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REGISTER FOR SCBWI UNIVERSITY

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SCBWI Member Videos: How to Apply for Awards and Grants

2024

Illinois

In this entertaining adventure, Grandma and Grandpa are the best camp counselors in the world.

When Leo and Tessa stay overnight with their grandparents, it’s anything but the typical visit. This time, all of their activities have a camp theme―from a s’mores surprise on the balcony to bathtub fishing. But when they try to sleep in their bedroom tent, they hear a strange noise. Could it be an animal…or maybe it’s just Grandpa snoring?

Grandparents and grandkids alike will love this playful, warm-hearted story.

Camp Grandma and Grandpa

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Follow a little girl and her multigenerational family as they prepare for a community meal and clothing drive. With charming, lyrical text from Gina Bellisario, Give Back celebrates kindness, community, and the various ways we can give to those around us. A perfect book for the holiday season and all year round.

Give Back

This popular holiday book is now available in a sturdy board edition for very young children. The original text has been simplified to focus on the merry lyrics in this fun take on the classic Christmas song. It’s a happy, festive way for families to celebrate the place where they live.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Illinois -- BOARD BOOK

Ellie is excited to go to Camp Hero, where the motto is: Where Super Friendships are Made! But when Ellie's cabinmates, superhero twins Mona and Leona, give her the cold shoulder, Ellie decides to use her parents' latest invention to get them to like her. The invention works too well, and the twins start fighting over Ellie! Can Ellie stop their double trouble and find out why they weren't friendly to her in the first place?

Ellie Ultra: Camp Hero Double Trouble

Ellie is invited to a Halloween sleepover at her best friend Hannah's house. She can't wait to have some spooky fun with her friends . . . until the lights go out. Nothing scares Ellie worse than the dark! But when the villainous Fairy Frightmare strikes the sleepover and sprinkles the girls with bad dream dust ― trapping them inside their worst nightmares ― there are bigger things to worry about. Can Ellie squash her fear and save her friends?

Ellie Ultra: Super Spooked

As a superhero, Ellie can stop almost any foe except for boredom. When all her friends are busy, Ellie has a brilliant idea: she'll use her parents' lastest invention the Ultra Animator to bring Super Fluffy, her favorite stuffed animal, to life. But when the Ultra Animator also animates Doomsday, the super-villain from Ellie's favorite comic book, she has bigger problems to deal with. Can Ellie save Winkopolis from destruction, or does this spell D-O-O-M for her hometown?

Ellie Ultra: Super Fluffy to the Rescue

When her teacher assigns a new team project for Earth Day, Ellie can't wait to pair up with her best friend Hannah. After all, as a superhero, it's Ellie's job to save stuff including the planet! When the project becomes more than her super-skills can handle, Ellie uses one of her parents' super inventions to create a copy of herself. But when Ellie #2 threatens to take over the project, it's up to the real Ellie to bring the project back down to earth.

Ellie Ultra: Team Earth Takeover

Earth is truly amazing! It has giant glaciers, gorgeous canyons, and it's the only planet we know of with intelligent life. Ian is exploring Earth with his tour guide, Dr. Sally. Join them as they study ocean animals, the African savanna, and the chilly South Pole. Find out more about the planet we call home.

To Planet Earth!

Mars is an exciting place, with deserts, volcanoes, and winds that kick up giant dust storms! Avery's imagination takes her on a journey to this amazing planet. Come along as she hikes up a rocky hill, plants a flag, and even spots water on the surface of Mars. Find out more about the place scientists call the Red Planet.

To Mars!

How do stars shine so bright? Stella's imagination takes her on an adventure to explore the stars. Join her on a mission to visit constellations, learn about the closest star to Earth, and maybe even race a shooting star! Find out more about the fascinating stars in the night sky.

To the Stars!

Ellie can't wait for the school spelling bee — she's a super-speller and is sure she'll be crowned queen of the bee! But when her best friend Hannah makes the cut for the spelling bee instead, Ellie discovers that being super doesn't mean she shouldn't study. When it's revealed that the substitute librarian in charge of the bee has a villainous plan, it's up to Ellie to save the day — and her friendship.

Ellie Ultra: Queen of the Spelling Bee

Ellie is super excited for first day at Winkopolis Elementary School. After spending her whole life being homeschooled by super-genius inventor parents, she can't wait to hang out with normal kids and learn normal things. But Ellie soon learns that her super powers make her stand out in a not-so-super way. Can she save the world and fit in with her new friends? Or is blending in the one thing this superhero can't do?

Ellie Ultra: An Extra-Ordinary Girl

Caleb is playing Mud Monsters. He's a muddy mess. Time for Bubble Trouble! He takes a soapy bath to chase dirt and germs away. Caleb also makes a No Germ Zone at the dinner table. And he brushes and flosses his teeth before bed. Goodbye, germs!

Take a Bath! My Tips for Keeping Clean

Ellie Ultra is a leader. As a superhero, she kind of has to be. So when the opportunity to become class president comes up, it's a no-brainer that Ellie will run. The only downside is that devious Dex Diggs, her arch nemesis in the school, is going to run too. After an Ultra Genie wish machine gets into Dex's hands, Ellie knows exactly how the world will be if Dex takes over. Ellie has to do everything she can to make the world a better place and undo evil wishes, even if she isn't president.

Ellie Ultra: Superhero for President

Ellie Ultra has a lot of responsibilities as a superhero. So when the chance to become Hamster Helper for the class's hamster, Squeak, comes around, Ellie isn't so sure she wants to add another thing to her list. But her name is picked and now it's up to Ellie to make sure Squeak is cared for. All is fine until a mishap in the lab happens and suddenly Ellie's not so big any more--literally! A tousle with the Ultra Shrinker makes Ellie three-inches-tall. Now she has to take care of Squeak AND grow herself big again before it's too late! And as Ellie soon finds out--it's not easy being small.

Ellie Ultra: Mighty Pet Sitter

It's almost Field Day! But Natalie's team isn't ready for the big race. Their muscles get tired easily. Ms. Starr teaches them about aerobic and anaerobic exercise. They learn some stretching exercises too. Now they're full of energy. Can they win the beach ball relay?

Move Your Body!: My Exercise Tips

Sophie is on a mission. You can call her Agent S. Like any good spy, Sophie knows how to be safe. She helps her brother stay away from danger too. They watch for speeding cars. They avoid strangers. And they never goof around on the school bus!

Be Aware!: My Tips for Personal Safety

Matthew's little brother doesn't know about harmful substances. But Mighty Matthew does! He rescues his brother from household poisons. That means cleaners, medicines, and houseplants. He also points out poisons in the grass and garage. Matthew knows how to stay safe at home!

Poison Alert!: My Tips to Avoid Danger Zones at Home

Anna is one busy girl! She plays soccer and takes piano lessons. She has homework and chores. Sometimes she feels stressed. How can she get everything done? Anna's parents show her several ways to deal with stress. When she tries them, she shrinks her stress and feels better!

Keep Calm!: My Stress-Busting Tips

Lucas is a picky eater. But he's excited to go to the supermarket. Today, he gets to choose food for lunch. Lucas's dad helps him learn about the five food groups. Lucas finds out what foods are healthful. And he prepares a tasty snack!

Choose Good Food!: My Eating Tips

From sparkling boats on Lake Michigan to giant roadside statues along Route 66, Illinois has it all--and Mia's going to see everything the Prairie State has to offer when she visits her favorite cousin for Christmas. Along the way, she gets some great state gifts, including a chirpy red cardinal named Ruby, some spooky ghosts, and a whole gang of sock monkeys--invented in Illinois!

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Illinois

Are you curious about fire trucks? Firefighting clothes? Hoses and ladders? You're in luck! Firefighter Jim works at the fire department. He knows how to handle all kinds of emergencies. He shows a group of kids how he does his job. Let's hear it for firefighters!

Let's Meet a Firefighter

What does a veterinarian do? Let's find out! Dr. Kate is a veterinarian. She visits a school to give Henry, the class guinea pig, a checkup. She shows the class the tools she uses. She tells them about the many things vets do. And the students learn how to take good care of Henry. Hooray for veterinarians!

Let's Meet a Veterinarian

Are you curious about dinosaurs? Music? Volcanoes? You're in luck! Mr. Field is a librarian. He knows how to find information about all kinds of cool things. He shows the students in Mrs. Ríos's class how to use the library. Let's hear it for librarians!

Let's Meet a Librarian

Do you want to learn more about police cars? Police dogs? Other tools the police use? Then it's your lucky day! Officer Gabby is a police officer. She knows how to keep people safe. She shows a group of kids how she does her job. Three cheers for police officers!

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