Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

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 nonfiction authors connect emotionally with their topics, and how her research process shapes engaging books for young readers. They also spotlight Stewart's new book "From BAM! to BURP," including her initial inspiration during a school visit.
00:00 Welcome to Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations
00:17 Introducing Melissa Stewart and Her Work
01:30 Exploring the Five Kinds of Nonfiction
06:25 Impact on Educators, Librarians, and Publishers
08:56 Addressing Misconceptions About Expository Literature
13:39 Emotional Connection in Nonfiction Writing
18:02 The Importance of a Strong Hook
21:05 Finding the Perfect Hook: A Journey
24:44 Staying Organized as a Prolific Author
27:20 The Phases of Research
28:40 Deciding What Stays and What Goes
31:11 Introducing 'From BAM! to Burp!'
31:47 The Hook and Approach for Complex Topics
33:52 Personifying a Carbon Atom
37:23 Trends in Children's Nonfiction
40:58 Upcoming Book: Monarch and Mourning Cloak
46:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers
46:29 Conclusion and Podcast Outro
Find more resources on Melissa's website: https://melissa-stewart.com/
Kirsten's website: https://kirstenwlarson.com/
Support the podcast through our Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/NonfictionKidlitPodcast

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 and educators to make science engaging and accessible.
Emily shares her expertise on integrating nonfiction picture books into science curricula, the impact of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and how authors can align their work with classroom needs without sacrificing creativity.
Whether you’re a children’s author, educator, or parent passionate about STEM, this episode is packed with insights, book recommendations, and practical strategies.
Join Emily's science workshops for children's writers here (or purchase the replays): https://starrmatica.com/kidlitscienceseries/
Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Emily Starr & Starrmatica
01:00 - Emily’s Background and Mission in Science Education
03:17 - The State of Science Learning in US Classrooms
05:31 - Why Elementary Science Matters: Sparking Curiosity Early
07:45 - Common Misconceptions & The Importance of Early Science
10:00 - How Science is Taught Today: Time, Challenges, and Opportunities
13:05 - The Shift to Inquiry-Based Science & NGSS Overview
16:20 - Challenges Teachers Face Bringing Science to Classrooms
18:20 - How Authors Can Support Teachers with STEM Books
21:00 - What Makes a Great STEM Picture Book for Classrooms
24:00 - Designing Books to Nurture Curiosity and Inquiry
27:00 - Book Structures & Storytelling Techniques that Spark Inquiry
30:00 - Using Books to Model Scientific Thinking & Practices
33:00 - Advice for Authors: Aligning with Classrooms Without Losing Creativity
36:00 - Emily’s Book Recommendations & Standout STEM Titles
39:00 - Emily’s Upcoming Book and Author Workshops
41:00 - Final Advice for Children’s Nonfiction Authors
43:00 - Where to Find Emily Starr’s Resources & Closing
 
Keywords: nonfiction kid lit, STEM books for kids, science education, elementary science, inquiry-based learning, Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, children’s book author, writing for kids, science picture books, author resources, teacher resources, book recommendations, Emily Starr, Kirsten Larson, Starrmatica, curriculum guides, science teaching tips, inspiring curiosity, children’s nonfiction, podcast 

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
Essential business skills every indie author needs
Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books
How to get your books into schools and libraries
The truth about making money in self-publishing
Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders
Key Takeaways:
Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"
The importance of building a backlist for long-term success
How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)
Metadata that boost discoverability
Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)
📖 About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book."
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com
Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com
Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison
01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey
05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator
08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control
11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist
14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director
22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries
26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy
32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books
Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing
 
 

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:
How to find the perfect accountability partner for writers
Different accountability systems that actually work (not just morning check-ins!)
The "Adequate Daily Progress" hack for preventing frustration
How to stay motivated during tough creative periods (including pandemic writing!)
Why is only takes small chunks of writing time to make your book a reality
Where to find accountability partners in writing communities
Perfect for: Children's book writers, picture book authors, middle grade writers, nonfiction authors, freelance writers, anyone struggling with writing consistency
Guest: Marcie Colleen - Author of "Happy Friendsgiving" and multiple children's books, comics, and graphic novels
Resources Mentioned:
12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron
"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Marcie's "Last 100 Days" writing workshop; email Marcie here for information.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Meet the 8-Year Writing Partnership
02:30 - How We Started: From Critique Partners to 5:30 AM Accountability
07:45 - What Is an Accountability Partner? (Definition & Benefits)
15:20 - Different Accountability Systems That Work
18:45 - Blocking Distractions: Email, Social Media & Focus Strategies
21:10 - Grace vs. Discipline: When to Push vs. Rest
24:45 - Goal Setting Without the Overwhelm
28:00 - Writing Through COVID: Staying Creative During Crisis
31:40 - The "Big Magic" Approach to Writer's Block
34:50 - Habit Formation: Don't Get Off the Bus
37:25 - Where to Find Your Perfect Accountability Partner
39:45 - The 100 Days Challenge: Year-End Writing Goals
42:30 - Lightning Round: Productivity Tools & Recent Wins
44:15 - The "Adequate Daily Progress" Method Explained
47:30 - Making Invisible Work Visible: To-Do List Hacks
49:20 - Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Results

🎧 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 elements to serve the story?
In This Episode:
• How Colleen defines nonfiction vs. informational fiction in her own work
• Why her books "The Great Stink" and "Firefly Song" stayed nonfiction while her upcoming "Rainbow Truck" and "Pufflings Fly Free" became informational fiction
• The role of emotional storytelling in factual narratives
• How research depth affects genre decisions
• Practical advice for authors struggling with this choice
• Amazing research organization tips using the Obsidian app
About the Guest: Colleen Paeff is the Sibert Honor-winning author of "The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem" and the starred-review book "Firefly Song: Lynn Frierson Faust and the Great Smoky Mountain Discovery."
 
Connect with Colleen at: https://www.colleenpaeff.com/
Support the podcast through our Bookshop (we earn a small commission at no cost to you): https://bookshop.org/shop/NonfictionKidlitPodcast
Perfect for: Children's book authors, educators, librarians, and anyone interested in science writing for kids, research techniques, and the craft of nonfiction storytelling. #NonFictionBooks #ChildrensBooks #KidLit #ScienceBooks #AuthorInterview #WritingCraft #InformationalFiction #PictureBooks #Research

🎙️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, present, and participate in teacher and librarian conferences.
🌟 What you'll learn:
Why these conferences matter
How to pitch successful proposals
Smaller conferences to try
Budget-friendly tips for authors
Whether it’s worth presenting before you're published
Patricia also shares what’s next for her writing journey!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.
📩 Sign up for Kirsten’s newsletter to get the full transcript: https://kirstenwlarson.com
Connect with Patricia Newman: https://www.patriciamnewman.com
https://x.com/PatriciaNewman
https://www.instagram.com/patricianewmanbooks/
https://bsky.app/profile/patricianewman.bsky.social
#NonfictionKidlit #PatriciaNewman #SharksUnhooked #KidlitPodcast #ChildrensAuthors #AuthorTips #LibraryConferences #TeacherConnections

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, illustrators, and editors about the craft and business of nonfiction picture books and beyond.
In this episode, Kirsten speaks with Michelle Cusolito, author of two stunning new nonfiction picture books: "Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas," illustrated by Ellen Rooney and "In the World of Whales," illustrated by Sibert honoree Jessica Lanan. In this episode, Michelle helps authors by sharing her innovative approach to revision, including:
How she uses "magnetic poetry" techniques to reorganize text
Why working analog (away from the computer) can unlock creativity
The power of asking for specific feedback from critique partners
Her unique "placeholder" technique to avoid research rabbit holes
How structure decisions influence the entire storytelling process
Michelle offers practical wisdom on finding fresh approaches to picture book biographies, knowing when your manuscript needs more work, and developing effective critique partnerships that truly improve your writing.
Whether you're struggling with revision or looking to level up your critique group experience, this episode provides actionable techniques from a master of the craft.
Links:
Blog post about Michelle’s magnetic poetry approach: https://www.michellecusolito.com/blog/2019/7/31/magnetic-poetry-approach-to-writingrevising
Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFugLSJX_Nc
5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Critiques: https://kirstenwlarson.com/2025/05/28/five-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-critiques-inspired-by-my-convo-with-author-michelle-cusolito/
Michelle’s website: https://www.michellecusolito.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcusolito/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mcusolito.bsky.social
Eight Cousin’s Bookstore: https://www.eightcousins.com
 
#NonfictionPictureBookWriting #ChildrensBookCraftPodcast #WritingForYoungReaders #STEMStorytellingForKids #ResearchTipsForChildrensAuthors #PictureBookStructureAndRevision #InterviewsWithKidlitCreators #RevisionTechniques #PictureBookBiography #NonfictionWritingCraft

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 stories to life.
Learn about:
What authenticity readers do and why they're essential for culturally accurate children's books
How alpacas are viewed differently in the US versus their cultural significance in Peru
The research process including connecting with experts from Peru
The journey from first draft to book contact over a 7-year period
How illustration choices enhance cultural representation
Whether you're a children's book author, illustrator, educator, or simply love picture books, this episode offers valuable insights into creating authentic, respectful, and engaging nonfiction for young readers.
About the Book
Alpacas Here, Alpacas There is a rhyming nonfiction picture book comparing alpacas in their native Peru and in North America, beautifully illustrated by Peruvian illustrator Elisa Chavarri and published by Beach Lane Books.
Connect with Our Guests
Carrie Tillotson: https://carrietillotson.com
Mariana Llanos: https://www.marianallanos.com/
Order signed copies: Annie Bloom's Books in Portland, Oregon:https://annieblooms.com/
About the Podcast
The Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Podcast explores the art and business of children's nonfiction with today's leading authors and illustrators. Host Kirsten Larson, author of "Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book," dives deep into research methods, writing techniques, and publishing insights.
Subscribe to my newsletter for new episodes and to receive transcripts at https://kirstenwlarson.com!
#ChildrensBooks #PictureBooks #KidLit #NonfictionForKids #CulturalAuthenticity #DiverseBooks #AlpacaBook #AuthorInterview #WritingForChildren #PictureBookCreation #Alpacas #PeruvianCulture #PublishingJourney #SensitivityReaders

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-word expedition log to middle grade to a 1,000-word picture book that puts young readers in the co-pilot seat.
In this episode of the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast, learn about:
The process of transforming a middle-grade biography into an engaging picture book
How to balance technical aviation details with emotional storytelling for young readers
Finding the perfect narrative structure and "thread" for nonfiction picture books
The importance of mentorship in both aviation and children's storytelling
Behind-the-scenes insights into author-illustrator collaboration
This conversation is essential listening for children's book authors, illustrators, educators, librarians, and anyone interested in aviation, STEM education, or the craft of writing compelling nonfiction for children.
Links mentioned: The book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709610/lets-fly-by-barrington-irving-and-chana-stiefel-illustrated-by-shamar-knight-justice/
https://chanastiefel.com
https://flyingclassroom.com
https://www.bittschool.com
Sign up for Kirsten's newsletter (to get the transcript) and to be notified about future episodes: https://kirstenwlarson.com
Keywords: children's nonfiction, picture book writing, aviation for kids, STEM education, Barrington Irving, children's book craft, nonfiction picture books, writing process, first-person narrative, author collaboration, kidlit craft, aviation education, Guinness World Record, narrative structure, author interviews
Tags #ChildrensBooks #NonfictionPictureBooks #AviationForKids #WritingCraft #STEMEducation #BarringtonIrving #KidLit #AuthorInterview #PictureBookCraft #WritingProcess #ChildrensAuthors #NonfictionWriting #GoodNightStories #ReadAloud #EducationalContent #ChildrensLiterature #BookCreation #PilotStories #DiverseBooks #AuthorCollaboration

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 visits that engage young readers while helping authors build their career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing school visit program, this conversation offers practical advice from an experienced professional.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 What are school and venue visits?
04:25 Benefits of school visits for authors
09:00 Managing book sales during visits
14:00 Challenges of school visits and classroom management
15:50 Engagement strategies for different age groups
19:09 Creating takeaways and meaningful messages
22:34 Giving away materials when not everyone buys books
25.28 Marketing yourself to schools
35:44 Practical tips and things to know before you start
37:43 Where to find Ann Koffsky
FEATURED BOOKS:
• Ping Pong Shabbat: The True Story of Champion Estee Ackerman (illustrated by Abigail Rajunov)
• The Peddler and the President (illustrated by Pedro Rodriguez) RESOURCES MENTIONED:
• Imprint.com (for affordable bookmarks)
• Creating coloring pages as giveaways
• World Read Aloud Day opportunities
• BOCES (NY) and similar educational service organizations
CONNECT WITH ANN KOFFSKY:
Website: https://annkoffsky.com
Instagram: @annkoffsky
CONNECT WITH KIRSTEN LARSON:
Website: https://kirstenwlarson.com
Newsletter: http://kirstenwlarson.com
 
 
#SchoolVisits #AuthorVisits #ChildrensAuthor #KidLit #NonfictionKidlit #AuthorMarketing #TeacherResources #LibrarianResources #WritingCommunity #BookTalks #PictureBookAuthor #JewishBooks #AuthorTips #WritingAdvice