StoryWalk® Contest
We are looking for an original story by YOU to be featured at one of our Montco StoryWalk® locations!
Read below for entry guidelines. Stories must be submitted by August 1, 2023.
Register here for the contest! Please email trailchallenge@montgomerycountypa.gov with questions.
Guidelines
- Age Groups - age category should reflect author's age at the time of story submission.
- 17 and under
- Over 18
- Story theme must be based on physical activity, health, nature, or trails.
- Stories should be bilingual (Spanish and English) or permission granted to Montgomery County to have the story translated.
- Authors must be Montgomery County residents.
- Artwork required.
- Intended audience reading the book: young children.
- All story entries need to fit within 24 StoryWalk frames. Maximum page width for each frame is 22 inches, or 11 inches per page.
Acceptable Story Formats
Handwritten
- Handwritten stories and illustrations are welcome.
- Handwritten stories must be submitted in black Sharpie® marker.
- We welcome original writing by children. Any help you can provide to assist the reader with clarity is appreciated.
Word Document
- Artwork provided with a Word document must be in a separate file (.jpeg or .png), labeled with the book title and page number.
- Word documents should be editable.
Published Story, Submitted by Original Author
- Published stories will be accepted only by the original author.
- Words and images must not cross the midline of the book.
- The book may not exceed a width of 11 inches wide.
- If chosen as a winner, the author must submit 3 copies of the story at one of the drop-off locations.
Submit Your Story by August 1, 2023
Register here for the contest! When it's time to submit your story, you can either drop it off to us or email it. See below for more information.
- Handwritten and Published Stories - Drop off completed stories at the Norristown Library, Norristown Farm Park, or The Literacy Council of Norristown
- Word Document - email document and artwork to trailchallenge@montgomerycountypa.gov.
- Please include the information below when submitting your story:
- Contact name
- Email address where updates can be received
- Author’s Name
- Author’s Age
- Co-author’s Name, if applicable
- Illustrator’s Name (if different from the author)
- Address
Drop Off Locations
Norristown Library - 1001 Powell Street, Norristown, PA 19401
- Deliver your story to a librarian in the Children’s section during regular business hours.
Norristown Farm Park - 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403
- Drop off select Saturdays between 9 am and 4 pm: June 17, July 8, and July 22.
- Visit the Milk House and give your entry to Rebecca or Ken.
- For assistance with drop-off directions, contact Rebecca at rebecca.blacketter@montgomerycountypa.gov or 610-270-0215 ext. 6073.
Literacy Council of Norristown - 113 East Airy Street, Norristown, PA 19401
- Drop off Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- For assistance with drop-off directions, contact Eileen Hallstrom at info@lcnlit.org
Winning Stories
- Three winners will be selected from each age group.
- August 21 - Winning stories announced
- September 9 - Award Ceremony, 11:00 AM at the Norristown Farm Park
- Winners will have their book featured at one of the Montco StoryWalk® locations.
- Representatives from the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, Norristown Farm Park, Norristown Public Library, and The Literacy Council of Norristown will judge the stories.