Events for children’s writers
As a co-representative for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Near West Suburban Network in Illinois, I run an ongoing program for kidlit creatives alongside Jamie Ericson of Dandelion Bookshop. The current slate of events is set out below. Events are free and open to the public. All are welcome.
SEPTEMBER: SCBWI TOUR OF SOURCEBOOKS
When? Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6 – 8 PM
Where? Sourcebooks, 1935 Brookdale Rd #139, Naperville, IL 60563
Note: Space is limited. Please RSVP by August 31
Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring a book from manuscript to bookstore shelf? Join us as we step behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of Sourcebooks in Naperville!
Attendees will tour the Sourcebooks offices and hear directly from members of the Editorial and Design teams as they share insights into book acquisition, the editorial process, cover design, and page layouts.
The event will conclude with a Q&A session, giving you the chance to ask your burning publishing questions. Refreshments will be provided.
OCTOBER: WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF KIDLIT?
When? Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 7:00 PM
Where? Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Book club discount: Purchase your books from Dandelion Bookshop for store pickup or delivery to your doorstep and receive a 10% discount.
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Mac Barnett, sparked a lively debate about the current state of children’s literature with his recent essay collection for adults, Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children. “Slim yet soaring . . . Barnett’s heavily footnoted accessible academic style and passionate viewpoint will speak to anyone who read as a child or has read to a child.”―Booklist.
We invite you to compare this book with the upcoming title, Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise, a celebration of the joys and vital importance of children’s literature by Katherine Rundell, the #1 NYT Bestselling author of Impossible Creatures.
Both title are slim, less than 200 pages in total. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
NOVEMBER: WRITING FOR CHILDREN: FINDING THE MAGIC
When? Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 7:00 PM
Where? Dandelion Bookshop,
139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
You’ve got an idea that would make an excellent children’s book. Now what? How do you decide on a format? Know you’re on the right track? Are there any tips or tricks to make the drafting and revising easier? Join veteran author Barb Rosenstock (Houdini’s Library, American Spirits, Sea Without a Shore, The Great Lakes, The Mystery of the Monarchs and more) as she takes you on a brief journey from initial idea through finished book, with stops at deciding on audience, drafting and shaping your manuscript, and thinking about visuals (even if you’re not an artist). Practical handouts will be available online after the presentation and Barb will leave plenty of time for individual questions in person.
About Barb: Barb Rosenstock combines playful language and deep research into books that bring history to life for today’s kids. Of her twenty-five books, many have won multiple awards including a Caldecott Honor for The Noisy Paint Box, a YALSA Nonfiction Honor for American Spirits, a Golden Kite for Otis and Will Discover the Deep, an Orbis Pictus Honor and South Asia Book Award for The Secret Kingdom, a Sydney Taylor Honor for Through the Window, and a CLA Beatty Award for The Camping Trip that Changed America. Her work regularly appears on lists including Kirkus Best Books, ALA Notable, NYPL Best Books, NCSS and NSTA Best Books. Barb loves to visit schools and share ideas about reading and writing with students. She grew up in Chicago where she lives with her family.
DECEMBER: HOLIDAY JOLLY
When? Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 7:00 PM
Where? Dandelion Bookshop,
139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Note: RSVP to sarah@sarahhammond.org to attend.
It’s that time of year again! No matter which holiday you celebrate, join our network to toast the festive season, the milestones and achievements of our respective creative journeys, and connect with our kidlit community.
All are welcome! Please bring along a beverage of your choice plus a dessert or appetizer to share.
Writing workshops
Check out my Program Options. To schedule an event, please contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
