The Morrab Library Children’s Short Story Competition 2023
We’re delighted to announce the winners of the The Morrab Library Short Story Competition 2023. We received over 220 entries from children across Cornwall. A big thank you to all the children who entered the competition – and to everyone who encouraged them to do so!
Click the link on the title of each story below to read the winning entries. Comments about each story from one of the judges, Annamaria Murphy, are in italics below.
You can also watch Annamaria reading the winning stories here: EmaN-oN, and Under African Skies.
4-11 year old cagtegory
by Astrid Shadrick, aged 8.
“This story was inspired by a photo in Morrab Library of an unknown boy and is all about kindness. We particularly loved the writer’s use of language”
by Jenifer Stevens, aged 11.
“We thought this one was epic! The writer’s love of myth come across. We can imagine it as Netflix series”
by Sorrel Gratton, aged 8.
“Beautifully told. This story is all about memory and love. It is a very mature piece of writing. Sometimes what you wish for isn’t what is needed. It has a great ending too!”
12-16 year old category
by Ned Larratt, aged 13.
“Very poetic and lyrical. A moment of wonder in nature. Beautifully written”
by Keira Money, aged 16.
“This one kept us all wanting to know what happened next which is the mark of a good story”
by Jemima Zierold, aged 13.
“Great atmospheric writing with strong imagery that stays with you”
Highly Commended
The judges also decided to award three highly commended prizes, alongside the first, second and third prizes, to recognise the achievements of these budding writers.
by Rudi Huish, aged 5.
“We loved the illustrations and expression on the character’s faces – even the sun – they really told the story”
by Haruki Hulett-Blackstock, aged 8.
“A great story of a journey told from an unusual perspective”
by Oscar Gunderson, aged 10.
“I could hear the voice of the writer in my head and their passion. A sports writer of the future!”
A huge thank you to the competition judges, Annamaria Murphy, Des Hannigan and Peter Moffat as well as to Nigel Castle, the Minack Theatre and Edge of the World bookshop for sponsoring the prizes.