The annual conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators - SCBWI, or “Scooby” as it is affectionately called by members, was at the Hyatt Grand Central Hotel in New York City this past weekend. After years of yearning to be a part of it, I got to go…and with two of my most wonderful New England friends to boot.
We were inspired by the likes of Tomie dePaola, Jane Yolen and Mo Willems. I was able to meet Mo (he was hilarious and thought provoking, albeit audaciously irreverent) as well as Margaret Peterson Haddix who authors the oh-so-cool series, The Missing.
And then there was the amazing Shaun Tan.
His book, The Arrival, is breathtakingly beautiful. He was so down to earth, generous and outright thrilled to spend a little time with those of us waiting in the enormous line to get his signature on a copy of one of his books. It made the 1 hour wait worth it to know he wasn’t about to herd us away in order to be done with what I imagine is an exhausting element of his career – the book signing stuff.
Did I mention we got to see Fraulein Maria, aka Mary Poppins, aka Julie Andrews? She was not even 20 feet from the row in which we were sitting. She and her co-author (and beloved step-daughter) Emma Walton Hamilton spoke to us about their collaborative efforts over the years and gave some great tips for those who co-author children’s books. We weren’t allowed to take pictures of them, but as you might imagine, Ms. Andrews was practically perfect in every way.
Interested to know what books are on the Must-Read lists of some of these authors and illustrators? Here is a peek:
- Mandy
- A Wrinkle in Time
- The Yearling
- Little Women
- The Velveteen Rabbit
- The House at Pooh Corner
- Frindle
- Phantom Tollbooth
- The Little Grey Men
A great question was asked during the course of the conference, “What was the one book that inspired in you a love for reading?” My friends Brittany, Kirsti and I agreed that we couldn’t really think of just one. And then Kirsti said it best, “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t read.”
Despite the whipping cold outside, our fun was not limited to the indoors of the conference. We were, after all, in New York City.
Best of all, I got to fulfill a true bucket list wish: Visit the New York Public Library.
I know it sounds silly, but to a book and word geek like me (and my friends) it was heart racing!
I came home inspired, instructed, prepared and purposeful with the hope of passing along that feeling to my family and friends.
I think Julie Andrews said is best, “Are we lucky or what?”
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