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:

• When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing
• How to develop your art directing skills for picture books
• Essential business skills every indie author needs
• Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books
• How to get your books into schools and libraries
• The truth about making money in self-publishing
• Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders

Key Takeaways:

• Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"
• The importance of building a backlist for long-term success
• How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)
• Metadata that boost discoverability
• Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)

📖 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:

• Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com
• Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com
• Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48

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 18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director

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