The Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2026

The Caterpillar Poetry Prize is organised by The Caterpillar, the children’s poetry magazine affiliated with The Moth literary organisation based in Ireland. This annual competition is specifically for unpublished poems written by adults for children aged 7–11, celebrating creative work that resonates with young readers.

Entrants must submit original, previously unpublished poems in English written for a children’s audience. There is no prescribed line or form restriction, but the poem should be age-appropriate and engaging for readers aged roughly 7–11 years. Submissions are judged anonymously by a panel led by an experienced children’s poetry judge.

The competition is international, open to adult poets anywhere in the world whose work meets the language and audience criteria. Winning and placed poems are featured on the competition site and promoted online, providing visibility for new and established writers alike.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: €1,000 and a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland
• 2nd Prize: €500
• 3rd Prize: €250
• Winning poems are also published in The Caterpillar and shared online (e.g., in The Irish Times).

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

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