D.H. Lawrence children’s writing competition returns for World Book Day 2025

This year’s theme is ‘Animals’, inspired by Lawrence’s collection of animal poetry such as ‘Snake’ and ‘Baby Tortoise’.

Entrants should submit a short story or poem on the theme to be in with a chance of winning a prize across three age categories:

• Aged 4- 7
• Aged 8-11
• Aged 12-16

First prize in each category will win a Kindle, with runner up and highly commended prizes of up to £50 in National Book Tokens. There will also be a special ‘Best of Broxtowe’ prize in each age category.

Successful entrants will be invited to an awards ceremony at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum on Victoria Street, Eastwood on 2 August - and have their work entered into a digital exhibition on 28 August as part of the annual D.H. Lawrence Festival.

Entries close on 31 May and can be made online or by postal entry. Winners will be notified by 2 July and invited to the award ceremony on 2 August.

More details and terms and conditions can be found on the D.H. Lawrence Children's Prize: Writing Competition web page (opens in a new window).

Carolyn Melbourne, Museum and Collections Officer at The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum said, “We picked the theme of ‘Animals’ because Lawrence often wrote about them, using his powers of perception to portray how they think and feel. I think it will be a great theme to get young budding writers engaged and I’m very excited to see what they write.”

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the Museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.

Step back in time to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests, and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms. The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself.

Find out more at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/dhlawrencemuseum (opens in a new window).