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.

Cheerios New Author Contest

If you are an unpublished author, the Cheerios� New Author Contest is waiting to hear from you. Grand prize winners will receive $5000 and a chance for publication. Two First Runner-up prizes of $1000 each will also be awarded. Their stories will be published at www.SpoonfulsofStories.com.

You must be a legal United States resident, 18 years old and older and living in the United States to enter the contest.

Contest rules require that the story be no more than 500 words in length and geared to children ages 3-8 years. The story can be written in English or Spanish. Official contest rules can be found at http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com/rules/. All entries must be received by July 15, 2010. An entry form can be found at http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com/.

The 2008 contest winner was Lori Degman who wrote 1 Zany Zoo. Her book was published and is available in specially-marked boxes of Cheerios. Laurie Isop won the 2009 Grand Prize. Her book, How Do You Hug a Porcupine? is being published by Simon & Schuster and will be available in Cheerios boxes in 2011. It can be read at www.SpoonfulsofStories.com.

Winners of the 2010 contest will be notified in October. Contest results will be posted on the Internet at www.spoonfulsofstories.com in March, 2011.