“I love you, a bushel and a peck….”
Hello, there. And Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s time once again for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Valentiny kidlit writing contest. This year, entries must feature someone “hopeful.” And, as always, the story must contain no more than 214 words.
After reading The Valentine’s Rooster, please check out all the fabulous Valentiny stories on Susanna’s blog.
The Valentine’s Rooster (214 words)
By Gabi Snyder
At the animal shelter, Rooster trembled.
His Valentine’s wish was for someone to take him home and love him.
On the inside, Rooster was as soft and cuddly as a chick.
But when people stopped at Rooster’s cage, they only saw his outside.
“He was a fighting rooster.”
“Looks mean.”
“Ugly.”
Rooster’s heart sank. Maybe he was unlovable.
The day before Valentine’s Day, a girl stopped at Rooster’s cage. “He’s trembling. Why is he all alone?”
“He’d peck another animal,” answered a man.
Rooster slumped. He would always be alone.
“Could a person hold him?” she asked.
Maybe I can be loveable. I’ll show her!
Rooster cocked his head and cooed.
Only his coo came out as “BAWK!”
“See?” said the man. “Ornery.”
“I’m not sure…” said the girl.
Then the girl went away, and night came.
Long. Dark. Lonely.
But a peck of hope had lodged in Rooster’s heart.
In the morning, the girl returned. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Rooster!”
The girl stroked his neck, and Rooster almost stopped trembling.
“Ahh,” she said. “You’re a lover, not a fighter.”
Rooster snuggled into the girl’s arms.
She rocked him and sang, “Rock-a-bye Rooster…”
He trilled softly and closed his eyes.
“You’re going home with me,” she whispered.
And Rooster lived happily, and cuddly, ever after.
So sweet! I followed the story of a rescued fighting rooster on Facebook for a while – Buster was a cuddler, too, just like Rooster.
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Thanks, Patricia. This story was inspired by the true story of the rescued rooster!
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I’m so glad that rooster found the love he deserves. Sweet story. Good luck!
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Thanks, Jilanne!
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This is a sweet story with a lot of emotion! Well done!
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Thanks, Amanda!
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Hi Gabi,
This is a very cute story. Good luck in the contest!
Ken
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Thanks, Ken!
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Now we know that even a rooster needs love. 🙂 I wish you well with your story.
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Thanks, Lynn!
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I’m glad that Rooster found his forever home! Good luck!
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Thanks, Nancy!
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I’m in love with this rooster. I would take him home. Great job!
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Thanks, David! 🙂
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So glad she came back for him! Everyone (even roosters) need love and company. Fun story, Gabi. Good luck.
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Thanks, Maria! 🙂
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Gabi, this is so charming, with lots of memorable and emotional moments. I like the word “ornery” and the poetic, “Long. Dark. Lonely.” Brava!
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Thanks, Heather! 🙂
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Even Rooster needs a little bit of love! 🙂 Good luck in the contest!
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Thank you!
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I enjoy the sound of a rooster in the morning. My neighbor had one until the city made him get rid of it. =( I’m glad it worked out well for this rooster. Good luck!
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Thanks, Gregory! 🙂
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Cute story! Best of Luck!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Hi Gabi – delightful … and yes a child can so often bring warmth and love to those they touch … even the routin’ rooster – and knowing the story line comes from a true story – that’s even better. Cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.ca/2018/02/the-robin-who-hedges-her-choices.html
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Thanks for stopping by, Hilary!
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Aw! What a sweet story, Gabi! Full of hope and Valentine love! And you cure made me feel for Rooster! I’m so glad he found a happy home! Love your choice of an unusual pet to adopt also! Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun!
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Thanks, Susanna! 🙂
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