NHPBS Kids Writers Contest
We Can't Wait to See Your Amazing Story!
NOTE: Due to current school closures, the deadline for the NHPBS Kids Writers Contest has been extended to at least May 31, 2020.
The NHPBS KIDS WRITERS CONTEST is open to all kids in grades K-5. Children are asked to write and illustrate an original story and send it to NHPBS postmarked by May 31, 2020. Stories can also be sent as a PDF to sadams@nhpbs.org!
If you have any questions about the contest, call 603-868-4455 or email sadams@nhpbs.org!
Basic Rules
- Kindergarten and first grade stories must have a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 200 words.
- Second and third grade stories must have a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 350 words.
- Fourth and fifth grade stories must have a minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 500 words.
- Stories must have at least five original, clear and colorful illustrations.
- Original art can include drawings, collages, and 3-D art created by the author or photographs taken by the author.
- Stories submitted by mail must be created on one side of the paper and numbered on the back of each page.
Rules, entry forms, and tips for writing a winning story can all be found right here in the blue box on the KIDS WRITERS CONTEST site!!
If you have any questions about the contest, call (603-868-4455) or email sadams@nhpbs.org.
The Contest in the Classroom
The KIDS WRITERS CONTEST is a great way to promote writing and integrate the arts. It is aligned to New Hampshire reading, writing, and art standards. Writing activity sheets and a contest guide for parents, caregivers, and teachers are available in the resources section of the contest site.
Parent/Teacher Guides
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Contest Guide (PDF)
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Contest Poster (8.5x11, PDF)
About the Contest
The NHPBS KIDS WRITERS CONTEST is open to children in grades K-5. They are asked to write and illustrate an original story. The contest runs from September through March. We encourage schools, classes, and after school programs and clubs to participate as well as home school children. Children may also submit individual entries. Every child who enters the contest will receive a personalized response to his or her story, a ribbon, a certificate of achievement, and their story will be posted to the web.
Support for the NHPBS Kids Writers Contest comes from: Heinemann, Parenting New Hampshire and the NH Lottery.
Watch Online
Writing Tips From Julianna!
Are you working on a story for the CONTEST? Are you struggling with writer's block, having a hard time editing, or maybe you are having a hard time getting started. Not to worry, Julianna has some writing tips for you!
Deep Into the Sea
Can you imagine all of the wonderful things you might see if you dive into the sea?
Building Bentley
Every snow person needs a friend like James who will build you up when you lose your snow!
Salsa vs. Guac
Forget the big football game, this story tells the story of the battle of the dips.
The Secrets of a Magician
Who is the mysterious magician that came into Alex’s class and wowed the kids.
Abbracadabra: Carbon Footprint Disappear
The Gorilla family starts a movement to lower carbon footprints!
What Do YOU Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Tinker, tailor, soldier spy – what do you want to be when you grow up?
The Land of Quadrilaterals
While it might be hip to be a square, it is also cool to be a triangle!
Time Slows Down When You Wear a Frown
This thoughtful story looks at what makes you sad, mad, and grumpy.
The Case of the Missing Tooth Fairy
What could possibly hold up the Tooth Fairy?
A Pet, A Pet, What Should I Get?
This story will guide you through some of the things you should think about pets.
If Whales Ate Pizza
Ever wonder what toppings a whale would want on a pizza?
Schmacey Hacks Time
Be careful the next time you sit down in a chair.
The Monster Who Turned Into a Worm
A little girl faces a monster in her closet.
Nina's Missing Tooth Adventure
Nina loses a tooth but her hen is happy to find it.
Enough Love
A little girl discovers that she has enough love in her heart.
Jacob and Jack Save the Ozone
The world is getting too hot!
Frog Learns to Meditate
Life can be very stressful for a frog. See how one frog uses yoga to find inner peace.
Claus Builds a Sandman
What does a lonely crab do in the winter on the beach? Why, he build a sandman of course!
Escar, Little Hippo, Ollie And The Sheltering Tree
Escar the Elephant and Little Hippo help orphaned animals find their special talents.
Pierce for President
What does it take to be president? What are some policies you would put in place?
Bark-King
Imagine a world where dogs rule!
Tree House
What would you include in the perfect tree house?
Comic Book Making
The comic book market has really exploded in the past few years!
Cookie: A Story About A Purrfectly Different Cat
Cookie the cat might look a little different than most cats.
My First Day of School
The first day of school can be stressful.
Elliot to the Rescue
Elliot the dog races to save a helpless chipmunk in the story.
Escar the Excellent Elephant
Escar the elephant may be small, but he is very acrobatic!
The Planet Police
Mia L. from Hampton, New Hampshire reads her story The Planet Police.
Escape from School
Sebastian S. from Saco, Maine reads his story Escape from School.
What If My Best Friend Was a Dog
Mackenzie S. from Saco, Maine reads her story What if My Best Friend Was a Dog.
My Guatemala
Eva F. from Atkinson, New Hampshire reads her story My Guatemala.
Orange Tulip
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Summer Haiku
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Summer My Favorite
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Sitting by the Fire
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
One Fall Evening
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Rain Clouds
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Let's Play Together
Hampton, NH Kindergartener Mia L. was a national finalist.
You Don't Have to Have Super Powers to Be a Super Hero
Ddoing everyday things can make you a superhero.
The Apple Tree
Gorham, ME first grader Evelyn R. reads her winning story.
Who?
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Driving in the Snow
1st place national winner for third grade in the PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Writing Tips With Julianna | Working Through Writer's Block
The dreaded writer’s block. Find out from Julianna just how to handle it!!
Writing Tips With Julianna | Starting Your Story
What’s the best way to start a story?
Writing Tips With Julianna | Always Edit Your Stories
Julianna has some very strong feelings about the importance of editing!
A Day Without Gravity
By Anantya S. of Hudson, NH
Eggplants Don't Bite
By Juliannna M. of Hooksett, NH
Percy Learns a Lesson
By Stephen D. of Manchester, NH