July 2025

Join us in celebrating our members' news!

Good News !

#Draw

This!

Crystal Kite Awards

Regional Conference

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Preorder Link:

https://www.rhcbooks.com/books/769153

Because of You, I'm a Sister Cover Reveal & Pre-order!

Lisa Chow's illustrator debut picture book BECAUSE OF YOU, I'M A SISTER written by Jen Fier Jasinski comes out February 10, 2026! A heartwarming celebration of sibling love and the journey of becoming a big sister. Check out the cover reveal and preorder today!

Author Tara Lazar's Blog

Kacy Ritter’s Book Launch for Elvira Vance and the Monster Mystery

Join Kacy Ritter at Blue Willow Bookshop for the release of her new book, Elvira Vance and the Monster Mystery (HarperCollins)

DATE:

Sat, 7/19/2025

TIME:

4:00pm

PLACE:

Blue Willow Bookshop

14532 Memorial Drive

Houston, TX 77079

Sometime in May is published and released!

Jennie Smith's debut picture book, SOMETIME IN MAY is now available in Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target and Amazon. Jennie will be hosting a book signing at the soon to open Mockingbird Books! (details TBA) SOMETIME IN MAY is Sometime in May is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that follows the fragile yet vibrant world of a covey of bobwhite quail as young readers are introduced to the importance of wildlife habitats and valuing every ecosystem.

Melanie Theel is honored to announce that “The Invisible Bag” has received 3 Eric Hoffer Book Awards. This children’s book is about teaching children that they have choices and are responsible for those choices. The 25th Anniversary Edition was printed this year. I am so encouraged by the awards.

”The Invisible Bag” made the finalist list for the First Horizon award, honorable mention in the Legacy category and the Short List for the Eric Hoffer Book Awards.

Starred Review for Racing the Clouds

Sydney Dunlap is thrilled to share the news that her new novel RACING THE CLOUDS earned a starred review from School Library Journal.

Samantha Ahearne named in Kirkus Reviews Indies Worth Discovering List!

Kirkus Reviews published an article in the June 1 issue of the print magazine, "Indies Worth Discovering." Author Samantha Ahearne is recognized on the list for her Pete and Suzie picture book. Sam released "Pete and Suzie and the Party Penguins" on June 3, 2025, the second book in the series.

Coming soon!

Ahoy readers!

Charlesbridge Publishing will be launching SUNRISE SAIL the summer of 2026!

Written by Houston's Charles Trevino and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga.

This Picture Book is a companion for SEASIDE STROLL (Cover shown is for SEASIDE STROLL which is available on Amazon and other retailers.)

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.

#DrawThis Prompt!

The July 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

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.

Events that look too good to miss

You can scroll through all virtual SCBWI events by clicking here

Crystal Kite Awards 2025 is open for book submissions!

*If you voted in stage 1, stage two voting is taking place right now!

They Built Me for Freedom is in the running for an SCBWI Crystal Kite award, and our own Tonya Ellis would love your support! (You'll find it in the Texas/Oklahoma category) Each year SCBWI recognizes great books from around the world. The Crystal Kite Awards are chosen by other children's book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers.

Submit your votes here!

Once you've voted, you can proudly display your page on your socials!

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)
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

Stay on top of the latest SCBWI News!

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