Finding The Funny, SCBWI Israel
Sep 03, 2026
Online event
With Ann Diament Koffsky, Christine Van Zandt, and bestselling author Michael Benner. Humor sells. We see proof of it on best-seller lists. Would you like to write a funny book but are nervous about trying? Afraid you’ll slip on the proverbial banana peel and go splat! Three agented, traditionally published authors share what they’ve learned from writing and publishing funny picture books. The presenters include an author-illustrator with starred reviews and 30+ books, a five-book award-winning author and freelance editor, and a debut author knocking it out of the park with a Barnes & Noble-selected series. Publishers include the Big Five, mid-size, as well as niche. Get the insider scoop on how they did it, what worked–and what didn’t–to help you decide whether funny is for you. Come join us and we’ll help you find your funny bone!
September 3, 2026 - 7 PM Israel time, 12:00 PM EDT, 9:00 AM PDT
Ann Diament Koffsky
Ann Diament Koffsky is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than fifty books for kids, including PING PONG SHABBAT (Little Bee Books), the KAYLA AND KUGEL series (Apples and Honey Press), and BLAZING HUMOR (Intergalactic Afikoman). Her book, DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDS (Philomel) was in collaboration with Temple Grandin. Ann lives on Long Island, NY with her family. She is also thrilled to have recently added the title “Granny” to her resume. You can find out more about her work at www.annkoffsky.com
Christine Van Zandt
Christine Van Zandt is a freelance editor, writer, and award-winning author of five nonfiction picture books. You can also find her stories and poems in anthologies and magazines. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.
Michael Benner
Michael Benner is the bestselling author of MAC & CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY (released July 2026). He is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, a multi-year participant in Julie Hedland’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and a winner of the 2025 Austin SCBWI Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. Michael lives and works in Austin, TX.
Blazing Humor: Mel Brooks Is Seriously Funny
This picture book biography of the legendary comedian and filmmaker shares his humor with a new generation―and shows kids how Mel used his jokes as a weapon to fight everyone from childhood bullies to racists and dictators.
Hot Dog
HOT DOG! is a 2026 Junior Library Guild gold-standard selection and "a 'wiener' for young foodies" (per Kirkus Reviews) Meet Frank De Wienerdog, your outrageously funny guide through the sizzling story of the hot dog's journey from the streets of New York to ballparks nationwide. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud adventure packed with puns and bite-sized facts that will delight curious readers of all ages--did you know Americans devour a staggering 20 billion hot dogs every year? That's enough to stretch all the way to the moon and back!
Mac & Cheese
''Bright retro-style cartoons match the book’s gonzo energy, filling each vignette with sight gags and expressive food characters whose oversize googly eyes do impressive emotional work. Recasting classic food combos in buddy comedies is a premise with real appetite appeal -- and this gooey, good-natured opener is a grate place to start.'' -- Publishers Weekly
After the event, participants will have the opportunity to purchase a personal picture book critique directly from the authors at a special rate of $60. Text only. 700 words max.
RECORDING
The webinar will be recorded and will be available for 30 days following the event. Attendees will receive a link and a password by email after the event. By signing up for this event, you agree to receive emails from SCBWI Israel.
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