Contests

New Story Contest: Pet

Please note that, because of delays in mailing the April issue, the deadline for the April contest has been extended until May 9. 

Ladybug and Pussywillow held each other close as they read about Scott, the beloved dog of the boy in “Dove Watch.” Pets require lots of care, but their devotion and funny antics also bring us much happiness. For this month’s contest, Ladybug would love to curl up with her magical pet kitty as they read your best story featuring a pet or animal companion.

Will you write about a cuddly kitten? A talkative parrot? How about a pet snake or iguana, or a tarantula or even a skunk? You might tell about getting or choosing a pet, or running a pet-sitting service in your neighborhood, or finding a lost pet. Will your pet be a bundle of energy that wakes you up too early in the morning and always gets into trouble? Or a furry hero whose alertness saves the day? Perhaps you will write about an animal competition, like a dog show or agility training, or preparing your “pet” horse or cow for the county fair or 4-H. You could even imagine a futuristic robotic pet or a pet you’d like to have someday.

Whether you write about taking your new puppy to obedience class, caring for the hermit crabs in your science classroom, or organizing a pet parade, nobuggy in Cricket Country will bark at the mailbug when he delivers your best story—of 350 words or less—about a pet or animal companion.

  • (Show Rules)
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    1. Your contest entry must be your very own original work. Ideas and words should not be copied.

    2. Your entry must be signed by your parent or guardian, stating that it is your own work, that no help was given, and that Cricket has permission to publish it in the magazine and on our website. 

    3. Be sure to include your name, age, and full address on your entry.

    4. Only one entry per person, please.

    5. If you want your work returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for each entry.

    6. Your entry must be received by May 9, 2023.

    7. Send entries to Cricket League, P.O. Box 300, Peru, IL 61354. (No faxes or email submissions, please!)

    8. We will publish winning entries in the September 2023 issue and on the Cricket website.