Winners Of The December 2023 Visual Decoder For Stories Contest

Our second Visual Decoder again received impressive entries that showcased children’s creativity and ability to reflect thoughtfully about what they learn from stories. Whether they win a prize or not, all the children should feel proud of their work. The winning works were chosen based on the strength of the child’s point of view, as well as the clarity of pictures and words in expressing the moral of the story. We hope everyone will continue to read extensively and use the power of visual thinking to consolidate their learning.

By Wong Qi Hui, age 7 (Grand Prize Winner)

Drawing based on Mabel and the Mountain, by Kim Hillyard (Author, Illustrator)

Judges’ Comments:
The winning work shows Qi Hui’s impressive ability to think abstractly and use symbols to convey her messages—a muscular arm to signify resilience and a trophy to signify achievements. There is strong alignment between the lesson learnt and pictures drawn. The judges appreciate the personal lessons she took away from the story. Excellent entry for a 7-year-old, reflecting maturity of thought and visual thinking.

Here are Qi Hui’s other visual decoder pictures:

Other Winners (in no particular order)

By Janice Wu, age 8

Drawing based on The Good Egg, by Jory John (Author), Pete Oswald (Illustrator)

Judges’ Comments:
The Good Egg is shown to be happy and at peace, even if it is sliding down bumpy stairs and looking a bit spotted. The judges found the picture drawn well matched with Janice’s takeaway—No one has to be perfect. This is a contrast with the start of the story where the Good Egg was sad, feeling stressed about doing the right things. The choice of red for the text is also very apt as it highlights the importance of the message.

Here are Janice’s other visual decoder pictures:

By Isaac Lee, age 7

Drawing based on Barbara Throws A Wobbler, by Nadia Sheeren (Author, Illustrator)

Judges’ Comments:
This is adorable entry expresses the lesson learnt succinctly with 3 icons, reflecting Isaac’s strong ability to associate words with pictures. He drew a fire ball with fumes coming out of its ears to represent anger, a cross to represent ‘does not’, and an empty Solution box. Put together, they beautifully reflect the message—Anger doesn’t solve anything. 

Here are Isaac’s other visual decoder pictures:

By Janelle Wu, age 7

Drawing based on Mabel and the Mountain, by Kim Hillyard (Author, Illustrator)

Judges’ Comments:
This entry scored in showing a cause-and-effect relationship between the words and pictures.  Janelle’s lesson is to ‘Believe in yourself and do not give up!’ If she can do this, the result is success, shown in the drawing of Mabel reaching the top of the mountain. The judges also like the thoughtful use of red, yellow and green to highlight the two different lessons she learnt.

Here are Janelle’s other visual decoder pictures:

PictureThink would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Times Reads, Times Bookstore, friends and supporters who helped to make the Visual Decoder For Stories sessions and contest successful.