Friday, February 10, 2017

Saw-whet Owl's Valentine by Kathy Halsey

Hi all, time for a fun contest from Susanna Hill! It's the second annual Valentiny contest. Check out Susanna's blog for more Valentine fun and her books here! Read other stories and leave comments. Share the Valentiny love. These stories must feature a confused character and be "tiny," only 214 words because Valentine's Day is 2/14. That clever Susanna!


My story is about an owl I fell in love with on Facebook. He was posted by author/illustrator friend Teresa Robeson! Isn't he cute? Thanks, Teresa. And, yes, my story is only 202 words.


The Northern Saw-whet Owl, a Solitary Creature

Saw-whet Owl's Valentine 

High in his tree, Saw-whet slept. He was rarely spotted in the woodlands, and he liked it that way. 

Tiny Saw-whet was verrrrry shy but verrrrry devoted to Fox, Squirrel and Rabbit. He watched over his forest friends while he roosted.

Today as his friends scurried about, Saw-whet woke with a start. 

Saw-whet smoothed his feathers, mustered his courage and said, "Say, what is happening today?"

Fox pulled red ribbons. He tied knots. 

"Say, what are you up to with those bows, Fox?"

Fox winked.

Squirrel fluffed his tail as if to hide... something. 

"Say, what is behind your tail, Squirrel?"

Squirrel puffed up more before he snuck away.

Rabbit hopped 'round making odd-looking snow tracks. 

"Say, what are you doing, Rabbit?

Rabbit giggled and wiggled his behind.

Saw-whet sighed. No one would say what was up today. He turned his head left. He turned his head right. He turned his head all the way around and found...

Fox with a present wrapped in red, 
Squirrel with a heart-shaped candy box,
and Rabbit's message that read," Happy Valentine's Day!"

Saw-whet smiled. He sailed down to hug his friends on the forest floor and said, "Say, WHAT a day, Valentine's Day!"    
"Say what? Say Happy Valentine's Day!" 





  



47 comments:

  1. Kathy, love this charming and kid friendly story. Saw-whet is adorable :)

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    1. Charlotte, you helped make him even better. Ty for your support.

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  2. Kathy, I love how owl's friends taught him about Valentine's Day. Cute story!

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    1. Ty, Judy. We all need friends. I appreciate you reading this.

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  3. I love your language, how you use the power of threes and alliteration. And what a great unique character. Good job!

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  4. Kathy, your little owl is so cute. Love the story and his friends.

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    1. Janie, thank you for inspiration and a kick in the pants!

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  5. Your story is as adorable as that picture of your bird. I too, love your use of alliteration, and your descriptive showing of the characters. Fun, fun read.

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  6. Very nicely done! I love the word play, adds a magic level of cuteness! :) Good luck!

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    1. Ty for the encouragement. Good luck to you, too.

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  7. What an adorable story!!! Love owls! ❤

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  8. Wow. A full story in 202 words. Good job. Story moved well and satisfying ending!

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    1. Ty, Sherri. So hard to do w/the word count, as you full well know, my writer friend.

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  9. Love your little owl and his fluffy,thoughtful friends!

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    1. Jilanne, I appreciate s mud, your coming by to read this. Owl says you are his friend.

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  10. Cute story! I love that you incorporated some science--he turned his head all the way around!

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  11. Adorable owl and adorable story, Kathy. Good luck!

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    1. TY for taking time to read and comment on the story!

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  12. I love little Saw-whet - he's just too cute. Good Luck

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  13. This is really charming, Kathy. I really like owls.

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  14. Very cute Ms. Kathy. Ideas do come from everywhere don't they.

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    1. Yes, they do come from everywhere. Ty for reading, Aileen.

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  15. Saw-whet Owl had a wonderful surprise. Cute story Kathy and I love the inspiration for it. <3

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    1. Ty for reading my entry, Traci. Good luck to us both!

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  16. What a nice story. I wish you well with it.

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  17. Your sweet story is a hoot! What good forest friends. Happy Valentiny!

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  18. Love your owl main character and his very owl-y actions!

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  19. Awesome story, Kathy...I loved your word play and the happy ending. Glad the forest critters had a Happy Valentine's Day, thanks to you!

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  20. What a sweet owl! no wonder your story was so inspired. I like the owl's distinct manner.

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  21. Gosh, thank you, Joanne. It's fun to get these comments.

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  22. These characters are adorable. So very sweet.

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    1. Hi David, I am glad you stopped by and took time to read my story.

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    2. Hi David, I am glad you stopped by and took time to read my story.

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  23. What a sweet story, Kathy! I love that it was inspired by Teresa's photo :) And what an original character in Saw-Whet! I'm glad the friends to which this shy soul was so devoted taught him about Valentines Day :) Thanks so much for joining in the Valentiny fun!

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    1. And TY, Susanna, for always giving us a chance to show off our skills. Blessings.

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