1. Eligibility
The Books From Children To Children competition is open to all children aged 0–11 ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. There are no minimum or maximum length requirements. Any style of writing — story, poem, prose, free-verse — is welcome.
2. Theme
The 2026 theme is Climate Change. Entries that do not engage with this theme will not be eligible for the prize. Interpretation of the theme is broad — child entrants may approach it any way they choose.
3. Entry fee
The competition is completely free to enter. There is no charge of any kind. We do not collect payment information from entrants or families.
4. Parental consent
Every entry must be accompanied by parental or guardian consent. This consent confirms that the parent or guardian permits the child's work to be considered, and — for shortlisted entries — to be published in a Jayce's World anthology with author credit. Entries without parental consent cannot be considered.
5. Submission method
All entries must be submitted by email to info@jaycesworldoflearning.co.uk with the subject line: BCTC 2026 Entry — [Child's First Name]. The email body should include the child's first name, age, and school. The entry itself should be attached as a Word document, PDF, or pasted into the email body.
6. Deadline
The 2026 deadline is 11 September 2026, 23:59 UK time. Late entries cannot be considered.
7. Judging
Entries are read and judged by Jayce Joyce BCyA together with the Jayce's World Publishing editorial team. Judging criteria include originality, voice, theme engagement, and emotional impact. The judges' decision is final.
8. Prize
Shortlisted authors will be notified by November 2026. Winning entries will be professionally edited and published in the official Jayce's World 2026 anthology, with full author credit. Each shortlisted author will receive complimentary copies of the published anthology and an invitation to the launch event. There is no cash prize.
9. Intellectual property
Authors retain copyright in their work. By entering the competition, the parent or guardian grants Jayce's World Publishing a non-exclusive licence to publish the work in the 2026 anthology and associated promotional materials. Authors are free to publish their work elsewhere after the anthology release.
10. Data protection & governing law
Entry data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the UK GDPR. Children's data is collected only with verified parental consent and is used solely to administer the competition. These guidelines and the competition itself are governed by the laws of England and Wales.