Recently, author friends showed support at an event, a Mexican illustrator traveled to N.Y.C. to celebrate an award, an annual benefit for the freedom to read took place, a middle grade author signed stock, an author highlighted Hanukkah at her book event, and a book festival welcomed authors and readers.


A Great Good Time

On November 8, Steph Lau made an appearance at A Great Good Place for Books in Oakland, Calif., to present her picture book The Abominable Snow Dancer (Penguin Workshop), which follows a yeti who dreams of becoming a dancer. Authors Jo Wu (l.) and Mike Jung (c.) attended the event to show their support.


Bright Lights, Big City

Mexican illustrator Mariana Villanueva Segovia made a trip to New York City for an event at Sullaluna on November 16 to discuss her art for The Lighthouse Keeper, written by Eugenio Fernández Vázquez and translated from Spanish by Kit Maude (Tapioca Stories). The picture book was named one of the 2025 Best Illustrated Children’s Books by the New York Times and New York Public Library. Segovia was joined by children’s literature historian Leonard Marcus and NYT/NYPL judge Amber Moller for a conversation about her work.


Freedom to Read

The National Coalition Against Censorship annual benefit took place in New York City on November 18, celebrating free speech. Here, honoree Dr. Carla Hayden (r.), the former Librarian of Congress, and SCBWI executive director Sarah Baker enjoying the festivities.


Give it Up for the Goat

Author Ali Terese made a stop at BBGB Books in Richmond, Va., to sign copies of her latest book Vote for the G.O.A.T. (Aladdin) on November 6. The middle grade novel centers around rivals Meg and Jo, who must come together to prove their innocence when they are accused of stealing the school’s goat mascot.


Happy Holidays

On November 1, Barnes & Noble in Torrance, Calif., welcomed Hannah Shafiroff for an event in celebration of My Little Book of Big Jewish Holidays (Bloomsbury), which highlights 10 Jewish festivals. At the event, Shafiroff held a Hanukkah party, where she drew doodles with prompts from the audience and gave a reading from the book.


California Coasting

The second annual Burbank Book Festival took place at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank, Calif., on November 8, welcoming readers for a day of events with local authors and illustrators. Here, author Carlyn Greenwald greets a reader at a book signing.