Create a Picture Book Competition 2023

  • Competition Guidelines

    Guidelines  

    Entrants:  The competition is open to children and young people aged four to 18 years in schools, libraries and homes. 

    Categories:   These include Young Creators (ages four to six years); Primary (ages seven years plus) and Secondary (ages 11 years plus).  There is an additional Achievement Award for the most enthusiastic 'behind the scenes' activities that have gone into making picture book entries, such as sharing picture books with other year groups, or the whole school getting involved.

    Picture Books:   Picture books can be made by individuals, groups or whole classes, using any media and covering any subject or theme.  Each picture book should be up to 24 A4 pages in length (or less), including covers.  Books should be in portrait style (upright) rather than landscape.

    Deadline:  Entries must arrive by Friday 21st April 2023. Each entry must have a completed Entry Form attached; see How to Enter.  When you send us your picture book, please include a stamped, addressed envelope with your entry if you would like us to return your picture book.  ReadingZone will send feedback and a certificate to those taking part.

    Prizes:  The four winners and overall winner will be announced in June.  Each winner will receive £200 of books for their school or library, plus a free online author / illustrator event for the overall winner.  The winning picture books will be shared online at www.ReadingZone.com.  

    Share your entry(s) at:  Facebook - ReadingZonePictureBooks / Twitter @readingzone / Insta @ReadingZoneBooks

    Contact:   [email protected]

     

     

  • How to Enter the ReadingZone Picture Book Competition

    We're so looking forward to seeing your picture books!

    Each picture book entry will need to have a printed Entry Form attached, so we can easily identify who has sent it.  Please complete the details using the online entry form, and print it out before pressing 'submit', so you have a copy to attach to your picture book entry.

    ReadingZone Picture Book Competition Entry Form

    For multiple copies, you only need to include the school / home school or library details on your printed form; entrants can add their first name, age and the title of their picture book to each copy.

    If you would like us to return your picture book, please include a stamped, addressed envelope (stamps, not a dated printout) with your entry.  

    Please send your picture books, plus entry form and optional SAE (for returning picture book entries), to:

    ReadingZone
    PO Box 590
    Betchworth
    Surrey
    RH4 9HQ

     

Resources

  • Judge Elys Dolan's Top Tips for Creating a Picture Book

    Judge Elys Dolan's Top Tips for Creating a Picture Book

    We asked our judge Elys Dolan to tell us what she will be looking for from the picture book entries for our competition, and also to give us any Top Tips she might have for creating a picture book.  What Elys Dolan will be looking for when judging the picture bo...

  • Getting started on your Picture Book  (Part 1)

    Getting started on your Picture Book (Part 1)

    In this short video, Mini Grey gives her tips on how to collect characters and situations for starting your picture book.

  • Getting started on your Picture Book (Part 2)

    Getting started on your Picture Book (Part 2)

    In this second video, Mini Grey explains how to organise the pages of your picture book, showing how to 'storyboard' your picture book, and she reminds us of the importance of the 'blurb' and having a strong cover.

  • Checklist for creating your Picture Book

    Checklist for creating your Picture Book

    Here are some things to think about when you start to create your own picture book, including plotting, characters and setting.
    Download

Get Creative See all

  • Create a Picture Book Competition 2023

    Create a Picture Book Competition 2023
    Create a Picture Book Competition 2023

    ReadingZone Picture Book Competition 2023 ReadingZone is challenging those aged four to 18 years to make a picture book for the Re...
    More

  • Make a Book Trailer

    Make a Book Trailer
    Make a Book Trailer

    Create a Book Trailer Create a book trailer of your favourite book or your latest bookclub read for ReadingZone, and encourage oth...
    More

  • Create your own Podcast

    Create your own Podcast
    Create your own Podcast

    Bex, a presenter for Fun Kids, has put together a simple guide for us about creating podcasts and gives us some top tips for starting your own podcast.
    More