The talented and generous Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting yet another contest! For the First Annual Valentiny Contest, entries should be 214 words or less and feature someone who is grumpy. You can see all the details on Susanna’s blog.
The Bookstore Cat’s Valentine (214 words)
Living in a bookstore might not be every feline’s dream, but for me, it’s the cat’s meow…
until business goes south.
Ms. Darling grumps, grumbles, and grouses.
To help, I perch on the windowsill and stare at passersby with sad kitty eyes.
No one stops.
I create captivating window displays.
No luck.
I sing.
“YOOOWWRRRL.”
“Theadora Snugbottom, stop that infernal racket!” says Ms. Darling. She closes shop early.
I take a nap – and dream a scheme.
That night, I transform the bookstore.
Ms. Darling arrives at 9:00 AM. She beams. “A Valentine’s wonderland!”
I leap in excitement.
Ms. Darling posts a sign: “Valentine’s Day Lonely Hearts Party. Get matched with the book – and the cat – of your dreams.”
Is Ms. Darling giving me away?!
I scowl, scratch, and skulk.
The day of the party, crates arrive.
Cats!
Cats cannot resist crepe paper.
When the caterwauling stops, Ms. Darling laments, “Oh, Theadora, your decorations!”
But people are finding books and cats to love.
Ms. Darling tells me, “They’ll be very lucky to find cats half as delightful as you.”
Be still my beating heart. She does love me.
When the party ends, I sigh.
“Mew.”
“Mew.”
“Mew.”
“What do you think, Theadora?” Ms. Darling asks. “Can you tend three kittens?”
Anything for you, Ms. Darling.
Precious!
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Thanks, Kristi!
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A book and a cat sound prrrfect to me! Such a cute story!
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Thanks, Jaclyn!
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I agree! A cat and a book makes my heart want to purr! Your story was adorable, and I loved your use of language too.
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Thanks for your kind comments!
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So adorable. Love everything about this. Including the names. Purrfect Valentiny. 🙂
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Thanks for your kind comments, Robyn!
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Love the idea of being paired up with a book and a cat. Very original! Good luck! 🙂
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Thanks, Gayle! I appreciate your kind comments.
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Heartwarming story. Nice work, Gabi!
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Thanks, Wendy!
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I really enjoyed this story! Very nicely done. Books and cats, what more does a Valentine’s Day need? 🙂
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Thanks, Sarah! Books and cats are cozy!
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What a sweet and clever cat! ☺️
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Thanks!
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I loved it straight from the begining
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Aww, that warms my heart! Thanks, Kim!
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I really enjoyed reading your story. Your idea for a “lonely hearts party” is delightful, who could resist a book AND a cat!!
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I appreciate your kind words!
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Aw! This is the sweetest story EVER! And that lonely hearts sign is pure genius! Great story.
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Thanks for your very kind comments, Heather!
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This story leaves you with all the warm fuzzies!
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Thanks, Sherry! I’m so glad you liked it.
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Very clever. But we have three rescue cats of our own already, so we just want books :0)
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LOL! Thanks, Aileen!
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A lovely story – cats and books a wonderful combination!
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Thanks, Bev!
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Great story, with lovely twists and turns!
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Thanks, Jen!
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Any bookstore with a cat is great. Very nice story. =)
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Thanks, Gregory!
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Such a sweet story! And I love the idea of a bookstore doing a lonely hearts event. That’s fantastic!
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I appreciate your kind comments, Heather!
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This is absolutely adorable. You had me on the first line with a cat in the bookstore. 🙂 Love the lyrical language. Well done!
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Thanks for your kind comments, Cheryl. I’m glad you liked it!
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So cute! Love cats in bookstores and this one is adorable.
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Thanks for your kind words, Lesley!
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Love the lonely hearts party idea! Great job.
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Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments, Mary!
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I used to foster kittens in my bookstore. Once they were all curled up around my coffee pot! So I just love your clever idea. Well done!
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Thanks, Deborah. Your bookstore sounds like a wonderful place!
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This is great! I like how they each had a turn being grumpy. And a satisfying ending too. 🙂
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Thanks for your kind comments, Marla!
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What a sweet story, Gabi! Kittens & Valentines – truly a winning combination!
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Thanks, Patricia!
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It’s really sweet, Gabi. Great job on this! I really felt in the flow of the story and could visualize the festivities. The cat adoption fair is the perfect twist.
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Thanks for stopping by and for the kind comments, Heather!
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Great idea, cleverly executed! Love the main character, what a personality! Theadora Snugbottom should get an entire series of books.
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I really appreciate your kind comments, Sandra!
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I’m lovin that name – Theadora Snugbottom! Nice word choices throughout and a fun story, too!
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Thanks, Leslie!
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Theodora is the cutest!!
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Thanks, Audrey!
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A darling story! 🙂
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Thanks, Cynthia!
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You’ve got to love a bookstore story, right? This is really cute, Gabi…and I love that there will be three little kittens for Theadora to take care of. 😉
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Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments, Vivian.
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Theadora Snugbottom is the most amazing name ever! I also loved your use of language, especially the moments of alliteration. Nice job, Gabi!
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Thanks for your kind comments!
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Aww, such a sweet story. Love your alliteration too!
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Thanks, Linda!
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Theadora Snugbottom is quite possibly the best cat name I’ve ever heard! 🙂 And there are many moments in this story I can picture perfectly as PB pages… like when she creates captivating window displays! 🙂 Thanks so much for a delightful entry, Gabi, and for joining in the Valentiny fun!
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Thanks for your kind comments, Susanna. And thank you for these super fun contests!
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