Every year Hawai'i's children's book authors — established and aspiring — gather for a conference of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators of Hawai'i.

This year's event is slated for March 3, and has star power: Author Jane O'Connor, whose playful picture book "Fancy Nancy" has been on the New York Times children's bestseller list for 54 weeks, will speak.

The respected international organization brings together writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people.

The event at the Ala Moana Hotel will appeal to a broad range of writers and artists, from anyone simply curious about writing or illustrating children's books, to those who have already been published in the field.

O'Connor is also vice president and editor-at-large for G.P. Putnam's Sons, and has worked in children's books for 30 years. She will talk about "Good Beginnings" and "Story Arc: How to Plot," and for people who sign up for a manuscript critique, she will hold a special session on her favorite books. About her "Fancy Nancy," a New York Times reviewer writes, "The message here is welcome — fanciness (unlike physical beauty) is available to anyone with a can-do spirit — and the writing is adorable. Nancy's joy is infectious, and her over-the-top elegant vocabulary pays off in a warm twist."

A sequel, "Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy," is scheduled for release next month.

Writers who register for the Honolulu event can bring a first page of their own manuscript for a "First Pages Critique."

O'Connor, along with author Cheryl Zach, will share their reactions to first manuscript pages submitted at registration by attendees. No sign-up is necessary, but because of time constraints, there is no guarantee all first pages will be reviewed.

Zach is a former teacher and author of more than 40 books for middle-grade and young adult readers.

Artists hoping to illustrate books for children can register for a portfolio critique with Boyds Mills Press art director Tim Gillner. Gillner, who oversees the design and production for all Boyds Mills Press titles, will join O'Connor as a featured speaker at the gathering.

Noted Hawai'i children's book authors James Rumford and Elaine Masters also will hold workshops at the conference.