What happens when a nonfiction picture book refuses to stay in its lane?

In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, I talk with Annette Bay Pimentel about her inventive new picture book, How a Bear Became a Book, illustrated by Faith Pray.

Together, we explore: 📚 Rule-breaking nonfiction 🧸 The collaboration behind Winnie-the-Pooh 🎨 How words and pictures work together in picture books ✍️ Metafiction and informational fiction in children’s literature 🔍 Researching book history and literary archives 💡 Why critique groups matter for nonfiction writers 🖼️ The creative partnership between authors and illustrators

Annette shares how this book evolved from a traditional nonfiction biography into an innovative, layered exploration of storytelling itself — complete with a talking Winnie-the-Pooh narrator. We also discuss the creative risks involved in blending nonfiction, metafiction, and picture book craft while staying true to young readers.

Whether you’re a children’s author, illustrator, educator, librarian, or nonfiction fan, this conversation is packed with insight into the creative process behind groundbreaking nonfiction picture books.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: When Nonfiction Breaks the Rules 00:58 Meet Annette Bay Pimentel and How a Bear Became a Book 02:45 How the Winnie-the-Pooh Story Idea Began 05:04 The Draft That Changed Everything: Letting Pooh Speak 08:53 Why Critique Groups Matter for Writers 11:00 Collaboration, E.H. Shepard, and the Making of Winnie-the-Pooh 16:00 Informational Fiction, Metafiction, and “Playing Fair” with Readers 20:00 Picture Book Design, Research, and the History of Illustrated Books 27:00 Faith Pray’s Illustrations and Solving an “Unillustratable” Manuscript 37:49 Back Matter, School Visits, and What Creators Can Learn from Collaboration

Books and creators discussed include: • How a Bear Became a Book • A. A. Milne • E. H. Shepard • Finding Winnie • Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh

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What can a legendary children’s book editor teach us about writing, research, and trusting young readers?

In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews Nancy Hudgins, author of Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, to uncover the hidden story behind one of the most influential figures in children’s publishing. Ursula Nordstrom helped shape classics like Charlotte’s Web, Goodnight Moon, and Where the Wild Things Are, but her own story has remained largely untold for older readers until now.

Nancy shares how primary source research—including letters, archival documents, and even surprising legal records—revealed new insights into Nordstrom’s life, including details never before published. You’ll hear how these discoveries shaped the book, why middle grade was the perfect format, and what today’s writers can learn from Nordstrom’s fearless approach to storytelling. Whether you’re a children’s writer, educator, librarian, or book lover, this conversation offers powerful insights into:

• How to use primary sources to deepen nonfiction storytelling
• The art of revision and editorial feedback
• Why respecting young readers leads to better books
• The ongoing importance of freedom to read

Plus: behind-the-scenes stories of beloved classics like Goodnight Moon and the creative risks that changed children’s literature forever.

00:00 The Shocking Discovery: Ursula Nordstrom’s Untold Story

01:00 Welcome + About Nancy Hudgins & Her Book

02:00 Why Write About Ursula Nordstrom?

04:00 Why This Story Matters Now (Censorship & Kidlit Today)

06:00 Why Middle Grade? Choosing the Right Audience

09:00 Diving into Primary Sources: Letters, Archives & Surprises

12:30 Research Rabbit Holes & Unexpected Finds

16:00 What to Include (and What to Leave Out)

20:00 What Kids Can Learn from Ursula Nordstrom

25:30 The Story Behind Goodnight Moon

30:30 Research Advice for Nonfiction Writers

What if your next nonfiction project isn’t a picture book—or even prose—but a graphic novel? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with award-winning author Teresa Robeson about how to write nonfiction graphic novels for kids.

Teresa shares practical tips, industry insights, and creative strategies for turning real stories into visual, page-turning nonfiction.

Whether you write picture books, middle grade, or YA nonfiction, this conversation will help you explore a fast-growing format in children’s publishing and give you clear steps to get started. In this episode, you’ll learn:

*Why nonfiction writers should consider graphic novels right now

*Key differences between graphic novels, picture books, and prose nonfiction

*How to structure scenes, panels, and page turns

*What skills transfer from traditional nonfiction writing

*How to write a graphic novel script (no drawing required!)

*What to include in a nonfiction graphic novel proposal

*Tips for research, visual storytelling, and working with illustrators

*Beginner-friendly resources to learn the craft Teresa also shares her favorite graphic nonfiction mentor texts, advice for getting started, and encouragement for writers ready to try something new.

📚 Mentioned in this episode:

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

Making Comics by Scott McCloud

The Art of Comic Book Writing by Mark Kneece

Kids Comics Unite (writing community)

00:00 Hook: Why Try Nonfiction Graphic Novels?

00:32 Welcome + Meet Teresa Robeson

01:10 How Teresa Got Started in Graphic Novels

02:05 Why Graphic Novels Are Booming

03:05 What Makes a Story Work Visually

05:30 Key Differences from Picture Books & Prose

08:10 Writing in Panels: Concision & Page Turns

10:05 Research + Skills That Transfer

12:30 Getting Started + Best Learning Resources

15:45 Scripts, Proposals & Publishing Tips

20:05 Practice Tips + Final Advice for Writers