In the forthcoming book, Vivalina Grows A Gourd, our hero Vivalina is a real maker. She gives her creations fun names, like Chick-a-Lick-a-Woo-Dee-Hoo and Telemumpeter. She has one special creation that still needs a name! What should that one be called?

By entering, you agree to the following official rules:

1. Eligibility

This contest is open to enthusiasts of all ages. If a contestant is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must submit the entry on their behalf.

2. How to Enter

To enter, participants must provide the following via the official contest entry form:

• Contestant Name (and Parent/Guardian name if applicable)

• Email Address

• Proposed Name for the illustrated creation.

Limit: One entry per person.

3. The Selection Process

The contest will be conducted in two phases:

• Phase 1: The Curated Five. Sue (illustrator) and Graham (author) will review all submissions and select their five (5) favorite names based on creativity, whimsy, and how well the name fits Vivalina’s world.

• Phase 2: The Public Vote. The five finalist names will be presented to the general public for a vote. The name receiving the highest number of public votes will be declared the Grand Prize Winner.

4. Prizes

• The Finalist Prize: Each of the five (5) entrants selected by Sue and Graham will receive one free, signed copy of the book Vivalina Grows a Gourd.

• The Grand Prize: In addition to the signed book, the top-voted name will be officially written into the story and published in the final version of the book!

5. Rights and Intellectual Property

By submitting a name, entrants grant Gourdlandia the irrevocable, royalty-free right to use, publish, and edit the proposed name in the book Vivalina Grows a Gourd, as well as in any future editions, promotional materials, or related media. No compensation beyond the prizes listed above will be provided.

6. General Conditions

• Sponsor: The contest is sponsored by Gourdlandia, located at 77 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850.

• Timeline: February 24, 2026 to April 1, 2026. Public voting will follow shortly after.

• Privacy: Email addresses will be used solely for the purpose of contacting winners and providing updates regarding the book launch, in accordance with Gourdlandia’s privacy practices.

7. Publicity and Winner Announcement 

By entering, contestants (and their parents/guardians) grant Gourdlandia permission to use the entrant’s first name, first letter of last name, and the proposed creation name for promotional purposes. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Social Media: Announcements and public voting on Gourdlandia’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

• Website: Featuring the five finalists and the winner on Gourdlandia.com.

• Print: The winning creation name will be published within the text of the book Vivalina Grows a Gourd.