A TEN year-old Whitchurch schoolgirl has been declared overall winner for her poem in the competition at the Caldecott Festival.
Maria Shah attends Whitchurch Junior School, Salisbury Road and won because of her poem at the Caldecott Festival called "The House that I Built," which she also illustrated.
Her mother, Marina, is extremely proud of her achievements.
Marina said: "I am extremely proud of Maria and her achievements, as having a disabled sister, it has not been easy for her.
"But she always works hard in all she does and is a very caring girl."
This is not the first time Maria has gained success with poetry.
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She wrote a poem called "Nature against Covid" which led her to reach the final of the LoveReading4Kids poetry competition.
In that competition one judge, Joanne Owen said: "The standard of entries was incredible, with such varied styles and subjects showcasing the breadth and depth of young creative talent.
"I was especially impressed by the poets’ attention to detail and their ability to get to the hearts of their themes while evoking universal emotions and atmospheres so vividly."
Maria also got to see her painting unveiled at the festival in the Little Artist Work.
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