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.

What's New

Introducing SCBWI Critique Groups

This premium member benefit allows SCBWI creators to design the peer groups of their dreams and connect with new critique partners. Start your critique journey now through your MEMBER HOME.

Register Now for Inside the Illustrator's Studio!

A new 3-part online course starts in May specifically for author/illustrators and illustrators! The series focuses on using thumbnails to build your story, visual character development, and the secrets to building a winning portfolio.

Crystal Kite Nominations Open Through May 31

If you traditionally published a new book in 2025, you are eligible to submit to the Crystal Kites, SCBWI's only peer-given award. If you don't have a book to share, you can still participate by voting for your favorite SCBWI books of the year!

Community news

Purchase Your SCBWI Merch today!

SCBWI-branded merchandise is now available! Get your water bottles and multi-sized sweatshirts and t-shirts online now.

FI Alex Howes - Youtube Thumbnail 146781.png

This month's Featured Illustrator - Alex Howes

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!

SCBWI Shines at Bologna Children’s Book Fair

When SCBWI returned to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2026, we connected with a global audience of publishers, agents, and illustrators, and the booth highlighted our illustrator awards, featured industry sponsors, and served as a connective hub for the SCBWI global community. We hope you had as wonderful a time as we did!

Congratulations to the APRIL Draw This Winners! Prompt: HOOPS

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 MAY 2026 prompt is SEA CREATURE.

Author Panel Replay: Writing from the Immigrant Experience

Every child deserves to see themselves in a book. Authors Hanh Bui, Edwidge Danticat, Zahra Marwan, Meera Sriram, and Suma Subramaniam joined SCBWI for a conversation on representation and belonging. Watch now through SCBWI YouTube.

Announcing the Golden Kite Winners and Honors

With over 1,000 books submitted annually, the Golden Kite Awards recognize outstanding achievement in seven categories. The 2026 Golden Kite winners and honor winners were announced live on February 6, 2026.

Congratulations Winter Portfolio Showcase and Tomie dePaola Mentorship Award Winners

Our annual Winter Portfolio Showcase and the Tomie dePaola Mentorship are career-launching opportunity for children's book illustrators! Congratulate the winners and learn more about their artwork on SCBWI.org!

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.

2026 Bologna Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Masoud Gharehbaghi for being the 2026 Bologna Scholarship Winner! Each year, a panel of judges reviews submissions to this grant online. One winner receives a ticket to the Bologna Book Fair, travel fare, and a stipend for accommodations. The winner will have an opportunity to show their portfolios to publishing professionals, display their portfolio at our industry party in Bologna, and attend the prestigious fair.

Explore opportunities

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.

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.

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.