Earlier this month, poet Alex Wharton announced a brilliant competition for 7-11 year olds to join in the fun around his forthcoming poetry collection Daydreams and Jellybeans, illustrated by talented children’s illustrator Katy Riddell – out in shops January 2020!
We had hundreds of fantastic submissions and Alex had such a difficult decision to make choosing a winner. So… we’re delighted to announce that we will have two joint winners:
o Theo Janneh, aged 10 from Torfaen, for his beautiful poem Underworld Dreams, which reflects the vibrant life of the sea floor.
o Sophie Macfarlane, aged 11 from Surrey, for her quirky and funny poem Wonder Thunder. Sophie’s rhymes, in which everything is subverted, made Alex and all of the Firefly Press team giggle.
Both Sophie and Theo will have their poems printed as part of the Daydreams and Jellybeans collection, and have their poems illustrated by Katy Riddell. They will also receive a Firefly Press prize bundle including some of our best titles for their ages, and a signed copy of Daydreams and Jellybeans when it is released.
I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Theo and Sophie for writing such wonderfully dreamy and imaginative poems. Both Poems are oozing with imagery, rhythm, and creativity. Underworld Dreams by Theo, displays a depth of beautiful and vivid ideas that really tickle the reader’s thoughts. Whilst Wonder Thunder by Sophie has been crafted with pure joy and playfulness. I’m really excited for them to be joining me in my book. Well done!
Alex Wharton
