Call for Entries: Central American Children’s Literature Prize (5th Edition)
The Belize Book Sector Network is pleased to share an exciting opportunity for writers across the region. Libros para Niños has officially launched the fifth edition of the Central American Children’s Literature Prize, a regional initiative aimed at promoting the creation of high-quality stories for children.
Open to writers aged 18 and over from Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama, the competition invites original, unpublished works of narrative fiction for children up to 8 years old. Submissions are open from 21 April to 20 August 2026, with the winner receiving a cash prize of US$1,000 and publication of their work.
This prize continues a long-standing effort by Libros para Niños, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering a love of reading among children. Since its origins as a national competition in Nicaragua, the prize has grown into a regional platform that highlights diverse voices and stories rooted in Central American culture.
Entries must be original, unpublished works between 2 and 4 pages in length, written for a young audience and submitted under a pseudonym. Full submission guidelines, including formatting and delivery options (digital or physical), are available in the official competition rules.
Please note that submissions are accepted in Spanish only. Writers who choose to draft their work in English will need to translate their entries into Spanish before submission, and should be mindful that online translation tools may result in some loss of nuance or accuracy.
Results will be announced no later than 16 October 2026 through the official channels of Libros para Niños.
As part of this initiative, Libros para Niños is also building a network of partners across Central America to help share and promote the call for entries, ensuring it reaches writers, publishers, and literary communities throughout the region.
For full details, including submission guidelines and updates, visit:
www.lpninos.org
Instagram: @librosparaninosong
This is a valuable opportunity for writers in Belize and across Central America to contribute to the growing body of children’s literature in the region.
