The Global Community for Children’s Book Creators

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators provides the resources, professional networking, and community-building opportunities that support writers, illustrators, and translators throughout their careers.

Happening Now

The Winter Conference in NYC is January 16-18

Mark your calendars! The in-person Winter Conference features keynotes from Meg Medina and Tiffany Jackson and a special interview with Jason Reynolds. Registration opens October 14.

Deep Dive Into Nonfiction

Our next offering from SCBWI University! Designed for children's book creators eager to create nonfiction children's books that will sell in today’s market.

Create Your BookStop Page Today!

This powerful marketing opportunity increases visibility for both traditionally published and self-published children’s books, giving them exposure to a wide audience of book buyers.

Community news

SCBWI Weighs In on Google’s Gemini Storybook for Kids

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be a hot topic in children’s publishing. Publishers Weekly recently spoke with SCBWI Executive Director Sarah Baker about Google’s AI Gemini Storybook app, which lets users create personalized, illustrated storybooks with read-aloud narration.

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A Statement on the Supreme Court Decision in Mahmoud v Taylor, by Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins is the award-winning author of 20 nonfiction books for children and 15 New York Times best-selling young adult novels-in-verse, 2 middle grade novels, plus 4 novels for adult readers. She is also a longtime member of the SCBWI Advisory Council and member of the SCBWI Anti-Censorship Committee.

Congratulations to SCBWI Member of the Year, Debbie Ridpath Ohi!

Debbie Ridpath Ohi was awarded the Stephen Mooser Member of the Year award at our 2025 Summer Conference.

Congratulations Virtual Portfolio Showcase Winners!

Our annual Summer Virtual Portfolio Showcase is a career-launching opportunity for children's book illustrators! Congratulate the winners and learn more about their artwork on SCBWI.org!

Apply to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Scholarship for Illustrators - Closes September 30, 2025

This month's featured illustrator - SHELLEY HANMO

Get to know this month’s illustrator – their techniques, how they got started, and how they navigate the publishing industry. Take the Featured Illustrator Challenge and apply now to be the next Featured Illustrator!

Congratulations to the July/August Draw This Winners! Prompt: MISMATCHED

Congratulations to our #SCBWIDrawThis winners! Practice your craft and build you portfolio by participating in monthly art prompts. Member Illustrators can post their DrawThis! entries on Instagram, Bluesky, and on the Illustrator Gallery with the tag #SCBWIDrawThis to enter and have your art seen by industry pros. The September 2025 prompt is TRAVEL.

Kim Turrisi Promoted to Vice President at Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

A foundational figure of SCBWI for more than two decades, Kim brings a legacy of dedication, innovation, and unwavering support for members to her new leadership role.

Carla Hayden: A Constellation by Ellen Hopkins

On May 20, SCBWI joined forty-seven organizations in a public statement condemning the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, the fourteenth Librarian of Congress, and urging Congress to intervene.

SCBWI ILF: Children’s Book Changemakers Special

This thought-provoking 85-minute special was hosted on May 27, featuring Lin Oliver, Maulik Pancholy, Ann and Ben Brashares, Winsome Bingham, Linda Williams Jackson, and more special guests.

Explore opportunities

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Member benefits

Discover expert tips, resources, and inspiration for children’s book writers, illustrators, and translators to succeed in publishing and improve their creative skills.

Global Regional Chapters

Find your community close to home. Connect with local members for critiques, networking and more.

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Awards and grants

Let your talent shine and enter for some financial and skills-related support.

Stay Connected

The Official SCBWI Blog

Hosted by Justin Campbell and monthly guest-bloggers, the SCBWI Blog contains industry news, interviews, and in-depth posts addressing everything from book promotion, to school visits, timely issues and more! Two new posts each week!

SCBWI Podcast

Catch up on our weekly podcast, featuring interviews with publishing professionals as well as award-winning writers, illustrators, and translators. New episodes every Thursday!

SCBWI YouTube

Our YouTube channel features everything, from how-to guides to help you navigate SCBWI.org to archival footage of the greatest kid lit creators of all time. Check in monthly for our interviews with SCBWI Featured Illustrators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

Find out why membership matters.

Common questions

Questions you’re probably asking yourself right now.

Awards & Grants

Learn how to submit to awards, grants, and scholarships.

Your imagination knows no bounds, SCBWI helps it soar

Find your creative community and bring your stories to life.