I don’t know about you, but I think there are few things better than a medieval castle for an exciting backdrop to a story!

For this month’s competition your challenge is to create an illustration for Caleb and the Incredible Counting Machine that is set in the castle – and includes some castle details.

It can be in any media you like: a painting or drawing, cardboard or lego – even sand!

You can chose any scene from the second part of the book, as long as it took place at the castle: it could be demonstrating the Incredible Counting Machine in Prince John’s throne room, or Caleb, Grandpa and Bill in their room fixing the machine, or Caleb looking for parts, or dropping things from the tower, or finding the camper van or escaping over the ramparts….

I’ll be judging them on the basis of: 1) convincing castle details, 2) composition (a pleasing layout), 3) drama (excitement and capturing a moment from the story) and 4) quality of finish (how well done it is). If you take a photo of your model, then I’ll be judging what I can see – so make sure the photo is nice and clear with a good composition.

Entries must be received by midnight on Sunday 16th August. Winners will be announced on the blog on Saturday 22nd August.

First Prize – A copy of The Frame Up by Wendy McLeod MacKnight – one of my favourite children’s books, with an arty theme!

Runner Up – A signed postcard with a print of one of the castle illustrations from Caleb and the Incredible Counting Machine.