Would you look at that?

The Spring Equinox has yet to arrive!

Daylight Savings Time (ridiculous as it is) is not even here yet!

And here I am, posting the finalists for. . .

The 11th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest!!!

~ for children’s writers ~

Apologies for taking so long with the judging, but you guys made it exceptionally difficult! Trying to choose 14 finalists from this group was agonizing and virtually impossible! We did our best to choose the ones that felt like they really showed superstition, and also felt like Valentine’s Day, and also had strong kid appeal, and were strong stories, adn also showed creative, out-of-the-box thinking. And there were MANY great entries that, while they fell just shy of the contest parameters, were still great stories! Really fabulous job, everyone!!!

Given that you have been patiently waiting for 2 weeks, I am thrilled to present your finalists without further ado!

Please read through them and ENJOY! and then vote for your favorite in the poll below by 5 PM Eastern Tuesday March 3rd! I encourage you to share this post – the finalists deserve to be read by as many people as possible! but please, as always, if you are a finalist, please do not troll for votes. It is counter to the spirit of the competition!

And thank you in advance for the time you put in to reading these 14 fantastic finalists – I think it will be worth it! 😊

#1 Ponya The Red Panda’s Lucky Valentine

On Valentine’s Day, Ponya the red panda hoped for a Valentine.

“I need a little luck,” she whispered, fluffing her striped tail.

Early, she wandered near a sparkling stream and saw a red clover with perfect leaves. She plucked it. “Lucky me!”

Above her, branches swayed. A yellow-throated marten climbed a tree.

Ponya called, “Will you be my Valentine?”

“My sweetheart is waiting for me,” replied the marten.

Ponya sighed and kept walking.

At midday, Ponya stepped on a shiny pebble next to some bushes. She picked it up. “Lucky me!”

The bushes trembled. A black bear appeared, holding berries.

Ponya asked, “Will you be my Valentine?”

“My sweetheart is waiting for me,” answered the bear.

Ponya lowered her head and walked on.

By nightfall, Ponya reached the bamboo grove and gazed at a shooting star.

“Lucky me,” she murmured, making a wish.

A dazzling monal shimmered nearby.

“Will you be my Valentine?” Ponya said softly.

“My sweetheart is waiting for me,” the monal whistled, flying away.

Ponya’s heart sank. “Maybe luck isn’t meant for me.”

Then, the leaves rustled. A furry face peeked out.

“Hi,” Randy the red panda said shyly. “I’ve been waiting for you. Will you be my Valentine?”

Ponya’s heart lifted higher than the shooting star. “Yes! Lucky me!”

❤ ❤ ❤

#2 Dear Sidewalk Crack

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

❤ ❤ ❤

#3 A Purrfect Valentine

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!

❤ ❤ ❤

#4 Superstitious Scissors’ First Valentine’s Day

A couple of years ago . . .

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, Little Miss Scissors bounced from blade to blade. Her first Valentine’s Day was six days away and children would hold her to create magnificent pink and red cards!

Friday:

Doom loomed.

The teacher cancelled the upcoming Valentine’s Day. According to ancient, Hindu-influenced astrology, red and pink are unlucky on Wednesdays.

Children swiped their tears and Little Miss Scissors swallowed a snippy comment. Her first Valentine’s Day—ruined.

Saturday & Sunday:

Little Miss Scissors pouted, sighed, and stayed in bed.

Monday:

A stroll helped Scissors think. She stepped over (not on) sidewalk cracks.

Tuesday:

At the library, Little Miss Scissors skirted around (not under) a bookshelf ladder, scrambled up, snatched an astrology book, and studied it.

Wednesday, Valentine’s Day 2024:

Children boohooed—until . . .

Little Miss Scissors fetched the construction paper.

She shared her library findings with the class. According to ancient, Hindu-influenced astrology, green is lucky on Wednesdays.

Children snipped, glued, and glittered green hearts stuffed with freshly cut (thanks to you know who) four-leaf clovers: Happy Lucky Valentine’s Day.

Thursday:

Little Miss Scissors bounced from blade to blade—so as not to cross paths with the new class pet. A black cat.

❤ ❤ ❤

#5 Lucky Troll

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.

❤ ❤ ❤

#6 A Blue-Footed Booby’s Valentine

Jumbly-tummy, wobbly feet.

Today’s the day, a mate I’ll meet.

I have a trick to get it right –

keep my blue feet in her sight!

My blue tootsies are true beauties

Perfect for those female boobies.

Left foot, right foot, left foot, tap.

Wiggle-waggle, flap, flap, flap.

My second trick, I’m superstitious –

the gift I give must be ambitious!

I must present a token found,

a booby prize, straight from the ground.

Rock or stick, which one to choose?

What goes best with blue suede shoes?

Left foot, right foot, left foot, tap.

Wiggle-waggle, flap, flap, flap.

Here she comes, she sees my feet!

I hope she likes my quirky beat.

Oh no! Where’s my special gift?

Find it now! I must be swift.

Pebble? Perfect. Here I go.

I push it to her – nice and slow.

Left foot, right foot, left foot, tap.

Wiggle-waggle, flap, flap, flap.

A birdy pause, an awkward stare.

This heart-shaped rock has caused despair.

I guess that’s it, I tried my best.

I won’t be sharing this gal’s nest.

Whistle. Snort. What’s this I see?

She’s pushed the rock right back to me!

Left foot, right foot, left foot, tap.

Wiggle-waggle, flap, flap, flap.

A perfect pair we’re meant to be.

My booby Valentine and me.

❤ ❤ ❤

#7 Kelce Calls An Audible

Kelce was a diehard Eagles fan.

Every day leading up to the Super Bowl, she wore her jersey for luck.

She learned in it,

kickboxed in it,

even slept in it.

And she never, ever washed it. If she did, the Eagles would lose. She didn’t make the rules.

That same week, a new kid joined the class. Troy. He had dark hair, a freckle-dusted face, and a dreamy drawl. Kelce was smitten.

Come Sunday, the Eagles were victorious.

Mom cheered.

“I can finally do laundry!”

But Kelce had other ideas.

“Friday is Valentine’s Day! If I wash my lucky jersey, there’s no way Troy will give me a valentine.”

Mom had a point, though. Her jersey was a bit ripe. Kelce didn’t want to scare Troy away with eau de Eagles. She needed a fresh scent.

She tried squeezing some lemon juice onto her jersey. But that just faded the Kelly Green.

She tried rolling in subtle-sweet snowdrops. But that just upset the neighbor.

Rubbing her jersey with dryer sheets helped…a little. But stinky was better than unlucky.

On Friday, Troy walked up to Kelce and smiled shyly.

“This is fur yew,” he said, handing her a valentine.

Kelce wrinkled her nose. Troy was wearing a Cowboys jersey!

So much for silly superstitions.

❤ ❤ ❤

#8 Just Otto’s Luck

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! 

❤ ❤ ❤

#9 Valentine Vandal

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.

❤ ❤ ❤

#10 Hidella’s Happy Valentine’s Day, NOT!

Hidella was one grumpy witch!

She hated cheerful holidays,

so she used her magic to try ruin everyone else’s fun.

One Easter she turned chocolate eggs into chocolate turds.

One Christmas, she steered her broom into Santa’s sleigh causing a reindeer pile-up.

But the holiday she detested most of all was Valentine’s Day.

“All that lovey-dovey nonsense. BLECH!”

“Tricks and scares and spooky superstitions-

I’ll make every holiday into the best one -Halloween!”

SNAP!

She filled sidewalks full of cracks.

“Break your darling mother’s back!” she cackled.

SNAP!

She made mirrors shatter.

“Seven years bad luck sweetie!”

HAHAHA!

She sent her cat Midnight to spook folks all over town,

and turned lovebirds into squirrels on Valentine’s morning.

But one Valentine’s Day, her little niece Loula came to visit.

Hidella had never taken care for a child before.

“Let’s make cards Auntie!”

“Wanna help?” she grinned.

Loula cut, glued and glittered.

“What a horrible mess Loula!”

“But Auntie Hidella, I made you a special card!” Loula bubbled.

Auntie Hidella, will you be my Valentine?

Hidella had never ever received a Valentine’s card before.

Her heart exploded with unfamiliar feelings. Could this be joy?

She hugged Loula. “YES!”

“Maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t so terrible!”

SNAP!

Mysterious “Be my valentine XOXOXO” cards filled mailboxes all over town!

❤ ❤ ❤

#11 Violet’s Lucky Valentine Box

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. 

❤ ❤ ❤

#12 Valentine Math-A-Magician

I’ve counted my Valentines, counted again.

I hope I’ve miscounted, but 3 more than 10?

11’s okay. Even 12 would be fine,

but I’ve got 13 asking, “Will you be mine?”

13 is a jinx, and I’m quite superstitious.

Doreen disagrees. She declares, “That’s fictitious!”

I won’t take a chance, though. I know what to do:

I’ll send myself one that declares, “I love you.”

I find a blank card and inscribe on reverse:

“To Jackie, love, Me.” That should sure end the curse.

I now have 14. Give a shout! Ring a bell!

By adding one card, I have broken the spell!

I go see Doreen and inquire, “Did you get

some Valentine greetings?” but she is upset.

“Yes, 13,” she cries, adding, “What if it’s true

that 13’s unlucky? Oh, what should we do?”

I know the solution. I’ll give up two cards,

erase the word “Jackie.” There. That wasn’t hard,

and in my name’s place, I write “Doreen” in red.

I’ve changed who they’re for. See? They’re for her instead.

“Here, take these,” I offer. “Let’s count again now.

You’ve 15, I’ve 12.” Dear Doreen wipes her brow.

“That’s magic!” she sighs. “Jack, I like how you think!”

“Not magic, just math-ic,” I say with a wink.

❤ ❤ ❤

#13 Not Trouble

Mew, mew . . . kittens! So exciting to watch them grow until they’re ready to rehome in February. We give them all Valentiny names— Lovey-Dovey, Cupid, Heartsy and Smooch— except the black one.

For her, we try Blackie, Coffee and Soot. My best friend, Sue Perstitious, nicknames her Trouble.

“I want to adopt one,” Sue says, “As long as it’s not Trouble. I don’t need any bad luck!”

On Valentine’s Day, I discover that rehoming plans are already set:  Cupid to Mom‘s boss, Smooch to Uncle Frank, and Lovey-Dovey to Mrs. Piening at church. Our neighbor wants Heartsy because of the heart-shaped white patch on his forehead.

My heart sinks. The only one left is the black one. I don’t think Sue’ll ever agree but I’m concocting a plan to convince her. 

“All the kittens are spoken for,” I explain, holding the black one, “…except this cutie.”

Sue shakes her head, scowling. “Not that one! No Trouble for me.”

I rub the kitty’s black belly. She purrs and stretches her paw toward Sue. 

Here’s my chance. 

“Sue, have you ever heard the saying ‘find a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck?’”

“Sure, but what’s that got to do with anything?”

“Well, I’ve finally settled on a name for her. . . meet Penny.”

❤ ❤ ❤

#14 Cupid-In-Training

I’m here at Cupid-Training-Camp on February 3.

I’m training to be Cupid — I’m a first-time CIT.

I’m excellent at archery, my flying’s pretty strong,

But AHHH I’M NERVOUS!  WHEN I’M CUPID, SO MUCH COULD GO WRONG!

My magic golden arrows could completely miss their marks!

Or start gigantic forest fires, not romantic sparks!

My school-related duties – even more to stress about!

Distributing class valentines, I might leave someone out!

I tell myself, “Stop panicking — you’re gonna do just fine.”

But once again it hits me: MORTAL LOVE IS ON THE LINE!

My first thought is, “It’s too much pressure!  Run away and hide!”

My second is, “I’ll be okay if luck is on my side.”

I hang a horseshoe right-side-up above my cabin-door,

And search for four-leaf clovers.  Is that –? OH YEAH, COUNT ‘EM — FOUR!  

I clutch a silky rabbit-foot, throw pennies in the lake,

Take every step a superstitious CIT can take.

I finish Cupid-Training-Camp on February 10,

And spend the weekend terrified, pretending to be zen.

On February 14, I wake up and knock on wood,

And tell myself, “The goal is not be perfect, it’s be good.”

With rabbit-foot in pocket, bow-and-arrow-case in hand,

I soar into the sky to SPREAD SOME LOVE ACROSS THE LAND!

❤ ❤ ❤

PHEW! What a display of talent! Good luck making your choice! Please vote for it in the poll below by 5PM Eastern Tuesday March 3rd!

Winners and Honorable Mentions will be posted on Thursday, March 5th!!! (good lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise 🤣)

And thank you to everyone for taking the time to write these amazing entries, read them, and VOTE! ⭐️😊⭐️