Oliver is over the moon with his story contest win
A six-year-old budding author has won the hearts of judges of a national story competition with his tale of the moon.
Oliver Chandler, from Moorings Way Infant School in Southsea, wrote his story as part of a national Good Night Stories contest organised by DryNites.
The competition, aimed to encourage youngsters to read more, was entered by thousands across the country as well as Oliver's whole class – and he won.
His prize was to get his school the services of a professional storyteller for the day on Friday, April 3.
Modest Oliver said: 'I was really surprised I had won. I thought there were better stories than mine.
'I feel happy that I have won the competition and it has made me like writing more now.'
Oliver, of Romsey Avenue, Milton, Portsmouth, won the judges over with his story about the moon and how it made him 'feel like a giant because it looks so small'. He added: 'I like the dark because the moon and the stars and the planets can be seen up in the sky.'
Sarah Murphy, one of the judges of the competition, said: 'We were really impressed with the way Oliver captured the magic of bedtime with his wonderful story.
'For many kids, bedtime is often associated with feelings of anxiety.
'By encouraging teachers and parents to read to their children at school and at bedtime, we hope we can help to alleviate some of the fears and anxieties and make going to bed more fun – just like it should be.'
Oliver has just received recognition of his achievement in the school newsletter, and his mum Jackie hopes that this will encourage more children to take up reading and writing in the school.
The 38-year-old said: 'I am really proud of him – he loves reading but I hope this will encourage his writing too.
I haven't seen his story yet, I'm looking forward to reading it.
'We started with his reading before he went to school and he is always ahead with that when we do his homework.'
She added: 'When he found out he had won a storyteller for his school he was glowing with pride.'
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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