Buffalo Toronto Public Media believes in encouraging children's imagination and creativity by providing an outlet for young storytellers. The BTPM PBS KIDS Writers Contest fosters children's imagination and writing skills by prompting young authors to compose and illustrate stories. The annual Contest is open to children in kindergarten through third grade, who reside in Western New York counties encompassing BTPM's broadcast viewing area including Southern Ontario. There are four winners in each grade level: first place, second place, third place, and honorable mention. Watch the winning young authors from the 2026 BTPM Writers Contest read their stories at the award celebration.