Hey, Kids!
Grab your notepad, pencil, art supplies, and creativity. It’s time again for the PBS KIDS Utah annual Writers & Illustrators Contest! This year we want you to use your imagination to write a story all your own about whatever subject you choose.
Stories can be fiction or nonfiction, about your very own neighborhood or faraway lands. The sky’s the limit, as long as it is your own, original work.
Don’t know where to start? Peruse the activity sheets and printable resources on the Writers and Illustrators landing page. You can also ask yourself questions like:
What are the things I am curious about?
What do I notice in the world around me?
What would happen if....?
Jot down story ideas and sketch drawings as you look at the vibrant world around you.
Take a look at the previous contest winners! Their stories are available to read HERE.
Parents,
There are a number of activities to get the ideas flowing on our website, but the best thing you can do is to simply ask questions, read books often, and provide the materials. Consider pointing out your favorite books, identifying the parts of physical books, and the progression of the story. Ultimately, as discussed in this PBS KIDS for Parents article, it's about communication!
Educators,
Help us by displaying and distributing posters and entry forms at your school (available upon request). In addition, we invite you to consider integrating the contest into your school’s curricula, and/or offering special writing sessions for interested students. We’ve collected resources designed specifically for K-6 classrooms for your use in conjunction with the contest. These can be found at www.pbskids.org/writers.
Librarians,
Please help by displaying and distributing posters and entry forms at your library (available upon request). In addition, we invite you to consider organizing an after-school or Saturday morning writing seminar for interested students and their parents. Writing sessions will bring in patrons to your library and will encourage children to participate in the contest. The PBS KIDS Utah education team would be happy to work with you to promote any programs you hold in conjunction with this year’s contest.
"When you absolutely positively have to know, ask a librarian." -American Library Association
Download a PDF entry form in English or Spanish, available on the Writers and Illustrators website. Carefully read all rules, story requirements by age, and format guidelines. Fill out the form, attach the story, and send it in either through our online submission portal, or via mail by May 1st.
All participants will be entered to win an "aspiring PBS KIDS Utah writer and illustrator" prize pack. Cuddle up with your very own Bob Ross stuffy, break open all new art supplies, and enjoy other PBS KIDS Utah swag!
Winners, who are announced in May, will receive a PBS KIDS Utah prize pack, have their stories published online, and have an opportunity to celebrate with other winners with a local PBS station tour. The stories will be showcased in a traveling art exhibit hosted by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
Since 2001, participants of the annual PBS KIDS Utah Writers & Illustrators Contest have built their creative voices and have developed critical reading and writing skills. We hope you will join us this year in bringing the love of reading and the joy of self-expression to children in our community.
Want to be a part of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW's 30th anniversary season? The @RoadshowPBS 2025 Production Tour is stopping in Salt Lake City, UT on June 3! Enter to win a pair of free tickets >