Make-A-Book Challenge: Kids Get Creative to Win!
The Mayoral Make-A-Book Literacy Challenge is a popular book making program for budding young authors and illustrators.
It runs each year from February to May and is open to any pre-school or primary school aged child who lives or studies in the City of Charles Sturt council area.
All participants are recognised for their efforts. A $30 store voucher is awarded to the most outstanding entries!
The Mayoral Make-A-Book Challenge, which has been running since 1979, gives kids a taste of what it is like to write and illustrate their own book. It's also a fun, creative way of practicing study skills that they will eventually use at higher levels in school.
Your book entry can be:
- a story, graphic novel, informational, poetry – on any topic
- English or multilingual
- a physical book, eBook or audio book
- created by yourself, with friends or even your whole class
- up to 1000 words in length
Teachers and parents are welcome to let us know about any special circumstances to be taken into consideration. Being involved is the most important factor!
Judges look for:
- original ideas and themes, creative use of language, sound spelling and grammar (drafting and proofreading are important!)
- a balance between beginning, middle and end
- appealing design, layout and format
- illustrations that complement the text (if applicable)
- presentation and neatness
* Binding style is not judged but make sure your book is strong enough to be handled.
How to enter
- Complete and sign the Make-A-Book Entry Form between February and 31 May 2024.
- For physical books, securely attach a completed entry form per child to the outside of the back cover and submit at any Charles Sturt Library.
- For eBooks and audio books, you can submit your completed piece via this online form. Please note you will need to complete one form per child.
Key dates
- Submissions open February 1, 2024.
- Deadline for submissions is May 31, 2024.
- Winners will be contacted in August.
- The Mayoral Make-A-Book Ceremony will be on September 6 at the Woodville Town Hall.
Winners of the 2023 Mayoral Make-A-Book Literacy Challenge
Need help?
Libraries
Call 8408 1333
Email library@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
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