Darlings!

Is that you?

I can’t see that far. . .!

That is because my eyes are no longer functioning at an optimal level after reading and re-reading and re-re-reading all the incredible entries in the 14th Annual Holiday Contest for Children’s Writers!

Boy, did you guys make the judging practically impossible!

Thank goodness my fellow judges and I had plenty of sugary holiday treats to sustain us!

Because the Holiday Contest word count is longer, and we have 14 finalists because we have 14 prizes, (which I literally just this moment realized is kind of cool because this is the 14th Annual Holiday Contest! – I guess I should have said I did that on purpose but I am not that forethoughtful! 😊) I’m not going to add anything extra to your reading except to say how very much I appreciate you taking the time to do so for all our fantastic finalists! I think you’re really going to enjoy them all, though, so it will be well worth your time! 😊

And I will also say THANK YOU to everyone who wrote an entry, took time to read other people’s entries and leave supportive comments, shared the contest with friends and family so that all our talented writers could get more readers, is taking the time now to read and vote, and who generally helped to make the contest so much fun, but I’m going to skip reiterating the judging criteria (you can check for it HERE) and save all my usual difficulty-of-choosing stuff for the winners post on Friday so you can get right to the entries! 😊

Please read through the following 14 entries and vote for your favorite in the poll below by Thursday December 19th at 12PM (noon) Eastern so I can announce the winners on Friday! As always, I encourage you to share today’s link everywhere you want so that as many people as possible can read these stories and vote, but please do not attempt to influence the voting in any way. It is supposed to be based on merit, not on who can get the most people to come vote for their entry because they’re your friends and relations or because they owe you for that time you told their neighbor that it was actually you who drove your sleigh through their Holiday Blow Up Dancing Elf Display 😊 If you’re a finalist, please don’t broadcast that on social media – just ask people to come read all the entries and vote for their favorite.

So here we go! Your 14 Finalists for the

14th Annual Holiday Writing Contest

~ for children’s writers ~

#1 – REMOVED

#2 – WHO STOLE SANTA’S BOOT?

This is the kitchen, smelling great,
where cookies slide right off the plate.
A chocolate boot-print on the floor—
and Mrs. Claus points to the door.

This is the spot beside the sleigh
where Santa tucks his boots away.
He turns to put his slippers on—
but suddenly, one boot is gone!

This is the fox who nabs the shoe
for playful kits to gnaw and chew.

This is the stoat who shocks the fox
(while Santa wanders in his socks)
and drags the boot along the ground,
delighted by this thing he’s found.

This is the owl that spooks the stoat,
who hides below as white wings float.
The owl swoops, the boot falls down,
and crashes into tunnel town!

These are the lemmings that scoot and swarm
into the boot, so safe and warm.

(This is St. Nick with chilly toes,
his glasses balanced on his nose,
requesting acrobatic elves
to search the closets, climb the shelves!)

This is the hare with legs so strong,
a boot hat on his ears so long,
leaping across a frozen brook—
(Where else can Santa think to look?)

This is the wise old caribou
who gently bends to sniff the shoe;
with boot between her teeth, she clops,
and near the stable-door it drops,
ready for Santa to retrieve—
barely in time for Christmas Eve!

“So where do you suppose it’s been?”
asks Mrs. Claus, and Santa grins.
“My dear, we must admit defeat,
and just rejoice they’re on my feet!”

#3 – SPRINKLE McGEE , AT YOUR SERVICE 

The snow was falling in a hurry when my friend, Christmas Carol, called my bell phone, asking for help. “Christmas Curmudgeon has struck again,” she gasped. “He’s hidden the golden tree,” she continued. 

The tree was the top prize at Santa’s elves annual X-Mas games. I made my way to the scene to offer my services as the North Pole’s top detective. There was a riddle scribbled in the snow: 

The clues will come in threes. 
Start with my favorite trees.

“Prickly Pear Trees!” I shouted. “Those are on Reindeer Road.”

Carol and I made our way down Frosty Mountain to the prickly pear forest. Before long, I spotted the second clue: 

Visit Figgy Pudding Lane.
Find the biggest candy cane. 

We hurried across town. Right away I saw a snowman, as tall as a tree, holding a giant candy cane and a note. It read:

One last clue, and the game is done.
Find the tree, and then you’ve won.

I looked around at the trees, but I didn’t see a golden one. Just then, a breeze blew the snowman’s hat off, and, sticking out the top, were golden branches. 

“The tree!” we yelled. We started digging, and before long, we’d uncovered the missing prize. 

We returned the tree to the X-Mas games just as Santa’s elves were about to begin. They were so grateful they invited me to participate, which I gladly accepted.  Sure, the Christmas Curmudgeon would strike again. But for today, we enjoyed our Christmas together.

#4 – STRAY SHOES ON ST. NICHOLAS DAY

“It’s morning!” Olivia, Jen, and John shout.

They dash to the door for the shoes they left out.

Two sneakers, two slippers, two fluffy snow boots

Stand in a straight line on the frosty front stoop.

St. Nicholas came in the night with some treats

And filled up their footwear with gold-covered sweets.

The kids squeal with joy at their chocolate coin loot,

But wait just a minute! There’s Daddy’s work boot!

And Mommy’s high heels are strewn out in the street!

And aren’t those the loafers for Great Grandpa Pete?

Hey! Grandma Kim’s clogs are sprawled under the car!

And someone’s right flip flop is stuck in the yard!

But where’d those shoes come from? Who put them out there?

“We only put ours on the stoop, Mom! We swear!”

“We’ll find out who did it! Let’s scavenge for clues!”

“We’ll solve the case of the mysterious shoes!”

“Aha! Here’s our first clue! These heels have teeth marks!”

“Another! We found a gnawed stick from the park!”

“And here’s a clawed paw print embedded in frost!”

“And look! The bone chew-toy we all thought was lost!”

The culprit comes bursting from out of a bush,

With floppy brown ears and a tail-wagging tush!

It’s Jolly, their puppy! She wanted to play

With shoes of her own on Saint Nicholas Day!

#5 – ELF ENCOUNTERS

My elf is so mysterious—

I need to solve this case!

Every time I turn around,

he’s in another place! 

First, I put him in the fridge,

then went to get a drink.

To my surprise, there sat my elf,

hot tubbing in the sink!

I transferred Elf to somewhere sweet—

inside the cookie jar. 

Yet on our couch, with frosting stache,

sat Elf with a guitar.

I wrapped Elf up in all things string—

an excellent design.

But ho-ho-no! Elf found a way

to zipline using twine!

So, next I stuffed him in a box, 

and went to use the potty.

But THERE HE STOOD, dressed in his gi,

prepared to fight karate!

I tossed him in the garbage can.

I couldn’t take the stress.

Then dashed inside to find my mom,

assuming she’d confess. 

But in the hallway, I got tripped.

On what, I bet you’ve guessed!

That elf was back and squeaky clean.

I’m freaked out but impressed!

Mom told me that it wasn’t her

who’d moved my Christmas elf.

The only explanation is…

my elf did it himself!

#6 –  SOMETHING’S NOT RIGHT IN GINGERVILLE HILLS

Gigi and George Gingerbread loved everything about their house in Gingerville Hills.

They loved the peppermint windows,

the gumdrop roof,

and the candy cane walkway.

But something strange was happening in their sweet neighborhood.

The closer it got to Christmas, the more things went…

MISSING!

“GEORGE!” exclaimed Mrs. Gingerbread, “Did you hear what happened to the Snaps next door?! Their gummy trees have vanished!”

“Don’t worry Gigi,” sighed Mr. Gingerbread, while reading his book. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

But as the hours passed, Mrs. Gingerbread only grew more concerned.

“GEORGE!” squealed Mrs. Gingerbread, “Did you hear what happened to the Nutmegs?! Their front door is just… GONE!”

“Don’t worry Gigi,” sighed Mr. Gingerbread. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“It’s not nothing, George. Things are disappearing!”

“Nah. I was just at Licorice Lake this morning, and it’s completely untouched.”

“I’m telling you, George. Something’s NOT right!”

“Mmm-hmm,” George sighed and continued to sip his cup of hot icing.

That night, George felt a chill in the house. He looked up and noticed the roof was…

well, not there.

“Gigi? What happened to the roof?” he called.

“Gigi?” he called again.

“GIGI!” he hollered.

But…

there was no reply.

“Huh,” sighed Mr. Gingerbread as he opened another book.

“I wonder where she went?”

 

#7 – MYSTERY GIFT

The PLINK! PLONK! PLUNK! woke the kids. 

One by one, three heads popped out of bedroom doorways.

“Santa?” Ella asked.

“Maybe,” said Otto.

“Let’s go check,” Audra whispered.

Together they tiptoed towards the tree.

Something beneath it was moving!

It wobbled and wavered, rumbled and tumbled, bumped and thumped. 

“Is that present alive?” Audra gasped.

“It’s wiggling!” Ella gulped.                   

“What is it?”Otto wondered.

They crept closer. 

They tapped it and tilted it.

They turned it in circles.

They could not imagine what it was, but it had a curious scent.

“Sugar cookies!” Audra cooed.

“Peppermint bark!” Ella exclaimed.

“Gingerbread!” Otto declared.                                                                                                                  

What was it?

“Let’s open it,” Ella whispered. 

“I don’t think that’s wise,” Otto replied.

“It WANTS to be opened, look!” Audra pointed.

It wobbled back and forth, excited to be the center of attention.

Yet as it wiggled, that’s when they saw the tag.

DO NOT OPEN! RETURN TO THE NORTH POLE!

The three stared at one another, and then at the box. 

“Santa hasn’t come yet,” said Otto.

“It IS the only gift under the tree,” Ella sighed.

“Maybe it’s a test,” Audra shrugged.

They didn’t want to disappoint Santa or miss out on any toys.

“Let’s go back to bed,” Otto said.

“Smart idea,” Audry responded.

“Follow me,” Ella whispered.  

Like a pint-sized parade, they marched back to bed, ignoring the PLINK! PLONK! PLUNK! behind them.

#8 – FOUND: PUPPY

‘Twas the night before Christmas, all quiet and clear,

when a curious sound in the yard pricked my ear.

A shivering puppy stood there in the snow.

No collar, no owner, and no place to go.

I opened the door and I beckoned him in…

Then he looked all around with a mischievous grin.

Like a comet he danced as he pranced and he pawed.

And he left muddy footprints wherever he trod. 

He trampled our tinsel and ripped up our wreath.

He chomped all our presents with big, blocky teeth. 

He tangled our lights and our garlands with glee. 

He snatched down our stockings and shook up our tree.

Our cookies for Santa – and milk in a cup – 

that trickster dashed over and gobbled them up!

“Come back here!” I shouted, but out through the door

that puppy went bounding to make mischief more. 

I huffed as I chased him – good grief, he was sly!

When up on the roof something strange caught my eye. 

A sleigh with eight reindeer! Toys filled to the brink.

A jolly old man chuckled down with a wink:

“Why, thank you for finding our newest recruit! 

He’s a tad under-trained but he sure is real cute!”

He signaled the pup who soared up without fear.

Not a puppy at all – but a Christmas reindeer!

Santa shouted his thanks as they flew out of sight. 

(But he better bring double the presents tonight.)

#9 – WET CHRISTMAS

DRIP. DRIP. Slurpy slip.

Hurry through the hall.

Christmas morning’s here at last!

I slide but I don’t fall.

SPLISH. SPLASH. Down I dash.

Water soaks each stair.

Why is everything so wet?

It’s soggy everywhere!

FLIP. FLOP. Soppy sop.

Over to the tree.

I stare at all the presents,

surprised by what I see!

All wet. Yep, you bet.

Every single one!

But I see the mystery

has only just begun!

Oh no! Where’d they go?

All my lovely work!

All the presents that I made

were taken by some jerk!

Where? How? Tell me now!

They were all around!

I search the whole house looking

but not a one is found!

Here, there, Everywhere!

None are in their place!

Three hundred perfect snowballs

now gone without a trace!

#10 – A MOST PERPLEXING HOLIDAY

Zork and Bork from planet Spork arrive on Earth December twenty-fourth.

Cruising through the stratosphere, Zork reads the Intergalactic Guide. “On this night, Earthlings leave sweets and bovine extract as an offering to a giant who slides down their smoke chutes, eats the offerings, then trashes their dwellings.”

Zork points to a picture of wrapping paper and empty boxes littering an Earthling floor.

“No wonder. Bovine extract sounds revolting!” Bork shudders. “The Earthlings enjoy this ritual?”

Zork shrugs. “They only think with one brain.”

Blinking three eyes, Bork nods. “We must uncover the mystery of this bizarre behavior.”

One second later, Zork and Bork teleport into the dark living room of an unsuspecting Earthling. A plate of sweets and a glass of bovine extract sits near the smoke chute hole. They dash behind a sitting apparatus to wait.

Falling soot alerts them to the giant’s descent. Red and white fur emerges and the aliens clasp their tentacles in fright.

Wiry white chin spurs! Only two eyes!

The giant scarfs down the sweets. It slurps the extract.

BUUUUURRRRP!

It places colorful boxes beneath a tree that is for some reason located indoors.

And then . . . “Ho, ho, ho!”

The giant leaves.

Zork stares at Bork. Bork stares at Zork.

Afraid to risk life and tentacle to the impending violence by even more frightening creatures, Zork and Bork teleport back to their ship. Zork adds an asterisk to the Intergalactic Guide.

*Avoid Earth in December.

#11 – RUN, RUN, AS FAST AS YOU CAN’T

Sugarplum Bakery in the North Pole

emanates smells of delight.

Freshly baked gingerbread cookies are pulled

then stored on a tray for the night. 

The cookies awake in the morning and cry,

“Something is terribly grim!”

Crumbs now replace where a leg used to be.

Gingie is missing a limb!

Snappy’s red button was nibbled right off!

Mapelton’s nowhere in sight!

Cinnamon’s icing was licked from his face! 

Crumble is bearing a bite!

“How could this happen? The shop had been closed!”

Cookies interrogate staff. 

“How come dear Nutmeg is covered in milk, 

and Crunch is now broken in half?!”

“Don’t look at us! We’re confused just like you!

We’ve never been through this before.”

Sunlight shines dimly, revealing a clue–

hoof prints right there on the floor! 

They call for the reindeer to enter the shop

to question if they are to blame.

Blitzen looks guilty and lowers his head.

“It’s true, it was us,” they exclaim. 

“Carrots are yummy, but nothing compares

to gingerbread cookies’ sweet flavor.

Nobody thinks to bake goodies for us, 

only for Santa to savor.”

The bakery staff said, “We know what to do!

Head to the kitchen to bake!”

They mix up some carrots with cinnamon spice—

out comes a fluffy new cake.

The reindeer all gather to try a small bite;

 joy replaces their grief.

“Dear cookies, you’re safe—our new love’s carrot cake!”

The cookies all sigh with relief!

#12 – IMPOSTER SANTA

Santa was ready on Christmas Eve night,

he tugged on the reins and his reindeer took flight. 

Upon the first chimney, he tapped on his nose,

then wiggled his hips and went down by his toes.

He gasped as he took in the living room sights,

a heap of wrapped presents lay under tree lights!

He pulled out his list to be sure he was right.

He HADN’T come yet on this Christmas Eve night.

The cookies were gone from the plate by the tree.

He groaned with a huff, “could’ve saved some for me.”

He moved down the list, and stopped house after house,

so careful to enter, as hushed as a mouse.

But under each tree there was nothing to do.

An Imposter Santa!

He had to know who!

So Santa flew out to the very last name,

ate cookies, drank milk, til the fake Santa came.

“Ah-ha!” yelled ol’ Santa upon the green face,

“I knew it was YOU who was taking my place!”

“I caught you,” said Santa and gave him a pinch,

“of course you’d steal Christmas you nasty ol’—

“WAAAIT!

I didn’t steal Christmas, not this time, you see,

I want to spread joy and fill houses with glee.”

Since Santa could see how The Grinch had now changed. 

He gave a quick thought, and a plan was arranged.

“If you’d like to help me, that would be quite fine,

Just don’t touch the cookies,

those treats are all… MINE!”

#13 – MOLLY AND THE CHRISTMAS EVE MYSTERY GUEST

Season’s greetings! 

I’m Molly McYule. 

Mom, Dad, Milo, and I’ve just arrived at my grandparents’ Christmas Eve Extravaganza! 

“This year,” Grandma whispers, “there’s a special mystery guest.”

“A Christmas mystery!” Milo and I high-five.

“Care for a cookie?” Grandma asks.

I spy a note on my napkin. “A clue!”

The mystery guest wears festive attire.

“Santa?” Milo says. 

“Mrs. Claus?” I say.

Grandma nods. “Plausible possibilities.” 

Ding-dong!

The mystery guest?

“Hello!”

“Woof!”

Nope. It’s Uncle Charlie and his puppies.

“Care for a candy cane?” Grandma asks.

I spy another note. “Clue #2!”

The mystery guest sounds like jingling bells.

“Santa!” says Milo.

“Mrs. Claus OR an elf,” I say.

Grandma grins. “Sensible suggestions.” 

Ding-dong!

The mystery guest?

“Hiiiiiiii!”

Nope. It’s Aunt Abby, Uncle Paul, and ALL our cousins.

“Care for cocoa?” Grandma asks.

I peek underneath my cup. “Clue #3!” 

The mystery guest has a red nose.

“Rudolph!” 

“An elf!”

“Mrs. Claus!”

“Santa!” 

 Grandma giggles.  “Such festive speculation!”

Ding-dong!

The mystery guest!

Bells jingle from his huge shoes.

His overalls are printed with poinsettias.

His face is painted green, but . . .

I’d recognize those twinkling eyes anywhere!

“Grandpa!” we cry. 

“You’re not Santa,” says Milo.

“Or Mrs. Claus or an elf or Rudolph,” I say. “So . . . who are you, Grandpa?”

He does a silly spin and taps his red foam nose. 

“I’m the Christmas clown!” 

Then he juggles candy canes! And tells jokes! 

Milo, our cousins, and I give Grandma and Grandpa holiday high fives.

“You two make every Christmas merry!” 

#14 – THE LAST GIFT

The sleigh was parked. The sun had set.
But Christmas wasn’t over yet.
A gift remained for Santa’s elves.
The last of all upon the shelves.
Mysterious and wrapped just so—
What could it be? They had to know!

The gift was stamped with Santa’s seal.
“Don’t Peek!” it warned in curly teal.
So Holly hugged the box and swayed
to listen to the noise it made.
Her pointy ears picked up the sound—
THUNK. THUNK. THUNK.
“I think a doll is rolling ‘round!”

Up next came Tinker, tools in tow.
He eyed the gift and chimed, “I know!”
He flipped the box to analyze
dimensions, weight, and ribbon size.
New noises sounded each rotation—
KER-PLUNK. KER-PLUNK. KER-PLUNK.
“Conclusion: Mugs for elf hydration!” 

Last came Jingle, bold and spry,
a glint of mischief in his eye.
He spun the box atop his thumb.
Rap-tappy-tapped it like a drum.
Then pressed the present to his ear—
CLICK-I-TY. CLICK-I-TY. CLICK-I-TY.
“A thousand blocks! The answer’s clear!”

When Santa called, “The wait is through!
Unwrap the present saved for you!”
the elves rejoiced and rushed with glee
to open up the gift to see 
a doll? Or mugs? Or blocks? No! It’s . . .
GASP. GASP. GASP.
a chocolate Santa!! . . . cracked to bits.

“Oh deer! Snow way!” The three elves cried.
But Santa winked and soon replied,
“Ho-Ho! I see this tasty treat
has been prepared for us to eat!”
The elves all grinned and shared a bite.
The final gift of Christmas night.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WOW!

Now YOU get to enjoy the agony of decision as you try to choose which of those amazing entries to vote for!

Please vote for the entry you feel deserves to win in the poll below by 12PM (noon) EST Thursday December 19th.

Tune in Friday December 20th to see THE WINNERS!!! – same bat time, same bat station 😊

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! for taking the time to write (if you did), read, and vote!  These contests simply wouldn’t be what they are without all of you!

I truly cannot wait to see who you choose as the winner!  Good luck!!! 😊

The Prizes!: Oh WOW!!! How lucky are we to have such fantastic prizes from such generous kidlit professionals!

Also, please take note of something special about this contest’s prizes! The first 4 prizes on the list are being offered by writers who won, placed, or HMed in one of the contests on this blog and who now have published books based on their contest entries to show for it!!!

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique AND a Signed Copy of MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR MARS from Penny Parker Klostermann, talented author of MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR MARS (September 3, 2024 from Macmillan/Godwin Books) – a story that placed 2nd in the 2011 Holiday Contest! How’s that for inspiring? – as well as THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017) and the forthcoming SPIDER LADY: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army (Astra/Calkins Creek 2025)

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Author Kelsey Gross OR a signed copy of one of her Solstice Books: WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY, the original version of which placed 6th in the 2020 Holiday Contest! more inspiration!, or SUMMER: A SOLSTICE STORY

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of a 30 minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from author Jenna Waldman OR a signed copy of one of her books: LARRY’S LATKES (Apples & Honey Press, October 1, 2021) (which tied for 4th in the 2018 Holiday Contest – more inspiration!!!), SHARKBOT SHALOM (Apples & Honey Press, August 1, 2021), or PURR-IM TIME (Apples & Honey Press, February 1, 2023) A PURR-FECT PASSOVER is due out from Apples & Honey Press on March 25, 2025.

⭐️ 30 Minute Zoom PB Critique and Signed Copies of PIRATE & PENGUIN (Page Street Kids, May 30, 2023) and PIRATE & PENGUIN 2 FEW CREW (Page Street Kids, September 3, 2024) from author Mike Allegra (who, incidentally, also had a 6-book Chapter Book Series published – the PRINCE NOT-SO-CHARMING books – which were inspired by the story he wrote for his 2nd place finish in the 2014 March Madness Contest! as well as a Highlights Magazine story based on a Fourth of July Contest entry called Harold’s Hat! – more contest inspiration!!!)

⭐️ Interested in Self Publishing? Author Kizzie Hutcheson Roberts will help you format a picture book for self-publication (does not include providing illustrations) (Can be saved until you’re ready – Kizzi will honor it down the road) Kizzi is the indie author of THE ELVES GO MARCHING (Elemental Ink, December 1, 2022), THE EGGS GO ROLLING (Learning Spark, February 16, 2023), and HARPER AND THE RAPTOR RESCUE (chapter book) (Learning Spark Educational Publishing, June 27, 2023)

⭐️ Signed Copy of LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN PLUS A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books, Mar 7, 2023), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, 4/15/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now),  AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-And-Seek Adventure (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024), LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN (Scholastic, 9/3/24), WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW! (Capstone, 1/1/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), FINDING FORGIVENESS (Macmillan/FSG, 8/5/25), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (Barefoot Books, Fall 2025), and LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story (Macmillan/FSG, Fall 2026)

Sign up for Rebecca’s NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/h2sK8X

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) or a signed copy of one of her books from Melissa Stoller, author of SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Spork 2018), READY, SET, GORILLA! (Spork 2018), THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION (chapter books) (Spork 2017), SADIE’S SHABAT STORIES (Spork, 2020) and PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non rhyming) from Maria Antonia, author of THE CHRISTMAS ELEPHANT (Paraclete Press, October 8, 2024) and the forthcoming BARNABY, THE RUNAWAY SHEEP (Paraclete Press, March 4, 2025)

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming) or a 30 minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from author Lori Degman! Lori is the author of COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS! (Creston Books, January 1, 2014), NORBERT’S BIG DREAM (Sleeping Bear Press, August 1, 2016), 1 ZANY ZOO (Simon&Schuster, July 20, 2010), JUST READ (Union Square Kids, March 5, 2019), LIKE A GIRL(Union Square Kids, August 13, 2019), TRAVEL GUIDE FOR MONSTERS (Sleeping Bear Press, April 15, 2020), and TRAVEL GUIDE FOR MONSTERS PART DEUX: A CANADIAN ADVENTURE (Sleeping Bear Press, April 15, 2023)

⭐️Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique or a 30 minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from Kelly Conroy, author of YOU ARE MY EVERYTHING (Tiger Tales, November 5, 2024) and the forthcoming I SEE YOU IN THE STARS: A ZODIAC BOOK FOR BABIES (Familius 2025)

⭐️ A One-Hour Zoom with Feedback on a Picture Book Written in Rhyme or Free Verse from developmental editor Lou Piccolo! Lou Piccolo is an author, poet and developmental editor of children’s
literature based in France. When she’s not writing for the educational market or editing kidlit, she works as a contributing editor for GO English Kids magazine. She is also the owner of RHYME MADE EASY(er), a
skills-based resource for authors to revise, and practice their scansion and rhyme of children’s rhyming picture books, poetry collections and standalone poems. She is a graduate of Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab – Punching Up Prose With Poetry course and Making Picture Book Magic,

⭐️ Three 30-minute Get Unstuck Brainstorming Zoom Calls with author/editor Alayne Kay Christian! Have you taken your story as far as you can, but still feel like something is off or it’s not quite there yet? Alayne is offering mini-mentoring mixed with brainstorming to help you on your way to success! Alayne is the author of BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA (Blue Whale Press, 2008), SIENNA THE COWGIRL FAIRY: COWBOY TROUBLE (Blue Whale Press 2021), THE WEED THAT WOKE CHRISTMAS (Blue Whale Press, 2020), and AN OLD MAN AND HIS PENGUIN (Blue Whale Press, 2020)

⭐️ A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Call with Barbara Kimmel PLUS a signed copy of her debut picture book, HANUKKAH HIPPITY HOP! Barbara is the author of HANUKKAH HIPPITY HOP (Kar-Ben Publishing, October 1, 2024) and the forthcoming PURIM POSSIBILITIES (PJ Publishing 2026).

⭐️ A Set of Julie Abery’s BABY DINO Board Books OR an ASK ME ANYTHING Session With Her About Writing Board Books. Julie is the author of more than a dozen books for children including picture books SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB (Kids Can Press, May 4, 2021), THE OLD MAN AND THE PENGUIN (Kids Can Press, October 6, 2020), and YUSRA SWIMS (Creative Editions, February 26, 2020), as well as 8 board books in the LITTLE ANIMAL FRIENDS series and 4 board books in the BABY DINOSAUR series. Check them all out HERE!

Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for birthday, holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, recommending them for school and library visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊