We love to read stories to the kids. I am always on the lookout for new stories for the kids. It is so important to read to your little ones. It really helps them learn so many things, as well as the bonding is just so special.
Over the past seven years, Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories has given away more than 35 million children’s books by distributing them free inside cereal boxes and has donated nearly $3 million to First Book, their non-profit partner, which provides books to children from low-income families.
In addition to encouraging children to read, Cheerios is looking for anyone interested in writing children’s books. Now in its third year, the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories New Author Contest is a way to encourage previously unpublished, up-and-coming children’s book authors and to continue to nurture a love of reading. Entries are being accepted March 16 through July 15, 2009 and will be judged on appropriate story and content for children ages 3-8, emotional connection, writing quality, uniqueness, and read-aloud potential. More details on the contest can be found at www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com.
Shellie Braeuner, the first year’s winner, won for her book “The Great Dog Wash”. This nanny from Nashville won a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to have her book reviewed by Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. Simon & Schuster offered Shellie a book deal – and will publish her book, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, in hardcover this summer. In addition, Cheerios will be featuring “The Great Dog Wash” free inside 1.5 million boxes of Cheerios. The book has been specially printed in paperback in both English and Spanish and will be available free inside boxes of Cheerios this spring.
Cheerios is also announcing the winners of the second New Author Contest:
- Lori Degman, of Vernon Hills, Ill., won the top prize for her story, “1 Zany Zoo.” In addition to winning a $5,000 cash prize from Cheerios, Degman earned the opportunity to have her book reviewed by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. Simon & Schuster has since offered Degman a book deal; her book is expected to be released in 2010, initially in paperback distributed inside Cheerios boxes, and later in hardcover sold in the market.
- Cheerios also named two runners-up in the contest: Tameka Fryer Brown, of Charlotte, N.C., for her story “I’m Not Eating That!” and Joan Stradling, of Star Valley, Ariz., for her story, “Who Invites a Pig to Dinner?” Both Brown and Stradling will receive a cash prize of $1,000 from Cheerios.
Cheerios® is searching for the next great children’s book author. It could be you!
Just enter your original children’s book story by July 15, 2009. Meet Lori Degman. Her story, 1 Zany Zoo, won the Grand Prize in the 2008 Cheerios® Spoonfuls of Stories New Author Contest. She won $5,000 from Cheerios®, and will have her book published by Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.
You can see her book come to life on www.spoonfulsofstories.com.
Are you or someone you know an aspiring children’s book author? Be sure to encourage your friends and readers to enter the contest- or just spread the word about the importance of reading and the amazing Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories program.
How would you like to win a fun Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories gift set which includes a copy of the “The Great Dog Wash” as well as three other books from the Spoonfuls library? We have these books and adore them all! I have to say that the kids really do love these stories!
What you win
- Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories gift set which includes a copy of the “The Great Dog Wash” as well as three other books from the Spoonfuls library (FOUR books total)
How to enter
- Post to me what some of your favorite stories are to read to your little ones.
- If you want to write children’s books, be sure to stop by and sign up www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com
Extra Entries
- Twitter the giveaway (copy & paste text below to Twitter. Leave link on comment entry)
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- Subscribe to my newsletter
- Add my main button to your site
Details
- ONE (1) winner will receive Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories gift set which includes a copy of the “The Great Dog Wash” as well as three other books from the Spoonfuls library (FOUR books total)
- Winner will be chosen at Random and backed up by post content.
- Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 48 hours, another winner will be drawn
- For more specifics on how winners are drawn, click here
- Winners are posted here for reference
- US & Canada entries only
- Contest ends on June 19, 2009 at 11:59 pm Central Time
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