This summer, may we suggest switching your phone to airplane mode and getting lost in a book? It would be a good idea to curl up in your favorite chair with a book on the beach. Here are five brand new beach reads brimming with sunshine sand, romance and secret.

Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins

Kristan Higgins spins a heartwarming and humorous tale of an empty nester going through some major life changes. The nurse has always put others first. But when her son’s departure for college coincides with her husband leaving her, life presents the perfect time to try to get herself back.

The Sea is Salt and so Am I by Cassandra Hartt

Cassandra Hartt’s debut young adult novel takes place on the coast of Maine, in a fictional town eroding into the ocean. Through different perspectives, this emotional and heartfelt story unpacks the trials of teenagers dealing with trust, love, dangerous tides, and growing up in a hometown that might not exist for much longer.

The Counselors   by Jessica Goodman

What could be better than a juicy tale of friends at a prestigious summer camp. This fast-paced young adult thriller set at the fictional Camp Alpine Lake, will have you turning pages in suspense and feeling a craving for campfires at the same time.

Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade

Pet lovers, cat your heart out. The latest novel from dog trainer and author Victoria Schade features an overworked vet, Morgan Pearce, who escapes to Nantucket to recharge while taking care of her client’s dog. Unexpected romance is in store for her.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

Now available in paperback, the author tells a page-turning novel about a woman who, after being kidnapped, finds herself isolated and living in the wilderness of Eastern Europe during World War II. In an unexpected turn of events, she is suddenly thrust into teaching a group of Jewish people who escaped Nazi Germany how to survive in the forest.

English Poetry Competition of 2022

Enter your poem for a chance to win something! Our poetry contest is held twice a year. Write a poem about how the pandemic (疫情) has changed your life.

Prizes

The contest awards one first place prize of $2,000 and a first prize wall plaque ($100 value); twenty second place prizes of $100 each and a second place wall plaque ($75 value); one hundred third place winners of a third place wall plaque ($25 value).

Rules

Follow all rules carefully to prevent disqualification (取消资格).

IMPORTANT:

☆Poet must be at least thirteen years of age.

☆Only one poem per person, per family is allowed.

☆A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person centering the contest.

☆All entries are judged anonymously (匿名地). Please do not include your name, address, phone number, etc., or your entry will be disqualified.

Deadline: Email your entry by 31st May 2022.

Length: 42 lines max. No minimum. Title not included in the line count.

Format: Entries must be typed. We do not accept handwritten submissions.

Fees: £10 per poem.

Judging: The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence (通信) can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Judging is fair.

Copyright: Worldwide copyright of each entry remains with the author but the Bridport Prize has unrestricted rights to publish the winning and highly praised poems.

June 5 is World Environment Day. To promote a simple, healthy, low-carbon lifestyle, China Daily and the municipal government of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, are sponsoring the 2022 International Cartoon and Illustration Exhibition.

The exhibition is open to art enthusiasts, cartoonists, and illustrators worldwide. The works should reflect the impacts of global climate change on society and everyday life and how the human race is dealing with climate change. The works should also promote environment protection, a green lifestyle and harmony between humans and nature.

The winner of the Gold Award will be honored with a prize of 50,000 yuan, the two winners of the Silver Award will receive 20,000 yuan each and the three winners of the Bronze Award will get 10,000 yuan each. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will aliso receive trophies(奖杯)and certificates. The winners of Outstanding, Shortlisted and Popular awards will receive souvenirs in addition to certificates.

Requirements

1.Any cartoon or illustration submitted must be the participant’s original work.

2.The type may be, but is not limited to, a cartoon or an illustration.

3.A participant may submit a maximum of 20 images, with no limit to single images or a series.

4.A brief introduction about the contribution, including its title and a caption, is required.

5.Please give us your e-mail address and phone number so we can reach you should there be any-significant developments.

6.The contribution should be accompanied by at least one tag in order to be entered into a ‘specific category or categories when uploading.

To Contribute

Please register and upload through the website: art contest. chinadaily.com.cn.