Caleb Rosen and Megan Alldredge, winner and runner-up in the 2011 Fourth Grade Book Contest, read their winning entries during the Saturday March 5 reception at the Redmond Library. Library staff organized the event, featuring colorful decorations and tables with all the contest entries on display for visitors to enjoy. Following the program, refreshments were served and authors Caleb and Megan signed their books.
Library Branch Manager Linda Olson opened the program. She welcomed all in attendance and talked about the history of the book contest, which began in 2004 under the auspices of the library. Linda said the Library was honored to be a part of this annual event, which gives students the opportunity to write and illustrate their stories.
Central Oregon Writers Guild member and contest coordinator Mary Krakow thanked each of the sponsors and stressed the importance of their involvement. Co-sponsors along with the Guild are the Redmond Library, High Desert Society of the Arts and the Redmond Rotary Club. It is these organizations working together that have made the 4th Grade Book Contest the success it has been since it began. Mary reported there were 117 books in this year, and the creativity and imagination of the students who wrote their stories made the judges’ final decisions difficult indeed. She commended all the youngsters who entered the contest and encouraged them to keep on writing!
Guild President Elsie Rochna presented certificates of appreciation to all the teachers whose guidance, encouragement and enthusiasm that have inspired their students’ participation in the book contest. Elsie also recognized the entrants who received honorable mention for their books.
Megan Alldredge, contest runner-up, read her story “Popeye the Pumpkin”, about a pumpkin and a pony who become fast friends. They find a little boy who saves Popeye from being carved at Halloween. The boy takes Popeye and the pony home where they live happily ever after! Megan is in Ms. Zistel’s class at Tom McCall Elementary. This is her first book, but she definitely plans to write and illustrate more in years to come. When she grows up, she wants to go to the University of Oregon and become a vet.
Caleb Rosen read his winning entry “Mystery Island”, about Jack and Jan, whose adventures begin when a tidal wave carries them out into the ocean. At last they find a dragon named Mag who helps them find their mom and dad. Mag takes them to a safe place called “Mystery Island” where another dragon named Morsoe has built the family a wonderful new home that even has a hot tub! Caleb is in Ms. Zistel’s class at Tom McCall. He loves to draw and cook. When he grows up he wants to go to Oregon State University and become a chef!
Caleb and Megan’s posters will join past contest winners on display in the Library’s Children’s Section. Both will read their books at the Rotary Club luncheon on April 14, and each will share their books at a future Central Oregon Writers Guild meeting. We look forward to hearing their creative and charming stories again!
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