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 picture book about the living root bridges made from ficus trees and tended by the Khasi people.

You’ll learn:

✔️How a spark of inspiration led to years of research and discovery

✔️The role of immersive, on-the-ground research in shaping authentic children’s stories

✔️Ways to respectfully connect with experts and communities to ensure cultural accuracy

✔️How to balance fiction and nonfiction in informational picture books

✔️Tips for capturing sensory details and emotional impressions while in the field

This conversation is a must-listen for children’s book authors, nonfiction writers, and educators seeking to bring rich, authentic details into their stories.

📖 Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees is available wherever books are sold. Learn more on Sandhya's website. https://www.sandhyaacharya.com/

🔗 Transcript, summary, and writing resources at Kirstenwlarson.com.

Key moments:

00:00 – Introduction: Living Bridges and Authentic Storytelling

01:00 – Inspiration: A Spark from Bridges and Gratitude

05:00 – Research from Afar: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

07:00 – From Nonfiction to Informational Fiction

09:00 – Traveling to Meghalaya: Immersive Research in Action

12:00 – Writing with All Five Senses

15:00 – Cultural Authenticity and Community Collaboration

18:00 – The Power of Fictional Elements in True Stories

23:00 – Collaboration with Illustrator Avani Dwivedi

27:00 – What’s Next for Sandhya

🎙️ 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 Bolling (Let’s Dance!, Ride Roll Run: Time for Fun!, A Flea for Justice, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom) to discuss how they write “all the things.” You’ll hear how they:

Perfect for children’s authors, teachers, and anyone curious about the creative and business sides of kidlit.

🔗 https://marziehabbas.com/

🔗 https://www.valeriebolling.com/

📚 Learn more: kirstenwlarson.com | writers.kirstenwlarson.com

00:00 Ep. 16 - Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit

00:07 Title: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit

00:38 Chapter 1: Meet Our Guests

01:55 Chapter 2: Exploring Different Forms of Writing

09:53 Chapter 3: Craft Considerations Across Genres

42:44 Chapter 4: Career Impact of Writing Across Genres

50:39 Chapter 5: Future Writing Goals

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:

Key Takeaways:

📖 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:

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-Publishing

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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