Picture Book Reading Contest

​​Register for the Contest

Judges

Committee Members

Contest Winners

Greetings

Preparation Resources

Previous Contest

Register for the 2025 Contest​

2024–2025 Contest Cycle

Join the FLTRP & CLTAC North America Elementary and Middle School Picture Book Reading Contest!
Are you a student in grades K–8 with a passion for storytelling and a love for picture books? Here is your chance to showcase your talents! The Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP), in collaboration with the Chinese Language Teachers Association of California (CLTAC), is excited to present the 2024–2025 Contest Cycle of the Picture Book Reading Contest. Contest results will be announced and winners will be recognized at the award presentation ceremony on April 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time.

What Is the Contest About?
This contest provides a meaningful opportunity for young students to engage with Chinese language and culture through the art of storytelling. It is not only a reading competition, but also a chance for students to bring stories to life through expressive reading, narration, or performance.

Who Can Participate?
The contest is open to all K–8 students. Whether you are a beginner or a proficient Chinese speaker, we encourage you to participate and express your creativity.



Ready to participate in the 2025 Reading Contest? Follow the steps below to complete your registration and ensure your video submission meets the contest requirements.

Registration Steps

1. Select a Picture Book: Choose a picture book published by The Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP).
2. Record Your Video: Make sure your video adheres to the guidelines listed below.
3. Submit Your Entry: Upload your video to YouTube and complete the online registration form with your video link.

Video Requirements
All video entries must meet the following criteria to be considered for judging:

• Self-Introduction: Include your name, age, and language background (e.g., speaks Chinese at home, does not speak Chinese at home, or speaks a regional dialect).
• Book Introduction: State the title of the book and show its cover.
• Reading Portion: Read the picture book aloud.
• Video Length:
  • Self-introduction + Book introduction: up to 1.5 minutes
  • Reading: up to 4.5 minutes
  • Total video length: up to 6 minutes

Technical Requirements:

• Record your video in horizontal (landscape) orientation.
• Ensure the book cover is clearly visible.
• Make sure the sound is clear and audible.
• The video must be a single-person recording, continuous take (no noticeable editing cuts).

Note: Entries that do not meet these requirements will be disqualified.

Scoring Rubric
Your video will be evaluated based on the following dimensions using a 3-point scale:

Dimension	Below Expectations	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Pronunciation	Less than 60% of the pronunciation is accurate	Approximately 60%-80% of the pronunciation is accurate	More than 80% of the pronunciation is accurate
Tone Accuracy	Less than 60% of character tones are accurate	Approximately 60%-80% of character tones are accurate	More than 80% of character tones are accurate
Fluency	Frequent pauses or misreads that hinder comprehension	Generally smooth reading with minor pauses or missteps	Smooth, well-paced reading with clear, logical phrasing
Demeanor/Expressiveness	Flat or disengaged delivery, minimal expression	Moderate expression; listener engagement generally maintained	Highly engaging delivery with lively, expressive modulation
Content Adherence	Deviates significantly from the book’s text or narrative	Generally follows the book’s text with minor deviations	Strictly follows the book’s text, showing strong fidelity

​Bonus Points
Judges may award additional points for the following:

• Professional and appropriate attire
• Suitable and tidy background environment
• Good posture and attentive presence
• Overall demonstration of care and effort in the recording

Make sure your video showcases your best storytelling skills and creativity! We look forward to seeing your submissions.

Deadline for registration: EST 23:59 February 28th, 2025.

Submission Link: https://forms.gle/kzuGXT3zpwZKGaZE8
For queries, please contact: [email protected]

* Level Learning is offering free access to online picture book resources to support contest. You can apply free access here.