Caterpillars, robots, witches and green goo.

These are just a few subjects of the children’s books entered in the MeeGenius Author Challenge.

Contestants submitted manuscripts to MeeGenious in September. One of these authors is VSU public administration major, Estela Kennen.

“… part of my impetus for writing for kids was to be able to have some downtime from the mountains of reading and of academic writing,” said Kennen.

MeeGenius is a reading app specializing in children’s books. The app includes features such as audio playback and word highlighting to make reading enjoyable for kids.

Both aspiring and published authors were allowed to compete in the Author Challenge.

Manuscripts went through three different rounds of judging before making it to the finalists round. Kennen advanced through a field of nearly 400 contestants to reach the final 13.

Finalists had their books professionally edited and illustrated, then put on the MeeGenius website.

Now it’s up to the readers.

The public has until Feb. 21 to vote for their favorite book and winners will be announced March 7.

The grand prize winner will receive a publishing contract, $1,500 and a MeeGenius library for the school of their choice.

Three runners-up will win publishing contracts and a $500 cash prize.

Kennen’s entry, “The Reluctant Caterpillar,” is about a caterpillar named Elliot who enjoys being a pupa so much, he decides to never leave. The book is illustrated by Catherine Ho.

Kennen’s school of choice was Pioneer Bilingual Elementary of Lafayette, Colo.

Other manuscripts include “Poison Apple Pie” by Jennifer Young, about a young witch looking for a new job; and “All Bears Need Love” by Tanya Valentine, a story about zoo animals learning to accept a newcomer.

To vote for your favorite, visit meegenius.com.