Here at ArtScroll’s acquisition desk, we’re used to getting large numbers of submissions. Lately, though, we’ve seen mail coming in that looks different from the usual manuscripts. These submissions are written on lined paper with crisply sharpened pencils or carefully drawn in crayons or colored markers. They are short, they are fun – and they are utterly charming.
Welcome to Children’s Jewish Book Month’s “Write, Draw, and Win!†contest, sponsored by ArtScroll.As the world’s largest English-language publisher of Jewish books, ArtScroll takes its commitment to Torah literacy very seriously. Realizing that a love of books, of reading, and of a Torah perspective on life begins very early, we have long been publishing high-quality Jewish books for children, from beautifully illustrated easy readers and wonderful “read-to-me†books for the little ones to well-received middle grade and young adult fiction and non-fiction.
Encouraging our children to read – and encouraging them to read books invested with Torah values – has become more vital than ever. In a world increasingly made up of flickering digital images, reading books develop children’s attention spans, their analytical skills and, of course, their imaginations. Study after study has shown that children who read books do better in school.
And because books have a marked impact on a child’s worldview, it is vitally important to offer children books that reflect Jewish values.
A year ago, in recognition of the importance of introducing our youth to authentic Torah literature, ArtScroll initiated the concept “May is…Children’s Jewish Book Month†with a poster campaign and special sale on all children’s books. The idea was enthusiastically embraced by educators, librarians and parents. This year the project has been expanded to include a writing and drawing contest for students from first to eighth grades. Children submit short essays or drawings on topics connected to Jewish books, with winners in different categories and age groups.
Over seventy Jewish schools nationwide have registered for the contest, and the kids’ submissions are flowing in. Principals and teachers, realizing the importance of getting children interested in Jewish books, have enthusiastically endorsed the idea.
Top winners – and their schools – will receive $500 gift certificates from ArtScroll. But in this contest everyone is a winner, as we get our children involved and excited about reading Jewish books.
The response to ArtScroll’s Write, Draw, and Win contest, for grades 1 – 8, was stupendous! With more than 1,260 creative and imaginative entries, from more than 100 schools around the world, it was a tough call for the judges – but we tried hard to pick the best of the best. We should all be proud of the great talent of the students in our schools.
Drawing Contest: 1st Place World-Wide
Tzvi Eliezer Rich Grade 8, Torah Day School of Dallas
Congregation Toras Chaim of Dallas
We are very proud of Tzvi Eliezer Rich.


Mazal Tov.
What a wonderful honor! Mazel tov to Zvi Eliezer and Family!!!!
Mazel Tov Tzvi!!! So very proud of you. And to think, I have an original TER picture at my house. I can say I knew you when…. :)
Ben and I are not at all surprised by your many talents! Mazel Tov Tzvi Eliezer.
Ben and Lauren Nise
Mazel tov, Tzvi Eliezer!
Dear Tzvi Eliezer,
We are all so proud of your accomplishment and enjoy looking at your stunning art work. We know HaShem will continue to do HIS amazing blessings through you. I have had Levin kids calling from all over to share their pride…The Levin’s from Seattle are watching and Kvelling.
Tzvi Eliezer, I am so sorry that I kept forgetting to send you mazel tov on winning the ArtScroll art contest. I was just happy for you until I saw the book cover, then amazed by your talent as well! And also mazel tov on acceptance to your first-choice yeshiva. I’m sure Mr. Elewitz already congratulated you in person, but I want you to hear it from me, too.