Celebrate the Kickoff of Children’s Institute in Costume

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Children's Institute logoThe 2018 ABC Children’s Institute, to take place June 19–21 in New Orleans, Louisiana, will kick off the evening of Tuesday, June 19, with its first-ever Welcome Mardi Gras & Backlist “Favorite Kids’ Book Character” Costume Party.

Booksellers who arrive in costume will have the chance to win a number of excellent prizes contributed by publisher sponsors, including signed sets of titles by popular authors, a costumed character visit for their store, gift cards, an all-staff pizza party, prize baskets of books and goodies, and more. The publishers contributing prizes are Abrams, Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Random House Children’s, Scholastic, and Simon & Schuster.

Costumes will be judged by a surprise panel of industry friends, and prizes will be awarded for backlist character costumes across a range of categories, including:

  • Best ensemble costume
  • Best solo costume
  • Best fierce woman costume
  • Best literary animal costume
  • Best interpretation of a character

The five category winners will vie for a grand prize. Booksellers will select the grand prize winner by applause.

Participants are also asked to bring a copy of the backlist book featuring their character.

The Welcome Mardi Gras & Backlist “Favorite Kids’ Book Character” Costume Party will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Lagniappe & Rhythms Foyer at the Sheraton New Orleans.

Registration for the 2018 Children’s Institute is now closed. Booksellers may cancel their Children’s Institute registration or their reservation at the Sheraton New Orleans at any time by e-mailing [email protected]. Questions about the event should be sent to [email protected].