The postman was busy all summer delivering entries to PJ Library HQ. Thank you to everyone who entered the PJ Library Summer Writing Competition. Judges Jacqueline Harris, renowned children’s author, and Madelyn Travis, Chair of the PJ Library UK Book Selection Committee, commented on the high standard of entries in each age group. The categories were beaming with imaginative stories that were accompanied by creative and colourful illustrations. Judging was tough, but after much deliberation we are thrilled to announce the winners and runners up in the two age categories – prizes are on their way!
Winner: 5-6 year old category
‘The Buttercup Fairy’ by Talya, age 5 1/2
Judges Comment: This was a well-constructed, satisfying and quite clever story with a good sense of purpose and a nice environmental message. The story was long for this age group, and Talya obviously put a lot of effort into it.
Runner-up: 5-6 year old category
‘Hop Hop and the Giant Plum’ by Malakai, age 6
Judges Comment: We were impressed by how well organised this story was. It was divided into chapters, each with its own subject and a beginning, middle and end. We particularly enjoyed the drama in the last chapter with Mr Eagle and the automatic bicycle.
Winner: 7-9 year old category
‘The Bob Life’ by Craig, age 8
Judges Comment: This was a funny, creative and original story that was also well written. We enjoyed it so much that we wanted to know what happened to the family!
Runner-up: 7-9 year old category
‘The Princess Who Fell into the Pond’ by Sigal, age 7
Judges Comment: Sigal put a lot of effort into this humorous story, making it into an attractive illustrated book, and she made very good use of dialogue.
Runner-up: 7-9 year old category
‘Lucky Me’ by Dvorah, age 7
Judges Comment: We appreciated that this submission is a retelling of a Jewish story. We like that Dvorah told the Exodus story from the perspective of the daughter of a slave in Egypt.
September 16, 2016