PBS KIDS Utah Writers & Illustrators Contest Celebrates 21 Years of Fostering Creativity in Kids

PBS Utah is proud to announce the return of the Writers & Illustrators Contest. This year’s theme is Anyone Can Be a Hero. The contest is an initiative that fosters imagination and creativity in young artists and writers. Every year, PBS KIDS Utah invites children throughout the state to participate.

The theme encourages children grades K-6 to celebrate all of the superheroes in their lives and imaginations. Fred Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people helping.” Even kids can be heroic by cleaning up around the house, helping in the garden, walking a pet, or being a good friend. This contest is an opportunity for kids to look for helping heroes around them. Inspiration to jot down story ideas and sketch drawings can come from anywhere." 

Stories can be fact or fiction, prose or poetry, as long as they follow the theme of Anyone Can Be a Hero. Judging is based on creativity, writing, and illustrations. PBS Utah accepts stories now through April 15.

Word count (based on grade) and illustration specifics, ideas on creating a good story, and the entry form - are available on the PBS KIDS Utah contest website, www.pbsutah.org/writers.  

Winners will receive a PBS KIDS Utah prize pack and have their stories published online. The stories will also be showcased in a traveling art exhibit hosted by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. 

PBS KIDS Utah plays a vital role in supporting children in Utah. PBS Utah provides opportunities to keep kids engaged and learning. Programs such as the Writers and Illustrators Contest and the Reading Marathon are valuable because they promote literacy skills and active, hands-on learning. Last November’s Reading Marathon had over 19,000 Utah children read over fourteen million minutes. PBS Utah hopes the Writers and Illustrators Contest inspires just as many kids to participate.

Mail stories to: 
PBS Utah
Attn: Annie Frazier
101 Wasatch Dr., RM 215
Salt Lake City, UT 84112