New writing competition for Peterborough children learning from home

The competition is inspired by James Patterson’s award-winning ‘Treasure Hunters’ books which are centred around the adventures of the Kidd family. Four siblings - Bick, Beck, Storm, and Tommy - need to find their missing parents by hunting for treasure. Their father is a legendary treasure hunter and their mother has been kidnapped by pirates.

To enter the competition, you need to produce a treasure map and short story alongside it, imagining that Mr and Mrs Kidd have been hidden in Peterborough.

The map should include landmarks, which can be imaginary, as well as an ‘X’ to mark the spot. Meanwhile, the story should explore the challenges the Kidd siblings must overcome and end with them finding their parents, mentioning the places on the map in your story.

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, May 20. Entries should be sent to [email protected], including name, age and the school attended in the email.

Cllr Lynne Ayres, cabinet member for children’s services, education, skills and university for Peterborough City Council, said: “Reading and creative writing are some of the most important skills a child can learn. Challenging children to explore creative ideas and problem solving, through both reading and writing, allows children to develop the focus and discipline needed for other subjects and later life.

“We have seen previous reading events and activities have made a positive difference on children’s literacy levels and progress, so I would encourage everyone to get involved with the latest Peterborough Reads competition.”

For more information about Peterborough Reads visit https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/5-8/young-writers-story-starters/.