Pulan, aged 9, has won this year’s Yorkshire Festival of Story Children’s Story Competition with her captivating narrative, Loki. Pulan’s story beautifully illustrates YFOS's 2024 theme of 'Kindness. Selected from a pool of young storytellers, Pulan’s winning entry was announced at The Festival Living Room event on November 2, and was judged by award-winning children's author, and creator of the popular MARV series, Alex Falase-Koya.

Loki follows the journey of a young girl who adopts a stray cat, showering it with patience, love, and kindness despite its occasional bouts of wild behaviour. Written with empathy and a keen understanding of animal instinct, Loki resonated deeply with the competition judge, who praised Pulan’s tender portrayal of kindness and resilience.

In an inspiring twist, Pulan has chosen to donate her £100 book token prize to her school library, hoping her act of generosity will encourage her classmates to read more and learn about the power of kindness.

In an email to the festival team, her mother wrote:

'Pulan would like to donate the £100 book token to her school library. As a member of the school council this year, one of her goals is to improve the library's book resources, so this will really help.'

This touching gesture reflects the festival’s goal to foster kindness and connection within the community.

“Pulan’s story and her decision to donate her prize embody the spirit of this year’s theme,” said Artistic Director Sita Brand. “Her thoughtfulness towards her classmates, coupled with the compassion shown in her story, is a wonderful reminder of how kindness can be transformative. We are so proud to recognise her achievement.”

This year’s competition invited children across the country to write a story of no more than 500 words around the theme of kindness, encouraging young writers to explore acts of compassion and empathy. Alex Falase-Koya, judge for the competition, commented:

“Judging this competition was such a heartwarming experience. Each story reminded me that kindness, when shared through the eyes of children, is not just an act but a way of seeing the world. Pulan's choice to give away their prize exemplifies the true spirit of kindness, proving that kindness is not just a theme in their stories but a value they live by.”

The Yorkshire Festival of Story continues to celebrate stories that promote empathy, understanding, and positive change, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness—like Pulan’s story and her generous donation—can inspire others to do the same.

www.yorkshirefestivalofstory.com.