Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

• Ep. 10: Ensuring Cultural Authenticity with Carrie Tillotson and Mariana Llanos

  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

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• Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Episode 9: Reaching New Audiences with Barrington Irving and Chana Stiefel

  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

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• Ep. 8: School Visits with Ann Koffsky

  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

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• Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Episode 7: Writing Unique POVs with Kamalani Hurley

  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 Projects   Perfect for: - Children's book writers - Educators - Illustrators - Anyone interested in Hawaiian history - Nonfiction storytellers Connect with our guest: Website: KamalaniHurley.com Get the transcript: KirstenWlarson.com Subscribe for more episodes about the craft and business of children's nonfiction!   #ChildrensBooks #WritingTips #KidLit #NonfictionBooks #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #PictureBooks #HawaiianHistory #JuniorLibraryGuild #KidLitCraft

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• Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Ep 6 with Beth Anderson -- Pacing

  🔍 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 CRAFT TECHNIQUES COVERED: • Creating page-turning tension in nonfiction • Writing historical events for young readers • Balancing context and pacing in picture books • Developing character emotions in nonfiction • Using research to enhance storytelling • Working with editors and illustrators   Perfect for nonfiction picture book writers, children's book authors, and anyone interested in writing engaging historical stories for kids. Beth shares specific examples and practical techniques you can apply to your own writing. 👉 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Nonfiction Fest: www.nffest.com Kirsten's "Reimagine Your Writing" Workshop: writers.kirstenwlarson.com Beth's website: https://BethAndersonWriter.com Free educator guide: https://bethandersonwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hiding-in-plain-sight-ed-guide.pdf Interiority w/ Mary Kole: HTTPS://KIDLIT.COM/2017/10/23/WHAT-INTERIORITY-IS-AND-WHY-IT-MATTERS/ Psychic distance from Emma Darwin https://emmadarwin.typepad.com/thisitchofwriting/psychic-distance-what-it-is-and-how-to-use-it.html Kirsten's website (to join newsletter for transcripts and for podcast website): https://kirstenwlarson.com #NonfictionPictureBooks #KidLit #WritingTips #ChildrensBooks #PictureBookCraft #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #KidLitWriter #NonfictionWriting #PictureBooks #WritingForChildren #AuthorInterview #HistoricalNonfiction #WritingProcess #KidLitCraft #HistoricalFiction #WritersOfYoutube #AuthorTips #PictureBookWriting #WritingAdvice   📚 Buy "Hiding in Plain Sight": Available at all major booksellers

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