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1/16/2012 | MrsP.com Announces Winners of 3rd Annual National Kids’ Writing Contest
Young authors from Alabama and Washington chosen over writers from 27 states
MrsP.com announced today the names of the two Grand Prize winners in its third annual “Be a Famous Writer” contest, a nationwide creative-writing competition for children held every September.
Sarah Smale, age 8, from Washington State, won top honors in the 4-to-8 year-old category for The Treasure Decision, an adventure story featuring a mysterious treasure, pirates and an unusual bookstore. Emma Stowe, age 12, from Alabama, won in the 9-13 age group for Thinking Cap, a compelling and amusing detective story, set in a grade school, following the search for a lost gerbil.
“Every year I look forward to sitting by the fire with a cup of tea and reading what the kids have written. I was thrilled that the number of stories submitted continues to grow every year, and the quality remains so high,” said TV star Kathy Kinney, who portrays Mrs. P and is one of the creators of the website. “I feel very good about this generation of kids and the great jobs their parents and teachers are doing educating them.”
The Grand Prize winners will have their stories produced as videos featuring Mrs. P, which will be presented on her popular, free critically-acclaimed website. Original artwork by award-winning Portland, Oregon-based illustrator Robin E. Kaplan will help bring the stories to life. The videos will be posted on the website (www.MrsP.com) beginning in March. Each winner will also receive an actual bound copy of the story and illustrations.
MrsP.com announced that it will also produce two Honorable Mention stories from the contest as videos: Sally's Poor Brain, written by 8-year-old Andrea E. Langholff from Wisconsin, because of its witty lesson about a brain that literally walks away in search of intellectual stimulation; and Eugene Fitz and the Impish Sly Mischievous Garden Gnome, by 13-year-old Jared Spry of Arizona, for its funny and clever depiction of a boy who suspects the family garden gnome has committed a crime.
The winners for this year’s contest were selected by a panel of celebrity judges: Bonny Becker, best-selling author of the Mouse and Bear picture books; David L. Ulin, literary editor of the Los Angeles Times; and Renèe Watson, author of the acclaimed novel A Place Where Hurricanes Happen; and Mrs. P herself.
MrsP.com was launched in 2008 to encourage a love of reading. The website is the recipient of the American Library Association’s "Great Website for Kids."
About Mrs. P Enterprises, LLC.
Mrs. P Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 2008 by Hollywood team Clay Graham, Kathy Kinney and Dana Plautz. After having built successful careers in television and New Media, the three creators of MrsP.com were brought together by a love of reading and a desire to help spark that same passion in young people everywhere. The company endeavors to expose young people to great books and stories through a celebrity storyteller and to spark their imaginations and creativity with on-line games and writing contests. Its production offices are located in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California.
Bios
Clay Graham, co-president, was born in Phoenix, Arizona and was the head writer and Executive Producer of “The Drew Carey Show” for seven years. The show aired on ABC for nine years and is now syndicated throughout the world. Clay studied Journalism at the Cronkite School at ASU, where he won the Eugene C. Pulliam Journalism award. He wrote for Mad Magazine while still in college; wrote and produced the sitcom “Who’s the Boss?” soon after; and is currently writing his first novel. He lives in Portland, Oregon and loves playing piano, books, hiking and more books.
Kathy Kinney, co-president, was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and achieved international fame playing Mimi Bobeck on “The Drew Carey Show” for nine years. (Kathy is the only member of the Mrs P team who has had a doll manufactured in her image.) Before playing Mimi, Kathy had guest starring roles on “Seinfeld” and “Grace Under Fire,” as well as portraying Miss Goddard, the town librarian, on “Newhart.” She also appeared in the films “This Boy’s Life” and “Stanley and Iris,” among others. She currently can be seen in recurring roles on “My Name is Earl” and "The Secret Life of the American Teenager". She lives in Los Angeles, enjoys traveling, puttering and books.
Dana Plautz, co-president, was born in New York and raised in Southern California. She began her career working for producer Norman Lear, creating new markets for entertainment properties. She later worked as a worldwide marketing executive for Hanna-Barbera Studios, which produced such animated classics as “The Jetsons,” “Scooby-Doo” and “The Flintstones.” Dana became involved in the Internet and New Media when she accepted a position at Intel. She also has a strong philanthropic, community and government board service record, with a special interest in supporting arts and education. Dana lives in Portland, Oregon and enjoys swimming, rhyming, and watching her husband cook gourmet meals.