To enter the 2010 picture book competition run by NZTA, a class must write and illustrate a picture book based on the theme of  safe active travel. The winning entry will be professionally published as a picture book.

Schools can create their picture book on paper or in a digital format. The story can be fiction or non-fiction, serious or humorous – it’s up to the students to decide!

This is a wonderful opportunity to get students working collectively on a creative project that brings together reading, writing, visual language, and art. At the same time, you can use the competition to promote active, healthy forms of travel.

The competition is open to classes in New Zealand schools registered with FeetFirst. The entering team can be either a whole class or a group within a class. Students must be in Years 1–8 to enter and the book should be written and illustrated for all New Zealand students to enjoy.

The prize for the winning entry

A professional picture book writer/book editor and picture book illustrator/book designer will visit the winners to deliver a three day workshop. They will work with the class or group on their picture book and help them prepare it for publication. The workshop will take place between 22 November and 3 December 2010.

Every student at the school of the winning class or group will receive a free copy of the book when it is published in Term 1 2011. A copy will also be sent to every primary school library in New Zealand.

Feet First will also host a book launch event at the winning school.