Ten-word tiny tales of love

This companion to Ten-Word Tiny Tales (2023) offers 20 ten-word love-themed stories, each interpreted on a double-page spread by a different illustrator. Selections vary from expressions of admiration ("The kisses in her card grew wings and flowery scents") to pronouncements of wonder ("The love he held for his bike made it amphibious"). Some artistic interpretations take a humorous bent (Bob Graham's depiction of a young toddler playing the piano surrounded by notes all over the floor); others are distinctly macabre (Jon Klassen's parade of ghosts visiting another spectre's grave); while still others capture deep familial affection (Sydney Smith's older brother teaching his younger sibling to tie his shoes, and Victoria Turnbull's sleeping child being cradled lovingly by the mummy she just painted with hearts). Appended material offers pointers on lengthening these tiny tales and a discussion of the parts of a typical story. With thought-provoking text and intriguing illustrations, this will be useful for creative-writing classes and will delight sophisticated readers.