Submissions Due: Feb1st, 2026

lOCAL Water hERO Action sTORYbOOK

Did you know that most of Florida’s clean drinking water comes from freshwater underground?

This water is stored in something called an aquifer, like a giant sponge under the ground! But if we waste water or let it get dirty, there might not be enough clean water for people, animals, and plants that need it every day. Florida is growing and getting warmer, so it's more important than ever to save and protect our water. That’s where YOU come in!

For this challenge, you’ll become an author and illustrator. Your mission: Create a storybook about a brave Water Hero who helps save water right at home! Maybe your hero: fixes a leaky faucet, turns off the tap while brushing teeth, takes shorter showers or teaches their family how to water the garden wisely. Even small actions at home can make a BIG difference for Florida’s water!

Are you ready? Let’s save water, one story at a time!

What You’ll Do:

  • Become a Water Hero storyteller - dream up your own hero who helps save water at home!

  • Write a fun and creative story that shows how small actions can protect our water.

  • Create colorful illustrations to bring your story to life.

  • Learn cool facts about where our water comes from and why it matters.

  • Use your imagination, and maybe some paint, photos, or natural objects, to decorate your book.

  • Share your finished storybook with your school to help inspire others to save water too!

 

Grades PK-2

Submission Details:

3 storybook submission per school

  • 10-15 pages (8.5x11”), excluding front and back cover

  • Must include: theme, setting, introduction, beginning/middle/end

  • Summary page on inside front cover

  • Illustrations required

  • Optional: multimedia elements (e.g. photos, natural objects, paint, cutouts, graphs)

    Projects can be submitted in person, though the mail, or digitally as a PDF

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated on:

  • Water-Saving Message: Does the story show how the Water Hero saves water at home in clear and simple ways?

  • Story Structure: Does the story have a beginning, middle, and end that are easy to understand?

  • Creativity and Imagination: Is the Water Hero fun, unique, and full of creative ideas?

  • Illustrations: Are the drawings neat, colorful, and do they help tell the story?

  • Summary Page: Does the inside front cover include a clear summary of what the story is about and why it matters?

  • Submission Requirements: Did the student include everything needed, like page count, front/back covers, summary, and the right paper size?

Grades 3-5

Submission Details:

3 storybook submission per school

  • 10-15 pages (8.5x11”), excluding front and back cover

  • Must include: research background, theme, setting, introduction, beginning/middle/end

  • Summary page on inside front cover

  • Illustrations required

  • Optional: multimedia elements (e.g. photos, natural objects, paint, cutouts, graphs)

    Projects can be submitted in person, though the mail, or digitally as a PDF

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated on:

  • Water-Saving Message: Does the story clearly show how the Water Hero helps save or protect Florida’s water in a meaningful way?

  • Story Structure: Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end that makes sense and flows well?

  • Creativity and Imagination: Is the story original and imaginative, with creative ideas about water conservation and a unique Water Hero?

  • Illustrations: Are the drawings neat, colorful, and do they help tell the story?

  • Research and Information: Does the story include true and clear facts about water or the environment in Florida?

  • Summary and Requirements: Is there a complete summary page, and does the story follow all the size and page guidelines?

Ready to get started?

Educational Standards:

  • Grades PK-2

    SS.K.G.3.2, SC.1.E.6.2, SC.2.E.7.3, SC.1.E.6.1, SC.2.P.8.4, SC.1.L.17.1, SC.2.E.7.2

    Grades 3-5

    SC.3.N.1.1, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.4.P.8.2, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.5.E.7.2

Join us for a Professional Development Session on November 3rd!

Mini-Grant Opportunity

Need help bringing your idea to life? Apply for a $500 Mini-Grant to support event materials, outreach, or project costs.