap!
“Now that’s really weird!” she said.
“Listen,” she added, more to distract Alice than anything else.
Tap-tap-tap!
Alice laughed and turned toward her mother. “Tap back, mom. You gotta!”
“Why?”
“That’s grandpa. He’s knocking on wood, to make sure my first day goes good.”
“Knocking on wood? That’s just a silly superstition.”
“Gimme!” Alice said.
Frowning, her mother gave Alice the phone. Alice looked around, but didn’t find anything. Finally, she opened her mouth and bonked her knuckles on her head three times: Tap. Tap. Tap.
A thumbs up emoji appeared on the screen. Alice laughed and ended the call.
“Alley Cat, I promise. Everything’s going to be fine.”
“I know.”
“I—you know?”
“Sure. Grandpa called to make sure I had good luck on my first day.”
Jessica!!!! I LOVE your superstitious Bear and your ending was so surprising and so perfect, as was your rhyme and meter!!!! Wow!!! It’s also so fun to read aloud! Good luck in the contest!!!
Troll was tired of people trying to rub his hair for good luck. They would set traps in the fjord, creep into his cave, and even sneak up on him under the bathroom bridge.
Lovebirds were the worst.
“Hallo, Troll! Can I rub your hair?”
No.
“But it’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m in love!”
So?
“Her name is Helga.”
Pfff.
“She’s the fastest wood chopper in town. She can carry a goat on each shoulder. AND she icefishes with her bare hands.”
Meh.
“Please, just a little rub?”
No. Give her a shiny rock, a bloom, a feather, but leave me alone.
“I have wildflowers, truffles, and a beautiful poem. I just need a smidge of your luck.”
Ugh.
“Haven’t you ever been in love?”
Ahhh, my Trollga. I gave her stinky mushrooms, rotten trout, and foot cheese. But she only stole my heart. And my cheese.
Sandy wasn’t superstitious… Except for once a year.
Today. VALENTINE’S DAY.
For her, that meant wearing only fuchsia.
What would happen if her single-color strategy shifted? She didn’t know. She’d never dare try.
Maybe nobody would give her valentines. Maybe she’d get only the yucky flavors in her heart-shaped chocolate box. Maybe an alien would zoom down from space and demand to be her dinner date!
Luckily, none of that was a concern. It was a fantastic fuchsia Friday.
Sandy sailed across the monkey bars. She was fast and free, then—
FLOP!
The doctor said stitches would help her heal. Sandy looked down.
“These stitches are BLUUUUE!”
“Those are super-stitches,” said the doctor. “They dissolve over time.”
“They should be FUCHSIA!” shouted Sandy.
At home, a multi-colored catastrophe was in full swing.
Sandy had left her valentines at school. Her chocolate truffles were all rhubarb (ick!).
“I bet an alien’s on his way.”
With no hope left, she changed into pajamas (which had a billion colors) and hobbled to the porch to pout.
A flutter.
A flash of… fuchsia.
Something landed on Sandy’s rainbow PJs.
“A butterfly,” she whispered. “If they land on you, it’s …good luck. They must love the colors!”
And just like that, Sandy’s new Valentine’s Day superstition was born.
Rose was walking home from school, looking for 4-leaf clovers and a penny on the ground. But no luck. “I can’t step on cracks, either.” A black cat ran out from under a bush. It stopped and looked at her, then ran off. “I can’t be superstitious just because it’s Friday the 13th.” She closed her eyes, took a deep breath then ran all the way home. “I made it. I gotta finish Mom’s Valentine for tomorrow.” She headed to her room. She got her good luck charm and rabbits foot and sat them beside her and got started. When she was done, she took it to her mom. “I know it’s early, but here is my Valentines card for you, Mom.” “Thank you, Rosie. Why today?” “I wanted to have good luck today, not bad luck..” Sha hugged her mom. “Do you want yours today or wait for tomorrow?” “Today!” Mom went to the garage and brought back a pet carrier and sat it in front of Rose. “Open it.” Rose slowly opened it and a tiny black kitten came out. Rose picked it up and hugged it. “Mom. Aren’t black cats bad luck?” “Not this one. He has white spots on his belly. That counteracts the bad luck!” “I’m naming him Valentino!”
Marco searched his sock drawer for the third time. Ten minutes until his ride to the Valentine Dance arrived, and his lucky red socks were nowhere to be found.
Hoping they were downstairs, he dashed to the laundry room to grab his best white shirt, tore open the dryer and found…
Pink! Everything was streaked strawberry-ice-cream pink!
His heart crashed, his lungs collapsed. The culprit revealed – traitorous socks against his formerly white polo. Complete disaster.
What to do, what to do? He’d pinned his hopes on this outfit, not much else was clean, and he couldn’t wear a graphic tee. His phone pinged. His ride was here.
He donned the smeary pink shirt, pulled on the maybe-not-so-lucky socks, grabbed a hoodie as an emergency cover up.
The gym was hot; the hoodie had to go.
He looked across the floor and gulped. There she was.
Could he do this? Heart pounding, cursing his bad-luck laundry, he took a deep breath and walked over to her.
Just then, the lights dimmed, the strobes flashed.
“Cool shirt,” she said.
“W-w-would you like to dance?” he asked, just like his dad had taught him. Alyssa smiled and grabbed his hand.
“How’d it go?” his dad asked, driving home.
“Tonight,” Marco grinned, “I learned the power of pink.”
Before asking Mom, Mindy stayed on her best behavior. But she used magic, too. She wished on birthday candles, ladybugs, dandelion fluff, and the evening star. Then,
“See a penny, pick it up, and you’ll be sure to have good luck!”
So, of course Mom said YES. On Valentine’s Day, at the “Find Your Love” fair, Mindy would get a kitten. But –
The day before Valentine’s Day,
“Mew!”
A black cat!
“SHOO!” Mindy shouted. “You’re bad luck!”
Then Mindy heard someone sneeze. That meant what she just said was true!
To break the jinx, Mindy knocked on wood. She threw salt over her shoulder. But even with her lucky penny under her pillow, she couldn’t sleep. Bad luck. She’d wake up sick. Mom would change her mind. The fair would be cancelled…
None of that happened, but at the “Find Your Love” fair…
“Mew!”
Mindy froze.
A worker said, “We thought we’d found this one a home, but the lady couldn’t stop sneezing. Now he’ll wait months again, because he’s a black cat. They aren’t bad luck. They have bad luck.”
Mindy stared into the cat’s eyes, bright as copper pennies.
“See a penny, pick it up, and you’ll be sure to have good luck!”
I’m stepping over all the sidewalk cracks (I’m not gonna “break my mother’s back”). And there it was! A 1913 penny. Black, dirty, and heads-up.
“Hot-diggity dog!” I said.
The jingle from the screen door bell at Barna’s General Store welcomes me in. A sweet-smelling cloud of Valentine candies on display greet me.
“What’s doin’?” old man Barna asks donning his usual white apron.
“It’s Friday the thirteenth and I found a penny on the sidewalk. A 1913 penny,” I brag. “Thirteen is my lucky number.”
“That penny is almost 30 years old. I’d hang on to that.” He added, “Reminds me of my real rabbit’s foot I rub for good luck. Had it since I was your age.”
I hand him Mama’s grocery list (she won’t dare go anywhere on the thirteenth) and Mr. Barna starts bagging items. He then asks, “Olga Agnes Volk, how about a hot cinnamon candy stick on me and a heart candy?”
My eyes widened. He remembered my full name (which has thirteen letters) and my favorite candy. “Thank you! First a penny and now free candy.” Mr. Barna chuckled.
Excited, I scoot home where there’s another surprise. I can’t tell if Mama is happy or sad, but our cat Valentine just had 13 kittens!
OMG! Thirteen cats. I have 8 and a stray cat has arrived recently and I think she’s a female. I hope she’s not expecting a litter. My cats follow her and hiss. She’s an intruder. Good luck!
It was Valentine’s Day, so Leo should have felt happy. But he didn’t. He missed his Grammy.
Leo found a Valentine’s card from Grammy in a shoebox under his bed. It was from last year. He remembered that Grammy had been sick, but she had sent a card anyway. It said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Leo. I will always love you.”
He looked at the paper heart he had started making for Dad and thought, My own heart feels all crumpled up. What if I never see Grammy again? he worried.
Dad came into his room to check on him.“What’s wrong, Leo?” he asked.
Leo pointed to the card.
“Ahh, I see,” Dad said softly.
Dad walked over to the window and narrowed his eyes at something outside. “Leo, come take a look.”
It was a beautiful, sunny, and cold February day. The ground, the trees, everything was covered in snow.
Leo looked out the window and saw a vibrant red cardinal perched on a tree branch.
“You know,” Dad said, “Grammy always said that when a cardinal appears, it means a loved one from heaven is visiting you.”
Leo looked back at the word always in the card from Grammy. He understood what she meant.
So, you want me to think that today is all about love and friendship? Well you can’t fool me.
I know that red hearts, and yummy candy, and the super cute stuffed bears are hiding a big secret. You think that just because February 13th was yesterday, that we have nothing to worry about today? Well, listen to me.
The number 13 is serious.
Lucy ate 13 grapes and got a bad grade on the reading test. And Jake, who lives at 13 Bedford Lane, had TWO flat tires on his bike!
All day yesterday I was scared that something bad was definitely going to happen. But I woke up today, February 14th, thinking it was all over. I survived the 13th and I have a whole month until the next 13!
Then I saw it.
“Valentine’s Day”. Gasp! No!
How did I miss it before? I am very good at seeing the itty-bitty important stuff! How come I didn’t notice that Valentine’s Day has 13 letters?!
Aaah! It’s everywhere! But wait, 13 is a number. It’s only a number. And numbers can’t hurt me…right?
Of course numbers can’t hurt me! Phew! I feel better already.
Cupid Junior grabbed his bow just as Sam’s bike skidded to a stop.
“Hey Junior, whatcha doing?”
“Practicing,” Junior said. “I’m going to show Dad I’m ready to go with him on Valentine’s Day. Watch, I’m getting better.”
He lifted an arrow and took aim but…
A black cat leaped out in front of him.
Twanggg. Thwaaaak! Pop, pop, pop!
“Oh no, Dad’s heart balloons,” said Junior. “Snowflake, look what you made me do.”
“Snowflake? The cat’s black,” Sam snorted. “You know it’s bad luck if a black cat crosses in front of you.”
Junior shrugged. “That’s just superstition.”
He grabbed another arrow, twanggg—pfzzzzzttttt.
“My tire!” yelled Sam. “You better quit!”
“Sorry.”
Junior tried again—twanggg—CRASH!
His face scrunched. “Uh oh, I broke Mom’s mirror. IF I was superstitious, that’d be five years of bad luck.”
“Actually a broken mirror is 7 years,” corrected Sam.
“Worse,” moaned Junior. “Wait, 7 is my lucky number. So it’s 7 years of good luck.”
Just then from inside the house a rumble arose and erupted…“JUNIOR!”
“That sounds like bad luck to me,” Sam said. “I think I’m going somewhere…else.”
“I think I’m going with you,” Junior said. “I’ll keep practicing for next Valentine’s Day. Maybe there’s something to this superstition stuff after all.”
“Shoo!” That yucky dragonfly is too close– it might pop my pink balloon!
“Hija,” Papi smiles. “You found a kachi-kachi.”
“A… what?”
“A kachi-kachi! When I was a boy in Peru, Abuela always used to say they were a sign of something NEW to come,” he answers. “Once it was a baby llama. Another time, it was a new school for our village.”
“Ooh!” What new thing is coming soon? Maybe I’m getting a new dress for our Valentine’s Day party!
BZZZ… POP!
“HEEEEEY!” I yell and swat!
“Tranquila,” Papi frowns. “Get another balloon de adentro.”
But inside, I only find white balloons. No pink!
“DUMB BALLOONS!” I shout and kick!
“Get dressed parala fiesta,” Mami commands.
My OLD dress from last Valentine’s is on my bed.
“VESTIDO FEO!” I howl and throw!
“Tranquila!” Mami exclaims.
But I don’t WANT to calm down!
I want my pink balloon! And my new party dress! And…
DING-DONG.
___
My best friends, cousins, tíos and even our neighbors are here! We laugh and play and exchange valentines. Mami hands out pink-frosted cookies.
“Gracias,” I hug her tight. “This is the funnest Valentine’s Day ever.”
Papi smiles. “Hija, I see the new ‘thing’ that came from the kachi-kachi’s visit. You’ve got a new… attitude!”
From your awesome alliterative title to your rollicking rhyme to the spectacular story arc, this poem is a true treat. I especially love the poetic justice of your, er, twist ending!
“These are Magic 8 Ball Valentine’s Candy Hearts,”she said. “If you shake the box and ask a question, the hearts will give you an answer. They only work today, so have a great time!”
I packed my Valentine’s cards for my classmates and my decorated shoebox. Then I hugged my magic heart box tight to my chest and headed off to school.
I love parties, and Valentine’s Day was a great chance to make friends. Being a new kid is difficult, and I wanted to fit in.
At my desk, I whispered, “Will I make a new friend today?”
I shook the box and read the heart that came out.
YES.
“How do I do that?” I asked.
BE YOU
“Does Sophia like me? Please tell me, what does she think of me?”
QT PIE
I blushed. Now I was afraid to talk to her.
“What do I do?” I whispered.
GO 4 IT
I walked up to Sophia and offered her a Valentine.
She turned as pink as one of the candy hearts, then smiled and handed me one too.
“Ta da! Finished my Valentine card for Val. Now, off to deliver it in person.”
Opening the door, the lucky horseshoe swung upside down.
“Oh, no! Bad luck,” said Vince.
A black cat sat on the porch.
“Drats! Worse luck! Shoo.”
The cat followed him down the sidewalk.
“Go away.”
Vince was so flustered that he accidentally walked under a ladder.
“Uh-oh, big mistake.”
Behind him, the black cat followed.
“Hey, cat. Leave me alone!”
He crossed the street to lose the cat.
No such luck.
Now the cat was gaining on him, so Vince picked up his pace.
“Argghh. I’ve stepped on three sidewalk cracks in a row! This is terrible!”
“Yay! I see her house. I’m almost there. Please, no more bad luck!”
Vince dashed down the sidewalk.
He bounded up the steps and rang Val’s doorbell. As Val opened the door, Vince stumbled inside. The cat slipped in behind him.
“Oh, Lucky, you’ve come home!” said Val as she picked up the cat.
“It-it’s yours?” stammered Vince. He slumped against the door and handed Val the card. He mumbled, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“How sweet, Vince, but you’re a day early. Today is Friday the 13th. However, since you’re here, would you like to go see that new movie, Superstition?
Susanna Leonard Hill 
The First Valentine
Dedicated to Saint Valentine, the patron saint of beekeepers
(213 words)
“Look! The beekeeper!”
We three stopped and stood.
He bumbles by each week,
Swarmed in bees on his hood.
Hum-buzz-hummm,
A terrible moving hive.
A sight that makes you wonder:
Is he dead or alive?
“Do ye hear me bees?”
Were those words or a sneeze?
“They’re talkin’ today
Of ancient gardens and parted seas.”
My brash friend ventured
A comment to that quack,
“Bees don’t talk, Mister,
Everyone knows that’s whack!”
“BABBLE!”
His voice vibrated the skies.
The walking swarm froze,
“Who’sssss been tellin’ ye liesssss?”
“There’s more than this world,
And the February you see.
Bee goes There,
she has the key.”
On he ascended uphill.
A buzz remained in my ear.
Moms called out, “Dinner!”
But I did not hear.
He climbed to the top
And took out a can.
Billows of smoke
Smothered the land.
From the cloud
A hand shot through
Holding a jar
Of a magnificent hue.
Flamed and radiant,
A halo ring.
Once merely pollen,
Now gold for a king.
It’s only folklore,
Surely not truth.
The bee may fly high,
But is she an other-world sleuth?
Early next morning
Before the sun woke,
I saw on my doorstep
The jar from the smoke.
On it, a simple line:
The One Great Lore
From your
Valentine.
“Jinx!”
by Debbie Graf
208 words
Nola was bursting to give Mom the Valentine’s card she made with her new watercolors. She’d poured hours and love into her card and Mom might even get tears in her eyes.
The class was packing up for home and cleaning up from their Valentine’s festivities. Surely, they would not have homework on Valentine’s Day.
“Is there homework?” she asked. The question, however, came out in perfect synchronized stereo. Taylor asked the same words at the same time.
“Jinx!” her classmate yelled. Nola and Taylor could no longer talk until someone said their names.
The bus driver said “Hi Kids.” The sitter called her Kiddo and felt her forehead. She wished her dog could talk.
Nola hid her card behind her back when mom walked in from work.
“What’s this, Honey?” She read the front and yes, her eyes got watery.
“Your painting is lovely, Sweetie.” She read the inside and held it to her heart.
“I will treasure this, Darling.” Nola pointed at her name on the inside.
“Ooh, cursive, my Big Third Grader!” Nola pointed harder.
“What is going on, Love?” Nola rolled her eyes.
“Well, whatever it is, you will always be my number one Valentine, Nola.”
“Finally!” Nola screamed with relief and joy.
Laugh out loud – funny
Superstitions About an Itchy Nose
By Kelly Kates
Dedicated to my students
WC: 206
“I’ll always pick you,” whispered finger to nose,
as, shyly, he offered a perfect red rose.
“I love the way you burn brightly and blush,
and even the way you can sniffle and gush.
I know that nothing can tear us apart.
No tissue or face mask will make me depart.
But, darling, I notice you’re starting to twitch–
now wrinkling and running, beginning to itch.
I’m not superstitious, my daintiest dear,
but that is a sign someone soon will be here.
Does company mean we can no longer meet,
that I’ll be held off as we must be discreet?
Some say it means you’ll be kissed by a fool,
or so I’ve heard, as a general rule.
Now you look angry and all out of joint.
I think it’s important we stick to the point.
Many prefer not to see us together.
They say it’s not proper, and I can do better.
Despite all the warnings, to you I am drawn.
My longing is endless; it goes on and on.
Our love may be forced to continue to hide,
as decorum commands, we must keep it inside.
Teachers and parents work to keep us apart,
but, my sweet little schnoz, you’ll remain in my heart.”
I know my grandson, age 3, can definitely relate to this one. ha ha ha
Love the perspective! This is so clever.
A Valentine for Crow
“I hope you like your Valentine’s Day treats,” Elsie grinned as she hung heart-shaped seed cakes on the snowy branches in her backyard.
The songbirds pecked away happily. Then she noticed the solitary crow perched on the back fence, watching her attentively.
One crow visiting alone was a bad omen. “Go away, Crow,” she hollered, “You’ll bring bad luck!”
Crow ignored her, fluffing his shiny black feathers against the cold. She stepped forward to shoo him, and tripped face-first into the snow. “Bad luck already!” Still, he sat, his dark eyes trained on her. Was he asking for something? “Don’t you like seed cakes?” She asked.
Crow blinked once, definitely not.
“What else could you want?” She thought aloud. “Wait… I remember. You like sparkly things.” She slowly revealed her prized Valentine’s Day glittery pencil from her pocket. CAW! She startled at his excited cry, dropping it into the snow. In a flash, Crow snapped it into his beak and took flight.
“Hey,” she cried as he flew away, “I didn’t say you could have it! Double bad luck.”
The next morning, Elsie noticed something glinting on the fence. It was a shiny penny! He’d brought her good luck after all. CAW! Crow shouted from the treetop. She called back, ”Happy Valentine’s Day, Crow!”
A Box Full of Love
By Vanessa Ireson
WC: 214
Sticky fingers picked through the pile of pink and purple pompoms, red and silver glitter, tinsel and tassels, baubles and beads. Maureen was searching for one last decoration for her fancy box. Tomorrow it would be filled with cards and candy and love. She couldn’t wait.
“Aha!” She reached for a red felt heart, ready to dab it with the glob of glue on her popsicle stick.
But it moved! The fuzzy heart had eight fuzzy black – legs?!
She peered closer. Eight shiny eyes peeked out.
“Eek!” she cried, ready to swat.
“No! Don’t squish me!” squeaked the creature, trembling beneath the heart.
“Why?” She shuddered.
“It’s bad luck!”
“How?”
“Uh, because… you’ll make it rain?”
“It’s already snowing,” she pointed out. Flurries coated the playground outside.
“You’ll lose all your money!”
“I’m a kid. I don’t have any money.”
“Please! Be kind!”
“You’re a creepy, hairy, scary talking spider. And you’re freaking me out!”
Eight eyes darted about in desperation, landing on the box, bedazzled with swirls and twirls and glitter and lace. And scrawled in crooked cursive: “Happy Valentine’s Day”.
“I’m not a spider!”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m a love bug!”
“Oh. Why didn’t you say so?”
Maureen scooped him up and placed him in the box. The perfect finishing touch.
So cute!!!!
Hee hee, cute. I love how the spider is trying to convince her with all those bad luck ideas.
The Great Candy Drop
By Jen Stambolsky
Word count: 211
The first year it happened, a bag of caramels was left outside their door.
The second year, a box of colorful gumdrops.
And last year, a giant heart shaped chocolate.
“Do you think we’ll get chocolates tomorrow?!” Sully asked. His paws tap danced across the floor, and he twirled his umbrella with excitement.
‘Sully!” Amelia scolded her brother. “It’s bad luck for a mouse to open an umbrella inside the home!”
Oh no…bad luck!? If they didn’t receive any Valentine’s candy, would it be all his fault? Sully’s tail twitched with worry.
He loved his umbrella. Tattered from use, and dotted with faded flowers, it had fallen out of a glass tumbler during one particularly festive party. It had also taken him an hour to gather the courage to scurry across the kitchen floor and drag it back into their den.
That night, Sully gently placed his cherished umbrella outside, knowing he may never see it again.
Please, please, please let this undo any bad luck.
……….
“Sully! Come quick!” Amelia shouted the next morning. “Four pink gummy bears!”
Sully’s heart beat fast. Was his umbrella gone?
One of the gummies held a toothpick umbrella just like his, but with pink hearts and yellow polka dots.
Sully grinned. “This one’s mine!”
Such a cute image of a tiny mouse twirling a drink umbrella. Love how this turned out. Well done, Jen!
Absolutely adorable.
Heavenly Kisses
By Anya-Kaye Francis
WC: 187
Grandma used to go all out for every holiday. Halloween, meant homemade, whimsical costumes. Thanksgiving, a feast fit for a king. Christmas brought matching pajamas and tons of gifts under the tree. This is my first one without her. She used to say I was her favorite Valentine. Mommy said we are going to make today special, just like Grandma would. We are going to take Grandma some yellow roses, her special flowers, and then go to her favorite park. When we get to the park, Mommy points to something. “Do you see that?” Mommy asks. My eyes follow her finger, and I see it, a penny. Mommy asks, “Do you remember what Grandma told you about pennies?” I tell her, “Yes, not only are they lucky but they’re angel kisses too”. Mommy and I walk around collecting pennies. We find 14 pennies, 14 kisses from Grandma. I can feel Grandma all around me. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Grandma”, I whisper as I put the pennies in my pocket. “Let’s go home and bake Grandma’s infamous red velvet cake.” “I love you, Mommy.” “I love you too, baby.”
So heartfelt!
Valentine’s Day—Bleh!
By Katherine Fox
Word Count: 203
Mushy
Gushy
Gag
Gross
Valentine’s day was about love, ewwww!
Enzo loved monsters, mud, and hockey.
He did NOT want to make Valentine’s mailboxes and get mushy notes.
Enzo needed a plan to survive Valentine’s day.
First, he made the scariest monster mailbox ever.
Then, he made cards with dinosaurs on them that said, “Rawr!”
Getting dressed on Valentine’s morning Enzo wasn’t taking any chances.
He put on his lucky undies.
Every time he wore them his hockey team won.
Enzo put on his black sweat pants and his favorite T-rex shirt.
He spiked his hair, turned his lip down, and scowled.
“Perfect!”
At school everyone avoided Enzo.
No one wanted to put a valentine into the scary monster-box.
Sharp teeth and Enzo glowering—yikes!
As Enzo carried his monster-box home he pumped his fist, “Yes!”
The lucky undies worked, no icky love had gotten to him.
He dumped the monster-box on the floor at home and it spit out a card.
“What?”
One brave kid had slipped a card through the menacing jaws.
Enzo slowly picked it up and a creepy anglerfish stared back.
The card read, “You’re so great it’s scary! From Journi.”
Enzo’s jaw dropped.
“Wow!
Someone who finally gets me!”
Very cute!! Love the ending.
Awe, I love the ending too.
Be your own person and happiness will find you. 🙂
Thanks for commenting and sharing this encouragement!
I love how Enzo keeps true to himself and finds someone who gets him!!! Love the scary monster mailbox, “menacing jaws and all”!!!!
Thanks!
I love this line: “He dumped the monster-box on the floor at home and it spit out a card.” Such great verbs!
Thank you for your encouraging comments!
I love this non-traditional twist of a story!
DANCE WITH A DRAGON
By Stephanie Mena 214 words
Four-leaf clovers peeked out from every window. Tracy Dragon needed good luck in her new mountaintop home.
Villagers below were already making salt circles, nailing up horseshoes and wearing garlic necklaces for protection.
“I’m not a monster. I’m your new neighbor.”
One clover leaflet floated on a warm breeze and settled in Tracy’s hand.
“It looks like a heart. That’s it! I’ll invite everyone to a Valentine’s Day party. To know me is to love me.”
Writing with fire is tricky.
Tracy tried paper.
POOF!
She tried cardboard.
SLOW BURN!
“I know, I’ll write on ceramic tile like in my fireplace!”
Sparks and rings of smoke hid the sun.
“The dragon will destroy us all,” people yelled.
Tracy struggled to move the heavy invitation. It slipped away and tumbled down, splintering into chunks as it banged and bumped into trees and rocks. Odd shaped pieces fell like rain.
“We’re doomed!” villagers cried.
Mayor Copperbottom took a closer look at one piece. Then another and another.
“WAIT,” he shouted, “It’s a puzzle.”
Villagers teamed up.
When the final jigsaw piece snapped together, the tile read.
Be My Valentine!
Come to my home at noon for food, fun and dancing.
Love, Tracy Dragon
Now sounds of laughter, music and dancing fill the mountaintop every Valentine’s Day.
Very cute!! Love the unintended puzzle.
Glad you enjoyed dit. 🙂
I love the villager descriptions: “Villagers below were already making salt circles, nailing up horseshoes and wearing garlic necklaces for protection.” And a great theme that is quite fitting these days (and always).
Thank You 🙂
The title hooked me right away!!!!And oh my goodness-this line, To know me is to love me!” Hahaha. And “slow burn!” 🔥 Love this!
WHAT DID I EXPECT?
By Cynthia Leavitt
WC 208
She hops over the first crack, then the second, the third…but not number 13! Instead, she crosses the street and starts over.
Patting her pocket for McLucky, her elephant trinket, she heads into school.
Jinx is SUPER – Superstitious!
She was born on Friday the thirteenth, during a blizzard, just thirteen minutes before Valentine’s Day.
These habits help Jinx feel lucky…ok, well, luckier!
But, in February, Jinx jacks up the superstitions.
She only wears shades of red – to honor the holiday.
She puts on, not one, but two heart pendants – to attract luck.
And she stamps a four-leaf-clover onto every valentine she gives – to send luck.
This Valentine’s Day Jinx stuffs her rabbit’s foot collection and seven lucky pennies into her backpack before heading to school.
But –
“Uh oh,” Jinx shivers as she spots a black cat, ill-fated before her. Crossing her fingers, she shuffles along, praying it doesn’t cross her path before bolting into school.
In class, Jinx delivers her valentines, then knocks on wood.
She hopes Jason doesn’t recognize her handwriting or her secret crush will be foretold.
But, like most things, in true Jinx fashion…
Jason turns and smiles at her, knowingly.
What did I expect with a name like Jinx (no middle name) Omenwood?
Wow, Jinx has really taken these superstitions to heart! Fun story!
Cynthia, Great job with all the superstitions! I feel connected to sweet and unlucky—Jinx! Rooting for her!
Violet’s Lucky Valentine Box (214 words)
By Amanda Fletcher
This year, our Valentine’s Day party is on Friday the thirteenth. Such an unlucky day—I’ll need a super lucky Valentine box! What bits of luck can I add?
I cut-cut-cut four-leaf clovers from green paper.
I dig-dig-dig all the lucky pennies from the penny jar.
I plink-plink-plink all the dice from our Yahtzee game.
STAPLE-STAPLE,
GLUE-GLUE,
TAAAAAPE!
Is that enough?
I draw-draw-draw tiny ladybugs and lucky number sevens between all the pennies, clovers, and dice.
I wraaaaaap more tape around for good measure.
Hmmm.
It may look un-pretty, but no one can call it un-lucky.
At school the next day, I set out my good luck charm masterpiece. Some kids stare. Some giggle. But I’m not taking any chances with bad luck.
The party starts, and we deliver our valentines. We play games. We eat treats. And finally, at the end of the day, we collect our boxes.
I shake-shake-shake mine.
This can’t be!
My box is…EMPTY!!
What about my four-leaf clovers and pennies and Yahtzee dice? My ladybugs and number sevens? How could something so unlucky happen?!
I feel a tap-tap-tap on my shoulder.
Ms. Chapman has twenty-six valentines in her hand, all addressed to me.
Oops.
It turns out my lucky Valentine box is missing one important thing:
A mail slot.
Hah! Love the MC’s focus and the twist ending.
thanks so much!
LOL= Lots of Love for your Laugh Out Loud onomatopoeia-packed and superstition-stuffed (Lots of Luck!) valentine story, Amanda! The ending is perfection. 💌
Awww, thanks! My daughter (Violet) took this to her class today and the teacher read it aloud during their party. It’s her very last one before she goes to middle school…😭 This particular Valentiny is very special to me.
Ha! What a great ending!
I loved the twist at the end.
Very clever! ❤
Love the ending!! Nicely done!
Fur-Ever Valentine
By: Mindy Baker
Jasper couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t eat. He couldn’t even chase mice! Jasper was in love, and it was really affecting his cat-like instincts!
When Myla would prance by, Jasper’s whiskers would quiver and his bushy black tail would shake.
“Hi, Myla!” he’d say hopefully, but she’d dart in the opposite direction.
Jasper’s best friend, Mittens followed his gaze and shook his head.
“Jasper, don’t you know about Myla?” he asked. “She’s superstitious!”
“I know, but tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and I have a plan!”
The next day, he knocked on Myla’s door. Myla opened the door, and was smitten with the grey kitten in disguise.
Jasper whisked her to the backyard and carved their initials into a tree. He knocked 7 times on the wood. Myla blushed.
They played horseshoe toss. When it was Myla’s turn, she found a 4-leaf clover!
“It’s definitely my lucky day!” she exclaimed.
He gave her his Valentine’s Day card wrapped in a red envelope while crossing his paws behind his back. She opened it and gasped.
“Jasper?” she said with wide eyes.
“Will you be my fur-ever Valentine?” Jasper said shaking the baby powder from his fur and revealing his beautiful black coat.
“Yes, I will! My luck has changed, and I have too! I’m paws-itively in love!”
Sweet! I like your word play (smitten with the kitten is my fave).
A Royal Valentine
By: Mindy Baker
Long ago, the Super King of Stitious and Queen Penny ruled lovingly. One Friday, the 13th to be exact, their daughter, Princess Clover, was playing with her pet rabbit when they heard a loud “CRASH!”
Rabbit’s foot had broken the Queen’s enchanted mirror! All the land of Sticious knew she had only seven years to live unless she could find her Lucky Prince Charming.
The King and Queen called for the royal Chef Valentine and devised a plan. They invited all twelve of the Stitious princes to the castle.
Chef Valentine baked cakes for the suitors to taste, but they had to detect the secret ingredient, or they could not marry the Princess.
As Chef Valentine prepared each cake, he saved batter to make a cake for himself. Just as he was putting the last cake into the oven, he spilled his salt. He tossed it over his shoulder and it landed in his cake batter.
No suitor could recognize the secret ingredient. They were all heartbroken.
Chef Valentine told the king he had one more cake. The king searched for another prince.
Captain Henry of Horseshoe Island came by sea. He recognized the sea salt in the cake!
Captain Henry and Princess Clover were married immediately, and declared February 14th “Valentine’s Day” forevermore!
Hi Susanna – can you not see my name? I’m the author of Soaper Bowl – Seth Standley – if you want to add an attribution to my story in your list.
The Valentine My Friend Almost Missed. WC 214 by Eleanor A. Peterson
My friend Valerie has a routine to avoid bad luck.
She always carries her lucky penny, avoids stepping on cracks, and wears her socks inside out on Mondays.
She panicked when I invited her to a Valentine’s party in the park.
“Marco, today is Friday the 13th! I can’t, it’ll bring us bad luck.”
“Boloney. Come on!”
I held her hand on the way to the park.
She zig-zagged and hopped to avoid sidewalk cracks.
“Stop it, Val. You’re making me dizzy.”
“You don’t want evil spirits to sift through the cracks, do you?”
“I’m not superstitious.”
We reached the park.
Valerie shrieked.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Valerie’s finger trembled, pointing at a black cat. “I’m sorry. I can’t go any further.”
“You’ll miss out on the fun.”
Valerie stood motionless. “I can’t.”
“Come on, Val. I prepared all this for you.”
I opened the gate. Valerie looked this way and that.
Heart-shaped items and food filled the tables.
We exchanged Valentine’s cards.
Her cheeks flushed.
I tore open a popcorn bag, and kernels scattered like confetti around us.
Pigeons swirled above.
SPLAT! PLOP!
“Yuk! This is a bad omen,” Valerie shrieked.
“In Italy, pigeon poop brings good luck.”
“Ew! You stink.”
“So do you.”
We ran straight to the fountain.
Best Valentine ever.
Haha – I adore the stinky, superstitious twist at the end! So much fun, Eleanor!
Thanks Laura for reading and leaving a comment. 🙂
“Love” this one, Eleanor!
Thanks Jamie! 🙂
The Princess And The Dragon
By Emily Roberts
Word Count: 213
This is the story of a brave princess. You see, long ago, as Princess Eleanor was born, her father tried to defeat an unloved dragon. But he failed. And to the queen, that meant their young daughter was in danger. So she herself cast a spell:
Our young princess must live alone,
until she is nearly grown.
And on her 18th Valentine’s Day,
the dragon will have to pay.
Well, that day had finally arrived.
“We will go with you,” pleaded Eleanor’s parents.
”I must go alone,” she replied.
And so she braved the cold armed only with a piece of paper. After a long journey, she arrived at the dragon’s den.
“Dragon,” she called. “I am here with a request.”
Now the dragon had been expecting her. He barged out of his castle, stomping his scaly feet. The two met face-to-face. Princess Eleanor showed no fear. She slowly slid the paper right in the dragon’s palm. Surprised, he looked down. A few seconds passed, and a smile spread across his face.
It read:
A Valentine’s wish for you and me:
I wish love for you and for me to be free
She hugged him tight, and he felt love. Dragon declared Princess Eleanor free.
For everyone deserves love and freedom, even dragons.
Yes, everyone deserves love and freedom. And my name is Eleanor. Maybe I’ll meet a draqgon one day.:)
That is so funny! Thank you for reading my entry.
My pleasure.
Team Tidalwave
By Emily Roberts
Word Count: 214
In the deep blue sea, Catfish was getting nervous. Today was the Valentine Cup Competition. And so far creatures with whiskers were not doing well. During Heart Hopscotch, Otter had tripped over her whiskers, and Sturgeon’s whiskers got caught in Octopus’s tentacles.
Now it was time for the Candy Heart Relay Race. Catfish lined up with Lobster and Seahorse. Together they were Team Tidalwave.
“What if having whiskers is bad luck?” worried Catfish.
Lobster and Seahorse tried to calm Catfish, but it was no use.
Lobster went first. She scampered quickly through the Under the Sea Swedish Fish route.
“Tidalwave wins!” announced Mayor Merlin.
Then Seahorse galloped through the Lovebird Lane Blaster.
“Another win for Tidalwave!” yelled the mayor.
One more win and the trophy was theirs. And that meant it all came down to Catfish.
His whiskers twitched. But still he swam full speed down the Dandy Candy Lane. Before long he could see the finish line. He and Squid were in a close race. And then, just as it looked like Squid was about to cross the finish line first, Catfish turned his head sideways.
The crowd went silent until Mayor Merlin announced: “Team Tidalwave wins by a whisker!”
“I guess whiskers are great after all,” laughed Catfish with a smile.
Sweet Simone
by Donna Van Oss
Word count: 207
Eva clung to her grandmother’s leg. “Mimi, there’s a black cat. Something bad is going to happen.”
“Oh, no, darlin’, that’s my neighbor’s cat, Simone. She’s a sweetheart.” Mimi knelt down and patted the ground.
Eva hid behind her grandmother’s back. “It’s coming. We have to run away.”
“Such silliness,” said Mimi as Simone rubbed against her knee and rolled on the ground.
Eva peeked around and took a shaky breath. “Now you’re going to die.” She collapsed on the ground and sobbed.
Mimi sat and Simone climbed into her lap and purred. “Honey, look at this beautiful animal.”
Eva covered her eyes with her hands and shrunk away. “We have to get away. Let’s go inside, pleease.”
“Not until you sit up and look at Simone,” Mimi said as the friendly creature nuzzled her hand. Eva propped herself up warily and glanced over. “Forget everything you’ve heard about black cats and just look at this sweet girl.”
Simone slowly blinked her eyes at Eva.
“You don’t think she’s bad luck, Mimi?”
“Not at all. She’s just a sweet animal that wants to be loved.”
Eva slowly held out her hand. Simone purred loudly and leaned into it. “She likes me!”
“I knew she would!” said Mimi.
I’m happy to know that Simone is not a bad omen. I love cats.
Jinx(sys) Scooby Do! 🙂
Just Because
By Sonja McGiboney
Word Count 214
Carly bounced down the path to the party shed. She heard music and smelled sugar, but when she rounded the corner, she froze. A folded ladder, covered with pretty red hearts, balloons, and streamers, sat in front of the shed entrance.
She crushed her invite and bumped Bobby as she ran away.
“Carly, where are you going?”
Carly kept running.
Bobby followed her past the school with red hearted windows, along the bubbling creek, and up to a swingset next to a small house.
Panting, he said, “Aren’t you going to the party?”
“I can’t”
“But you were just there.”
“I want to, but I can’t.”
Bobby hopped on the swing next to her and said, “Then I can’t either.”
They swung low.
They swung high.
They swung until a tear fell from Carly’s eye.
Bobby jumped off his swing. “Now will you tell me?”
Carly sniffled. “I can’t walk under the ladder.”
Bobby shrugged. “Why?”
“Because!”
“Because why?”
“Just because!”
Bobby scrunched his face. “Okay, I know what to do.”
He took her hand and pulled her along the creek, past hearted windows, and to the shed. “Wait here.”
He gripped the ladder’s legs and pulled sideways until the ladder no longer covered the doorway.
Hand in hand they went into the party.
Sooo sweet!!
Thanks Bobby, you saved the day.
DARRYL, THE DOOMED
By Linda Staszak 213 words
Darryl leaped over every sidewalk crack as he raced to school.
“What are you doing?” Max yelled.
“I’m trying everything…I’m desperate!” Darryl cried.
Max frowned. “Huh?”
“I tried to get a snow day—I looked it up. I wore my pjs inside out. I stuck a spoon under my pillow. I even put a white crayon in the freezer…nothing. Valentine’s Day is the WORST!”
Max laughed. “You’re freaking out about Valentine’s Day?”
Darryl’s cheeks reddened. “Callie talked to me. I’m afraid she’s going to put a mushy card in my Valentine box. I have to stop the party.”
BRRRRRNNNNNNNGGGGG!
They dashed to their seats. “Cross your fingers,” Max whispered.
Darryl even crossed his toes for extra luck.
When lunch fi-i-i-nally came, Darryl was more jittery than ever.
“It’s almost party time,” Max teased.
Darryl ignored him. “Look, a penny—that’s good luck. Oh nooooo—it’s not heads up. That’s bad luck.”
Max grinned. “You know it’s Friday, and Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, right?”
“Then…today’s Friday 13th! Nooooo—I’m DOOMED,” Darryl moaned.
He slumped, but Max nudged him.
“Callie put something in your Valentine box.”
Darryl’s head drooped. “It happened,” he groaned.
He trudged to the box and peeked inside…
“It’s a hockey card! My favorite player! I knew this superstition stuff was silly.”
Nice twist at the end. Good luck!
Thank you!
The Fateful Hopscotch Game
By Sara Dykstra
Word count: 206
“Hurry up!” Yells Evan’s big brother Scott.
The neighborhood baseball game is about to start. Scott does NOT want to be late.
It’s Evan’s fault they are running behind. He was putting the finishing touches on a Valentine’s Day card for their mom.
“Happy Valentine’s Day Evan! Wanna play?” Ask his friends Lily and Megan.
“Sorry! Can’t stop!” He replies, hopping through their hopscotch game.
“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back,” they sing.
Evan screeches to a stop.
“What?” Evan looks with dismay at his feet, standing squarely on one long crack.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Scott calls after Evan.
The run home seems to take forever.
“Mom!”
“Upstairs!”
Evan finds his mom sitting on her bedroom floor.
“Evan! Is everything all right?”
“You’re okay?”
“Yes, sweetie. I’m just upset. A clay figurine you made me broke.”
Relieved, he engulfs her in a kid-sized bear hug.
Evan decides to give her the Valentine right away. “Be right back!”
“A Valentine for me?” She asks, reaching for it.
Evan turns cold when he sees the broken figurine. It’s one he made… of his mom.
“I don’t understand. It just fell off the shelf by itself.”
Evan knows what happened.
He stepped on a crack.
Evan’s fear is palpable and using the clay figurine is eerily clever!
Just Otto’s Luck
By Russell Wolff
214 words
Otto’s guts churned when he saw the calendar. He took seven sips of water to calm himself.
This year, Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday. Which meant his class would celebrate it on Friday.
THE 13TH
The unluckiest day ever.
Otto stared at his valentine for Flavia, the one he’d worked on for weeks. This did not bode well.
Otto was super superstitious. But he was also super determined. He dashed straight to the library (avoiding sidewalk cracks, ladders, and black cats, of course).
He studied every book on how to ward off hexes and hoodoo, jinxes and bad juju.
On the fateful Friday, Otto came to school prepared.
He had his special valentine for Flavia,
a backpack stacked with pennies heads up,
a frontpack full of rabbits with all their fortunate feet,
pockets stuffed with garlic, horseshoes, and a four-leaf clover,
and an elephant.
Flavia’s eyes met Otto’s from across the classroom. Otto couldn’t help but smile
until
a rabbit leapt from Otto’s pack and landed on the elephant’s head.
The elephant trumpeted and bumped Otto,
spilling the contents of Otto’s pockets,
sending rabbits flying,
scattering pennies,
and hurling Otto headlong into Flavia,
who gasped,
who laughed,
who handed him a big paper heart that said, “For Otto. Be my valentine!”
What luck!
*****
I can easily imagine the chaos! Good luck to you!
Nice job – funny and cute
Thank you!
Sweet and funny, a perfect combo 🙂
Thanks!
I loved your twist on the story. I didn’t see it coming.
Good luck!
What a fun story! Loved your word play and rhythm, including: “hexes and hoodoo, jinxes and bad juju”
I can really picture this as an illustrated book. It would be a fun one!
The Lucky 13 Valentine
by Marty Bellis
200 wc
On Friday, the thirteenth of February, at precisely thirteen minutes past three, Hanna began.
Using thirteen magic markers, she drew thirteen tiny hearts on one giant heart-shaped piece of paper.
Added thirteen stickers and thirteen smiley faces.
Now for the message.
One with exactly thirteen letters.
Hanna wrote and rewrote; counted and recounted.
Scratched out.
Erased.
Started again.
Too many.
Too few.
How could she say everything she wanted to say in thirteen letters?
But she had to. This valentine needed to do its job.
Thirteen minutes later – or so it seemed to Hanna – she had a solution.
Happy and excited, she wrote her message, and sealed the valentine in its envelope.
Ready for tomorrow.
Across the front she printed “Valentine’s Day” . . . thirteen letters!
And now, when she counted every word she’d written, it totaled . . .
. . . thirteen!
On the fourteenth of February, Hanna and her mom walked into the nursing home, to deliver her valentine . . . . . .
to her favorite person in the whole world, . . .
who had always told her his lucky number was thirteen.
When he opened it, he found three lines, each containing thirteen letters.
No more. No less.
He read:
Feel better, Opa.
We need you home.
I love you. Hanna
I was not expecting how sweet this would be! And how cool that Valentine’s Day is 13 letters! Great job!
What a beautiful story – love the whole wrap around #13
Super sweet story !
I love this idea. As someone whose birthday is the 13th (and, on occasion, on a Friday as well) I’ve always thought 13 was a lucky number!
I love that you showed how hard Hanna worked to make those 13s happen! And what a sweet ending.
This a sweet story! You definitely met the theme!
Wonderful job bringing Hanna’s determination and love for Opa alive with the added superstition and math layers!
Marty, this story moved me! 💕So clever and a fun twist on superstition with the number 13. Well done!!!!!!!
Well done, Marty! (also 13 letters)
Cupid vs the King Cake Baby
By Candice Marley Conner
213 words
King Cake Baby circled his favorite day of the year, Fat Tuesday. Cupid, who was getting his bow and arrow ready for HIS favorite day of the year, gasped. And accidentally let go of the arrow.
Cupid shot the king cake baby in the butt.
“Ouch! Mon derriére! What was that for?”
“February 14th is MY FAVORITE DAY. You can’t have it.”
“Mardi Gras is more fun than Valentine’s. We have parades! Your candy hearts taste like sidewalk chalk.”
“Your Moon Pies aren’t even made out of the moon.”
Fat Tuesday didn’t always fall on February 14th, but this year it did.
Cupid did not want to share his special day. “I make people fall in love. Mardi Gras lasts for weeks. I only get one day.”
“But Fat Tuesday is the last day to eat yummy treats. People should love each other every day.”
Cupid’s lip trembled.
King Cake Baby frowned. If Cupid was sad, would Baby have bad luck finding love? Then he had an idea.
“There’s a superstition that whoever finds the baby in the king cake gets to be king or queen for the day.” King Cake Baby handed a slice to Cupid.
Cupid’s face lit up.
King Cake Baby danced. “You’re king for the day, let’s celebrate you!”
“People should love each other every day”
Words to live by!!
What a clever idea including Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras! Love this 🙂
Great idea! I was just wondering today (as I prepare to go the MG parades) if Mardi Gras ever fell on Valentine’s Day. It’s only a few days off this year!
Fun conflict between the characters! (And KCB isn’t wrong about those heart candies…)
A nice mash up, Candice. good luck!
An interesting mash-up and two cute determined characters. Glad they found a solution that worked for both of them.
Title: Knock on Wood
Author: Greg Beatty
Word Count: 207
Brrring!
“Hello?” Alice’s mother said.
No one answered. All she heard was three quick taps:
Tap-tap-tap!
“Well, that’s strange,” she said.
Alice didn’t answer. She just stared out of the car window, looking more and more scared.
“Honey, we talked about this. It’s a new school, but we toured it. You played on the playground. You know where the restrooms are.”
Alice didn’t answer.
Her mother’s phone rang again.
“Hello?”
Tap-tap-tap!
“Now that’s really weird!” she said.
“Listen,” she added, more to distract Alice than anything else.
Tap-tap-tap!
Alice laughed and turned toward her mother. “Tap back, mom. You gotta!”
“Why?”
“That’s grandpa. He’s knocking on wood, to make sure my first day goes good.”
“Knocking on wood? That’s just a silly superstition.”
“Gimme!” Alice said.
Frowning, her mother gave Alice the phone. Alice looked around, but didn’t find anything. Finally, she opened her mouth and bonked her knuckles on her head three times: Tap. Tap. Tap.
A thumbs up emoji appeared on the screen. Alice laughed and ended the call.
“Alley Cat, I promise. Everything’s going to be fine.”
“I know.”
“I—you know?”
“Sure. Grandpa called to make sure I had good luck on my first day.”
“Well, that’s ridic—”
“Look! A parking space.”
THE END
“People should love each other every day”
Words to live by!!
A Purrfect Valentine
By Jessica Jenson
(184 Words)
Here I sit, my stomach sinking,
Staring in your eyes, unblinking.
Wish I knew what mom was THINKING
When she thought to bring you here!
“Here’s your Valentine!” she’d bubbled,
Handing me a box of trouble,
Inky fur, white whisker stubble,
Swishing tail, and twitching ears.
Mom should know I’m superstitious,
That I find black cats suspicious.
Though you don’t seem very vicious,
You are something I should fear!
If she’d only brought me flowers,
Cards, or candy – sweet or sour!
Not a gift that makes me cower!
You, my Valentine, are WEIRD!
What if all the tales are true
And I’ll have bad luck crossing you?
I really should tell you to shoo
Despite how cuddly you appear.
Now, I’m not sure what you’re doing,
But your purring, pawing, mewing
Has me melting, petting, cooing,
Nestle-nuzzling you near!
Maybe tales should be rewritten
‘Cause a kitten’s just a kitten
And the color of your mittens
Doesn’t mean I should stay clear.
As I stroke your midnight fur
And listen to your rumbling purr,
A great epiphany occurs!
I love you, Valentine, my dear!
This was a fun read! The fast rhythm and pacing really matches the MC’s anxiety!
“You, my Valentine, are WEIRD!” Ha! Great entry 🙂
I love the rhyme scheme. Also, my first and favorite kitten ever was a black cat with white mittens!
Falling in love with the black kitten – I love it! Also enjoyed the rhythm and rhyme.
Bear’s Valentine Surprise
By Jessica Iwanski
209 Words
It was Valentine’s morning when Bear left his house,
on the hunt for a gift for his dearest friend Mouse.
But as he searched onward, Bear started to fret.
He was going to need all the luck he could get!
So he wished on the seeds of a dandelion weed.
He searched all the fields for the clover he’d need.
He crossed all his bear claws and wrinkled his nose.
He even tried wishing on Old Rabbit’s toes!
But nothing was working and no ideas stuck.
Maybe knocking on wood could at last bring him luck?
KNOCK-KNOCK! Through the forest, Bear thumped and he bumped.
But 100 trees later and still he was stumped!
Then POP! Through the bushes a small nose peeked out.
It was Mouse! And it seemed that Bear’s time had run out.
“Oh, Mouse!” Bear exclaimed. “I am sorry to say
I have nothing to give you for Valentine’s Day.”
But Mouse only beamed, “Silly Bear! See the trees?
Your knocking on wood dropped the acorns for me!”
And as Bear turned around he could see, clear as day,
the trail of fresh acorns he’d bumped on his way!
So the friends gathered treats side-by-side, two-by-two,
and they shared the surprise, as true Valentines do.
So cute❣️
Jessica!!!! I LOVE your superstitious Bear and your ending was so surprising and so perfect, as was your rhyme and meter!!!! Wow!!! It’s also so fun to read aloud! Good luck in the contest!!!
I don’t write in rhyme, but loved this. You’re knocking on wood dropped the acorns for me!
Nicely done!,
Really great!
Lucky Troll (213 words)
By Lauri C. Meyers
Troll was tired of people trying to rub his hair for good luck. They would set traps in the fjord, creep into his cave, and even sneak up on him under the bathroom bridge.
Lovebirds were the worst.
“Hallo, Troll! Can I rub your hair?”
No.
“But it’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m in love!”
So?
“Her name is Helga.”
Pfff.
“She’s the fastest wood chopper in town. She can carry a goat on each shoulder. AND she icefishes with her bare hands.”
Meh.
“Please, just a little rub?”
No. Give her a shiny rock, a bloom, a feather, but leave me alone.
“I have wildflowers, truffles, and a beautiful poem. I just need a smidge of your luck.”
Ugh.
“Haven’t you ever been in love?”
Ahhh, my Trollga. I gave her stinky mushrooms, rotten trout, and foot cheese. But she only stole my heart. And my cheese.
“One rub?”
Fine. For love.
“Ooh, I feel the luck now!”
Read me your poem.
Oh Helga, my Helga,
I wanted to tell ya,
you’re swell as a gal can be.
The day that I smelt ya
logging I felt ma
heart fall before the tree.
Make me, my Helga,
the luckiest fella:
Spend Valentines Day with me!
Uff da. You may need a second rub.
Hilarious!
Crazy but original. I like the setting, it’s fresh.
Love the ending, and a rollicking rhythm within prose is a cool effect!
This one is so much fun! Well done.
Very fresh and unique AND funny! I remember those trolls with the unruly mop of hair sprouting from the top. Well done!
Haha!!! Love your funny story, especially that grumpy troll!!!!
SANDY’S FUCHSIA SUPERSTITION (213 words)
by Lizzie Brooks
Sandy wasn’t superstitious…
Except for once a year.
Today. VALENTINE’S DAY.
For her, that meant wearing only fuchsia.
What would happen if her single-color strategy shifted?
She didn’t know. She’d never dare try.
Maybe nobody would give her valentines.
Maybe she’d get only the yucky flavors in her heart-shaped chocolate box.
Maybe an alien would zoom down from space and demand to be her dinner date!
Luckily, none of that was a concern.
It was a fantastic fuchsia Friday.
Sandy sailed across the monkey bars.
She was fast and free, then—
FLOP!
The doctor said stitches would help her heal.
Sandy looked down.
“These stitches are BLUUUUE!”
“Those are super-stitches,” said the doctor. “They dissolve over time.”
“They should be FUCHSIA!” shouted Sandy.
At home, a multi-colored catastrophe was in full swing.
Sandy had left her valentines at school.
Her chocolate truffles were all rhubarb (ick!).
“I bet an alien’s on his way.”
With no hope left, she changed into pajamas (which had a billion colors) and hobbled to the porch to pout.
A flutter.
A flash of… fuchsia.
Something landed on Sandy’s rainbow PJs.
“A butterfly,” she whispered. “If they land on you, it’s …good luck. They must love the colors!”
And just like that, Sandy’s new Valentine’s Day superstition was born.
Thank goodness the butterfly came along.
Not the blue stitches!!!!!!!Ahh! I was right there with her. Nice tension and a colorful spin on superstition!
Valentino
Rose was walking home from school, looking for 4-leaf clovers and a penny on the ground. But no luck. “I can’t step on cracks, either.” A black cat ran out from under a bush. It stopped and looked at her, then ran off. “I can’t be superstitious just because it’s Friday the 13th.” She closed her eyes, took a deep breath then ran all the way home. “I made it. I gotta finish Mom’s Valentine for tomorrow.” She headed to her room. She got her good luck charm and rabbits foot and sat them beside her and got started. When she was done, she took it to her mom. “I know it’s early, but here is my Valentines card for you, Mom.” “Thank you, Rosie. Why today?” “I wanted to have good luck today, not bad luck..” Sha hugged her mom. “Do you want yours today or wait for tomorrow?” “Today!” Mom went to the garage and brought back a pet carrier and sat it in front of Rose. “Open it.” Rose slowly opened it and a tiny black kitten came out. Rose picked it up and hugged it. “Mom. Aren’t black cats bad luck?” “Not this one. He has white spots on his belly. That counteracts the bad luck!” “I’m naming him Valentino!”
-Paige
Thank goodness the cat had a white spot.
THE POWER OF PINK
By Jamie Donahoe
214 Words
Marco searched his sock drawer for the third time. Ten minutes until his ride to the Valentine Dance arrived, and his lucky red socks were nowhere to be found.
Hoping they were downstairs, he dashed to the laundry room to grab his best white shirt, tore open the dryer and found…
Pink! Everything was streaked strawberry-ice-cream pink!
His heart crashed, his lungs collapsed. The culprit revealed – traitorous socks against his formerly white polo. Complete disaster.
What to do, what to do? He’d pinned his hopes on this outfit, not much else was clean, and he couldn’t wear a graphic tee. His phone pinged. His ride was here.
He donned the smeary pink shirt, pulled on the maybe-not-so-lucky socks, grabbed a hoodie as an emergency cover up.
The gym was hot; the hoodie had to go.
He looked across the floor and gulped. There she was.
Could he do this? Heart pounding, cursing his bad-luck laundry, he took a deep breath and walked over to her.
Just then, the lights dimmed, the strobes flashed.
“Cool shirt,” she said.
“W-w-would you like to dance?” he asked, just like his dad had taught him. Alyssa smiled and grabbed his hand.
“How’d it go?” his dad asked, driving home.
“Tonight,” Marco grinned, “I learned the power of pink.”
“traitorous socks” in the laundry is universal i think! Thanks for your story.
The Power of Pink! A new super power! Well done!
FIND YOUR LOVE (214 words)
by Debra Collins
Before asking Mom, Mindy stayed on her best behavior. But she used magic, too. She wished on birthday candles, ladybugs, dandelion fluff, and the evening star. Then,
“See a penny, pick it up, and you’ll be sure to have good luck!”
So, of course Mom said YES. On Valentine’s Day, at the “Find Your Love” fair, Mindy would get a kitten. But –
The day before Valentine’s Day,
“Mew!”
A black cat!
“SHOO!” Mindy shouted. “You’re bad luck!”
Then Mindy heard someone sneeze. That meant what she just said was true!
To break the jinx, Mindy knocked on wood. She threw salt over her shoulder. But even with her lucky penny under her pillow, she couldn’t sleep. Bad luck. She’d wake up sick. Mom would change her mind. The fair would be cancelled…
None of that happened, but at the “Find Your Love” fair…
“Mew!”
Mindy froze.
A worker said, “We thought we’d found this one a home, but the lady couldn’t stop sneezing. Now he’ll wait months again, because he’s a black cat. They aren’t bad luck. They have bad luck.”
Mindy stared into the cat’s eyes, bright as copper pennies.
“See a penny, pick it up, and you’ll be sure to have good luck!”
That night, Mindy slept…
with Penny sharing her pillow.
So sweet, so she adopted Penny.
Awwww, heartwarming!
Penny For Your Thoughts WC: 212
By Catherine Zampier
I’m stepping over all the sidewalk cracks (I’m not gonna “break my mother’s back”). And there it was! A 1913 penny. Black, dirty, and heads-up.
“Hot-diggity dog!” I said.
The jingle from the screen door bell at Barna’s General Store welcomes me in. A sweet-smelling cloud of Valentine candies on display greet me.
“What’s doin’?” old man Barna asks donning his usual white apron.
“It’s Friday the thirteenth and I found a penny on the sidewalk. A 1913 penny,” I brag. “Thirteen is my lucky number.”
“That penny is almost 30 years old. I’d hang on to that.” He added, “Reminds me of my real rabbit’s foot I rub for good luck. Had it since I was your age.”
I hand him Mama’s grocery list (she won’t dare go anywhere on the thirteenth) and Mr. Barna starts bagging items. He then asks, “Olga Agnes Volk, how about a hot cinnamon candy stick on me and a heart candy?”
My eyes widened. He remembered my full name (which has thirteen letters) and my favorite candy. “Thank you! First a penny and now free candy.” Mr. Barna chuckled.
Excited, I scoot home where there’s another surprise. I can’t tell if Mama is happy or sad, but our cat Valentine just had 13 kittens!
OMG! Thirteen cats. I have 8 and a stray cat has arrived recently and I think she’s a female. I hope she’s not expecting a litter. My cats follow her and hiss. She’s an intruder. Good luck!
Lovely. Whiskers are great after all.
Good luck!
My Lucky Pencil (WC:154)
By Leslie Ross-Degnan
Dear Valentine,
I’m writing you this letter with my lucky number two.
A pencil that convinced me I should write these words to you
.
This pencil never lets me down. It always brings good luck.
For spelling tests and essays, or whenever words get stuck.
My pencil’s sentimental. It likes to speak of love,
With promises of chocolate as hearts float from above.
I think you are as pretty, as any girl could be.
I wonder if you think you’d ever like a boy like me?
If only you will answer yes, my pencil might be still.
I left the chocolates just for you, upon the windowsill.
Without my lucky pencil, I’d never have the chance,
To write of love & chocolates or hope for a romance.
I’m sure you must be wondering whoever I might be.
You’ll have to ask my pencil ‘cause you won’t hear it from me!
Love,
Lucky Number Two
The Red Cardinal
By: Christy Wood
W.C 214
It was Valentine’s Day, so Leo should have felt happy. But he didn’t. He missed his Grammy.
Leo found a Valentine’s card from Grammy in a shoebox under his bed. It was from last year. He remembered that Grammy had been sick, but she had sent a card anyway. It said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Leo. I will always love you.”
He looked at the paper heart he had started making for Dad and thought, My own heart feels all crumpled up. What if I never see Grammy again? he worried.
Dad came into his room to check on him.“What’s wrong, Leo?” he asked.
Leo pointed to the card.
“Ahh, I see,” Dad said softly.
Dad walked over to the window and narrowed his eyes at something outside. “Leo, come take a look.”
It was a beautiful, sunny, and cold February day. The ground, the trees, everything was covered in snow.
Leo looked out the window and saw a vibrant red cardinal perched on a tree branch.
“You know,” Dad said, “Grammy always said that when a cardinal appears, it means a loved one from heaven is visiting you.”
Leo looked back at the word always in the card from Grammy. He understood what she meant.
I will always love you, too, he thought.
CRUMBLED VALENTINE
210 words
by Sarah Hetu
Mallory counted the Valentine cookies she had made for Theo. “Thirteen?! Bad luck.” She ate one. “That’s better.”
“Can you drive me to Theo’s?” Mallory asked her brother, Apollo.
“I have a date,” Apollo said as he styled his hair. Oops! The brush smacked the mirror.
CRACK.
Mallory gasped. “That’s bad luck.”
Apollo’s phone beeped. “She canceled!”
A wet nose nuzzled Mallory’s hand. Styx. “I’ll walk.” She secured the cookies to Styx’s harness.
Outside, her dad was shoveling snow off the roof.
“Bye, Dad.”
“Bye, Mally.”
A black cat darted in front of them.
Styx yanked the leash out of Mallory’s hand and bolted—with the cookies.
Mallory sprinted after Styx, but the dog was too fast. She trudged home.
“Dad!” Mallory called.
“Yikes!” Her dad slipped off the roof.
“Dad, are you okay?”
“Yes—luckily I landed in the snow.”
Mallory burst into tears. “Lucky?! Today has been totally unlucky—the cat, the mirror, thirteen cookies!”
A car pulled up, and Theo jumped out. “Happy Valentine’s Day!” He handed Mallory a package.
Styx returned, his snout covered in purple crumbs.
“That was your present,” Mallory said.
“Friendship is a present, too,” Theo said.
Theo’s words felt like a hug. “I’m lucky you’re my friend,” Mallory said. “Want to bake cookies with me?”
BETTER THAN BLANK
By: Alicia Meyers
WC: 198
I’ve basically been waiting
one billion five hours
to dig into my brown bag
of Valentine treats.
It looks like it’s exploding
with love for me.
“It’s time,” my teacher smiles.
Crinkle, crinkle. . .
DUMP!
Oodles of cards and candy!
I stack my chocolates from big to small,
rip open the candy hearts,
and read each card.
You’re dino-mite–from JJ,
We make a great pear–from Eve,
Bee mine–from Lyla,
and…huh?
A card from…
Nobody?
No clue in the “TO”?
No one in the “FROM”?
Does blank mean bad luck?
Is empty unlucky?
or even worse…
Does someone not LOVE ME?
I’ve basically been waiting
one billion five hours
for this very special day.
I’ve gotta break the bad luck!
I spin around and jump three times.
Blank.
Knock on my wooden desk and my head.
Blank!
Cross my fingers, close my eyes, and whisper…
Un-jinx, un-jinx, un-jinx!
But, still…
Blank! Blank! Bla—
I open my eyes and see
right in front of me–
My best friend,
Sebastian.
Holding a hot pink, frilly-laced heart box,
with my name on it.
Very non-blank.
More special than a card with a name.
A gift from the heart.
From a friend who loves me.
Better than blank.
ENTRY POSTED FOR KATE
Unlucky Valentine’s Day
By: Kate Folan (214 Words)
So, you want me to think that today is all about love and friendship? Well you can’t fool me.
I know that red hearts, and yummy candy, and the super cute stuffed bears are hiding a big secret. You think that just because February 13th was yesterday, that we have nothing to worry about today? Well, listen to me.
The number 13 is serious.
Lucy ate 13 grapes and got a bad grade on the reading test. And Jake, who lives at 13 Bedford Lane, had TWO flat tires on his bike!
All day yesterday I was scared that something bad was definitely going to happen. But I woke up today, February 14th, thinking it was all over. I survived the 13th and I have a whole month until the next 13!
Then I saw it.
“Valentine’s Day”. Gasp! No!
How did I miss it before? I am very good at seeing the itty-bitty important stuff! How come I didn’t notice that Valentine’s Day has 13 letters?!
Aaah! It’s everywhere! But wait, 13 is a number. It’s only a number. And numbers can’t hurt me…right?
Of course numbers can’t hurt me! Phew! I feel better already.
Goodbye number 13, and hello Valentine’s Day!
(Hmm..I wonder if candy and roses are unlucky.)
THIS SUPERSTITION STUFF
By Linda Staszak 212 words
Cupid Junior grabbed his bow just as Sam’s bike skidded to a stop.
“Hey Junior, whatcha doing?”
“Practicing,” Junior said. “I’m going to show Dad I’m ready to go with him on Valentine’s Day. Watch, I’m getting better.”
He lifted an arrow and took aim but…
A black cat leaped out in front of him.
Twanggg. Thwaaaak! Pop, pop, pop!
“Oh no, Dad’s heart balloons,” said Junior. “Snowflake, look what you made me do.”
“Snowflake? The cat’s black,” Sam snorted. “You know it’s bad luck if a black cat crosses in front of you.”
Junior shrugged. “That’s just superstition.”
He grabbed another arrow, twanggg—pfzzzzzttttt.
“My tire!” yelled Sam. “You better quit!”
“Sorry.”
Junior tried again—twanggg—CRASH!
His face scrunched. “Uh oh, I broke Mom’s mirror. IF I was superstitious, that’d be five years of bad luck.”
“Actually a broken mirror is 7 years,” corrected Sam.
“Worse,” moaned Junior. “Wait, 7 is my lucky number. So it’s 7 years of good luck.”
Just then from inside the house a rumble arose and erupted…“JUNIOR!”
“That sounds like bad luck to me,” Sam said. “I think I’m going somewhere…else.”
“I think I’m going with you,” Junior said. “I’ll keep practicing for next Valentine’s Day. Maybe there’s something to this superstition stuff after all.”
LORELEI LADYBUG AND THE “U” OF THE SHOE: A VALENTINE STORY
By Jacqui Boulter
WC:213
Lorelei Ladybug loved delivering Valentines.
She delivered her Valentine to Bear in his cave.
Even in the dark, she was fearless and brave.
But she spooked at the “U” of Horse’s old shoe that served as the entrance to Mouse’s house.
She remembered the rhyme from the book by her bed.
“Beware of the “U” of the shoe. / A sticky spider web is woven through.”
No card delivered.
Lorelei opened the book to Little Boy Blue.
“I am afraid of the “U” of the shoe,” she explained. “Are you?”
“Maybe Cow can help,” he said.
Lorelei met Cow on the Moon on page 10.
“Can you jump over the “U” of the shoe and deliver Mouse’s Valentine?” asked Lorelei.
“Maybe Pig can help,” said Cow.
Lorelei turned the page.
Pig sat bawling in his pigpen.
“I miss Spider,” said Pig. “She left the book.”
“I know where to look,” said Lorelei.
They flew to the horseshoe. Above the heels, Spider had spun a word web.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Pig!” it read.
“You convinced Pig to fly!” said Spider. “Thank you, Lorelei.”
Lorelei was no longer afraid to fly through the “U” of the shoe because she realized that not all
nursery rhymes are true.
She delivered Mouse’s Valentine and off she flew.
THE KACHI-KACHI (214 words)
By: Amanda Paniagua
“Shoo!” That yucky dragonfly is too close– it might pop my pink balloon!
“Hija,” Papi smiles. “You found a kachi-kachi.”
“A… what?”
“A kachi-kachi! When I was a boy in Peru, Abuela always used to say they were a sign of something NEW to come,” he answers. “Once it was a baby llama. Another time, it was a new school for our village.”
“Ooh!” What new thing is coming soon? Maybe I’m getting a new dress for our Valentine’s Day party!
BZZZ… POP!
“HEEEEEY!” I yell and swat!
“Tranquila,” Papi frowns. “Get another balloon de adentro.”
But inside, I only find white balloons. No pink!
“DUMB BALLOONS!” I shout and kick!
“Get dressed para la fiesta,” Mami commands.
My OLD dress from last Valentine’s is on my bed.
“VESTIDO FEO!” I howl and throw!
“Tranquila!” Mami exclaims.
But I don’t WANT to calm down!
I want my pink balloon! And my new party dress! And…
DING-DONG.
___
My best friends, cousins, tíos and even our neighbors are here! We laugh and play and exchange valentines. Mami hands out pink-frosted cookies.
“Gracias,” I hug her tight. “This is the funnest Valentine’s Day ever.”
Papi smiles. “Hija, I see the new ‘thing’ that came from the kachi-kachi’s visit. You’ve got a new… attitude!”
“Si!” I laugh.
Awww, I love this, Amanda! Great little twist at the end 🙂
HEARTY THE PIG
Hearty the Pig was confused. Why was he on the Valentine’s Day shelf? He was just a pig.
There must have been a mistake. He was Hearty, like big, not Heart-y, like Valentine’s.
He didn’t care about the mistake until he heard about the Curse.
“Valentine’s toys that aren’t bought by Valentine’s Day disappear, forever,” whispered a pink stuffed puppy.
Hearty was worried. He couldn’t compete with puppies, or bunnies, or heart-shaped chocolates.
Every day, people bought real toys. Every night, Hearty was still there.
Valentine’s Day arrived. No one bought Hearty.
After closing up, the Owner tossed Hearty, a teddy bear missing a button, and the other rejected toys into a bag.
They held hands; they hated disappearing.
Through a hole, Hearty could see a dumpster getting bigger.
He closed his eyes. He held his breath. He was terrified.
Nothing happened.
He peeked through the hole. The dumpster was getting smaller!
After a while, they entered a big building with white and red lights.
Hearty could see a long hallway with lots of doors.
The Owner stopped at each one and took out one of the toys.
Finally, the Owner grabbed Hearty, and handed him to a child lying in a bed.
“Look Mommy, someone did bring me a Valentine!”
Hearty was happy.
Valentine Vandal
by Ginger Burke (207 words)
Fergus the Leprechaun cackles and schemes,
determined to capture the food of his dreams.
He hankers for Cupid’s confections and sweets.
“More cupcakes with sprinkles—less corned beef to eat!”
Valentine yummies beckon him over.
He’ll surely be lucky with pockets of clover.
He sneaks into class while the kids are at lunch.
Finding their candy, he snatches the bunch.
He stuffs his green hat with treasures galore—
Toffees and chocolates and gummies and more.
Removing his clover, he grabs candy hearts.
His pockets now bulging, he winks and departs.
The students return. Their classroom’s a mess.
“But look! Four leaf clovers!” “Yippee!” and “Oh, yes!”
As he’s escaping, sly Fergus hears cheers.
“Why aren’t they pouting? Where are their tears?”
“They must have more loot!” He turns in a flash,
imagining truffles and taffy and…
CRASH!
Poor Fergus forgot that he gave up his luck.
He trips on a pothole—his black boot gets stuck.
His hat tumbles off and out spills his stash.
A rainbow of candies appears with a splash.
The kids hear the ruckus and race to the streets.
They help pull him out in exchange for his treats.
Our not-so-elusive, unlucky, green thief
hobbles back home for his meal of corned beef.
Very clever how you create a consequence for giving up the clover that results in him losing all the loot!
Ginger, I love your way with words and clever rhyme schemes. Fergus is a fantastic character that I’d like to read in a PB…please continue!
Very clever! I love mixing in the leprechaun with Valentine’s Day.
Oh, this is too cute. I love it.
From your awesome alliterative title to your rollicking rhyme to the spectacular story arc, this poem is a true treat. I especially love the poetic justice of your, er, twist ending!
Candy Heart Courage
By Annette Teepe 213 Words
Mom smiled. “I have a surprise for you!”
She handed me a small box of candy hearts.
“These are Magic 8 Ball Valentine’s Candy Hearts,”she said. “If you shake the box and ask a question, the hearts will give you an answer. They only work today, so have a great time!”
I packed my Valentine’s cards for my classmates and my decorated shoebox. Then I hugged my magic heart box tight to my chest and headed off to school.
I love parties, and Valentine’s Day was a great chance to make friends. Being a new kid is difficult, and I wanted to fit in.
At my desk, I whispered, “Will I make a new friend today?”
I shook the box and read the heart that came out.
YES.
“How do I do that?” I asked.
BE YOU
“Does Sophia like me? Please tell me, what does she think of me?”
QT PIE
I blushed. Now I was afraid to talk to her.
“What do I do?” I whispered.
GO 4 IT
I walked up to Sophia and offered her a Valentine.
She turned as pink as one of the candy hearts, then smiled and handed me one too.
I shook the box and showed Sophia the heart.
FRIENDS
Best Valentine’s Day ever!
Dear Sidewalk Crack
By Bethany Brodsky
Word count: 210
Dear Sidewalk Crack,
I plan to step on you every day this week. I cannot survive another pink glitter heart fiasco in front of the whole class.
Sincerely,
Jimmy
Hello Jimmy,
Happy to be of service.
Yours,
Mr. Crack
Mr. Crack,
Valentine’s Day is almost here and I heard Stacey still likes me. What else can I do?
Thanks,
Jimmy
Jimmy,
Way to be proactive! The neighbor down the street has a black cat. Zigzag in its path on the way to school for maximum impact.
Proudly,
Mr. Crack
P.S. Is that ladder still pressed against the wall? You know what to do.
Mr. Crack,
Stacey keeps staring at me. I can’t be too careful. Thanks for the suggestions.
Anxiously,
Jimmy
Hey Jimmy,
I saw you with that umbrella inside. Very advanced work.
Impressed,
Mr. Crack
Mr. Crack,
Great news! I broke my leg and will miss Valentine’s Day because I’m getting a cast. No way I’ll be mortified in front of the whole class again!
Thrilled,
Jimmy
Jimmy,
Congrats! Wishing you a speedy, embarrassment-free recovery.
Professionally,
Mr. Crack
Lucky Rabbit Foot,
EEEK! My teacher moved Jimmy’s desk next to mine so I can be his special helper all day long while he’s on crutches. THANK YOU!
Ecstatically,
Stacey
Hard to pick my favorite line of Mr Crack’s. His voice has me in stitches! Delightful twist at the end. I feel a sequel coming on.
Clever and hilarious 🙂
LOL! So funny! I was chuckling when he was thrilled to break his leg, and Stacey’s ending is perfect 🙂
VALENTINE DELIVERY DAY
By Margaret Robison
212 words
“Ta da! Finished my Valentine card for Val. Now, off to deliver it in person.”
Opening the door, the lucky horseshoe swung upside down.
“Oh, no! Bad luck,” said Vince.
A black cat sat on the porch.
“Drats! Worse luck! Shoo.”
The cat followed him down the sidewalk.
“Go away.”
Vince was so flustered that he accidentally walked under a ladder.
“Uh-oh, big mistake.”
Behind him, the black cat followed.
“Hey, cat. Leave me alone!”
He crossed the street to lose the cat.
No such luck.
Now the cat was gaining on him, so Vince picked up his pace.
“Argghh. I’ve stepped on three sidewalk cracks in a row! This is terrible!”
“Yay! I see her house. I’m almost there. Please, no more bad luck!”
Vince dashed down the sidewalk.
He bounded up the steps and rang Val’s doorbell. As Val opened the door, Vince stumbled inside. The cat slipped in behind him.
“Oh, Lucky, you’ve come home!” said Val as she picked up the cat.
“It-it’s yours?” stammered Vince. He slumped against the door and handed Val the card. He mumbled, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“How sweet, Vince, but you’re a day early. Today is Friday the 13th. However, since you’re here, would you like to go see that new movie, Superstition?