Lego disasters, big, bad, pigs, talking horses and pet unicorns are just a few of the subjects in the 2011 WKYU-PBS KidsGO! Young Writers and Illustrators contest.  WKYU-PBS has selected four overall winners in the annual contest, which encourages children grades K-3 to celebrate the power of writing and illustrating by submitting their own original storybooks. 

Nearly 200 youngsters submitted entries for consideration this year.  An honorable mention for illustration and story, along with an overall winner are selected in each grade category from kindergarten to third grade.  To see the winning entries go to wkyupbs.org and click on ‘KYU KIDS.  

WKYU-PBS, the public television service of Western Kentucky University, annually sponsors the contest in cooperation with the Warren County Public Library, Barnes & Noble, and the Southern Kentucky Book Fest.

The 2011 Winners are:

Kindergarten

• Overall Winner:  “The Princess & The Mysterious Forest” by Alex Minter, McNeill Elementary, Bowling Green
• Honorable Mention Story:  “The Little Dove Was Free” by Anna Catherine Smith, St. Joseph’s School, Bowling Green
• Honorable Mention Illustration:  “Aunt Paula” by Sofia Martin, St. Joseph’s School

First Grade

• Overall Winner:  “The Helping Needles” by Campbell Richey, McNeill Elementary
• Honorable Mention Story:  “Legos on the Loose” by Harrison Taylor Gover, McNeill Elementary
• Honorable Mention Illustration:  “The Treasure of Mt. Marcasonsas” by Emmy Rastoder, McNeill Elementary

Second Grade

• Overall Winner:  “Lost and Found” by Emma Simpson, McNeill Elementary
• Honorable Mention Story: “Lilian’s Joy” by Abby Adams-Smith, McNeill Elementary
• Honorable Mention Illustration: “The Frog Mystery” by Linnaea Doerner, McNeill Elementary

Third Grade

• Overall Winner:  “The Super Secret Space Adventure” by Mai Yamaguchi, McNeill Elementary
• Honorable Mention Story: “My House of Memories” by Lili Keith, McNeill Elementary
• Honorable Mention Illustration: “Computer Troubles” by Danica Hak, McNeill Elementary