Announcing Reading Rainbow's 9th Annual Contest

PBS 45 & 49 and Pet Supplies "PLUS" invite children to discover books, reading and the love of learning by entering Reading Rainbow's 9th Annual Young Writers & Illustrators Contest.

The contest encourages children in four grade levels -- kindergarten, first, second and third grades -- to submit their original stories and illustrations for local prizes and a chance to compete at the national level.

To obtain an entry packet, call PBS 45 & 49 at . As of Jan. 14, 2003, entry forms and other contest information will also be available to download from the PBS 45 & 49 web site at http://www.pbs 4549.org -- follow the Reading Rainbow link. The entry packet includes contest rules, an entry form and ideas to help children get started in composing and illustrating their stories.

Entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 14 and winners will be announced on-air on Friday, April 11 before and after the 9 am broadcast of Reading Rainbow. All entrants will receive a Reading Rainbow Certificate of Achievement signed by the series' host, LeVar Burton.