A Writing Contest and An Autographed Book Oh My!

You may recall my review of the adorable children's book, entitled Lily P. Badilly. You can see it here. My children loved this book. It comes complete with beautiful illustrations, a great story, funny characters and a CD that brings the characters to life. We still listen to the CD and my children's school has borrowed the book and CD twice already.

As if this great book isn't exciting enough, the folks over at Smart Poodle Publishing have been extremely busy. Check out their blog. They recently launched a really cool, contest in writing and art for grade K through 5.

When they told me about this, I couldn't be more excited. I have some talented nieces and nephews who certainly, should be entering...yes kiddies I am talking to you and your auntie wants to see what you can come up with.

The contest is called:
I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest! Young Travel Writers and Artists Contest

All prizes were donated by Rand McNally’s online store at www.RandMcNally.com

Here are the details:

Young Travel Writers Contest - This is a great summer project for children. It will keep them reading and learning.

Children from 5K through 5th Grade are invited to submit original stories and artwork to our I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest! Contest

First Place Winners in three grade categories (5K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade) will each receive these three prizes (Value listed):

* Rand McNally Personal Journeys World Pinable Wall Map
($84.99)
* Rand McNally Hard Bound World Atlas ($24.95)
* Kids' Travel Activity Bundle ($15.80)

Second Place Winners in three grade categories (5K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade) will each receive these two prizes (Value listed):

* Rand McNally Traveler Series Kids Illustrated Wall Map
 ($64.99)
* Kids' Travel Activity Bundle ($15.80)

Third Place Winners in three grade categories (5K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade) will each receive this prize (Value listed):

* World Knowledge Bundle ($22.90)

About the Essay
* The story should a real or imaginary travel adventure set in the Costa Rican rainforest.

* Read all you can about the plants, animals and natural environment (including preservation) of Costa Rica’s Rain Forest online and at your local library. Start with the Lilly Badilly website. www.lillybadilly.com/costarica.htm. Make sure you can find the country of Costa Rica on a map!

* In your story, include info about the real plants, animals, and natural environment of Costa Rica’s Rain Forest.
About the Artwork
* Draw, color or paint a picture (using any medium i.e. crayon, pencil, markers, paint) to submit with your essay.

* Your picture should be completed on an 8.5” X 11” sheet of paper & must be mailed to Smart Poodle Publishing along with Entry Form.

For a complete list of contest rules and how to enter please head over here.
Debbie, the voice of Lily P. Badilly, oh wait, here she is speaking at a school in her Lily costume; has some really exciting news for my readers...

One lucky Maria's Space reader is going to receive their very own, autographed copy of Lily P. Badilly.

How to Enter: Visit Smart Poodle Publishing check out what they are doing over there, then come back and let me know who will receive the book and why you think they will enjoy it. (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: May 12, 2009 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? (PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH SEPARATE ENTRY. LEAVE ALL YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. I GO THROUGH EACH COMMENT AND I WILL ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONES TO MY SPREADSHEET).
* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

*Add me to your blogroll

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.

* Subscribe to Maria's Space (if already a Maria's Space VIP "subscriber", please let me know how you receive my feed).

* Post my button on your sidebar

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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.