*Entries for the 2024 Writers Contest have closed.  Stay tuned for information about the 2025 contest*

Welcome Young Authors!

Do you love being creative and telling stories? Do you have a tale to tell? Then you are invited to participate in the annual Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest! Prepare to ignite your imagination, build your creative voice, and share your stories with viewers across Central and Western Kansas. 

2025 Contest COMING SOON

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is a national competition designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The effort encourages children in grades 1st-5th in our area to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.

Winners will be announced in May 2025 with an award presentation by Smoky Hills PBS.

Start writing your stories NOW for the 2025 Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest!

Thank you to everyone who entered our 2024 PBS KIDS Writers Contest

Click below to read our winning stories!

• First Place - Happy Love by Madelyn C. - Osborne Elementary - Osborne
• Second Place - The Lost Animals by Maverick Nicholson - Osborne Elementary - Osborne
• Third Place - Daisy's Flower by Mila LeSage - Lincoln Elementary - Hays

• First Place - The Missing Horse Named Winner by Karlie Gasper - Osborne Elementary - Osborne
• Second Place - An Adventure With Friends! by Owen Mai - Smart Cookies Tutoring - Russell
• Third Place - Wonderful Places  by Everly Reimer - Meade Elementary - Meade

• First Place - Space Explorer by Lincoln Kelly - Otis-Bison Elementary - Timken
• Second Place - Dad's Birthday Weekend at Wilson Lake by Noah Fanshier - St. John-Hudson - St. John
• Third Place - Detective Peaches by Zoey Funk - Otis-Bison Elementary - Olmitz

• First Place - The Story of Lexi by Madison Mawhirter - St. John-Hudson Elementary - St. John
• Second Place - The Queen of Space by Clara Yust - Harvest Christian School - Ulysses
• Third Place - Hallie and Pablo by Hallie Bonner - St. John-Hudson Elementary - Stafford

• First Place - The Homeless Puppy by Andelyn Reimer - Meade Elementary - Meade
• Second Place - Little Owl's Shiny Gem by Gannon Klein - Jefferson Elementary - Great Bend
• Third Place - The Mountain by Daisy Scott - Jefferson Elementary - Great Bend

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I send in my child's story?

We accept stories all year long.  The deadline for stories is usually at the end of February.  Your entry must be postmarked by Feb. 24th.  

Where do I mail my entry?

Smoky Hills PBS

PO BOX 9

Bunker Hill, KS  67626

Can stories be dictated to an adult?

Yes. Children who cannot write may tell their story to an adult who will write it.

Does spelling Count?

No.  The judges do not consider spelling, 'best guess spelling' is okay.

Can clip art, coloring book characters, or stickers be added to illustrations? Can someone else make my illustrations?  No. Your illustrations need to be your own work. 

Do I need to bind my story?  No. We will accept your story whether it is bound, stapled, or simply paper-clipped.

Will I get my original story back?

If you would like your original story back, include an envelope and postage when you mail in your story. After judging is concluded, we will mail back your original copy in the envelope you provide.

When will the stories be judged, and how are they judged?

Stories will be judged from March through early April.  Stories are

judged on originality, creative expression, storytelling, illustrations, and overall impression.  Some things that make a story special include colorful art; a unique story; a story with a good beginning, middle, and end; illustrations that match the story; attention to details; and following the contest rules.

How will I know if my story won?

Smoky Hills PBS will announce winners through a 30-minute production where we read the winner's stories.  The names of finalists and winners will be posted on our website the same day the production airs.  The Writer's Contest Winners show airs in May. More details on this will be announced in April.  

For more questions or inquiries, please contact shptv@shptv.org