A World of Wonder
Poetry Competition
Ideal for 7-12
Where could their imagination take them?
Give your child the chance to explore an idea they love and turn it into a poem of their own.
A World of Wonder is an open-themed poetry competition where anything is possible. Their poem could take them into space, deep underwater, into a magical kingdom, or it could be inspired by friendship, animals, nature, a favourite place, history, or something they'd love to change.
Any theme. Any poetic style. Plenty of ways to make it their own.
Help them find their starting point
A few simple prompts can be all it takes to get their imagination moving.
EXPLORE A WORLD
They could travel somewhere amazing in their imagination.
Outer space • deep underwater • Ancient Egypt • a magical kingdom • somewhere they love
IMAGINE THE IMPOSSIBLE
They could invent something that couldn't really happen.
A talking animal • a dragon next door • a secret doorway • a strange invention • a world run by children
FIND WONDER IN REAL LIFE
They could look at something familiar in a new way.
Friendship • family • nature • growing up • seasons • school • a favourite place
CHANGE THE WORLD
They could imagine how things might be different.
Make a wish • solve a problem • protect the planet • create a kinder world • invent the future
You don't need to be a poetry expert
A World of Wonder is designed to give young writers plenty of freedom. There's no word or line limit, and their poem can be written in any poetic style and use any poetic techniques they like.
The most useful thing you can do is help them find an idea they're excited about, then let their imagination lead the way.
LET THEM LEAD
Ask questions, talk through ideas, and encourage them, but let the words and imagination be theirs.
THERE'S NO 'RIGHT' KIND OF POEM
It can rhyme or not rhyme. It can be funny, adventurous, thoughtful, magical, or completely unexpected.
HELP IS OK
If your child needs support with the physical act of writing, an adult can scribe or type their poem for them. The ideas and poem itself should still be their own work.
The aim isn't a perfect poem; it's giving them the chance to create something that feels like theirs.
Imagine them seeing their poem in a real book!
There's something special about seeing your own words in print, especially when you're a young writer.
Your child has the opportunity to see their writing published in a real Young Writers book, alongside poems by other children from across the UK.
Young writers whose work we'd love to publish also receive a Certificate of Merit, while every child who enters receives a bookmark and a sticker for taking part.
It's a chance to celebrate what they've created and help them feel proud and confident about their writing.
And there are prizes to win...
10 WINNERS
Reading & Writing Hampers
Our favourite 10 young writers will each win a
reading and writing hamper packed with goodies.
Ready to enter their poem?
Their poem can be handwritten on an entry form or sheet of A4 paper, or typed. When it's ready, choose the easiest way to send it to us.
EMAIL
Email their poem, along with the young writer's
name and full address, to:
[email protected]
[email protected]
UPLOAD ONLINE
Upload their poem using the
Young Writers online entry form →
POST
Include the young writer's name and full address and send their poem to:
Young Writers A World of Wonder
Remus House
Peterborough
PE2 9BF
Remus House
Peterborough
PE2 9BF
Closing date: Friday 23rd October 2026
Rules
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
THEIR POEM
- Your child's poem must be their own work.
- The poem can be written in any poetic style and use any poetic techniques.
- Only one entry per person.
PREPARING THEIR ENTRY
- Their work can be written on the entry form, an A4 sheet of paper or typed. An adult can assist.
- Please include your child's name, age and full postal address on their entry.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Free to enter.
- UK entrants only.
- No purchase necessary.
- Copyright remains with the author.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
Prizes
10 WINNERS
Reading & writing hampers
The top 10 published writers will each win a
fantastic reading and writing hamper.
PLUS
Every entrant receives a bookmark and sticker for taking part. Pupils whose work we'd like to publish also receive a certificate.
Every entrant receives a bookmark and sticker for taking part. Pupils whose work we'd like to publish also receive a certificate.
Winners will be chosen from entries received September-November 2026 that have permission to be published. No purchase necessary. Independent entrants are eligible to win. Prizes will be awarded in the following term. Hamper image is for illustration purposes only and contents may vary.