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SCBWI Member Dottie Lee Launches New Picture Book, Frances Flamingo: Soccer Star
Award-winning children’s book author and SCBWI member Dottie Lee, based in Houston, Texas, announces the release of her newest picture book, Frances Flamingo: Soccer Star, the latest title in her Frances Flamingo series.
Timed with growing excitement around international soccer and upcoming World Cup events in the U.S., Soccer Star follows Frances as she joins a soccer team for the first time.
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The story highlights teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and the confidence that comes from trying something new—even when it feels uncomfortable at first.
Dottie's debut title, Frances Flamingo: Prima Ballerina, became a #1 best-seller and has been embraced by families, educators, and libraries for its themes of inclusion and self-belief. With Soccer Star, she continues creating picture books that encourage children to participate in sports, build confidence, and see mistakes as part of learning.
Frances Flamingo: Soccer Star is now available through major online retailers and select outlets.
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Lucas and the Magic Well Launched Feb 28
Denise Ditto's fourth book in the Tooth Collector Fairies series titled, Lucas and the Magic Well, launched Feb 28 to coincide with Tooth Fairy Day. Packed with humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure, Lucas and the Magic Well is a magical tale about focus, friendship, and finding strength within yourself when the world is counting on you.
Learn more about the Tooth Collector Fairies series at www.toothcollectorfairies.com. Get your copy today at ToothCollectorFairy - Etsy or Amazon.com.
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Goldilocks is LIVE!
Goldilocks vs. The 3 Bears is officially LIVE. In this fairy tale re-imagining, Goldilocks is leading the charge against the bear family, and suddenly the story we thought we knew isn’t so simple. Questions of fairness, accountability, and perspective take center stage, giving kids the tools to think critically about the narratives they’ve always heard. Just like the first e book in the collection, The 3 Pigs vs. The Wolf, flips familiar stories in ways that spark discussion and empower young readers. This book belongs everywhere, and author Tiffany Obeng asks you to help put it there.
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Racing the Clouds Wins Award and Nomination
Sydney Dunlap's contemporary middle grade novel, Racing the Clouds, has won the Northern Lights Book Award for Middle Grade Fiction and been nominated for the Reading the West Book Awards Longlist.
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Sunrise Sail is almost here!
Charles Trevino is excited to announce Sunrise Sail's release date will be May 12, 2026
Spare, satisfying, sibilant storytelling. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review.
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Have News? Share It With Us!
Submit author & illustrator news for the next newsletter by the 25th of each month via this form. Event submissions for member book launches and signings can be added to our regional calendar! Please be sure to include the date, time, and location.
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The February prompt is: KALEIDOSCOPE
Every month we develop a long list of potential #scbwiDrawThis prompts to choose one word or phrase that will challenge our illustrator members to dig deep and draw. Our goal is to find words rooted in a unique action, mood, point of view, or character theme. We also hope this practice will help you develop new art for your growing portfolios. Share your work with us! We want to see what you create!
#scbwiDrawThis
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Illustrator Gallery
Adding your illustrations to your SCBWI profile is a great way to showcase your talents, build a portfolio, and connect with industry professionals.
Visit: https://www.scbwi.org/galleries to view the SCBWI illustrator gallery.
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Events that look too good to miss
You can scroll through all virtual SCBWI events by clicking here
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MFA in a Day!
April 10, 2026:
@The Arts Center of Brazos Valley 4180 HWY 6 South, College Station
Join Brazos Valley (in person!) for a one-day mini conference designed to help you improve your craft, whether you're looking to amp up your creativity or fine tune your craft!
9 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
FINDING HUMOR & JOY IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS
Workshop with Author-Illustrator Eliza Kinkz
12:00pm - 1:30pm LUNCH
Order lunch in The Arts Center offers several interesting exhibits for inspiration and relaxation as well.
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
ASK A BOOKSELLER
Q & A session with bookstore owner and young adult author Kalena Miller
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ALL ABOUT GRAPHIC NOVELS
Informational session with author/illustrator Drew Brockington
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
RESEARCH FOR HISTORICAL NOVELS
Learn more here
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What Every YA Writer Should Know About Teen Brains
March 21, 2026
Premium Members: $30
Preview Members: $40
Most YA authors rely on their memories of adolescence to write teen characters. In this 60-minute presentation (plus time for Q and A), you’ll learn that no matter how vivid your memories are, the fact remains that teenage brains function differently than adult ones. These differences are deeper than the poor impulse control that makes you want to scream, “What were you thinking?” As a book coach and high school teacher who writes for teens, our presenter Sam Cameron will share insights she thinks every YA writer should know. In addition to explaining teen brain chemistry, she'll offer exercises you can use to make your own work in progress more appealing to a teen audience, with plenty of examples from published works. A limited number of manuscript critiques by Sam are also available.
Read more and register here.
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Suggestion Box
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Copyright © 2026 SCBWI-Houston, All rights reserved.
News and other information may be passed on without attribution; original artwork and writing are the property of their creators and may be reproduced only with written permission.
newsletter.scbwihou@gmail.com.
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