Two publishers focusing on diverse children’s literature have recently emerged. I’m copying blurbs directly from their websites so I get it right.

Non-profit Valley Artistic Outreach is proud to announce Juventud Press, a sister imprint to FlowerSong Books, both headquartered in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Knowing first-hand how important it is that children of diverse cultural backgrounds have access to books in which they see themselves reflected, Juventud Press will be putting out three to four middle-grade and young-adult titles a year. To be competitive even in the field of independent small presses, we need the initial capital to produce high quality, visually engaging books.

We are asking for pledges through Kickstarter. Each one comes with a fantastic reward, so please take a look: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1780116159/juventud-press-launch

HopeRoad Publishing is an exciting, independent publisher, vigorously supporting voices too often neglected by the mainstream. We are growing a reputation as promoters of multicultural literature with a special focus on Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. At the heart of our publishing is the love of outstanding writing from writers you, the reader, would have otherwise missed.  HopeRoad is located in the UK.

And there are conferences!!

It’s not too late to plan for the International Federation of Libraries’ World Library and Information Congress in Capetown, South Africa. The event will be held from 15-12 August and the theme is Dynamic Libraries: Access, Development and Transformation. The 2016 Congress will be held in Columbus, OH. I haven’t seen CFPs, yet but I’m on the lookout.

IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) Regional Conference, October 16-18, 2015 in NYC:  The call for proposals to present a poster session at the IBBY Regional Conference in New York is now available on the USBBY (United States Board on Books for Young People) website.  The deadline for submission is May 1.  Details about the conference and registration material are also on the website.

The 2015 Southern Miss Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival will be in Hattiesburg, MS April 8-10 with Medallion Winner Paul O. Zelinsky!  Keynote speakers include Coleen Salley Storytelling Award Winner Rita Auerbach, Peter Brown, Ezra Jack Keats Lecturer Pat Cummings, Nikki Grimes, David Levithan, Steve Sheinkin, de Grummond Lecturer Deborah Wiles and Gene Luen Yang.

The Association of Children’s Librarian’s of Nothern California’s 2015 Institute: ALL DUE RESPECT: A Dialogue about Diversity, Equity and Creating Safe Spaces for All Youth. Speakers include Jacqueline Woodson, Maya Gonzalez, Nina Lindsay, Malinda Lo, Aya de Leon, and the amazing Laura Atkins. Friday 10 April in San Francisco.

I’d love to go to any one of those! Could you pick just one?