Inspired Tales: The results are in!
Last year, we launched Inspired Tales - our writing competition for kids, in partnership with award-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly. We wanted to unleash the creativity of young people, and find the best budding writers and storytellers out there.
We were overwhelmed with incredible entries, so a massive well done to everybody who sent their stories in. It was no easy feat, but after much deliberation, the results are in… Meet your Inspired Tales winners, 2021-22!
US & Canada Winner: Under 9s
Garbage Man
Author: Jonas Brown
Location: Idaho
Inspired Tales ambassador and judge, Erin Entrada Kelly, had this to say about Garbage Man:
“‘Garbage Man’ was funny, fast-paced and exciting to read. Perhaps it will become a full novel one day. If so, I’d happily read it.”
Great work, Jonas!
Runners Up:
A Girl Who Painted the World, by Aria Pareek
The Sassy Chicken, by Mia Elizabeth De La Garza
US & Canada Winner: Over 9s
Shadows on the Stage
Author: F. J. Zamora
Location: California
Inspired Tales judge, Jess Tarrant, Content Director at Yoto, had this to say about Shadows on the Stage:
“The perfect story should always leave you wanting more, and this atmospheric entry in the Over 9s category did exactly that. The central character trod a delicate line between glamour and malevolence, and the writer managed to bring the whole scene vividly to life –leaving us on a brilliant cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to hear the audio version.”
Well done, F. J!
Runners Up:
Petticoats of Phrisopl, by Eden Rankin
Dogs Incorporated, by Sophie Decker
UK Winner: Under 9s
The Crown Calamity
Author: Seren Roach
Location: Montgomery
Inspired Tales ambassador and judge, Sophie Dahl, had this to say about The Crown Calamity:
“We were so impressed with the quality of the entries for the under 9s across the board. ‘The Crown Calamity’ was a story that delighted all the judges with its originality, humor and marvelous descriptions. I’m genuinely excited to hear the audio version of this story, and read what the author writes next.”
Well done, Seren!
Runners Up:
The Hole in the Hedge, by Milicent Rix
Mr Hedgehog’s Night-time Adventure, by Betsy Salt
UK Winner: Over 9s
The Mine
Author: Shaheer Ahmed
Location: Huddersfield
Inspired Tales judge, Lucy Starbuck Bradley from the National Literacy Trust, said:
“The writer of ‘The Mine’ did a great job of creating atmosphere through clever description throughout the story, they created a definite sense of suspense whilst leaving just the right amount of detail to the reader’s imagination!”
Great work, Shaheer!
Runners Up:
The Day Frank Scoggins got Captured, by Romany Black
Memories of Stars, by Ava-Mae Tucker-Salfield
Again - a massive congratulations to everybody who sent in their work!
Our winners will have their stories transformed into a professional recording, on a Yoto Card available for sale internationally, so keep your eyes (and ears) peeled. All winners and runners-up will also receive a bundle of Yoto prizes and book vouchers!