Children's books conference Oct. 17-18

Patricia McKissack, whose books have won Coretta Scott King awards and Newbery and Caldecott Honors, will be among the featured speakers at a conference Oct. 17-18 at Fresno State.

The event is sponsored by the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children's Literature, the Arne Nixon Center Advocates and The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), North/Central California Region.

The conference is a SCBWI regional event for authors, illustrators, teachers, librarians, collectors, and anyone interested in children's literature. Activities include a Friday night reception and an all-day Saturday workshop.

Stephen Mooser, President and co-founder of the SCBWI, will discuss "Writing for Boys, Then Getting Them to Read It." Picture book author Alexis O'Neill will describe "Selling Your Picture Book Without an Agent." Illustrator/author Deborah Nourse Lattimore will describe her work. Dianne Hess, executive editor of Scholastic Press, will speak on "The Future of Children's Books." 

The registration fee is $70 for ANCA and SCBWI members and $75 for non-members. Space is limited; registration will be accepted at the door if space allows.  An optional unit of university credit is available for an additional fee of $40.

For more information, contact the Arne Nixon Center by e-mail at anc@listserv.csufresno.edu or call 8-8116. Information about the workshop, registration forms, and a full schedule of events are posted on the center's Web site at www.arnenixoncenter.org .