Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

• Connecting with Educators Through Conferences with Patricia Newman

  🎙️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

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• Radical Revision with Michelle Cusolito

  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

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• 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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