Welcome Sarah Kurpiel, our new Co-Rep! Sarah Kurpiel is the author and illustrator of books including A LITTLE LIKE MAGIC, SNAKE'S BIG MISTAKE, and MORE THAN A TREE. Learn more at sarahkurpiel.com.

MEMBER GOOD NEWS! Congratulations, Venkat Srividhya, Anitra Rowe Schulte, and Dawn Wheat! Connect with these authors on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

Let's Meet Up!! What’s Going On In The World of Kidlit? When: Wednesday, October 14 Time: 7:00 PM Where: Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Look for more info on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

How to Keep Writing When You are Ready to Give Up. Join us for an encouraging discussion and practical strategies to help you keep writing. When: Thursday, October 8 Time: 7:00 PM Where: Zoom Look for Zoom link on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

ILLINOIS LIT LIVE PRESENTS SHARING THE BOUNTY! Illinois Authors join us to share readings from their works, both published and in progress. WHEN: October 3 TIME: 7 PM CST WHERE: Zoom Look for more info on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

Join the SCBWI Illustration Community in October for 31 days of illustration prompts! #scbwiArtober2026 Tag us and share your art this Spooky Season!

MASTHEAD CONTEST OPENS OCTOBER 1ST! Illustrate the 2027 Spring Retreat Masthead Banner based on this year's theme: THE GREAT CREATE! Follow this link to submit: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/s…

Join us for our MONTHLY MEMBER MEETUP! Drop in to chat with Illinois members! Share your Good News, celebrate others, and make connections. WHEN: First of every month. TIME: 7PM CST WHERE: ZOOM Look for the Zoom link on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

Ever wonder how a graphic novel is created, written, drawn, and published? Hear from Susie Yi, author-illustrator of 9 graphic novels! WHEN: October 14 TIME: 8 PM EST WHERE: Zoom Registration Link: scbwi.org/events/creating-gr… Cost: $5 for members, $25 for non members

Free Spanish Language Webinar on October 1st! The Dialogue of the Language of the Book: An Illustration workshop Join us on Zoom at 12pm (EDT) / Ipm Brasilia with author/illustrator Roger Mello! Click the link below to register: scbwi.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Join us for our latest workshop! Send in your manuscript and Lori will choose one to revise. Manuscripts must be emailed by 9/19 to [email protected]. Use “SCBWI Revision Webinar” as subject line. Sept 26, 2026 - 10 - 11:30 am - Zoom link on our page: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

MEMBER GOOD NEWS! Congratulations, Laura Smetana! Her author-illustrated picture book, MY LUCKY LEAF, comes out on Sept. 1! Join Laura's Book Launch Celebration on Sept. 12, 2026 10:30 am - Noon at Frugal Muse Books(7511 Lemont Rd., Darien, IL).

Ready to take your story further? Three ninety-minute courses that will help you sharpen your skills! JaNay Brown-Wood: Sept 10. Jashar Awan: Sept 17. Andrea Davis Pinkney: Sept 24. Registration is now open. Visit scbwi.org/scbwi-university

It’s time again for a Mini Writing Retreat on the Farm! Our hosts have generously agreed to host again on their farmstead in Northeast Urbana. Please rsvp to [email protected] by Wednesday, September 9th. When: Sunday, Sept 13 Time: 2 - 4:30 PM

Join us for our MONTHLY MEMBER MEETUP! Drop in to chat with Illinois members! Share your Good News, celebrate others, and make connections. WHEN: First of every month. TIME: 7PM CST WHERE: ZOOM Look for the Zoom link on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

Swag Packing Party! Join us to pack 500 swag bags which volunteers will deliver to folks who book school visits at the AISLE SCBWI Booth. Sat. September 5th, 2025: Sulzer Regional Library in the Large Meeting Room, 9:30-11:30 AM More info on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

Discover the SCBWI Kidlit Series: From Concept to Career September series. This series is made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America. Look for info on our website in September: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

MEMBER GOOD NEWS!! Congratulations to Jennifer Grant! Her book, Consider the Night Sky, Book 3, comes out September 1! Congratulations to Laura Sprtel! Her debut picture book, Fridays are for Fish Frys, was released 7/21/26! More info on our website: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Get Real! Writing Realistic Fiction That Resonates with Editor Adam Blackman Hosted by: Southern Breeze More info at: scbwi.org/events/get-real-wr…

We are having a Summer Party! Join Us! Wednesday, August 12 6:00 – 7:30pm 2608 Isabella St. in Evanston Bring a dish to share or a bottle of wine, or both! Please RSVP to [email protected]. Look for RSVP info on our Regional Calendar and Good News: scbwi.org/regions/illinois/r…