In February I attended the Winter Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in New York City. It was my first SCBWI conference and what a whirlwind it was! I’m especially grateful for my Canadian friends who made the experience less scary and more fun, and the new friends who were so warm and welcoming.
The keynotes and sessions were outstanding. Between the events were wonderful conversations at socials, meals and elevator lineups. The biggest takeaway for me was the importance of community and teamwork. The trees in Central Park say it all: connect, branch out, grow, touch the sky.
First SCBWI Conference -scary and fun! 
With Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Hilary Leung, Ishta Mercurio, Stephen Macquignon, Jason Hart at the Bank Street Bookstore
Other highlights: celebrating friend Hilary Leung’s book launch at the Bank Street Bookstore; a dash through the American Museum of Natural History; a spring like stroll through Central Park; seeing the REAL Eeyore at the New York Public Library; having a cocktail while enjoying the Maxfield Parrish mural at the King Cole Room and catching the Oliver Jeffers installation at the High Line.
Oliver Jeffers installation The Moon, The Earth and Us, High Line NYC 2019 
Found myself at the NYPL! 
NYPL photo Aino Anto
I took very few photos because I didn’t want to miss a minute. Plus the blue whale at the museum was too big. My brain is full; now to digest all that wisdom, inspiration and energy…
