1st Place Winner (Tie):

An Improbable Strength by Mylan Satteson

Mylan’s story engaged the reader with his compassionate tale of saving others, even when some of those others were mean to his main character. Judges’ Comments: Sweet story. Loved the whimsical animal drawings and soft textured shadings of color throughout.

1st Place Winner (Tie):

A Long Way to Mexico by Emma Powell

Crumple Wing the Monarch butterfly perseveres while facing multiple challenges migrating from the Midwest to Mexico—with a few, crazy adventures along the way that are sure to bring a smile. Judges’ Comments: Clever and creative. Loved the history and geography included.

Runner Up Winner:

The Lonely Fish by Vincent Grenon

A tale about a tiny fish who overcomes fear of a bully at fish school and ends up making a surprising friend. Judges’ Comments: Sweet story of friendship! Captivating illustration style. Each ocean creature was drawn with accuracy with carefully selected details.

Honorable Mention Winner:

Ophie the Seven-Armed Octopus by Pear Canada

Ophie works through her physical challenge to recognize what she can do. Judges’ Comments: Sweet, clever story with a cute message: being proud of yourself. Artistic work is just right. A lovely message of “whether you win or lose, you will be happy you tried.”

1st Place Winner:

The Dragon Dare by Bradley Elisabeth Harris

A mild-mannered, yet valiant, mouse succeeds when others can’t. His faithful friends think it’s possible—with training and assistance. But the true foe is defeated in a surprising way. Judges’ Comments: An underdog helps another underdog. Creative details with a fun use of text.

Runner Up Winner:

Alone by Lola Gartner

This first-person narrative tells the story of a wolf cub who is the lone survivor of a tragic event. He must mature and survive on his own. Will he ever again have a family? Judges’ Comments: Captivating and beautifully illustrated; gifted storyteller; dramatic repetition of ‘alone’ is used so well.

Honorable Mention Winner:

Perkin by Greta F.

A young squire honors his knight despite the circumstances to become a leader. Perkin withstands harsh treatment and equally harsh odds to overcome. Judges’ Comments: Great story of character revealed as an Underdog; amazing artwork! The medieval language and character show careful details.

1st Place Winner:

Leafy and Banana by Emma Schoessow

Two hamsters begin a seemingly impossible quest to find their human. How can two tiny creatures overcome obstacles like a “giant river” and an enormous ravine? Judges’ Comments: Her characters are adorable and so emotive!

Runner Up Winner:

Ducks on Stilts by Wyatt Ahrens

Two ducklings just want more out of life and they want it right now. Follow their shenanigans and clever inventions as they attempt to achieve their goals. Judges’ Comments: The poet’s style was a pleasure to read. His contraptions were fun! Really enjoyed the “quack”-y sense of humor!

Honorable Mention Winner:

Recipe for Success by Evangeline P.

Ellie’s talent as her family’s cook is called on when she enters a cooking contest to save the family farm. When all seems lost, her ingenuity saves the day. Judges’ Comments: vivid, rich illustrations; amazing, touching story; completely captivated and invested in this story.

9th Annual Summer Book Contest Winner:

The Dragon Dare by Bradley Elisabeth Harris

A wee mouse is determined to save the village from a fire-breathing dragon. How can he succeed when others have failed? But wait, the dragon, …well, we won’t spoil it for you, reader. Look for a tiny surprise on every page! Judges’ Comments: The pages hold bold colors, fun details, and text becomes part of the artwork.

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.