Children's Institute 2023 began last night in Milwaukee, Wis., with the now-traditional opening reception and costume party. This year's conference marks the largest Children's Institute yet. Elisa McIntosh of The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, N.Y., won the grand prize in the costume contest, which includes a full scholarship to next year's Children's Institute. Author Donna L. Washington was emcee for the contest, while authors Laini Taylor and Jim Di Bartolo, along with ABA CEO Allison Hill, served as judges.
Pictured: (standing l.-r.) Laini Taylor, Jim Di Bartolo, Elisa McIntosh, Angie Tally, Sally Sue Lavigne, Stephanie Strachan, Amanda Olson, Allison Hill; kneeling: Donna L. Washington.