Picture Book Reading Contest

​​Register for the Contest

Judges

Committee Members

Contest Winners

Greetings

Preparation Resources

Previous Contest

Register for the 2026 Contest​

Registration Information
Students who wish to participate in the 2026 Picture Book Reading Contest must complete the online registration and video submission form.

• Registration & Submission Link: https://forms.gle/u2PHkdr3cMB1XkeV7
  (The form will open for submission on January 1, 2026.)
• Submission Deadline: EST 23:59, March 10, 2026
• Contact Email: [email protected]
  
  

Video Requirements
All submitted videos must meet the following requirements:

1. One Continuous Recording
   The video must be recorded in one take. Editing, background music, sound effects, or subtitles are not allowed.
2. Self-Introduction
   Include and only include your name, grade, and language background (e.g., speaks Chinese at home, does not speak Chinese at home, or speaks a regional dialect).
3. Book Introduction and Reading
   • Book Introduction: State the title of the book and show its cover. The book cover must be clearly displayed and should occupy at least half of the screen.
   • If it takes more than 4.5 minutes to read the book, students may:
     • Read a chapter or selected part of the book, or
     • Stop at a reasonable point and briefly tell the audience that the book contains more interesting content beyond what was read.
4. Video Length
   • Self-introduction + Book introduction: up to 1 minutes
   • Reading: up to 4 minutes
   • Total video length: up to 5 minutes
5. 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.

Student Group Selection
During registration, parents will be asked to select one subgroup that best describes how the student primarily learns Chinese. The following four groups will be listed in the registration form:

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 the 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.

If a student meets the criteria for more than one group, the student should select the more intensive language-learning group.

Important Reminder

• Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Incomplete or non-compliant videos may be disqualified.
• The contest committee reserves the right to make final determinations regarding eligibility and group placement based on submitted information.