Upcoming MN Children's Book Events

This was such a great post by my fellow children's book illustrator Christina Rodriguez, that i had to repost it here!

Attention children’s book and YA writers, illustrators, librarians, readers and enthusiasts: you’re in luck if you live in or near the Twin Cities! You wouldn’t believe how many awesome events are coming up this year for folks like us. There is at least one children’s literature event nearly every month from now until October! I’m very proud of my state for being so supportive of its talent!

Mark your calendars:

Saturday	February 17	8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference
Saturday	March 13	9 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Children’s Literature Network Publicity Workshop
Saturday	April 17	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Minnesota SCBWI Spring Workshop
Saturday	April 17	6:30pm – 9pm	Minnesota Book Awards Gala
Saturday	April 24	12 p.m. – 3 p.m.	Kerlan Award Luncheon and Lecture
Sat.-Sun.	May 1-2		The Loft’s Children’s and YA Literature Conference
Saturday	May 15	Details TBA	Minnesota SCBWI Spring Fling
Fri. – Sat.	May 21-22		Children’s Literature Network School Presentations Workshop
Saturday	June 12	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Minnesota SCBWI Summer Workshop
Mon.-Tues.	June 21-22		St. Cloud Children’s Literature Workshop
Saturday	July 10	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Minnesota SCBWI Summer Field Trip
Saturday	Sept. 11	12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.	Anderson Center’s Celebration of Children’s Literature
Thurs. – Sun.	Sept. 30 – Oct. 3		Northwoods Children’s Book Conference and Writer Retreat
Not included (because we’ve not “officially” set our date yet): The Minnesota SCBWI Annual Conference. This will take place sometime in September or October.

Please note that all of this information is subject to change. Be sure to check out each event’s page often for the most accurate updates.

Sun Path Elementary School Visit

One of the great joys of being a children's book illustrator is when you get to go and visit schools. There is nothing like the excitement that the kids can bring and bringing back memories of my own school days. Well, last Thursday I had a great time when visiting the kids at Sun Path Elementary in Shakopee. The energy and excitement they had for "The Sick Bug" was by far the best Susie and I have seen. Not only did they create their own sick bugs, but they decorated the entire media center just for our visit! How awesome was that!!!! Thru the course of the day we were able to visit with over 500 kids from K-3 and couldn't have had a better time. Thanks to Bob for the memorable visit! To show you what we encountered when we arrived, here are a few images of the amazing works of art the kids did. Hope you enjoy.

Minnesota SCBWI 2010 Winter Workshop

Thanks to Christina for the post!

Do you think you’re ready to start submitting your manuscript or artwork to publishers? Learn how to put your best foot forward at The Minnesota Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Winter Workshop: How To Stand Out: Preparing A Manuscript Or Portfolio For Submission.

Listen as award-winning author John Coy talks about the steps involved before submitting a story to a publisher and ways to stand out when you do. Learn from illustrator and designer Marieka Heinlen as she shares tips from her experience as a creative director to create eye-catching art samples, effective personal branding, and a strong portfolio.

Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their manuscript or art samples and portfolio for critique. This is a great opportunity for all writers and illustrators to get fresh feedback on their work before submitting to publishers.

Date: Saturday, February 13, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Place: Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Cost: $25 members / $35 non-members

Registration will be at the door and light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

Illustration Friday: "Muddy"

Owl sits on a branch covered in dirt. Made for quite the muddy situation!