Special to the Reporter

Island Books was thrilled to host its first fall-themed writing contest for authors in grades K-5 from Oct. 13-Nov. 10. Born out of a conversation between Sarah Threlkeld, our children’s specialist, and local author-illustrator Rachel Michelle Wilson, the contest encouraged elementary students to craft a fall-themed story in 500 words or less. We received 63 submissions from students across the Seattle area.

The judges — Threlkeld, Wilson and Anna Morrow, the children’s librarian at the Mercer Island branch of the King County Library System — were astounded by the young authors’ creativity, humor and use of descriptive language. It was challenging to choose the winning submissions.

We are delighted to announce the grand prize winners are Navya, a fourth-grader, and Atticus, a kindergartener. Both students earned a free author visit for their school from Wilson and author Kristin Varner.

Honorable mentions go to Avni, a fifth-grader; Benjamin, a second-grader; Lilly, a fourth-grader; and Vasylisa, a first-grader. These authors received either an Island Books gift card or a signed copy of “To Catch a Ghost” by Wilson.

An author celebration was held at Island Books on Nov. 19 where Wilson read one of her books to the crowd, winners were announced, some of the winning stories were shared, and Island Books gift cards were raffled off.

We’re looking forward to hosting another writing contest next year, perhaps for middle school students.