Creative Caterpillar Contest
Creative Caterpillar Award
Winners announced on June 1st, 2025
Much like a caterpillar going through metamorphosis, the Creative Caterpillar Award is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the evolving journey of young authors and illustrators aged 4-12. It’s a tribute to their growth and evolution as storytellers. Join us in fostering the next generation of storytellers as they embark on their literary metamorphosis.
The Creative Caterpillar Award invites young authors and illustrators to embark on a transformative journey, much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Open to imaginative minds aged 4-12, this award celebrates the diverse voices and creativity children bring to storytelling.
Parents, educators, and mentors play a crucial role in witnessing and supporting the growth of these young minds. Through this award, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for storytelling and artistic expression. The Creative Caterpillar Award nurtures the storytellers, allowing their imaginations to take flight. Join us in celebrating the magic that unfolds when young minds express themselves and transform into literary butterflies.
Guidelines
Who May Enter
Parents/Guardians of children aged 4-12 may submit entries on behalf of them.
- A signature from the guardians of the author and illustrator is required on the submission form. (Children who both write and illustrate only need to fill out one form.)
Eligibility
- The book must have been created in 2024 or 2025, with entries postmarked by the final deadline of April 16th, 2025.
- Only children ages 4-12 are eligible to enter.
Book Criteria
- Entries should be written/told by children ages 4-12. For younger children who are not able to write, parents can assist with the writing portion, but not the actual story telling.
- Illustrations must also be created by children aged 4-12.
- Entries should be between 10 and 32 pages, and include a front and back cover.
- The cover must have the author’s and illustrator’s names or just a single creator name if the child is both the author and illustrator.
How to Enter
- Fill out the entry form online.
- Make payment and submit.
- Send a copy of the handmade book with a printout of the submission email to :
Babooky Contests
Creative Caterpillar
8977 S 1300 #3002
West Jordan, UT 84088 - All entries must be postmarked by the final entry deadline of April 16, 2025.
Submission
- Handmade books will not be returned; please refrain from sending originals.
- No specific categories; all genres within the picture book spectrum will be considered.
- Multiple submissions can receive the award in any given year.
- We reserve the right to revoke any award if the guidelines are not followed.
Fee
- The submission fee is set at $7 per entry, keeping it accessible for students and children.
- If you’re a teacher interested in submitting multiple student titles as a class package, please contact us for a special classroom discount.
Deadline
- Entries must be postmarked by the final entry deadline of April 16, 2025.
Judging
- Judging criteria include content, originality, design, and illustration, with a focus on innovation and creativity.
- The judging panel comprises experts from the fields of editing, design, reviewing, bookselling, and library.
Awards
- Winners will receive a cash prize of $25 and a medal in recognition of their achievement.
- Additionally, one of the winners may have the opportunity for a micro-publishing deal. This unique offer includes the chance to have Babooky illustrate and publish the winning book.
- The micro-publishing deal is optional, and winners can choose to decline the offer.
- We reserve the right to not offer the micro-publishing prize in any given year.