GIFTS! It's a #sunwritefun 2026 Theme

Use your gifts for good. Write for kids. Donate. Volunteer. Share. Enjoy!

Hey #kidlit writers! It’s time to put your pen to paper or unearth a story from your drawer. The window of time to enter is August 5 through August 20. Don’t wait. Begin to earn points toward your eligibity for the Grand Prize.

Your #sunwritefun submission must…

I. Make at least 1 major aspect of your 200 word story NF or INFO FIC.

2. Choose a topic that relates to this year’s theme: GIFTS

3. Write something appropriate for a kidlit audience.

4. Respectfully comment on at least 2 other contest entries on Karen’s contest page. NOTE: PLEASE PUT YOUR EMAIL & NAME when commenting on another person’s entry.

5. Earn at least 7 Sun Fun Points​ to be eligible for a Grand Prize.

DO NOT use discriminatory language against any race, religion, ethnicity, or that is profane; write about a topic that isn’t appropriate for children; write about a topic that deals with international or domestic politics (including war, famine, immigration, et al-there’s a reason our contest name includes, “fun!”). AND CERTAINLY DO NOT use AI (including Chat GPT, Claude, et al.).

Stay tuned for an extra Plot Twist surprise prize!

Points

How do you accumulate points toward earning eligibility for the Grand Prize? Earn one point for each of your posts on TWITTER (X)/ BLUESKY/ INSTAGRAM​

• THANK 5 DONORS IN A POST (twice max)

• TAG 5 KIDLIT'ERS IN A POST (twice max)

• WHAT PB DO YOU WISH YOU WROTE?

From the publisher: A gorgeously illustrated picture book that celebrates our connections to nature and to each other while empowering young readers to help protect the earth, from a beloved British poet, musician, actor, and activist. Feb 2026

• WHAT IS YOUR FAV BOOK TO GIVE AS A GIFT?

From the publisher: Told through poetic letters, this inventive collaboration from Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman and two-time Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet reveals the everyday conversations between “big” and “little” objects in our ecosystem.

• POST A QUOTE FROM YOUR FAV PB ABOUT GIFTS AND A PIC OF THE COVER

• WHAT IS A KID-APPROPRIATE SECRET GIFT YOU HAVE THAT YOU CAN SHARE ON TWITTER, BLUE SKY, AND IG?

• POST A PIC OF YOUR FAV PLACE TO WRITE AND TELL US IF YOU PREFER THE GIFT OF SILENCE OR GAB SURROUNDING YOU.

• WHAT'S YOUR FAV NF OR INFO FIC PB? WHY?

Years ago, I wrote an info fic about a girl who painted in the caves. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being in a critique group with the author of WHAT MARCEL FOUND: THE INCREDIBLE DISCOVERY OF THE LASCAUX CAVE PAINTERS written by Cedar Pruitt, illustrated by David Litchfield

This is the book I wish I had written. I’m sooooo grateful that Cedar’s beautiful book is coming on October 13, 2026.

Beach Lane Books (October 13, 2026) “Uncover the amazing true story of a boy who made one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history—the Lascaux Cave Paintings—in this fascinating and beautiful nonfiction picture book.”

• TAG 5 KIDLIT'ERS’

• DONATE 1 UNUSED PB. SEND IT DIRECTLY TO KIDLIT CHARITY, READER TO READER NO LIMITS TO HOW MANY TIMES YOU CAN DO THIS!

  Reader to Reader

  27 Woodlot Road

  Amherst, MA 01002

  ​​PLEASE NOTE: Snapshot of receipt required. DM a copy to (Twitter) @SWildmanSF (Stephanie Wildman)

• POST A PIC OF THE COVER OF YOUR FAV. PB ABOUT GENEROSITY

---

Include in your post

You get 1 point for each post, but you MUST include the following in each post this year’s #SunWriteFun logo

Use this year’s logo in your posts to spread the word and earn points.

2. Include the social media handles for your hosts:
⬇️. www.karengreenwaldcontests.com/sunwritefun26

• Karen M. Greenwald: IG @karenmgreenwald

• Jenny Buchet: X (list her name if on IG)

• Stephanie Wildman: IG: @stephanie_wildmansf Bluesky @swildmansf.bsky.social

• Hilary Elizabeth Margitich: IG: @hilarymargitich @hilarymargitich.bsky.social

• Joyce Uglow: IG: @jpuglow Bluesky @jpuglow.bsky.social

3. Use the #SunWriteFun contest link https://www.karengreenwaldcontests.com/sunwritefun26

4. Use the hashtags: #SunWriteFun and #kidlit.

---

Submit! Remember… less is more

Before you submit your original 200 word story (nonfiction or informational fiction) using the GIFTS theme, think about… theme, NF, Info Fic, wonderfully beautiful #kidlit books, and story. What is in your mind, your drawer, or in your Work-In-Progress pile?

Here's a little video about theme for students.

And here is a bit posted by: Kathy Temean on August 2, 2021 about the difference between nonfiction and info fic.

Where can you find mentor texts and read alouds that resonate with kids? School Librarian, Jillian Heise created #ClassroomBookADay Resources to spread the word about top-notch #kidlit.

And here’s a little something first published in 2011 by Phillip Martin and updated on Feb. 18, 2025 from Jane Friedman about how story leads to meaning.

Can a poem about gifts be informational fiction or nonfiction? YES! Here’s a spotlight on nonfiction.

From the publisher: Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere. This beautiful picture book was recognized with a Pura Belpré Honor. A strong option for those interested in women’s history and Hispanic History topics.

How to enter

1. Polish your draft into a 200-word (or fewer) story.

2. Does your #kidlit nonfiction or informational fiction story have the underlying GIFTS theme?

3. You’re ready!

4. Submit between August 5 and August 20, 2026.

5. Scroll to the bottom of Karen Greewald’s contest webpage to submit yours. https://www.karengreenwaldcontests.com/sunwritefun26

https://joyceuglowauthor.com