Jersey Library. Launch of Jersey Post’s first book, Once Upon a Letter.     The book features a collection of stories inspired by letters written by children. The stories were written as part of a story letter writing competition run at the end of last year.   They have compiled a selection of these stories into a book, which they’ll be selling in aid of Jersey Post's Charity of the Year, FOJO (Friends of Jersey Oncology). Pictured children’s author Penny Byrne, who was head judge. doing a reading from the book 8/7/26 Picture: ROB CURRIE

IN an age of WhatsApp, voice notes and instant replies, Islanders are being challenged by an established children’s author to rediscover a rather slower form of communication… the humble letter.

Penny Byrne, who has written more than 18 children’s books, will lead the judging of Jersey Post’s Once Upon A Letter competition.

And this time, it is not just young writers being asked to flex their literary muscles, with a new 16-and-over category means adults can enter for the first time, alongside three categories for children aged 5-6, 7-10, and 11-15.

Last year’s campaign attracted more than 300 entries, with some letters going on to be later published in a book.

Pictured: Once Upon a Letter, a children’s book, written by children, using entries from last year that really stood out. (Jersey Post)

Entrants have up to 850 words to tell a story entirely through a letter, which can be handwritten or typed, with judges looking for “imagination, originality, use of the letter format”.

There will be one winner per category with winners receiving a certificate, writing bundles, stamps and a book.

Head judge Ms Byrne said the format can produce a particularly intimate kind of storytelling.

She advised entrants: “Try to imagine not having any contact with someone you really love for a long period of time; where the only communication you have is this letter (hard in this day and age!)… The letter should convey that sense of separation but also the joy of being in touch, of having this intimate conversation.”

The initiative is supported by charity Every Child Our Future, whose programme manager Nicola Mackereth advised: “Every great letter should have a voice of its own. It should tell us something about the person writing it, make us curious, spark our imagination and, most importantly, give us a reason to keep reading.”

Competition entries can either be submitted online at Jersey Post or posted free of charge to Once Upon a Letter competition, Jersey Post, Rue des Pres Trading Estate, JE1 1AA.

The deadline for entries is Monday 12 October at 5pm. Winners will be notified by 3 November.

Last year’s ‘write stuff’

More than 300 children entered the inaugural Once Upon a Letter competition in 2025, with stories featuring everything from dragons and wizards to Pompeii and Banana Boy. 

Winner of the 10-11 category in 2025’s inaugural ‘Once Upon a Letter’ contest, Rowan

Among the winners was Rowan in the 10-11 category, whose ‘Dear Mrs the Witch’ imagined Hansel writing a rather formal letter of complaint after his encounter with the witch from Hansel and Gretel.

“I’m writing to apologise for eating your house!” it begins, before Hansel informs the witch that he and his sister have reported her to the police.

Among his complaints is the lasting impact of being imprisoned: “Putting me in a cage has meant that I am now traumatised and can never return to the zoo.”

After warning that the flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz are on their way to find her, he signs off: “Worst regards and goodbye forever, Hansel.”