Young Jersey Authors Published in Jersey Post's First Children's Book

Jersey Post has published its first-ever book, celebrating the imagination and storytelling talents of children across the Island.

Titled Once Upon a Letter, the collection brings together more than 30 winning and shortlisted stories from Jersey Post's letter-writing competition, which took place last autumn and was open to children aged between five and 11.

The competition challenged young writers to tell their stories in the form of a handwritten letter, encouraging them to explore creative writing while rediscovering the traditional art of letter writing.

More than 300 children entered the competition, with submissions assessed for their originality, creativity and storytelling. Judges included local children's author Penny Byrne, Nicola Mackereth, Education Programme Manager at Every Child Our Future, and representatives from Jersey Post.

Following the high standard of entries, Jersey Post decided to publish a selection of the stories in a book for the wider community to enjoy. The publication also features illustrations created by some of the young entrants.

All proceeds from sales of Once Upon a Letter will be donated to Friends of Jersey Oncology (FOJO), helping to support cancer patients and their families through services provided alongside the Island's oncology unit.

Jersey Post Chief Executive Mark Siviter said handwritten letters have a unique ability to create meaningful connections.

"Receiving a handwritten letter is something truly special," he said. "It can transport us into another world and create a lasting impression in ways that digital communication often cannot. The creativity shown by Jersey's young writers has been remarkable, and we're proud to share their stories in this wonderful collection."

The initiative was designed to inspire children to embrace letter writing in an increasingly digital age while nurturing a love of reading, writing and creativity.