Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

What happens when a nonfiction picture book refuses to stay in its lane? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, I talk with Annette Bay Pimentel about her inventive new picture book, How a Bear Became a Book, illustrated by Faith Pray. Together, we explore: 📚 Rule-breaking nonfiction 🧸 The collaboration behind Winnie-the-Pooh 🎨 How words and pictures work together in picture...

What can a legendary children’s book editor teach us about writing, research, and trusting young readers? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews Nancy Hudgins, author of Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, to uncover the hidden story behind one of the most influential figures in children’s publishing. Ursula Nordstro...

What if your next nonfiction project isn’t a picture book—or even prose—but a graphic novel? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with award-winning author Teresa Robeson about how to write nonfiction graphic novels for kids. Teresa shares practical tips, industry insights, and creative strategies for turning real stories into visual, page-turning...

What if the back pages of your nonfiction book could transform a curious reader into a lifelong learner — and make your manuscript more attractive to publishers at the same time? In this episode, host Kirsten W. Larson sits down with award-winning children's nonfiction author Annette Whipple — author of nearly 40 books including Flick: The Truth About Lizards — to explore the craft and strategy be...

How do you write powerful YA nonfiction that brings forgotten women in STEM back into the spotlight? In this episode, authors Lindsay H. Metcalf (Footeprint) and Debbie Loren Dunn and Janet Fox (The Real Rosalind) explore the craft of writing young adult nonfiction, the research process behind uncovering hidden scientific histories, and how to transform archival discoveries into emotionally compel...

Work-for-Hire Author Shares How She Wrote 50+ Kids Books | Writing Career Tips & Publishing Paths Join award-winning author Aubre Andrus as she reveals how she built a thriving nonfiction writing career through work-for-hire publishing! With 50+ books for Scholastic, National Geographic Kids, American Girl, and more, Aubre shares insider tips on breaking into children's book publishing WITHOUT...

Join host Kirsten W. Larson for a deep-dive craft conversation with award-winning nonfiction author Deborah Heiligman—known for Vincent and Theo, Charles and Emma, Torpedoed, and her newest YA biography, Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America, A Love Story. In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Deborah breaks down her entire narrative nonfiction process: • How she researches using...

How do you write an authentic story rooted in a real place and culture? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with Sandhya Acharya, author of Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi. Discover how Sandhya turned her immersive travel research in Meghalaya, India, into a stunning informational fiction pictu...

🎙️ Episode 16: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in KidLit How do successful children’s authors move seamlessly between board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, and even books for adults—without losing their voice or audience? Host Kirsten W. Larson sits down with award-winning authors Marzieh Abbas (A Dupatta Is…, Yasmeen Lari: Green Architect, Aarzu All Around) and Valerie...

In this episode of the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart. They discuss Stewart's five kinds of nonfiction classification system, its impact on writers, educators, and publishers, and the importance of expository nonfiction. Stewart shares insights on finding the perfect hook for manuscripts, how nonfict...

Welcome to the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Kirsten Larson sits down with Emily Starr, founder of Starrmatica, to explore the craft and business of writing true stories for kids—especially in STEM and science education. Discover how to inspire curiosity in young learners, the latest trends in elementary science classrooms, and actionable tips for authors an...

Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books. What You'll Learn: When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing How to develop your art directing skills for picture books E...

Want to finally finish your writing projects? Discover the accountability system that's helped two children's authors publish dozens of books! In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten Larson sits down with fellow children's author Marcie Colleen to reveal their secret weapon: an 8-year accountability partnership that starts at 5:30 AM every weekday. What You'll Learn:...

🎧 Nonfiction vs. Informational Fiction: Where Do You Draw the Line? | Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Join host Kirsten Larson and Sibert Honor author Colleen Paeff as they explore one of children's literature's most debated topics: the distinction between nonfiction and informational fiction. When should authors stick strictly to documented facts, and when is it okay to fictionalize elemen...

🎙️Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations | Ep. 12: Connecting with Educators Through Conferences with Patricia Newman Want to build relationships with the educators who share your books with kids? In this episode, Kirsten chats with Sibert Honoree and environmentalist Patricia Newman, author of Sharks Unhooked, illustrated by Becca Hall (Millbrook Press), about how authors can effectively pitch, pr...

Revision Magic & the Art of Critique: Tips from Michelle Cusolito | Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations 🎧 Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations is the podcast for children's authors who want to deepen their craft, hosted by Kirsten W. Larson, award-winning nonfiction picture book author and leading educator in children's nonfiction writing. In each episode, Kirsten interviews authors, illus...

Join host Kirsten Larson as she takes you behind the scenes of the delightful picture book Alpacas Here, Alpacas There with author Carrie Tillotson and authenticity reader Mariana Llanos. In this insightful episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Podcast, discover the crucial role of cultural authenticity in children's nonfiction and the collaborative process that brings diverse stori...

Let's Fly: How Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Journey Became a Children's Book | Children's Nonfiction Craft Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews Chana Stiefel and Captain Barrington Irving about their picture book "Let's Fly: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the World." Discover the craft behind adapting Barrington's incredible aviation journey from a 50,000-wor...

School Visits for Children's Authors: Expert Tips with Ann Koffsky | Nonfiction Kidlit Podcast In this episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten Larson interviews Ann Koffsky, author and illustrator of more than 50 children's books, about how to create successful school visits and venue events. Ann shares her expertise on planning, executing, and marketing school v...

In this episode of Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews debut author Kamilani Hurley about her Junior Library Guild selection "Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People." Learn valuable insights about: Kamalani's Journey to Children's Writing Crafting Unique Perspectives Developing Emotional Arcs Balancing Complex Topics Using Sidebars Effectively...

🔍 How to Write Page-Turning Nonfiction Picture Books | Writing Craft Tips with Beth Anderson Master the art of writing gripping nonfiction picture books in this craft-focused interview with award-winning children's author Beth Anderson. Discover the behind-the-scenes process of her latest book "Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and The Race to Save Abraham Lincoln," illustrated by Sally Wern Comp...

🎨 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katherine Roy, the acclaimed creator of "Making More" and "Sea Without a Shore" with Barb Rosenstock! In this episode, Kirsten Larson interviews Katherine about her fascinating journey from RISD graduate to award-winning nonfiction author and illustrator. Discover how a stint as a deckhand sparked Katherine's passion for marine biology, leading to her...

What does it take to craft a compelling children's nonfiction book proposal? Today I talk to Stephanie Gibeault, author of MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES, to learn more about book proposals. Show notes: Classes and resources mentioned:     •    Jane Friedman’s book proposal post (which also includes a proposal template): https://janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/     •    Highli...

What does it take to craft a compelling children's nonfiction book proposal? Today I talk to Stephanie Gibeault, author of MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES, to learn more about book proposals. Show notes: Classes and resources mentioned: Jane Friedman’s book proposal post (which also includes a proposal template): https://janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/ Highlights Foundation: h...

How do we craft, edit, and sell poetic nonfiction picture books? Today I talk to Buffy Silverman, author of STARLIGHT SYMPHONY, to learn more about writing in rhyme. Show notes: Classes and resources mentioned: Renée LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab: https://www.reneelatulippe.com/lyrical-language-lab/ Laura Purdie Salas's Poetry site: https://laurasalas.com/poetry/ Poetry Friday: https://www.nowa...