RNIB invites youngsters with a vision impairment to enter writing competition judged by Michael Morpurgo

The final competition winners will be judged by multi-award-winning children’s writer Sir Michael Morpurgo – author of books including War Horse and Private Peaceful. The overall winner will receive ten signed copies of Michael Morpurgo’s books.

Writing submissions must be on the theme of ‘adventure’. Taking the lead from RNIB’s motto, ‘See differently’, the charity wants to celebrate different ways of seeing, sensing and taking part in an adventure that children have been on, or that they can imagine.

No previous experience of creative writing is required and RNIB is keen to receive submissions from as many young people aged 5-12 as possible.

RNIB’s Libraries Engagement Manager, Lara Marshall, said: “Writing and being creative is hugely beneficial and enjoyable for everyone, especially when going through big life-changes such as growing up. Hearing the unique perspectives of young writers who have a vision impairment will be a real privilege and I can’t wait to read the fabulous work that I’m sure will be created. We are delighted that Michael Morpurgo has agreed to pick the winner for us as part of his support for RNIB’s World Book Day celebrations.”

• The competition is open to any child or young person between the ages of 5-12 years with a vision impairment in the UK.
• The competition runs from 9am on 1 January 2024, to midnight 18 February 2024.
• Send in an original piece of writing up to 500 words in a Word document, MP3 audio or MP4 video, via email.
• The piece of writing must be based on the theme ‘Adventure’.
• Submissions must be in English.
• The use of AI, such as ChatGPT is not permitted.
• One submission per author: this will be the first entry emailed to us.
• Email all entries with the subject of “WBD competition” to [email protected].
• The top three entries will be sent to award-winning author Michael Morpurgo for him to choose the final winner.
• All entries submitted will be read and shortlisted by RNIB’s library team.

• The winner will receive a signed set of ten of Michael Morpurgo’s books, in their preferred format.

Some suggestions to inspire you, but please feel free to come up with your own ideas too:

• Travelling somewhere new on holiday.
• Having a crazy dream.
• Encountering a strange individual.
• Finding an interesting artefact. Going on a quest to find mysterious treasure.
• Finding yourself lost in a place you’ve never been before.
• Having to save a friend in peril

Notes to Editors

All media enquiries to RNIB’s PR team on [email protected] or 020 7391 2223. For urgent enquiries out-of-hours, please call 07968 482812.

RNIB is committed to empowering children and adults with sight loss to enjoy reading and writing. Our Bookshare scheme offers thousands of online resources in accessible formats for school children and our online library offers an extensive catalogue of books in large print, electronic braille and audio. Organised by UNESCO, World Book Day is marked in more than 100 countries around the world, with 2024 being the 27th year of celebrations. World Book Day organisers are encouraging parents, children, and young people of all ages to spend at least ten minutes a day sharing a book together and celebrating reading for pleasure – which is the biggest single indicator of a child’s future success.

About RNIB

We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality, and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

RNIB. See differently.

Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk