1st Place Winner:

Rhymes of a Florida Summer by Alice Sapirie

Her book looked like it could be sold at a state park gift shop. She nailed the figurative language aspect, which is challenging! And we all loved her use of illustrations on every page, down to the seashells in the corners! Judges’ Comments: Such great imagery, vocabulary, verse, and illustrations for such a young author.

2nd Place Winner:

There Once Was an Elephant in Paris by Emmalyn Powell

What an original premise as we tour the monuments of Paris. Her poems were whimsical, and the illustrations were so enjoyable. Judges’ Comments: Her illustrations are darling (especially the stain glass and giraffe). I like the combination of imagination and factual information.

3rd Place Winner:

American Monuments and Memories by Winslow Roberts

Her use of imagery was vivid and clever as she took us on a poetic trip across America. We liked how her poems are dedicated to the national monuments. Judges’ Comments: I was blown away by the poetic elements and figurative language! Very unique and endearing!

Art Award Winner:

Limericks of the Solar System by Vincent Grenon

His whimsical poetic planets interact together in the vast universe showcasing colorful illustrations with fun facts and humorous stellar commentary. Judges’ Comments: Playful, bright illustrations with bold outlines. Love the humor incorporated with the planetary illustrations!

1st Place Winner:

To Bee or Not to Bee by Bradley Elisabeth Harris

Last year, she was our biggest winner overall. This year she gave us a story poem in her distinctive creative style. Her artwork is practically perfect in every way. Judges’ Comments: Incredible design & illustrations! Very imaginative and gorgeous. WOW, this is a 13-year-old!? Such a sweet message.

2nd Place Winner:

My World is a Celebration of Colors! by Katelynn Ediger

Her collection of poems is brought together by the storyline of colorizing old photos. She was clever with her illustrations, using fingerprints for many characters. Judges’ Comments: Wow! I really liked the poetry and pace. Beautiful and creative story. I was absolutely blown away. Love the fingerprints!

3rd Place Winner:

Scenes of Florida by Thomas Sapirie

His collection of poems was so descriptive, and his realistic illustrations were a joy. He knows his wildlife! Judges’ Comments: Nice, calm, soothing poetry and illustrations. Made me think of nature in a new perspective! Gave us a glimpse of the wonderous nature in Florida. Paints you a picture with words.

Art Award Winner:

Ponderings by Anna L.

Soothing sentiments of the wonders of the world, this artistic gem uses an elegant blending of rich colors, popping highlighted patterns, and stylized textures you can almost feel. Judges’ Comments: Colorful textures used throughout. Rich illustrations complement the thoughtful poetry.

1st Place Winner:

Weasel Song by Wyatt Ahrens

He wrote a story poem that reads like a song and includes a thoughtful message. His artwork is full of action and emotion. Judges’ Comments: Such a great story! Very imaginative and creative! Amazing work! Skillfully written, flowed smoothly and captures your attention. Lovely tone of voice!

2nd Place Winner:

When the Night Comes by Abriana O. Rood

She wrote a collection of poems and gave each one a memorable experience with her dramatic artwork. Judges’ Comments: Engaging collection of poetry with consistent theme. Strong use of figurative language. The rich dramatic artwork was moving and made you feel as if you were in a dream.

3rd Place Winner:

The Enchanted Wood by Natalie Ahrens

Her imagination took us on an adventure with pixies, trolls, and more. And the illustrations were quite magical themselves! Judges’ Comments: Funny and adorable. Nice use of embellishments. Deep thinking in her poems. Beautiful handwriting & detailed colorful illustrations.

Art Award Winner:

Little Arrows by M.A.C.

Expressing the beauty of the world with children, this shading masterpiece of the pen features detailed black & white illustrations, flourishing letters with subtle embellishments and use of color throughout. Judges’ Comments: The attention to detail in the artwork is impressive. Elegant lettering throughout!

10th Annual Summer Book Contest Winner:

Weasel Song by Wyatt Ahrens

The quality of his poetry and illustrations was top-notch! The premise of this story in poem form is a weasel who fashioned a lute from a peach pit and learned to play it, then has a fight with his King and suffers the consequences. He then meets a scary wolf in the woods who actually liked to play music too. We appreciated his commitment to a peaceful outcome. Well done, Wyatt!

Calling All Creative Writers!

It’s time for the 10th Annual RRC Summer Book Contest 2024! This year’s theme is to create a Book of Poetry! Using this specific kit from Lulu, Jr., write and illustrate a book of your own poetry. Your book can be a collection of many poems or a single, long-format poem. See our Rules & Rubric Checklist with Poem Book Ideas handout (included in the kit) for all the required steps and for ideas to spur your imagination. Parents, also see our Intro to Poetry handout for help in preparing your student to write.

Contest Entry Deadline is September 6. One entry per child only. Contest limited to U.S. residents only. To enter the contest, be sure to follow all contest rules and requirements. Finished book kit pages must be mailed to Lulu, Jr. by September 6th. The contest kit includes: 18 story pages; a cover page; and 10 washable markers; contest instructions and rules; and your kit’s tracking number (needed for entering). After mailing your completed pages to Lulu Jr., they print a hardcover version in approximately 4 weeks and send it to you. To be officially entered in the contest, email us your Contest Entry information (details in contest rules) by September 6. Winners will be announced via our social media on November 15. To receive free economy shipping on this kit, simply make a note in the ORDER COMMENTS BOX on our shipping page stating, “for Book Contest,” and we will adjust shipping for that item only. If ordering by phone, tell us and we will remove shipping costs for you. Email any questions at bookcontest@rainbowresource.com or call us at 888-841-3456 and ask for Ruth or Sara.

Attention All Creative Writers!

It’s time for the 8th Annual RRC Summer Book Contest 2022: This year’s theme is write a Funny Story for Children! Purchase the kit to enter the contest… while supplies last. One kit per author only. Open to students ages 7 to 18 (as of Jan 1st, 2022). Cash prizes available in 3 age groups. All official entries will receive a $5 DQ gift card. Be sure to follow all contest rules and requirements. Note the checklist and the judging criteria (Rubric) we use—listed below. Official launch for the contest is May 1. Contest Entry Deadline is September 1. Winners will be announced November 9. Email any questions at bookcontest@rainbowresource.com or call us at 888-841-3456 and ask for Sara or Ruth.

Please take the time to read our page of contest details and the judging criteria carefully. Contest limited to U.S. residents only.

If you did not receive the fully lined pages in your kit or need a fresh copy, you may download a copy of the lined pages here.