🎙️ 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 La…

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 fin…

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 scie…

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 dev…

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 s…

🎧 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 …

🎙️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 P…

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 ea…

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 t…

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 Barringt…

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 expert…

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 Ba…

🔍 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…

🎨 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 Kather…

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-ho…

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-t…

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://laura…

Learn more about RAINBOW ALLIES and download the educational resources: https://www.nancychurnin.com/rainbow-allies Are you going to be at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference or in the Boston area the weekend before Thanksgiving? Here's Nancy's panel information: Friday, Nov. 22 Boston Convention Center 415 Summer Street, Boston …

What does it take to become the author of a nonfiction picture book series? Nell Cross Beckerman, author of CAVES and VOLCANOES (both illustrated by Kalen Chock) explains. Episode links: Head to Nell's website for classes for writers, links to buy autographed books, educator's guides and more: https://www.nellcrossbeckerman.com/#/ As a special gift…