HÀ NỘI — The search is on to find the best writers across Việt Nam.

An annual competition has been launched looking for the best works for children and written by children.

Entries are now open for The 4th Dế Mèn (Cricket) Award 2023.

This award is named after the character in the Vietnamese famous literary work "Diary of a Cricket" by writer Tô Hoài.

Entries can be literature, art or entertainment such as movies, music, photography, comics and traditional or electronic games.

The award is intended for compositions that are innovative in content, form, and style and are well received by children.

The 3rd Dế Mèn Award Ceremony in 2022. — Photo courtesy of Sports & Culture newspaper

Over three seasons, one "Cricket Knight" award was given to writer Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, and 14 "Cricket Desire" awards were given to domestic and international writers and artists. Four of the award winners are children's authors.

According to the organiser, people whose works or manuscripts were completed or published in 2022 and 2023 have the right to participate.

The deadline for registration is 12pm on April 20. This year's ceremony is scheduled to coincide with International Children's Day (June 1st).

Drafts can be sent to giathuongdemen@thethaovanhoa.vn.

Hard copies (printed books, tapes, etc.) should be sent to Thể thao Văn hóa (Sports & Culture) newspaper, 11 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội. — VNS