Jackson Free Press

[Verbatim from MPB] Kids, get ready to write and draw! Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) invites kindergarten through third graders to participate in the 15th Annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. Children are encouraged to write and illustrate their original stories and submit them, along with an official entry form, to MPB during the entry period of January 1 through March 31, 2009. Each child who enters receives a special Certificate of Achievement signed by LeVar Burton, host of the "Reading Rainbow" series.

First, second and third place winners are selected for each grade level, with each receiving a DVD copy of a "Reading Rainbow" program and special recognition at the Winners Celebration Event in Jackson. First place winners will advance to the national competition.

According to the contest's coordinator, Maggie Stevenson, "The "Reading Rainbow" series builds lasting friendships between children and books. The contest, which provides the opportunity for children to exhibit their self-expression through word and art, builds on the program's mission to stimulate a child's interest in reading."

"Reading Rainbow" is broadcast Monday through Friday at12:30 p.m. on MPB.
The contest is conducted in cooperation with MPB and WNED-TV of Buffalo, New York, and Smarterville Productions LLC. Support for the series is provided by Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Inc. and The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.

Visit http://www.mpbonline.org for the 2009 Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest entry forms, rules, and information.