Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny Writing Contest - Not So Perfect Valentines

 

It's that time of year -- Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiney writing contest. This year, writers are to compose a Valentine's story for children that includes the feeling of worry. Stories must not be longer than 214 words. 

In my piece, Bink and Babs have returned, trying to get to Granny's house on time for their Valentine's Day party with their not so perfect Valentine's creations.

Not So Perfect Valentines

By Rebekah Hoeft

214 words

Bink bounced on Babs’s bed.

“Babs! Wake up, Babs! It’s Valentine’s Day! Let’s gooooo!”

Squeezing her eyes shut tighter, Babs yawned. “Too early, Bink. Granny’s not expecting us yet.”

“But we have so much to do. Paper chains. Snowflakes with heart cutouts. Glittering Granny’s card. How will we get it done if we don’t start now? Like, now now?!”

Bink handed her sister scissors and paper. Bleary-eyed, Babs began snipping. Bink glittered the card and glued strips of pink paper together.

When they finished, Babs got ready. Bink paced nervously.

“Bink, what’s got you worried?”

Bink sighed. “The chain’s too short, the glitter is globby–

“–and my snowflake hearts are lopsided.” Babs interrupted.

“It’s not perfect. I wanted Granny to see how much we love her.”

Babs hugged Bink. “Granny loves us. We don’t need to be perfect. Let’s goooooo!”

Bink smiled sadly. They scampered over the river and through the woods to where Granny lived. 

Granny was asleep, covered in glitter and paper scraps.

“Granny! Are you okay?” 

Granny squeaked. “Oh dear, you’re here! I got up early to finish your cards and must have needed a nap. Bother! I wanted your valentines to be perfect but they’re not done. I’m sorry.” Bink smiled. ”Who needs perfect? We love you! Happy Valentine’s Day!”

It's a Christmas Mystery!

Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting her annual holiday writing contest. You can enter your teeny tiny story on her blog from today until December 8, 2024. Your story for kids (12 and under) must be 250 words or less, include some kind of mystery, and be clearly a December holiday story.  It can be rhyming or prose and needs to include a main character and a true story arc.  The following is my entry.  

WHO STOLE THE STAR?

By Rebekah Hoeft

250 WORDS

The door was shut. Windows closed. No fireplace. No way for anyone to get inside the mice’s cozy cottage without being noticed.

*     *     *     *     *

On their porch, Babs and Bink drank cocoa. They watched the stars and snow twinkle. When they went inside, everything seemed as it should. The woodstove warmed the room. The Christmas tree, decked in lights, gingerbread ornaments, and popcorn strings, glowed in front of the window. Their supper, roasting in the oven, smelled delicious. 

But then Babs squeaked, pointing to the tree. “Where’s our star!?”

“Maybe it fell?” Binks wondered.

The mice scampered around the tree.

No star.

Babs slumped into her arm chair. “We worked so hard. The star was our masterpiece.”

Bink nodded. “It still is! We’ll find it, Babs.” 

The two mice sat staring at their tree. Bink pulled a cookie from her pocket, nibbling while thinking about the mystery of the missing star. She muttered to herself. “A thief? But how? Elves? Santa? Too soon.” 

Babs looked at her sister. She blinked. “Bink?”

No response. Bink munched, lost in thought. Silvery sprinkles stuck to her whiskers.

“BINK!”

Bink jumped.  “What!?”

“Whatcha eating?”

“Oh. A cookie. You know eating helps me think. I’m gonna solve this mystery.”

“Where’d you get it, Bink?”

“Hmm? Oh. From my pocket. I found it before we went outside.”

“Found it? Where?”

“On the floor by— BABS! Our star! I found it!”

Babs laughed. “Yes, you did. Case closed… as long as you don’t eat any more of the decorations!”