It is Valentine’s Day at school and mean Mary Lou Musgrove, the class bully, has thrown all of Betsy’s and Betty’s Valentine cards in the trash. Then she stains Betty’s face with a marker causing her to cry and get a bad rash. At recess a fight ensues and their mother is called to the school. Their mother plans a picnic, and while Bobby and their dad play ball, she explains that Mary Lou might be mean because she feels too big and tall. She suggests that they help her feel loved and accepted by killing her with kindness the next day, picking her for their gymnastics routine, and bringing cupcakes for the entire class, but a special one for Mary Lou with a surprise inside that bonds their friendship for many years. Mary Lou’s heart is opened and she puts a Valentine card on every classmate’s desk the next day.