Each Year a Child Becomes a Published Author Through the Casey and Bella Writing Contest

WEST NEW YORK, N.J., Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It's something that every young aspiring author dreams of – to have his/her own story published for the world to read. And noted children's book author, Jane Lovascio, is making that dream a reality with the Casey and Bella National Writing Contest for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.

Each year from September to April, children have the chance to be creative and imaginative as they write their own Casey and Bella adventures. The Grand Prize Winner's story is then published as the next book in the Casey and Bella book series. The student is also honored with a $500 cash prize and plaque presented at school. In the fall the winner gets to celebrate the launch at his/her very own Barnes and Noble book signing, and the real Casey and Bella doggies are there to support the young author.

Jane Lovascio, a NJ based author and creator of the Casey and Bella book series, decided to create the Casey and Bella Writing Contest to inspire children and show them no dream is too big. The idea came about after Lovascio visited over 250 schools and saw how eager children were to share their own Casey and Bella story ideas.

The previous 2 winners include: Casey and Bella Go Green by 4th grader Autumn Varca and Casey and Bella Go to Hawaii by 5th grader Lacey Hickey. Lacey will launch her book at Barnes and Noble, 3981 Hwy 9, Freehold, New Jersey on Saturday, March 12th at 12PM with the doggies Casey and Bella.

The Casey and Bella book series includes 4 books, Casey and Bella Go to New York City, Casey and Bella Go to Hollywood, Casey and Bella Go Green, and Casey and Bella Go to Hawaii. The fifth book, Casey and Bella Go to Boston is coming soon! The series is noted for its real life lovable characters: Casey, a Jack Russell Terrier and Bella, a Yorkie. Each book in the Casey and Bella book series also supports a special not-for-profit charity that has touched the author's heart in some way. Casey and Bella Go to Hawaii supports Jumpstart, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in America enters school prepared to succeed.

Casey and Bella books are available in retail stores nationwide, online at www.CaseyandBella.com, and through Apple IBooks.

To learn more about the children authors, The Casey and Bella Story Contest, or free author visits, please visit www.CaseyandBella.com & www.CuddlyBooks.com. If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jane Lovascio, please call Jane Lovascio at: 201-463-6801 or [email protected]  @CaseyandBella on Twitter###

SOURCE CuddlyBooks, Inc.