SCBWI-L.A.’s Mentorship Contest Is Open! 

15 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, Mentorship Contest, Tri-Regional News

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**Note: The SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship is a six-month program that alternates between various categories of writing and illustrating. In this post, our 2025 winner, author Julia Edwards, shares her experience with the program. The 2026 mentor will be announced at the end of the post.** 

by Julia Edwards

Last year, I was the lucky winner of the SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship Contest and got to work with middle-grade author Sherry Shahan for six months on my manuscript I Speak for the Trees.

Sherry Shahan and Julia Edwards in conversation over Zoom
Mentee Julia Edwards and mentor Sherry Shahan in conversation

I am so glad I met this human! She is enthusiastic, she asks essential questions, she elucidates truths. She dove into her own research to understand the heart of my story, and we had deep conversations about eco-anxiety, the Wood Wide Web of mushroom fibers that allows trees to communicate, women’s climbing camps, and more. 

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The Nature of Nonsense

08 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by in Poet's Perspective

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by Paige Vinten Taylor

Have you ever thought about writing nonsense poetry for children? It holds such great appeal, and librarians will tell you that poetry collections of this genre are among the favorite books that kids take home. 

What makes nonsense poetry so popular?  Perhaps most important, it is whimsical and imaginative. But rather than trying to define it further (since its borders are ever-widening), looking at some common elements is probably more useful. 

Wordplay 

“Betty Botter bought some butter,
But she said this butter’s bitter…” 

Who among us as children didn’t try to repeat “Betty Botter Bought some Butter” or “Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers”? These tongue twisters, classics that have been with us for centuries, offer an engaging challenge to kids when reading them aloud or memorizing them.  Today there are even whole books written with that style, for example, Margaret Mahy’s Bubble Trouble. 

Tweaking words in humorous ways for the sake of rhyming is another time-honored technique. Chris Harris, in his poem “The Modern Dinosaur,” cleverly messes with our language by using “thinked” as a punch line set-up for “extinct.” And in “The Hungry Giraffe,” he pairs “swallow” with an unexpected “tomallow.” 

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Treasure Chest: April 2026

01 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by in Central Coast, Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, Los Angeles, PAL, SoCal, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

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Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

Check out more resources at the end of the post!

OPEN NOW
The SCBWI-LA Writers and Illustrators Day: The Pen and the Palette is now open for registration! “Join us for Writers and Illustrators Day as we celebrate the art of storytelling to children through both word and image. We’re offering a day of marvelous industry speakers, networking with friends (old and new), and playful opportunities to build community. We hope you’ll leave inspired and empowered to craft stories that reflect the beauty, complexity, and wonder of childhood.” Speakers will include Andrea Brown Literary Agency senior agent Jamie Weiss Chilton, Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House executive editor Kelsey Horton, Donald Maass Literary Agency literary agent Kiana (Kiki) Nguyen, and painter, designer, writer, and illustrator Eugene Yelchin. For more information on registration, dates, times, and location, click the link here.

Artwork by Eori Tokunaga

OPEN NOW
Submit your manuscript for the SCBWI-LA 2026 Writers & Illustrators Day Contest today! The Writing Contest will be accepting manuscript submissions until April 12, 2026. “The first-place winner in each category will receive a certificate, recognition at Writers & Illustrators Day and in Kite Tales, and a free written critique from one of our faculty members.” Click the link here for more information about submission guidelines.

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Announcing the Winner of the 2026 SCBWI-L.A. Writers & Illustrators Day Art Contest

25 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, Los Angeles, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

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 by Brenda Scott Royce

While the parchment in Eori Tokunaga’s illustration is blank, the scene is bursting with possibility. From the mouse hefting pen to paper to the caterpillar munching an impressionistic pattern to the ants marching in to make their own mark, each critter seems poised to create in its own way. So, it’s no surprise that this illustration was selected as the winning entry in the contest to create the theme art for SCBWI-L.A.’s upcoming Writers & Illustrators Day.

The winning image represents an experience “bursting with possibility.”

Read on to learn more about Eori, her process, and what inspired her winning entry… 

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New! SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawls

18 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Los Angeles, Sketch Crawl, Tri-Regional News

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by Judy Faulkner

Sketch Crawls kicked off with a meet-up at the downtown Los Angeles Public Library

Los Angeles area kid lit creatives have a new, fun way to gather. Hosted by illustrator Laura Burris, the SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawls are free events open to all, SCBWI members and the general L.A. community alike.

The library atrium captured the artists’ imaginations

Jessica Cooper, illustrator coordinator for the region, shares her impression of last month’s inaugural event.

“We had such a fun time at the first SCBWI-Los Angeles Sketch Crawl, hosted by illustrator Laura Burris.

“We went to the Central Los Angeles Library where we sketched and explored the exhibits and beautiful architecture. The library was built in 1925, so they have a 100-year anniversary exhibition inside the library, complete with an opened 100-year-old time capsule.”

Upcoming Sketch Crawls are planned for later this spring and in the summer. They’re great opportunities to sketch, socialize, and soak up inspiration at some iconic spots around the city. 

Jessica, Laura, and the entire L.A. regional team extend a warm invitation to all. “If you’re in the LA area and you’re a children’s book illustrator, writer or creator, come join us for our next Sketch Crawl event. Check out the SCBWI-L.A. homepage for more details.”

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

Photos and graphics by Laura Burris; Artwork courtesy of Sketch Crawl participants.

Double the Fun! SCBWI-L.A. Launches Contests for Writers and Illustrators

11 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Illustrators Day, Los Angeles, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

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 by Brenda Scott Royce

“There’s nothing quite like sitting on the edge of your seat at the SCBWI-L.A. Writer’s Day, holding your breath as the winners of the contest are announced,” says author-artist Rilla Jaggia. “I’d done this before, never expecting to hear my name. But in March 2024, as the judge’s description was read, I knew the winning YA manuscript was mine. And there it was, the title of my work and my name on the giant screen. Surreal!”

Rilla Jaggia, right, accepts Writers Day award from Brenda Scott Royce
Rilla Jaggia accepts Writers Day 2024 award from SCBWI-L.A. Contest Coordinator Brenda Scott Royce

As a previous winner myself (and our region’s Contest Coordinator), I can echo Rilla’s sentiments. The thrill is real, and to me, the morale boost that comes with winning (or placing) in any contest is more precious than the tangible prizes. Just entering can be a reward in itself, providing the motivation you need to polish your manuscript and send it out into the world.

So, I’m happy to announce that the contest is back! After a year’s hiatus, SCBWI-L.A. is hosting Writers & Illustrators Day in May 2026. And this year we are offering TWO contests: 1) The writers contest we’ve come to know and love, and 2) a brand new competition for illustrators.

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Treasure Chest: March 2026

04 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Central Coast, Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, PAL, SoCal, Treasure Chest, Tri-Regional News

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Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

Check out more resources at the end of the post!

NEW—OPEN NOW
The SCBWI-LA 2026 Writers & Illustrators Day Contests are now open! “We are holding separate contests for writers and illustrators, with different deadlines and details for each. You may enter both contests, but each entry should be a separate email (and limited to ONE submission for the Writers Contest and ONE for the Illustrators Contest).” The deadline to submit for the Illustrators Contest is March 18, 2026 and the deadline for the Writers Contest is April 12, 2026. For more information, click the link here!

OPEN NOW
Registration for the annual SCBWI SoCal chapter’s Tahquitz MG-YA Writers Retreat is now open! “Want to polish your middle grade or young adult novel? Join our four-day small-group intensive writer retreat in idyllic Idyllwild. You’ll be able to hone your craft and polish your manuscript with the guidance of industry professionals. This event includes four critique group sessions led by an agent or editor, a 1:1 coaching session, and optional paid written critiques.” Seats are running out very quickly, so save your spot today!

MARCH 6-8
Join the SCBWI CenCal’s Writers and Illustrators Retreat by the Sea! From March 6, 2026 to March 8, 2026, registered attendees will get to spend a gorgeous weekend by the beach in San Simeon working on projects, engaging in optional critique groups, eating delicious meals, and spending the night by a warm campfire. Commuters are welcome! For more information, click the link here.

Art by Trish Heully

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Toot Your Horn!

25 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Toot Your Horn!

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SCBWI members’ publishing news is something to celebrate here at  Kite Tales!  Check out whose book is coming to a platform near you or around the world. Horn-tooting and digital high fives welcome in the comments!

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Great News

18 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Great News!

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SCBWI loves celebrating our members’ successes and noteworthy news, and there are many! Read on to find out who’s got something to shout about. Digital high-fives welcome in the comments!

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Be an SCBWI Mentor in 2026! But first … a word from our 2025 mentor

11 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, Mentorship Contest, Tri-Regional News

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by Sherry Shahan

I’ve been a proud member of SCBWI since the mid-1980s. I was a young, unpublished writer who met other dreamers at a National Convention in Southern California. Forty or so years later, we remain best of friends, with children’s books that cross age groups and genres. I was thrilled to be selected as the mentor for the 2025 SCBWI-Los Angeles Mentorship Contest for Middle Grade Authors. Giving back is a rewarding way to honor the many mentors who helped shape my career.

Two cover images from Sherry Shahan's books Ice Island and Spicy Hot Color / Colored Picantes

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