Winners of the 2026 Silly Love Sonnets Kidlit Poetry Contest!

---

Thank you to everyone who shared the love in our Silly Love Sonnets kidlit poetry contest!

It was such a delight to read through all of the incredible entries about the sweet and silly little things you all love!

We are excited to announce our WINNER...

artwork by Little Thoughts Press cover artist, Rachael Taylor

JENN GAULDING

When Some-bunny Gets You

Every day Marie comes home with me.

We race to space aboard my tire swing

or host a tea with acorns from my tree.

Together, we imagine everything.

Today, we find two bunnies in my shed.

We scoop them up and hold them oh-so-tight!

“I’ll name mine Hops,” I wink. “Let’s call yours Fred.”

We pet and hug them, giggling with delight.

We’re all in now ­— devoted to their needs.

We build them shelters, colorful and strong,

then pick and fix them yummy bowls of weeds.

Marie and me, we love them all day long.

Our friendship’s full of silliness and trust,

and afternoons with bunnies ­— made from dust.

Congratulations, Jenn!

Here's what guest judge, Linda Hofke, had to say about our winner:

Not only did Jenn capture the love between best friends in her sonnet but she also added the element of humor with her twist ending. To get to the last lines and realize the bunnies they've been pampering all day are actually dust bunnies...well, that is just plain silly. The combo of heart and humor always works for me. Plus, it reminded me of all the weirdly creative things my childhood bestie and I did when we were young. 

AND OUR HONORABLE MENTIONS ARE...

LAURA WIPPELL

Ode to Cat Hair

I can’t imagine life without a mess

of little gray mementos left for me.

They’re sprinkled with such love and great finesse.

I know there’s many more I cannot see.

She rubs and rolls and flicks her tail just so.

I try the brush but she will not behave.

The hairs fly out, they know just where to go.

Tsunami! We are surfing a gray wave.

My winter coat, my pillow case, oh dear!

What other hairy tokens lie in wait?

They’re up my nose! I’ll smell more out, I fear.

They’re floating through my tea! They’re on my plate!

I can’t imagine life without her here.

Her hair reminds me she is always near. 

Linda says: When deciding who or what to write a love sonnet about, one wouldn't normally think of cat hair. Such a ridiculous idea. And the reader learns that it's not just a bit, it's everywhere! After much lament about all the places the cat hair appears, the closing lines take us from humor to heart and a reminder of the things we tolerate for those we love. 

&

ISABELLE PARUZEL-GIBSON

Fourteen in the Fourteen

February the fourteenth marks romance

It started in the fourteenth century

The love day customs started to advance

This day would stay in people’s memory

Valentine’s Day is now about a sweet

The fourteenth century flew like a dove

Back then you’d be lucky to get a treat

This day was noted to be one for love

People drew names to pick a valentine

Hung up everywhere lights like a fairy

Outside all you hear is will you be mine

Children play in the snow couples marry

It was honoured in history’s pages

So it kept flowing throughout the ages

Claire says: Without Valentine's Day, there would be no Silly Love Sonnets and Isabelle's ode to February 14th is a perfect way to honor the reason for our contest season! I liked how Isabelle constrasts modern and historical Valentine's Day customs, but incorporates such classic and universal images of love and joyful celebration that beautifully bridge the divide between the 14th century and our current day.

And lastly, my nine-year-old's favorite and the winner of our KID'S CHOICE is...

ERIN ZAMPAGLIONE

To Snooze in Bed This Morning

To snooze in bed this morning. Could there be

A greater tale of love that’s e’er been told?

To drift twixt wake and slumber, thinking free

Within my mighty fortress from the cold.

The pillow is a cloud upon which rests

My heavy head, in cotton candy sky.

It cradles me, as gently as the nests

Of baby birds who have no need to fly.

The blanket is a chrysalis of down.

And I, the caterpillar, do implore

To thee, please do not rouse me, for I’m found

Not yet a butterfly. Five minutes more?

What tears me from this warm embrace, so cruel?

The beeping, harsh alarm: it’s time for school!

Here are a few thoughts on his choice:

"Oh man, this relates so much to my life. This is definitely my winner."

Linda adds: This sonnet reads like a classic sonnet and I like the beautiful wording and imagery used. Plus, I totally understand a love poem to slumber. Who doesn't like to be snuggled warm in bed. The unfortunate twist--the alarm signalling it's time to wake and go to school--is relatable to most kids. A nice combination of elements. 

Congratulations to all our winners! Please email me at littlethoughtspress at gmail to claim your prizes and coordinate shipping. Our Winner, Honorable Mentions, and Kid's Choice winner will receive a copy of one of our issues and a bookmark featuring cover art from Little Thoughts Press. Thank you again to everyone who participated! It was such a treat to read through your entries. And thank you as always for reading and supporting Little Thoughts Press! Our 14th issue will open for submissions in March and the theme will be announced soon, so keep your eye on this space!