Cheerios New Author Contest

Goodnight Moon, The Berenstain Bears, Green Eggs and Ham – for many of us, these titles conjure up fond childhood memories of learning to read. What isn’t often remembered, however, is who actually penned these classics –writers whose dream of creating a timeless story for children became a reality.

To encourage ambitious writers to pursue their dream of creating a children’s book that, like those listed above, Cheerios once again launched its New Author Contest. The contest is seeking the next great children’s book author & encourages ambitious authors nationwide to submit an original story, in either English or Spanish, for children ages three to eight. One Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 and a possible publishing deal with Simon & Schuster, in addition to having his or her book featured inside Cheerios cereal boxes next spring. Those who think they have the “write” stuff can visit www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com, where entries will be accepted from now until July 15.

In 2010, mom and small business owner Laurie Isop, of Renton, Wash., was named Grand Prize Winner. Beginning now, Laurie’s book “How Do You Hug a Porcupine?” will be featured in three million Cheerios boxes nationwide. Of winning the contest, Laurie has said it’s equivalent to winning the ”literary lottery” – she is truly evidence that even the loftiest of aspirations are worth working towards! If interested, I can send you a copy of her book or coordinate an interview - she has lots of tips on how to instill a lifelong love of reading in kids.