National Share a Story Month 2025 Competitions and Resources

Children for Change Writing Competition

Calling All Young Writers! Enter the Stories for Change Competition!

Guppy Books and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups are thrilled to announce Stories for Change – a short story competition for children aged 7-12, inspired by the themes of National Share a Story Month 2025 and Maggie Blue and the Lost Child by Anna Goodall.

This year’s NSSM theme, “Changing the World, One Book at a Time”, celebrates the power of storytelling to inspire environmental awareness, hope, and action.

We invite young writers to craft a 500-word short story inspired by their local environment. Whether it’s a school playground transformed by a secret garden, a mission to clean up a polluted pond, or a story of friendship sparked by a shared love for nature, we want to hear your vision of change – big or small!

Join us in celebrating the power of stories to change the world. Let your imagination soar and make a difference—one story at a time!

Themes: The environment, climate change, hope, and action

Who can enter? Children aged 7-12

Deadlines: 11th April / Winner announced: 9th May

Prizes:

5 x runners-up: A set of books and goodies from Guppy Books and feedback on your story from Anna Goodall.

Winner: A recording of Anna Goodall reading your story, personal writing ‘mini masterclass’ from Anna, set of books from Guppy Books, plus a signed and dedicated set of Maggie Blue books.

How to enter: download Stories for change entry form