As I look out the window on this cold February day, snow covers my lawn and the windchill factor is dropping into the teens. But with spring (theoretically) around the corner (it is Michigan, after all), professional learning opportunties are already sprouting for the children’s literature community. Here are two I’ll be checking out in southeast Michigan:

Building Your Nonfiction Toolbox

The Michigan Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is sponsoring Building Your Nonfiction Toolbox, a one-day “one-day, jam-packed nonfiction writing conference.,” according to the event’s website. The conference will feature Carol Hinz, the Editorial Director of Lerner Books; artist and writer Heather Montgomery. and author-illustrator Lindsay Moore. Topics will include developing ideas, authenticity, primary vs. secondary sources, and special sessions for illustrators. 

• Day: March 7, 2020, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Location:VistaTech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Rd. Livonia, Mi.

• Details, fees, and registration.

Kidlitcon

This two-day conference is generously sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library (meaning it’s free!).  Session topics include Indigenous representations in children’s literature, empowering youth through literature, and using different genres to broaden children’s understanding of the world.

• Days: March 27-28, 2020

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan for our 2020 conference.

• Details and registration