WGBY Sponsors 'Reading Rainbow' Contest
SPRINGFIELD - Public television station WGBY is inviting children in kindergarten through third grade to write and illustrate original story books and enter them in its Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, beginning Jan. 15. Applications and additional information are available now at www.wgby.org/readingrainbow .The first 500 entrants will receive family passes to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
"The contest was a great success last year; over 180 children from western New England submitted their thoughtful and creative stories to us here at WGBY. The stories were so much fun to read and we can't wait to see what kids come up with this year," said Heather Lavigne, director of education and outreach. "This type of initiative is what WGBY is all about - encouraging young people to open their imaginations and share their creativity. Hopefully, we'll inspire a child to be the next great writer or illustrator of our region!"
Sponsored by the award-winning PBS television series "Reading Rainbow," the contest, now in its 14th year, attracts more than 40,000 entries nationally each year. WGBY, together with more than 100 other PBS stations nationwide, sponsor the event. Kindergarten through third-graders enter by creating an original story with illustrations and submitting it with an official entry form to WGBY.
Airing weekdays at 6:30 a.m. on WGBY, and at 1 p.m. on WGBY Kids (D) "Reading Rainbow" strives to build lasting friendships between children and books. The contest builds on the program's mission to stimulate a child's interest in reading.
Every child who enters receives a certificate of achievement signed by LeVar Burton, host of the "Reading Rainbow" series. Three winners from each grade level will be selected and will advance to the national competition. In addition, winners will receive a WGBY Reading Rainbow Prize Package including family membership to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and have their stories posted on the WGBY contest Web site,
Now in its 25th season, "Reading Rainbow" has garnered more than 250 awards, including 24 Emmys (nine for "Outstanding Children's Series"), a Peabody, nine CINE Golden Eagles, nine Parent's Choice Awards, and six international Prix Jeunesse Awards.
WGBY , a community supported public broadcasting organization, connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other through national PBS programming and locally produced series and specials. With an additional four digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region's most accessible community institutions, providing lifelong learning opportunities for all.
