HA NOI – A writing and drawing contest based on the Mr Gum series by British author Andy Stanton was recently launched to appeal to the creative minds of Vietnamese children.

To celebrated the author's visit to Viet Nam in May, the contest is open to Vietnamese pupils aged between 7-17 who are interested in English literature in general, and the writings of Stanton in particular.

Entrants are required to write and illustrate a story about Mr Gum's potential adventures in Viet Nam.

Winners will receive prizes at the EUNIC Literature Festival on May 11 at the National Library in Ha Noi, where Stanton will introduce the seventh volume of the series entitled Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree.

Entries should be submitted to the British Council in Viet Nam by April 20.

The series of humorous stories was released in Viet Nam by Nha Nam Publishing House.

One among the series, You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum, won the Blue Peter Children's Book Award for the Most Fun Story with Pictures category. VNS