Children's Writing Competition Guidelines
Set off on an exciting adventure with the return of the Prospect Library children’s writing competition this winter!
We’re inviting all budding young writers to make a story based on this year’s Children’s Book Week theme, Symphony of Stories. Books open up countless worlds for kids to explore and we can’t wait to see what adventures are created as part of this year’s competition.
There are three categories for young authors to enter:
- Reception–Year 2: up to 100 words
- Years 3–4: up to 250 words
- Years 5–6: up to 500 words
Winners of each category will receive a $100 book voucher, with honourable mentions receiving a $50 book voucher.
The Year 5-6 age group winner will also be presented with the perpetual Jenni Cotton Memorial Trophy!
This year’s competition opens Wednesday 1 July, and entries must be submitted by Sunday 9 August 2026. Winners will be officially presented with their awards at our formal Children’s Book Week event on Wednesday 26 August.
Submit your entry to Payinthi or online to admin@prospect.sa.gov.au.
Terms and Conditions
- Open to South Australian residents only
- Only one entry per child or class but a child may submit a class entry and an individual entry
- Entries to be neatly hand-written or typed
- Illustrations may accompany the submissions, but entries will be judged only on the merits as per the criteria below.
- Entries must be in by Sunday 9 August 2026 - entries will not be accepted after this date.
- Entries must be the original work of the author/s.
- Full name, school, grade and contact phone number of author must be clearly printed at the top of the entry.
- Each entry must relate to the theme ‘Symphony of Stories’.
- Entries will be judged on the criteria of:
- Engagement with the theme
- Originality
- Style, plot and characterisation
- Grammar and spelling
- All entries become the property of City of Prospect and may be reproduced by Council for promotional, archival or publicity purposes in either printed or electronic format.
- A prize-giving ceremony will be held on the evening of Wednesday 26 August 2026 (winners will be notified beforehand).
- Children of employees of City of Prospect are welcome to participate.
Contact us
For more information about the writing competition, please call 8269 5355 and ask for our Children's Literacy and Learning Officer, or email admin@prospect.sa.gov.au.