Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

Ready to take a deep dive into the craft and business of nonfiction kidlit? In Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Kirsten W. Larson, author of ”Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book,” chats with creators of nonfiction new releases about the craft and business of writing nonfiction for children and teens.

Episodes

August 1, 2025 29 mins

🎧 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 Epis...

Mark as Played

🎙️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 ...

Mark as Played

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 craf...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 t...

Mark as Played
April 4, 2025 41 mins

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 expe...

Mark as Played

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
  • Writing Tips and Advice
  • Future...
Mark as Played

🔍 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 Comport (Calkins Creek).

✍️ WRITING CRA...

Mark as Played

🎨 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 breakthrough book deal with Simon B...

Mark as Played

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: https://www.hi...

Mark as Played

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:
Mark as Played

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:
Mark as Played

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 02210

10:45 Affirming the Humanity of Diversity, 9:30 a.m. t0 10:45 a.m. in Room ...

Mark as Played

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, you can watch Nell's Zoom where she shares her whole creative process for writing...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

    Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.