1st Place Winner:

One Crazy Chick by Emma Haack

Vibrant illustrations take us to a chicken town where clever Elizabeth chicken builds a time travel bracelet. She solves a problem and an unlikely friendship begins. Judges’ Comments: Cute little story and a joy to read! Made me laugh seeing a chicken in a welding mask... well done! Very neat handwriting!

2nd Place Winner:

The Ghost Ship Rescue by Leeland R.

This book just enthralls with its storyline and extremely detailed line drawings. Mystery surrounds this dangerous adventure and a life is saved. Judges’ Comments: Stunning! PHENOMENAL! This feels like a real story; I got invested! A compelling time-travel story! Fluid shading in illustrations compliment the story!

3rd Place Winner:

Shooting for the Stars by Zeke Powell

Imagine traveling through space and time—with the help of a glowing soccer ball. This carefully illustrated fantasy goes “other worldly” to Roman and medieval times—and beyond! Judges’ Comments: Beautiful illustrations! Your story-telling voice is very authentic and relatable! This is so funny!

Art Award Winner:

Lily and the Search for the Pharoah’s Gem by Adrianne

Her time travel to ancient Egypt gives the main character a unique opportunity to study that historical period firsthand and solve the mystery of a hidden gem. Judges’ Comments: Showcases colorful illustrations that have bold use of line, shape, and color with intricate details in the Egyptian fashion!

1st Place Winner:

The Wright Perspective by Mylan Satteson

Mark’s assignment is going nowhere, but researching at the library takes him back to the first flight of the Wright brothers. Mark finds his answers and the value of history. Judges’ Comments: Illustrations and handwriting are so clean and well done! Good use of perspective in the artwork! Very good descriptive writing!

2nd Place Winner:

A Wrinkle in Thyme by Ella Powell

Farm life, puns, a mischievous cat, and a time-traveling tornado. Put these all together; do you have what is needed to save the family farm? Judges’ Comments: Love the illustrations and the poem! Fun use of embellishments in illustrations… adds to story! The word play was egg-cellent!

3rd Place Winner:

Myron and the Disappearing Gold by Eleanor Zelch

While on a field trip, two unlikely students accidentally travel to the 1920’s and solve a present-day crime. The answer lies in a bank vault with a special feature. Judges’ Comments: I enjoyed the mystery style tied with time travel! Good character development! Black & white illustrations with a pop of color were a nice touch!

Art Award Winner:

A Glitch in Time by Silas Bailey

Two friends illustrated in a dynamic animation style are caught in a race through time to capture and stop the evil glitch… who is colorfully personified throughout. Judges’ Comments: Rich artwork with great use of color, shading, and texture! Illustrations have a consistent colorful look that make reading the story a joy!

Tie for 1st Place Winner:

In His Shoes by Bradley Elisabeth Harris

An old pair of shoes walks young Rocky back to the 1950’s, to street ball, and diners—but most importantly, to a deeper understanding and connection. Judges’ Comments: Such great and careful attention to illustrations and storyline! There is so much we can learn when we walk in each other’s shoes! The plot is clear, original, and even tugged at my heartstrings!

Tie for 1st Place Winner:

Resonance Within My Heart by Adalisa Marie Rood

If only violins could speak… Emma Schwartz takes up her grandfather’s violin and a piece of sheet music transports her to World War II, to prejudice, and to forgiveness. Judges’ Comments: I love this story! The message of the story is powerful and emotional! A beautiful blend of illustrations and storytelling! Creative use of the illustration borders adds sophistication!

2nd Place Winner:

Seeing Eyes Made Blind by Emma Mae Zimmerman

Books can bring you to other worlds—and to other times. Opening a book and reading an autobiography transports the children to a smuggler’s car. Through miraculous intervention, they narrowly escape arrest. Judges’ Comments: Thoughtful weaving of truth and creativity! Excellent illustrations!

Art Award Winner:

TIME 2,000 by Abriana Rood

Enduring story of a beloved dog and her friend mouse—who, by no act of their own—time travel through adventures and find their way home again. Judges’ Comments: Features sweet, richly shaded, detailed illustrations that enhance the story! Author integrates beautiful floral borders throughout her book!

11th Annual Summer Book Contest Winner:

In His Shoes by Bradley Elisabeth Harris

A boy visits his grandpa and finds an old pair of boots. Once on his feet, the boots transport him to the past. He soon joins a street baseball game, and one player seems so familiar. Returning to the present, he learns he and Grampa have more in common and their relationship deepens. The engaging, meticulous illustrations always provide something to spy… including a mouse. Well done, Bradley!

Calling All Creative Writers!

It’s time for the 11th Annual RRC Summer Book Contest! This year’s theme is to create a Time Travel Story! Using this specific kit from Lulu Jr., write and illustrate a book of your own unique creation. See our Rules & Rubric Checklist handout (included in the kit) for all the required steps.

Contest Entry Deadline is September 5. One entry per child only. Contest limited to U.S. residents only. To enter the contest, be sure to follow all contest rules and requirements. Finished book kit pages must be mailed to Lulu Jr. by September 5th. The contest kit includes: 18 story pages, a cover page, 10 washable markers, contest instructions and rules, and your tracking number (needed to enter). After mailing your completed pages to Lulu Jr., they will print a hardcover version in approximately 4 weeks and send it to you. To be officially entered in the contest, email us your Contest Entry information (details in contest rules) by September 5. Winners will be announced via our social media and on our website on November 7. 

To receive free economy shipping on this kit, simply make a note in the ORDER COMMENTS BOX on our shipping page stating, “For Book Contest,” and we will adjust shipping for that item only. If ordering by phone, tell us and we will remove shipping costs for you. Email any questions to bookcontest@rainbowresource.com or call us at 888-841-3456 and ask for Ruth or Sara.

Attention All Creative Writers!

It’s time for the 8th Annual RRC Summer Book Contest 2022: This year’s theme is write a Funny Story for Children! Purchase the kit to enter the contest… while supplies last. One kit per author only. Open to students ages 7 to 18 (as of Jan 1st, 2022). Cash prizes available in 3 age groups. All official entries will receive a $5 DQ gift card. Be sure to follow all contest rules and requirements. Note the checklist and the judging criteria (Rubric) we use—listed below. Official launch for the contest is May 1. Contest Entry Deadline is September 1. Winners will be announced November 9. Email any questions at bookcontest@rainbowresource.com or call us at 888-841-3456 and ask for Sara or Ruth.

Please take the time to read our page of contest details and the judging criteria carefully. Contest limited to U.S. residents only.

If you did not receive the fully lined pages in your kit or need a fresh copy, you may download a copy of the lined pages here.