Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it important to follow the word count?
Yes! We count the words of stories. Any story that goes over or under the required word count is not eligible for consideration for the national contest.

2. Does spelling count?
No! The judges are asked not to count off for spelling errors, but it is never a bad idea to check your spelling and your grammar!

3. Should stories be stapled or bound?
You may use any format to bind your stories, but keep in mind that a sloppy looking story may not be judged as high as a neat story! For example, you probably don't want to send in a story that has been ripped out of a spiral notebook.

4. When do stories need to be at New Hampshire PBS
All stories must be postmarked by March 24, 2009.

5. Will I get my story back?
Yes. All stories will be mailed back at the end of the contest. It may take a little longer to return winning stories, as they have to be scanned and put on the website.

6. When will the stories be judged?
Stories will be judged on April 9, 2009.

7. How are the stories judged?
Stories are judged on the quality of the art, the quality of the writing, and how well the art and the writing work together. Some things that make a story special include bright, 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!

All the stories submitted to New Hampshire PBS are read by the staff of our education department. At least eight outstanding stories at each grade level are chosen for judging by an outside panel of judges made up of teachers, librarians, authors, artists, and NHPTV staff. This panel selects a first, second, and third place winner at each grade level. The remaining stories are awarded an honorable mention.

First, second, and third place winners are notified by phone in the evening after judging and a list of winning stories is posted on the NHPTV Reading Rainbow website the next morning.

First place winners for K-3 stories are sent to represent New Hampshire PBS at the national level where they compete with stories from over 100 other PBS stations from around the country.

Stories from grades 4-5 are not eligible for national prizes, as Reading Rainbow does not host a contest for those grades. NHPTV has decided to include grades 4-5 due to student interest.

8. How will I know if my story won?
First, Second and Third Place winners and honorable mention winners are notified by phone or email following judging on April 9, 2009. Winner's names are posted on this website the day after judging.

9. Can I enter a story from out-of-state?
If you are from outside of the New Hampshire PBS viewing area, (NHPTV Viewing Area: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine) you should submit your story to your local PBS station. You can find out if your local station is sponsoring the contest, at the Reading Rainbow website.

Entry Form and Rules