October 2021 winners

Congratulations to the winners of our October competition. Feeling inspired? Have a go at this month's prompt(this link will open in a new window).

Adult winner

Gracie Beswick

Bacon started with a sculpture made from welly boots and umbrellas, then an expressionist piece using muddy pawprints on the kitchen lino. A sprinkling of shredded bank statements completed his vision.

'Oh my GOD, what have you done!'

Oh dear, thought Bacon sadly, I guess humans just don't appreciate art.

Gaelic winner

Calum Hunter, age 14

Fuamhaire grod grànda, le sùilean a' deàrrsadh sìos orm. Chrùb e dhan làr le làmhan mòr a-mach agus gàire fiù ’s nas motha air. An robh e a' dol gam ithe? Nan robh, cha bhiodh dad a' cur stad air. Cha robh annam ach cuilean, ann an dachaigh ùr le duine cumhachdail.

Translation by Gaelic Books Council

A horrible ugly giant, his eyes shining down at me. He crouched to the floor with big hands outstretched and an even bigger grin. Was he going to eat me? If so, nothing would stop him. I was just a puppy, in a new home with a powerful man.

Young writers (12–18) winner

Emily Betts, age 17

Since your entrance into the world, a soft, squirming ball, you slept curled in the crook of my chubby toddler knees. We grew side-by-side into wild-haired lanky teens. You panted faithfully beside my first car, milky-eyed, trusting, uncomprehending. Now, in the chilly dorm, I feel alone for the first time.

Young writers (5–11) winner

Mansa Singh, age 10

I closed my eyes, panic-stricken, hoping they wouldn't see me.

'Oh God, no, please, I'm innocent, I didn't do anything!' My thoughts ricocheted.

A haunting bark came out of nowhere. A dog, wagging her tail madly, seemingly beckoning me to follow her. A police dog was saving my life.