Competition Challenge:

In collaboration with children’s author, Lucy Noguera, we have chosen a detective-themed challenge for children this year. The competition challenge is to write a story based on one of the following three story titles:

• The Mystery of the Missing Muffins
• The Case of the Curious Cat
• The Puzzle of the Peculiar Plant

Please put one of these above titles at the top of your story, so that we instantly know you have followed the competition instructions.

Present your story handwritten and as neatly as possible on an A4 piece of paper – add illustrations around your writing if you can! Your story must be no longer than one A4 page (about 300 words).

The competition is open to all children from ages 7-13 (Years 3-8). All children around the world can enter, but entries must be written in English. Note that we no longer accept typed stories (unless for specific circumstances) to reduce the risk of AI entries.

Certificates and Prizes:

• Children’s author and judge, Lucy Noguera, will read the winning poems, which we will share on our YouTube channel! 
• Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates will be awarded to all children who enter the competition (following the task).
• A £10 book voucher will be awarded to the winner from each age group.

Terms and Conditions:

By entering the competition, you are agreeing to the following T&Cs:

• The entry must be a fictional story based on the task.
• It must be an original piece of work written independently by the child.
• Stories cannot be written by more than one person. One entry per child allowed.
• The child must not include their personal details within their story.
• Entries must not include unsuitable material; entries must be suitable for a child audience.
• The use of AI is strictly prohibited.