What is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators?
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature. It was established in 1971 and has since grown into a global community with thousands of members.
SCBWI provides a wide range of resources, opportunities, and services to its members, including:
Networking: SCBWI offers opportunities for authors and illustrators to connect with one another, share experiences, and build supportive relationships within the industry. This includes regional and international conferences, local events, critique groups, and online forums.
Education and Information: The organization organizes workshops, webinars, and seminars on various aspects of writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s books. Members can access valuable resources such as market information, industry guidelines, and publishing insights.
Awards and Grants: SCBWI hosts prestigious awards and grants programs to recognize outstanding work in the field of children’s literature. These include the Golden Kite Awards, the Sid Fleischman Humor Award, and various scholarships and grants to support writers and illustrators in their creative pursuits.
Publications: SCBWI produces publications, both in print and online, that provide members with industry news, craft advice, interviews with professionals, and success stories. The organization’s official magazine is called “The Bulletin.”
Advocacy: SCBWI actively advocates for the interests and rights of children’s authors and illustrators. The organization promotes diversity, equality, and fair treatment within the industry and offers resources to help members navigate contractual, legal, and business aspects of their careers.
SCBWI welcomes both published and aspiring authors and illustrators, and it is a valuable resource for anyone involved in creating literature for children and young adults.
Is SCBWI for Middle Grade Authors?
Yes, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is an organization that supports and serves authors and illustrators of children’s books across various age ranges, including middle grade. SCBWI is an international organization that provides resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs for its members, who include both published and aspiring authors and illustrators.
Middle grade books are typically aimed at readers between the ages of 8 and 12, and SCBWI recognizes the importance of supporting and nurturing authors and illustrators who create content specifically for this age group. Whether you are a writer or an illustrator focusing on middle grade literature, SCBWI can be a valuable resource for connecting with peers, accessing industry information, and enhancing your craft in the field of children’s book publishing.
Fun Books Versus Popular or Classic Books
What is the book trend of the day? What book does your literature teacher think you ‘should’ read? These are the questions answered by most book recommendations lists. That’s where the following books suggestions and favorite booklists are different. They don’t follow any certain literary fad, popular book trend or ‘books that stand the test of time’ nonsense. They are books that are listed for no other reason than they are fun. And yes, you have our permission to occasionally read for fun and relaxation and not for any higher world order. So feel free to look through our Purdy Book blog posts for fun books from all genres and all age/reading levels. Don’t lose track of the reason you fell in love with books and reading in the first place.
