Storytelling Competition 2024
To celebrate National Storytelling Week, we’re running a children’s writing competition based on this year’s theme, ‘Dream up a world’!
Winners
Category 1
Erin – Aged 7 – WINNER
A rush of air blasted in Alex’s curious face causing him to stumble backwards onto the hard floor. Nervously, he crept towards it again once his eyes had adjusted to the emerald glow within. What a sight it was!! Hearing a slam of the door behind him, Alex knew this would be the perfect excuse for not completing his homework! Sweet sweet birdsong chirped above Alex’s head as he eagerly edged deeper into the secret forest.
The forest shone emerald green. Trees towered above Alex while vinipulent vines spiralled round the forest, strangling the immense trunks. ‘What is this place?’ Alex whispered to himself, his tummy in a fizz. A familiar but unknown thought struck Alex’s mind, igniting a strong curiosity to dive deeper. Alex stomped over twigs with a crunch and past huge, foamy waterfalls with sharp rocks. He felt his blood run cold as he spotted a small, crooked cabin with a watermill and the sound of whispers inside.
After observing the cabin for a while, Alex dared himself to explore within. He could feel his mouth drying and nervous energy flood through him as he cautiously and carefully entered the mysterious building. It revealed nothing! Emptiness. Abandoned. Alex’s head swarmed with questions- who, what, why? Turning back, he stormed out and rushed down a bendy path to explore more. Where were the voices coming from? Who did they belong to? He needed to search for answers.
After a while, Alex noticed the exact same sight- the small, crooked cottage appeared again. ‘I’ve just left this place, how am I here again?’ he questioned. Little did he know, Alex was being drawn to the cabin by a force that lived inside him and he couldn’t explain it.
Suddenly, Alex felt eyes watching him. He caught sight of a lean figure in a mint-green shrub. Their eyes fixed and everything went silent. Not a breath could be heard as Alex was rooted to the spot. The quiet stranger carefully crept towards Alex. ‘Alex?’ she whispered as soft as the evening breeze, her eyes searching deep into Alex’s. ‘You know who I am?’ he replied curiously. The mysterious woman had the kindest face and her mouth curled into the gentlest smile as she began to hum a wonderful tune. The strangest feeling struck Alex, right in the heart. He had heard this song before, but where?
Continuing the sweet tune, she led Alex back through the lush forest and to the magic door with the rusted knob. ’14 years ago, my 2 year old son vanished behind this awful door. For 14 years we have tried and tried to find my missing boy but it has been impossible.’ The woman fell to her knees. ‘You have finally returned, my son.’ Holding out a small, silver key, she gave Alex a choice as she wept at his feet. ‘You must do what must be done. Will you return through the door, or stay here my son? Stay home and never go back?’
Category 2
Milly – Aged 10 – WINNER
“I must be dreaming. I have to be dreaming. There is no way…” Alex paused, cut off by the reality of the scene unfolding in front of their eyes.
Alex was in sensory overload. It was as if the whole place was built on their imagination.
Clouds swiftly danced across the marbled sky, swirling and twirling like fluffy white ballet dancers. A chocolate river gushed through luscious flowering meadows, begging Alex to dive into its rich, delectable depths. Elephants pranced, while unicorns trotted, monkeys gibbered and giraffes leapt. Teddy bears as tall as grown men sat amongst colossal flowers, reaching up to an absent ceiling. The sweet scent of cotton candy wafted through the air, mixing with the aroma of the chocolate and exotic spices. The blend was strange, but Alex did not hate it. All of what had seemed unthinkable, preposterous, a far off dream a minute ago, was now right in front of them!
They crossed the bountiful meadows and down to the room’s end, stopping only to sip a mouthful of the river’s sweet waters. The back wall was unlike the rest of the elaborate room; a simple red curtain with gilded tassels. The bottom was intricately embroidered with scenes of what Alex struggled to interpret: a bear at one angle, the next – a dragon.
They pushed aside the curtain, the material soft and velvety against their palm.
Behind it was a dark, musty room, situated in the middle, a mirror stood tall, gleaming in what was left of the light. Dust hung in the air like fairy lights on a Christmas tree. They couldn’t put their finger on it, but there was an off-putting feel to the space-a sensation of unease. Alex reached out, tracing the curves and bumps of the delicate frame. They stared at their reflection intently. A short, scruffy young child looked back. They had always wished to be taller, to be able to reach the high shelves without a struggle like other children in their year.
All of a sudden, a piercing gold light flashed, blinding the child so much, they stumbled back in surprise! When they removed their hand from their eyes, the reflection staring back at them was different, somehow…taller! Alex blinked in amazement; it couldn’t be- could it? The last few minutes had been so unpredictable, they were beginning to confuse the truth with their imagination. Clearing their racing mind, Alex began to think to themselves: “I wish my hair were less scruffy.” Before them, the room seemed to dissolve into an emanating golden light, leaving a bewildered Alex standing in front of the mirror. Their sandy blonde hair was noticeably tidier.
“Wow!” exclaimed Alex in astonishment. It seemed like every wish they could ever have was appearing right before his eyes! “This is even better than playing with my puppy!” Before they had even finished their sentence, a group of puppies bounded towards them!
Alex couldn’t believe their own eyes! This was going to be a fun day!
Thank you to everyone who submitted their work and voted.