Toowoomba’s Rangeville State School student Alera Wickenden wins national award for picture book in Littlescribe Mini-Writing Festival

A Toowoomba eight-year-old has earnt national recognition for her creativity, with her picture book being chosen from more than 35,000 entries into an Australian writing competition.

Rangeville State School year 2 student Alera Wickenden had her book selected out of 35,000 student authors after a Littlescribe program, Friday, November 24, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Since she was able to hold a pen, Toowoomba eight-year-old Alera Wickenden has been compelled to write and draw stories.

“She makes little books and gives them to friends and family — she has a vast imagination,” her mother Melany said.

Now the aspiring author and Rangeville State School student has earned national recognition for her creativity, with her picture book winning an author’s choice award at the Australian Mini-Writing Festival by educational writing organisation Littlescribe.

Rangeville State School year 2 student Alera Wickenden had her book selected out of 35,000 student authors after a Littlescribe program, Friday, November 24, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Alera’s book ‘The Lost Dogs! Missing’ was one of just a dozen stories chosen by top children’s book writers from the 35,000 entries in the festival, which encourages and kids to become passionate about writing and drawing.

The 12-page book, which Alera both wrote and illustrated, features three missing puppies, a police chase, monkeys and even a portal.

Ms Wickenden said Alera’s passion for writing books had been fuelled not only by the Littlescribe program but also her teachers and family.

“When she started a Rangeville State School, her teachers have re-enforced her passion for reading and writing,” she said.

“Just out of nowhere, she’ll be in the car and then just start imagining things.

“She makes little books and gives them to friends and family.

“(LittleScribe) is absolutely going to encourage her and her friends to write – they’re all keen and eager.”

Her story was chosen by Newcastle-based children’s author Katrina McKelvey, who said she was delighted by Alera’s imagination and love of animals.

“The (Littlescribe) session I did about writing was about adventure stories (and) she had these characters and then she followed the beautiful conventions of narrative,” Ms McKelvey said.

“It had these lovely little elements, and I could tell she got a lot from the session — she’s obviously put it all together from what she’s learnt.

“She’s obviously an animal lover, and (I can tell) she’s a fun person.”

Alera won a prize pack featuring picture books and writing materials.

To read Alera’s book, head to the Littlescribe website.