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Thank you for supporting local authors and sharing stories that help kids feel seen and celebrated
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Book launch for Stuck On You: The Unhappy Sticker
We’re excited to share that Houston SCBWI member Lee Porter is launching a heartwarming new children’s book, Stuck On You: The Unhappy Sticker. This delightful story follows a little sticker who doesn’t feel appreciated—until he sets out on an adventure to find where he truly belongs.
At its core, Stuck On You celebrates the beauty of being different and the importance of finding a place where you are valued. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in, and a reminder that “different” is more than okay—it’s wonderful!
Would you like to be part of the launch team?
You’ll get a sneak peek at the book, special behind-the-scenes updates, and the chance to help bring Sticker’s story to life.
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Save The Date for Joy Preble's Lost and Found Hanukkah Launch Party!
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, September 28th at 4 pm at Brazos Bookstore to start the holiday season early and join Houston author Joy Preble for the launch party of her picture book, Lost and Found Hanukkah (Chronicle Books). Pre-orders available now.
Preorder here
DATE:
Sun, 9/28/2025
TIME:
4:00pm
PLACE:
Brazos Bookstore
2421 Bissonnet St,
Houston, TX 77005
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They Built Me for Freedom Wins SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor Award
PAL Member Tonya Duncan Ellis’ debut picture book, They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park, won an SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor award. Books in fifteen regions/districts from around the world were voted on in two rounds by children’s writers and creators.
"These awards are especially meaningful because they’re chosen by fellow creatives--people who truly understand the heart and craft of making children’s books,” said Sarah Baker, Executive Director of SCBWI. “The Crystal Kite Awards spotlight the incredible talent in our community and the powerful stories that inspire young readers globally.”
Tonya thanks all the Houston SCBWI members who voted in the various rounds.
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Celebrating 5 Years & Launching Andrew Learns About Architects
Tiffany Obeng is excited to release ANDREW LEARNS ABOUT ARCHITECTS, the 26th book in her Sugar Cookie Books collection and the 7th title in the ANDREW LEARNS ABOUT career book series.
To celebrate this milestone, Tiffany is hosting a special IG Live 5-year book anniversary and launch party. The event will feature guest authors, giveaways and more.
This release continues her mission to improve literacy and representation through diverse, empowering stories for children.
When: August 23, 2025
Where: Online, Instagram (click on icon below)
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Publishers Weekly review of Three Blue Hearts
Lynne Kelly is happy to share the first trade review of her upcoming middle grade novel, Three Blue Hearts, which Publishers Weekly described as "...a sweet-hearted tale of a tween managing personal responsibility and finding his own voice."
Lynne also has an ongoing preorder campaign, in which anyone who preorders at least one copy of the book can get a link to her free author Q&A session, to be held in late October. Fill out the short Google form to request the Zoom link.
Text Link
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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 July and August prompt is: Mismatched!
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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Friday, Sept 26th, 2025 6:30 - 9:30 pm CST (Industry Mixer)
Saturday, Sept 27th, 2025 8:00 am-5:00 pm CST (Conference Day) Available Seats: 150
The Austin chapter is having a 1-day in-person conference Sept 27th.
Some in person faculty you will see there:
- Mallory Grigg (art director, Macmillan)
- Tracy Shaw (art director, Little Brown)
- Claire Tattersfield (editor, Viking)
- Monica Rodriguez (Agent)
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and plenty of talented local folks.
*Many online faculty are listed on the website to provide pitches, critiques, and portfolio reviews: *
Registration is currently OPEN for early bird pricing thru July 15th!
- 2 fabulous keynotes from an art director and an editor
- 8 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating, and professional development
- 8 workshop/intensives on picture books, novels, and illustration
- Enter into mentorship awards & writers contests
- Parking & lunch INCLUDED!!
Learn more here
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SCBWI Midsouth: Portfolio Myth Buster Webinar with Nicole Tugeau
August 23, 2025 (recording, view anytime)
Premium member price: $20
Nonmember (preview user) price: $40
Are you an artist in need of a refresh and update to your portfolio? Are you an illustrator prepping a portfolio for conference season? If so, this recording of the webinar is for you! Nicole Tugeau, agent-owner of T2 Art & Literary Agency, helps you break free from dated portfolio rules and expectations, and break out a portfolio that connects.
Click here for more info
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Copyright © 2025 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.
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