Congrats to the two winners of our Picture book competition: Marin Inbona for the Plucky Parrots (aged 10 to 13) and Tottenhall Infant School for the Cheeky Chicks (aged 6 to 9) ! We had so many incredible entries… it was a hard pick!
It’s not the first time the South Ken Kids Festival has launched a drawing contest, but there’s definitely a whole different feel to it this time around… Not only is it the Fest’s 15th anniversary, but 2012 also marks the 80th birthday of our beloved patron, writer and illustrator extraordinaire, Quentin Blake! Here’s an opportunity to kill two Cockatoos with one Giant Peach: celebrate your favourite author’s birthday and become the new picture book writer of your generation!
The guideline is quite simple:
The theme?
Quentin Blake’s 80th birthday.
The format?
Well, that’s up to you! We expect your picture book to be at least 4 pages long, but apart from that, you’re holding all the cards!
Come on, let your imagination flow! What if Quentin blew his candles on Mars? Or how about an unexpected guest turning up? Is he passing by Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to collect his dream cake? You decide! And make sure you’ve thought of all the details that make up a picture book: a storyline, illustrations… I bet you forgot to add a crazy, catchy title!
So rack your brains and give us all you’ve got! The prizes this year are absolutely fantastic, so you might as well try your luck… There’s no time to waste, you have until Tuesday 13 November at midnight!
Check out the terms and conditions for participation:
The competition is open to all children from British and French schools across the United Kingdom, aged 6 to 13. You can enter the competition either individually or as a group, with (or without!) the help and supervision of a French, English or Art teacher.
The Prizes
An amazing panel of guest judges has been brought in to select the best picture books! Here are the four people who will decide which of the fantastic entries is the fantastickest of them all: superstar children’s book writer and illustrator Tony Ross, Nicolette Jones (noted journalist and children’s books reviewer), Klaus Flugge (the highly acclaimed founder of Andersen Press), and Hélène Fiamma (the glorious head of the Institute’s book department). They will reward your creativity, boldness, and fun; and one prize will be awarded to each age category: the Cheeky Chicks (ages 6 to 9) and the Plucky Parrots (ages 10 to 13). The prizes include an original drawing from the great master himself, tons of picture books signed by our guest illustrators, Perrault’s Fairy Tales courtesy of The Folio Society, and much more… Not to mention free passes and tickets to the festival galore! All participants – and their supporters – are invited to the Prize Ceremony which will be held at the Institute on Friday 23 November, 5pm, so mark the date!
The application form
To enter the competition, please download this form.