Treehouse Tales Young Writers & Illustrators Contest
Contest Rules Overview
- Each entry must be an original work-written and illustrated by the entrant.
- Invented spelling is acceptable.
- A child who doesn't write can dictate their story.
- Subject matter may be prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction, and illustrations should
complement and enhance the text.
- All four-grade levels-kindergarten through 3 rd grade are judged separately.
- Parents and teachers are encouraged to work with children, however, the overall
concept and text must be the child's.
Eligibility
The Treehouse Tales Young Writers and Illustrators Contest is open to children in Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grades. Each grade level will be judged separately. Children of employees of WCNY and Public Broadcasting System and Public Broadcasting Stations are not eligible.
Entry Guidelines
- Entrants must be in Kindergarten, First, Second, or Third grades.
- Only one entry per person will be accepted.
- Only single author stories qualify (no co-authored stories).
- Stories can be fact or fiction, prose or poetry.
Word Count
- K & 1st grade stories must be a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 200 words.
- 2nd and 3rd grade stories must have a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 350
words.
- The word count includes “a”, “an”, &”the”, but not the words on non-story pages such
as the title page.
Illustrations
- Must have at least five (5) original, clear, and colorful illustrations.
Story Text
- Must be printed legibly (or typed)
- Can be dictated for transcription if the child can't write.
- May be integrated into the illustration pages or on individual pages.
- Non-English text must be translated on the same page; the translation text must
Adhere to word count.
- Invented spelling is accepted.
Format
- Stories must be created on one side of the paper only.
- Number each page on the back.
Official Entry Form
Must be complete, legible, and must include parent, guardian, and/or teacher if appropriate signatures.