Tundra Ghost Story Contest Winner

We are so happy to share the winning ghost story from our writing contest. But first, here’s what some of our judges had to say about it:

The writing was strong (descriptive and evocative), the tone was genuinely eerie, it “built” very nicely, and it had a crackerjack beginning and ending. I like that it’s the piano itself that seems to be the villain.

Dark Music was a very well-structured narrative packed a lot of chills into a concise story. I really got a sense of how alone Louise felt and the idea that the one thing that brought her comfort (the piano) was ultimately dangerous was satisfyingly creepy. Also that title was perfect!

And without further ado, here is the winning story:

Dark Music - page 1

Dark Music - page 2

Dark Music - page 3

Congratulations to Emilia! She will also receive a letter from author Linda Bailey, a copy of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein and $50 worth of Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers books.

There were three other stories that we felt came very close – so we want to give a shout out to these aspiring writers and send them a copy of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Júlia Sardà:

  • How Do You Know My Name? by Claire, age 11
  • Ghost of Screams by Angus and Grace, both age 9
  • The Shadow by Kaitlin, age 11

The 12 Days of Halloween

These spooky tunes are best sung out loud! Give it a try. Then visit our #12DaysOfHalloween page every day to see if it’s a trick day (no book giveaway) or treat day (book giveaway):

On the first day of Halloween my true love gave to me, a Mary Shelley biography!
Oct 20
On the second day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one silly story
Oct 21
On the third day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one family curse
Oct 22

On the fourth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one YA horror
Oct 23

On the fifth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one evil tree
Oct 24

On the sixth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one spooky painting
Oct 25

On the seventh day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one historical fable
Oct 26

On the eighth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one guide to ghost care
Oct 27

On the ninth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, Victorian monster hunters
Oct 28

On the tenth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, four demon slayers
Oct 29

On the eleventh day of Halloween my true love gave to me one magical painter
Oct 30

On the twelfth day of Halloween my true love gave to me, one epic quest
Oct 31

We hope you enjoyed singing along. Now go enter our contest on the days there are giveaways!

Tundra Ghost Story Contest for Kids

“Writers dream stories, awake and asleep.” – Linda Bailey, Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein

On a stormy night in Lake Geneva in 1816, poet Lord Byron challenged his friends to write a ghost story. One of those people was eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley, and the story she wrote was Frankenstein. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein and the publication of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein, Tundra Books is holding a ghost story writing contest for kids age 8−12.

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein 01HOW TO ENTER
Contest is open to kids age 8−12. Stories must be between 800−2,000 words in length and contain at least one ghost. They will be judged on originality and readability by an expert panel, including Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein author Linda Bailey as well as an editor and a marketing professional from Tundra Books.

PRIZE
The winning story will be posted here, on the Talking with Tundra blog on November 19th, 2018. The winner will also receive a letter from author Linda Bailey, a copy of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein and $50 worth of Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers books.

TO ENTER AND FOR FULL DETAILS
Please visit penguinrandomhouse.ca/tundra-ghost-story-contest. Stories must be sent in by October 31st, 2018 to be considered.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
Enter between August 28, 2018 and October 31, 2018. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. See Official Rules at https://penguinrandomhouse.ca/tundra-ghost-story-contest for full details.Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein 02
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Please feel free to print these out and spread the world! We can’t wait to read the submissions!

Camp Penguin

Summer is almost here (the official first day is June 21, 2018) and we know some of you are gearing up for the ultimate reading experience.

If you haven’t already, visit your local bookstore – some with #CampPenguin displays already – to find the next book on the reading guide. You’ll be able to pick up a #CampPenguin poster, reading trail map, and merit badge stickers!

Black Bond Books:
Black Bond Books

Bookmark PEI:
Bookmark PEI

Kidsbooks:
Kidsbooks Camp Penguin 1Kidsbooks Camp Penguin 3

Now, all you have to do is pull out a lounge chair, pitch a tent, or set up your hammock with a cool beverage nearby as you leisurely read your favorite middle-grade books. Don’t forget to wear a hat and to apply sunscreen if you’re going to be outdoors for a long period of time!

We’re also hosting a contest where you can win 3 of the 15 hand-selected #CampPenguin titles! Continue your summer reading fun by clicking here. Good luck!

Tundra Book Group