Who can enter this contest?  

If I submit a video, how long should my video be?  

What should I say in my video? 

• Your entry should show how much your classroom or family loves the How to Catch series!  

  • Some ideas to get you started: 

    • What do you love about the How to Catch books? 

    • Who is your favorite book or character? 

    • How do you use the books at school or at home? 

    • What’s something How to Catch taught you about being creative or working as a team? 

    • What’s something you learned about not giving up? Have you ever come up with a plan that didn’t work — and then came up with a better one, just like in the stories? 

    • How do the How to Catch books inspire your imagination? 

    • What’s a message or lesson you think the books share? 

  • You can also: 

    • Show us your How to Catch book collection 

    • Highlight a classroom trap, creature, or project 

    • Share student artwork or activities inspired by the series 

    • Simple, fun, and creative entries are welcome — it doesn’t need to be professionally produced!  

Can I enter with a photo instead of a video? 

• Yes! You may also enter by posting a photo with or without your children/students that shows a How to Catch-inspired project, trap, creature, artwork, or books in your classroom or home.  

How will the videos and photos be judged? 

• Eligible entries will be judged based on the following criteria: (i) Passion (ii) Creativity (iii) Enthusiasm and (iv) Connection to the How to Catch series.  

Who do I need to tag in my post? Do I need to use any hashtags? 

• Tag @HowtoCatchSeries and @SourcebooksKids  

• Use hashtag #HowToCatchChallenge  This ensures that we see your entries!

• You can also challenge other families and classrooms to enter! Just tag them in your caption.  

Does my video or photo need to be edited or professionally made? 

• No. Simple videos filmed on a phone are perfect. We love authentic entries full of enthusiasm!  

   

Do entries have to be on Instagram? 

• No, if you do not want to submit your entry on Instagram, you can submit your video via the Form linked here 

What are the prizes? 

• There are 2 tiers of winners! 
  • Grand Prize Winner (1 winner – individual child, family, or classroom) 
    • Inclusion in the dedication of a future How to Catch book  

    • A virtual visit and “Draw Along” session with illustrator Andy Elkerton (and the winner gets to keep the drawings!) 

    • Two full sets of How to Catch books — one for the winner and one for a classroom or library of the winner’s choice 

    • One set of How to Catch swag 

    • Honorary How to Catch Kid certificates (for the winner and participating students, if the entry is from a classroom) 

    • Featured on HowToCatchSeries.com 

    • Social feature 

  • How to Catch Finalists (5 winners – individual child, family, or classroom) 

    • One full set of How to Catch picture books 

    • A congratulatory video message from Andy Elkerton 

    • An honorary How to Catch Kid certificate 

    • Social feature  

When is the deadline to enter? 

• Entries must be posted by October 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.  

When will the winner be announced? 

• The Grand Prize winner will be announced during STEAM Week in November 2026.