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Merrill Rainey

@littlerainey.bsky.social
392 followers 460 following 75 posts

picture book creator • paper toy maker Color, Cut, Create • Peek & Play series • My First Town @odddotbooks (Spring 2025) Rep’d by @bookmarkliterary linktr.ee/Littlerainey

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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A few of my favorite sample sketches from my summer Urban Sketching Workshops at the 577 Foundation. #urbansketching #sketchbook #paintwhatyousee
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
It won't be long now that the sweet sounds of summer will be gone! Happy #kidlitpostcard Day ✉️🖌️📚 #picturebookillustration #kidlitart
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
New comic work for Jack and Jill magazine! Be sure to catch up on all of the J&J comic action here -> littlerainey.com/jack-and-jil... Volume Four concludes in the Nov/Dec issue! Written by Troy Brownfield #kidscomics #kidsmagazines #comicsforkids #kidlitart
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I’m pretty excited to be attending my first ALA conference next Saturday, June 27th! Stop by the Astra Books for Young Readers booth 2726 from 1:30-2:00pm... I'll be signing copies of On The Air With Dr. Doodlebug, READ, READ, READ! posters, and don't forget to pick up an “I Love Bugs’ sticker!
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Join us this fall at our Skipping Stones retreat! Only 28 spots will be available. Registration opens 6/27 @2pm for SCBWI members and 7/20 @7pm EST for non-members. Set your reminder. Tell your creative friends. #skippingstones26 #scbwi_nohio #scbwi
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Mark your calendar! The Skipping Stones Retreat has limited seats, so consider registering early so you won’t miss out on this epic event at the beautiful 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, Ohio. #skippingstones26 #scbwi_nohio #scbwi
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Something just for fun! #kidlitart #cutpaper #picturebookillustration #characterdesign
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Join us this fall to relax and create Oct. 9–11 at SKIPPING STONES a Writers & Illustrators retreat located at the historical 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, Ohio. Space will be limited… so be sure to keep an eye out for further updates this June! To find out more about the 577: 577foundation.org
Artwork for the Skipping Stones retreat Oct. 9-11
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Join SCBWI summer portfolio showcase winner Merrill Rainey May 20th for an evening conversation about his freelance illustration journey and his path to publication. More info. or to reg. -> tr.ee/QzzffYiGsn @scbwi.bsky.social @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social @scbwi-ohiocensouth.bsky.social
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Kathy Halsey @infowoman.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Hey SCBWI members, especially illustrators! THIS WED. Merrill will demonstrate an illustration technique he's been developing & discuss creative play & the importance to observe your world. scbwi.zoom.us/j/6395303835 Get a 15 minute Zoom critique 50% off! buy.stripe.com/9B6cN60tUaHw....
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Join SCBWI summer portfolio showcase winner Merrill Rainey May 20th for an evening conversation about his freelance illustration journey and his path to publication. More info. or to reg. -> tr.ee/QzzffYiGsn @scbwi.bsky.social @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social @scbwi-ohiocensouth.bsky.social
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Jane Smith @superjane.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
📚🤓🧡 Looking for assistance w/ your #children'sbook project? Need advice on navigating the #publishing process? The #BookNerds have your back! Book us for a consult today! ⭐ VISIT us at www.thebooknerds.net 😍🙏 THANK YOU, iamchriscarr.bsky.social for the glowing testimonial! @littlerainey.bsky.social
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
May the 4th be with you! For a limited time... enjoy a FREE download of this #StarWars themed Color-Cut-Play! created for Jack and Jill & Humpty Dumpty magazine 🤗 Download -> tr.ee/YmSuf9I-a2 #colorcutcreate #MayThe4th #papertoys #kidsactıvıtıes
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Jane Smith @superjane.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
🎉📚 Plan to join @littlerainey.bsky.social + I this WED 2/25 from noon-12:30pm for an "Ask Anything" IG LIVE to launch our new Book Design & Consulting Service! Together we offer: • Children's Book Consultations • Portfolio Reviews • Book Design • Promo Materials Design www.thebooknerds.net #kidlit
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Just some purely fun work for the front and back cover of Humpty Dumpty magazine! #kidlitart #picturebookillustration #coverillustration #illustration #scifiillustration
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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 21/01/2026
Delighted to have my conference badge signed by @littlerainey.bsky.social, who did the conference art for #scbwiNY26
Two smiling people at an art gallery. One is holding up a signed conference badge.
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
All the feels! ❤️❤️❤️… Thank you @temikatheartist.bsky.social and @scbwi.bsky.social for the opportunity!! 🤗
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! Join us for our 4th Annual NEW YEAR, NEW VISION BOARD event! Learn how vision boards can lead to success. Then, join us for pt. 2 to share your board & goals for 2026. This is a fun, FREE night of support, friendship, and motivation! Jan. 8, 7:30e Register: tr.ee/IL6zfzEsAY
SCBWI Ohio North's 4th Annual
New Year, New Vision Board with Merrill Rainey
PART 1!
Zoom Meeting • January 8, 2026 • 7:30 pm (EST)
Free for all
JOIN US FOR PART 1:
• Learn about Vision Boards
• Set your creative goals for 2026
• Fun and FREE for all

We warmly invite you to join us to learn how to put your vision for the New Year into action! If you joined us last year, be ready to share your vision board success stories!
* OHIO NORTH *
SCBWI
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
@scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
@scbwi_nohio
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Join us for Cocoa and Critiques this Wednesday, December 17 7:30-9:30 pm. This event is open to all @scbwi members. To register-> tr.ee/aPBZ-K0vcl
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
🤗🤗🤗🤗
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
See you this weekend Michigan friends at the @aadl.org Traverwood Branch Library!
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
It was a wonderful afternoon! Thank you @covertocover.bsky.social for having me back!
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Cover to Cover Children’s Books @covertocover.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
We are excited to welcome back author & illustrator @littlerainey.bsky.social on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1:00 p.m.! Join us for a fun afternoon with activities. www.covertocoverchildrensbooks.com/event/steam-...
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
I’m looking forward to being back at @covertocover.bsky.social this Sunday! We will be reading On The Air with Dr. Doodlebug, drawing bugs, and creating nature journals!
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
An early Happy Halloween to all of my friends who celebrate!! 🎃 Merrill
Illustration of five pumpkins by a fence accompanied by the poem ‘5 Little Pumpkins’
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
I’m looking forward to being back at @covertocover.bsky.social on 11/16!
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
**Book GIVE AWAY!!** Astra Books for Young Readers is giving away 10 copies of ON THE AIR WITH DR. DOODLEBUG! 🎙️ In a comic-style question & answer format, learning about bugs has never been this fun! Enter now on Goodreads -> www.goodreads.com/giveaway/ent... #Kidlit #kidlitart #bookgiveaway
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Honored to have been asked by @temikatheartist.bsky.social and @scbwi.bsky.social to illustrate this year’s 2026 NYC Winter Conference art! THANK YOU... THANK YOU 🤗 Link to the SCBWI winter conference in bio :-) #SCBWI #illustrator #Kidlitart #picturebookillustrator @bookmarkliterary.bsky.social
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
From award-winning creators Susan E. Goodman & Merrill Rainey comes something really fun: a radio show in a book! With terrific repartee & fabulous illustrations, this comic book-style story will enchant bug enthusiasts, their adults, and educators alike. Preorder your copy -> qrco.de/bfuwwH
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
A couple hours left to register. I hope to see you all there 👇👇👇👇
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Event coming up this Saturday morning - portfolio prep help w/ @christiemegill.bsky.social of @thecatagency.bsky.social. Register: www.scbwi.org/events/portf... We still have a couple of open slots for one-on-one VIRTUAL PORTFOLIO REVIEWS via Zoom w/ Christie on 8/27. #kidlit #scbwiohionorth
PORTFOLIO PREP EVENT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025 @ 10AM
CHRISTIE MEGILL
Agent, CAT Agency
Get your portfolio ready with this hybrid event!
• Inperson or virtual
• Additional add-on virtual critique
Don't miss out!
Last chance to register!
Link in bio for details & locations

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
We still have spaces open for people looking to attend this Saturday’s PORTFOLIO PREP event with @thecatagency.bsky.social agent @christiemegill.bsky.social, both virtually and in-person: www.scbwi.org/events/portf... #kidlit #illustrators
scbwi.org
🦋 Preconference PORTFOLIO Prep Event with Agent Christie Megill of the CAT Agency 🎨 Register for event
📅 Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10:00 am-11:00 pm (ET) 🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸Looking for insight on what you should have in your illustration portfolio before the 2025 Ohio North conference? Want to connect with oth...
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Hard to believe that school is back in session! I’ve been creating these #lunchboxdoodles for my kids for 12 years now. I don’t draw them as often as I use to, but I like to think no matter how old they get, that they still appreciate them 🤗 Wishing you all a wonderful new school year! Rock On!
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Reason 4! To join @scbwi-OhioNorth this October!
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Check out all of the info for our conference coming Oct 3-4: linktr.ee/ohionorthscbwi We have an amazing lineup of faculty attending and available for critiques! #scbwiohionorth #scbwi
linktr.ee
@ohionorthscbwi | Linktree
Click on the links below to find out more about all things SCBWI Ohio North!
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Reason #3 you should attend the #SCBWIOhioNorth 2025 Conference! Register: linktr.ee/ohionorthscbwi #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #authorevents #writingconference #scbwievent #booksky
REASON #3
TO ATTEND THE
Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
• Intensives & Breakout Sessions
• Ask industry professionals questions
• Sharpen your skills
• Plan your creative journey
GET INSPIRED!
Scan for conference info SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Reason #2 you should attend the #SCBWIOhioNorth 2025 Conference! Register: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #authorevents #writingconference #scbwievent #booksky
REASON #2
TO ATTEND THE
Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
• Meet agents/editors/art directors
• Receive live feedback & direction with critique purchase
• Submit your work to faculty members after the conferece
Scan for
conference information

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Reason #1 you should attend the #SCBWIOhioNorth 2025 conference! Register: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #authorevents #writingconference #scbwievent
REASON #1
TO ATTEND THE
Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
• Meet local Writers/Illustrators
• Networking
• Mentoring/Learn from others
• Find a critique group
Scan for conference information

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
I’ve been a member of SCBWI for 18 years and this conference has always been (and still is) a game changer in my career! I hope to see you all there 🤗
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Honored and humbled to have won the @scbwi Virtual Summer conference portfolio showcase. A BIG BIG THANK YOU to all of the judges!! And congratulations to all of the portfolio showcase winners 🤗🤗🤗❤️
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Brian Kirby @boringstorybook.com · 18/07/2025
Pitch party prep session with @littlerainey.bsky.social ahead of the @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social fall conference:
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Merrill Rainey @littlerainey.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
There’s nothing better than summer nights and Dr. Doodlebug on the radio! Broadcasting LIVE from STUDIO B, You are ON THE AIR WITH DR. DOODLEBUG!... On The Air With Dr. Doodle Bug releases Oct. 21st. Preorder your copy -> tr.ee/8RXeZfc3wT #ohioillustrators #kidscomics #kidlit #picturebooks
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Meet #SCBWIOhioNorth conference faculty: Elise McMullen-Ciotti, Senior Executive Editor, Lee & Low Critiquing: I am willing to critique all categories and genres of kidlit. For more information: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #ohioconferences #booksky
FACULTY ANNOUNCEMENT
Elise McMullen-Ciotti, Senior Executive Editor, Lee & Low
Critiquing: I am willing to critique all categories and genres of kidlit.

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Meet #SCBWIOhioNorth conference faculty: Lindsay Bonilla, Author Critiquing: PB (fiction) For more information: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #ohioconferences #booksky
FACULTY ANNOUNCEMENT
LINDSAY BONILLA
Award Winning Author

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorthFEATURED PUBLICATION
LINDSAY BONILLA
Award Winning Author
Storyteller® 

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorthFEATURED PUBLICATION
LINDSAY BONILLA
Award Winning Author

MARK HOFFMANN illustrator
THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
FEATURED PUBLICATION
LINDSAY BONILLA
Award Winning Author

POLAR BEAR ISLAND 

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY of CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Meet #SCBWIOhioNorth conference faculty: Joann Hill - @joannhnyc.bsky.social‬, Creative Director, Disney Hyperion. Critiquing: Illustrator Portfolios For more information: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #ohioconferences #booksky
FEATURED PUBLICATION
JOANN HILL
Creative Director
Disney Hyperion
SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025
where stories take flight

VAMPIRINA BALLERINA

SCBWI
SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Ohio North Region

INSTA: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Meet #SCBWIOhioNorth conference faculty: Daria Peoples, Author-Illustrator. Critiquing: PB For more information: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #SCBWI #kidlit #kidlitart #ohioconferences #booksky
FACULTY ANNOUNCEMENT
DARIA PEOPLES
Author/Illustrator

SCBWI Ohio North Regional Conference
October 3-4, 2025

Where Stories Take Flight

SCBWI
SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Ohio North Region

Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
The deadline for our UNDERREPRESENTED DIVERSE VOICES CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP is Friday, JULY 11th! We encourage #Ohio #kidlit writers/illustrators to apply! Open to both #SCBWI members & non-members! For more info or to apply: www.scbwi.org/regions/ohio... #scbwiohionorth #booksky
OHIO NORTH
CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP
AVAILABLE FOR
UNDER-REPRESENTED DIVERSE VOICES
Apply By: July 11, 2025

More info here
SCBWI
SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Ohio North Region
Instagram @scbwi_nohio
Bluesky @scbwi-ohionorth
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth

Stories
Take
Flight
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Learn what to expect, how registration works, and ask any questions you may have about the upcoming #scbwiohionorth conference in October! JULY 8, 7-8 pm! Info & Registration: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #kidlit #booksky #scbwi
Conference Q&A
Virtual Event
Is this your first Ohio North
Regional Conference?
• Learn what to expect
• How registration works & available options
• Ask any questions
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 @7-8 PM
SCBWI
SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Ohio North Region
where stories take flight
Insta: @scbwi_nohio
Bluesky: @scbwi-ohionorth
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
It’s time to update our website banner - with a CONTEST! Deadline is MONDAY, JULY 21st! Many thanks to 2023 winner @andreazupcsan.bsky.social for her lovely banner of kids swimming in Lake Erie! #SCBWIOhioNorth encourages #Ohio #kidlit illustrators to submit. INFO: www.scbwi.org/regions/ohio...
OHIO NORTH
BANNER CONTEST
See link in bio for details!
Submission Due By: July 21, 2025

https://www.andreazupcsan.com/
Many thanks to our 2023 winner - Andrea Zupcsan!

SCBWI
SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Ohio North Region
Insta: @scbwi_nohio
BlueSky: @scbwi-ohionorth
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth

where stories take blight
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