Picture Book Reading Contest

​​Register for the Contest

Judges

Committee Members

Contest Winners

Preparation Resources

Previous Contest

2026 Picture Book Reading Contest​

Contest Overview
The 2026 Picture Book Reading Contest, officially titled the 2026 the 3rd America Elementary and Middle School Chinese Picture Book Reading Contest, provides students with a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate their Chinese language skills through reading and interpreting picture books published by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP).

Through this contest, students engage with high-quality Chinese picture books, deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture, and build confidence in pronunciation, fluency, and expressive reading.

Student Grouping for the 2026 Contest
Students will continue to be grouped by age and sub-grouped based on how they acquire the Chinese language. The following four sub-groups are defined:

1. Heritage Group
   Students who learn Chinese primarily through family members or home language use.
2. Chinese Immersion Program Group
   Students who learn Chinese through a school-based language immersion program, where more than half of each school day is conducted in Chinese.
3. World Language Program Group
   Students who learn Chinese through a school world language program, with at most one Chinese language class per school day.
4. After-School / Weekend School Group
   Students who learn Chinese through after-school programs or weekend schools, either in person or online.

Note:
If a student meets the criteria for more than one sub-group, the student will be placed in the more intensive language-learning group, as determined by the primary source and amount of Chinese language exposure. For example, If a student is a heritage learner and is also enrolled in a school world language program, the student will be classified in the Heritage Group.

Who Can Participate?
This contest is open to K–8 students across the United States who are interested in showcasing their Chinese reading and presentation skills.

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: EST 23:59, March 10, 2026
• Results Announcement: Early April 2026

How to Participate

1. Select a Picture Book
   Choose a Chinese picture book published by FLTRP.
2. Prepare and Record a Video
   The video should include a brief self-introduction, a short introduction of the book, and a complete reading of the selected picture book.
3. Submit Your Entry
   Upload the video to YouTube and submit the required information through the official online submission form.
4. (For detailed video requirements, scoring criteria, and submission instructions, please refer to the “Register for the Contest” page.)

Awards

• First Prize: 16 students
• Second Prize: 32 students
• Third Prize: 48 students
• Merit Awards: 48 students
• Outstanding Organization Awards: 15 organizations