CMU Public Broadcasting congratulates all of the winners of the 14th annual “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators” Contest!  Sixteen young writers from across Michigan are being honored for their original stories and artwork. 

Each year, WCMU invites children in grades K-3 to write and illustrate original story books and enter them in the contest. Entries are then sent to WCMU for judging. This year’s top contestants were chosen out of a pool of 100 entries.

“Reading and writing skills are essential for a child to be successful in their education,” says WCMU’s Ready to Learn Coordinator Charlotte Galgoci.  “CMU Public Broadcasting supports the efforts of parents and teachers by providing opportunities like the Young Illustrators and Writers Contest!”

First place winners in each grade level will be treated to a bowling and pizza party to celebrate their win.  They will also be featured in an on-air spot for CMU Public Radio and will be videotaped reading their stories for air on CMU Public Television.  Additionally, each first place story and its illustrations will be available to read and view on WCMU’s website at www.wcmu.org throughout the summer.

All entrants also receive a certificate signed by Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton, along with prize packs consisting of different compilations of a Reading Rainbow backpack, DVD, book, and medal.

Judges for this year’s competition were Sheila Bissonnett, MLIS Library Director, Pere Marquette District Library; and Judy Czarnecki, Youth Service Associate at the Chippewa River District Library. Entries were judged on originality, creativity, storytelling, and integration of copy with illustrations. 

Reading Rainbow airs weekdays at 1:00 and 4:30 PM on CMU Public Television.

CMU Public Television includes WCML Channel 6 Alpena, WCMU Channel 14 Mt. Pleasant, WCMW Channel 21 Manistee, WCMV Channel 27 Cadillac, Channel 46 Traverse City and Channel 69 Leland.