Write A Poem To Your Favorite Animal Friend
Celebrate April's National Poetry Month by writing a sonnet to a spaniel or a poem to a Persian cat.

The Academy of American Poets is commemorating the 12th anniversary of National Poetry Month asking New York City area children, ages 7 to 12, to enter the "Paws for Poetry Contest 2008". The Humane Society of New York and meetmeatthecorner. org- a Web site for virtual field trips, are sponsoring the contest.

Original poems, of any length, plus a photo or drawing of the pet, may be submitted in one of two categories: Group One ages 7 to 9 and Group Two ages 10 to 12.

One grand prizewinner in each category will receive a prize package worth $100. Two runners-up in each category will receive a $25 gift certificate to the bookstore of their choice.

The deadline is March 31, 2008. For more information and submission guidelines, go to http://www.meetmeatthecorner.org/pawsforpoetrycontest08.shtml.