The Times, in association with Short Books, is inviting children under 13 to choose a historical character, such as Lord Nelson, Elizabeth I or John Lennon, and write them a letter of up to 400 words. Closing date June 19.

Prizes include publication in The Times, pound;200-worth of books, a complete set of the Who Was I series and pound;500-worth of books for winners’ school libraries. There are two age categories, 10 and under, and 11 to 13. Write to Emily Fox, Short Books, 15 Highbury Terrace, London N5 1UP. www.theshortbookco.com