It was Christmas time when this story started...

Can you write a story for children at Nursery level, or Key Stages 1 or 2 (up to age 11)?

It needs to be a story that begins with the phrase above and should be no more than 900 words. The aim is to move the attention of the child from the Christmas card images of fat robins, Father Christmas, snowmen, exciting presents, pantomimes, and so on, on to something of the essence of the real story of Christmas. But it has to start with for example a snowman or other Christmas card image and take the child on...

The winner, or winners, will have their work published in the Winter 09 issue of The Reader. The theme of that issue will be 'Children and young people'. So, go on, have a go, and remember, a maximum of 900 words and start with the phrase 'It was Christmas time when this story started...'.

When sending in your material please specify the age of the children you have in mind. Entries will be needed by 31 August, please. Send all entries to thereader@c-of-e.org.uk.