IBBY Africa Conference

A group of SCBWI members attended the IBBY Conference from 31st August to 2nd September. Two members gave presentations. Hazel Cuthbertson's talk was entitled: Are we there yet? – The importance of sketchbooks in the journey from idea to final publication for some South African children’s book illustrators. Hazel used the work of Rico Schacherl, Joan Rankin and Themba Mabaso to illustrate her talk.
Lynn Joffe's workshop was entitled: The Value of Music and the Heard Word in Modern Children’s Stories. Her presentation included the very first recording of the human voice, which was Thomas Edison's recitation of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' in 1877!

Both presentations were excellent!

In addition, SCBWI put up an exhibition of sketchbooks created during the Sketchbook Project. The sketchbooks were hung from a wooden tree and showed the talent of Joan Rankin, Rico Schacherl, Julia du Plessis, Hazel Cuthbertson, Marleen Visser, Anna Wilson, Yvette de Beer, Monique Voster, Je'Anna Clements, Lynn Joffe and Sarah van der Molen. Hopefully this project has encouraged more of us to keep sketchbooks on a regular basis, as they can be such a valuable part of the illustration process. A big 'Thank you' to everyone who participated, it was great to meet you all and see your fantastic sketchbooks.