WRITING FOR CHILDREN
WINNING TALES
Amy Sparkes reveals the winners in the Picture Book category of the WM Children’s Book Prize
There were an amazing 165 entries for the Picture Book category of the Writing Magazine Children’s Prize last year. Many congratulations to everyone who entered and to those writers whose stories were longlisted and shortlisted. Congratulations to our three winners: Sue Rawlings, Hannah King and Rebecca Loveday. Read on to find out more about the writers and their winning stories.
THIRD PLACE: A POO WITH A VIEW BY HANNAH KING
• Judges’ comments: ‘Fun, with great child appeal and brilliant scansion.’
Spread 1
In a village called Bottomley, not far from you, Lived a very particular pigeon called Hugh. Each day when the clock chimed at quarter to two, He would choose a good spot for his afternoon poo.
He liked to be punctual, perfect and neat, And hated loud noises, bad smells, and wet feet. He fretted whenever his feathers looked funny, So only went out if the weather was sunny.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING FOR AND WHAT KIND OF STORIES DO YOU LIKE TO WRITE?
I’ve always loved writing but had never made time for it before the pandemic, when I found myself with lots of empty time (I work primarily as a musician, and all of my performances were cancelled!) Writing became my way of keeping my brain occupied and my mental health in order. I write a lot of silly stories, and silly songs for the children’s choirs I work with – I really do believe that laughter is one of the best medicines available to us. I love rhythm and rhyme and I like to write things that are fun to say – children’s books are designed to be read aloud and I think that allows for so much fun with alliteration and onomatopoeia!