by Karlin Gray
What do I know about writing nonfiction picture books?
After my book NADIA: THE GIRL WHO COULDN’T SIT STILL was published, someone said to me, “Great timing with the 40th Anniversary of the Perfect 10! How smart of you to write that book now!”
Um, no. Well, yes . . . but then no.
Four years ago, my writing instructor discussed nonfiction picture books in class. I couldn’t remember reading any when I was a kid so I thought back to my five-year-old self. Who or what fascinated me? If I could have read a picture book about any person or subject, what would it have been?
Well, in 1976, I was just a 5-year-old girl who loved gymnastics. (I mean, I was terrible at it but I LOVED it.) So, duh! Only one answer popped into my head—Nadia Comaneci.
That was smart—asking kid Karlin what she wanted to read. Someone else at my publisher was smart enough to look into the future and see the marketing stars align.
While working on my book, I didn’t pay attention to the dates of the next Olympics. I didn’t know that it would be the 40th Anniversary of Comaneci’s historic 10. (Math’s not really my thing.) I didn’t even know if my book would find a publisher! The only thing that I knew was that kid Karlin would have flipped for a picture book about Nadia Comaneci.
So, that’s the book I wrote for kid Karlin . . . and grown-up Karlin loved every minute of it!
Here are some fellow writers sharing what they have learned about writing nonfiction picture books.
Audrey Vernick, author of THE KID FROM DIAMOND STREET:
I write both fiction and nonfiction. In the beginning, I thought the only place for voice was in fiction, and it’s probably where I feel more comfortable experimenting with it. But it’s totally worth the time to play around and explore unexpected possibilities because when a truly unique voice emerges, oh my! Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick wasn’t only beautifully illustrated by Sophie Blackall–what a story! Other examples that come to mind are Phil Bildner’s Marvelous Cornelius, illustrated by John Parra; Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Julie Morstad; and, because I can’t resist a baseball book, The You Never Heard of .. ? books written by Jonah Winter.
Susan Hood, author of ADA’S VIOLIN:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In my experience, experts, scholars, curators, producers, reporters, and authors of adult books on your subject are more than happy to consult with you. Your passion is their passion! I offer them acknowledgement in the book, but make sure to ask permission to list their names and/or work. Kate Messner wrote an eye-opening blog about this: “Think Before You Thank.” I wouldn’t have dreamed that a public thank you might compromise someone professionally, but it might. So go ahead, ask for help, but ask for permission to use their names as well.
Maria Gianferrari, author of COYOTE MOON:
When you’re doing your research and note-taking, keep a list of “cool facts.” You might not have a place for them in your story, but they’ll be perfect for back matter! Think of a creative and engaging way to organize and present the material. For example, you might present the back matter in how-to form. I did this for one of my nonfiction books using How To Swallow A Pig: Step-by-Step Advice From the Animal Kingdom by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page as a mentor text. A cool fact could also be a hook for beginning your story.
Nancy Churnin, author of THE WILLIAM HOY STORY:
Engage, learn from and share the journey with people who know and care deeply about your subject. I could not have written The William Hoy Story without the help of Steve Sandy, a Deaf man who is a friend of the Hoy family, and was able to answer questions about small details of William’s life while giving context about what it was like to grow up as a Deaf person in the late 19th century. Steve’s help continued after publication as he and his wife, Bonnie, have been amazing supporters of the book. I am also profoundly grateful to National Baseball Hall of Fame announcer Eric Nadel, a Hoy fan, who has written about him for adults. Eric advised me on baseball details, and has also been a fantastic supporter of the book.
Laban Hill, author of WHEN THE BEAT WAS BORN:
What I’ve learned from writing nonfiction picture books is that the stories are about people and their emotions first and the facts are secondary. That does not mean you can make up facts, but that the motivations and fears and aspirations of the people involved reveal how the facts fit in.
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Thanks for all the non-fiction tips, Karlin!
In honor of Nadia Comaneci’s 40th Anniversary of the Perfect 10 and the 2016 Rio Olympics, we are giving away a copy of THE GIRL WHO COULDN’T SIT STILL. Simple comment below to enter. One comment per person, US addresses only, please.
Karlin Gray is the author of NADIA: THE GIRL WHO COULDN’T SIT STILL and runs a weekly Q&A blog with writers about their first picture books. You can find her at karlingray.com, @KarlinGray or on Facebook.
Enjoy watching the Olympics and check out the schedule on NBC.
144 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 8, 2016 at 7:40 am
Gina Raimondo
Hi! I am a first grade teacher and mother. Thank you for writing a non-fiction book for children! They learn so much about the topic at their level. I could never find a lot about gymnastics, so this will be perfect for my class and my child. How cool is it that is coming out now! Everything happens for a reason! I hope your sales are a perfect 10!!!
August 8, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Karlin Gray
Thank you Gina! I hope your classroom enjoys NADIA. I have writing tips for kids and activities on my website: http://www.karlingray.com/disc.htm
August 8, 2016 at 7:52 am
Lori McElrath Eslick
HI, happy that your blog reviews/features books…such a great thing to do! As an illustrator I see books reviewed with no mention of their illustrator,and the illustrations look gorgeous and varied so I want to see who did such great work. As a picture book depends on the illustrations, please do list the illustrators too. Thanks for considering this!
August 8, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Karlin Gray
Hi Lori–you are so right! Christine Davenier is the brilliant illustrator and you can learn more about her at http://christinedavenier.com. I was so lucky to get her as my illustrator!
August 8, 2016 at 7:56 am
Janice Milusich
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing your inspiration.
August 8, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Janie! Nadia is an inspiration, then and now!
August 8, 2016 at 8:00 am
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
You must have written this for 5-year-old Lindsay, too. Can’t wait to read your book.
August 8, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Lindsay! 5-yr-old Karlin also loved coyotes so I would’ve eaten up Maria’s COYOTE MOON!
August 8, 2016 at 8:04 am
Shirin
I am thrilled to hear about this book. I remember Nadia Comeneci’s perfect 10- I was so blown away by those Olympics, as a child all those decades ago- I named my daughter Nadia! I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you so much for this post. It is especially poignant as I am now thinking of writing a non- fiction book about my father. He would have been in the 1940 Olympics- but they never happened….
A truly inspiring post! Thank you so much for awakening my muse.
August 8, 2016 at 2:28 pm
Karlin Gray
Thank you Shirin! Good luck with writing your book. It sounds intriguing!
August 8, 2016 at 8:05 am
Deborah Amadei
Nonfiction picture books are a particular interest of mine, especially biography!
August 8, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Karlin Gray
Me too! Thanks Deborah!
August 8, 2016 at 8:07 am
Shirin
I love this! The ’76 Olympics were so inspiring to me- I named my daughter Nadia. I would LOVE to give her this book!
August 8, 2016 at 8:10 am
Stephanie Fitzpatrick
Thanks for sharing all this great information! I was a history major in college and love all non-fiction writing but have been a little nervous venturing outside of the fiction writing world. I think I may just give it a try now!
August 8, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Karlin Gray
Go for it Stephanie!
August 8, 2016 at 8:12 am
Anita Banks
Awesome post with such helpful info!
August 8, 2016 at 2:33 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Anita! Glad to hear it’s helpful!
August 8, 2016 at 8:13 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love all these ideas on how to make a nonfiction picture book come to life and tug at the heart strings. Thank you Karlin (and Tara!)
August 8, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Kim! It was a fun book to write. 🙂
August 8, 2016 at 8:15 am
Chana Stiefel
Great post! I also loved Nadia. Curious to know your thoughts/experiences about writing about people who are still living. Also people who aren’t well known (but IMHO could/should be). I’ve gotten push back on those.
August 8, 2016 at 4:16 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Chana! I think publishers are looking for books on lesser-known people…that would interest kids. My publishers sent the book in various stages to Nadia’s people. The book drew on information in the news as well as her two autobiographies and one by Karolyi.
August 8, 2016 at 4:23 pm
Karlin Gray
Oops, “who” not “that.” ;p
August 8, 2016 at 8:21 am
Jana Eschner (@JanaTheTeacher)
Looks like an awesome book and I would love to be able to share it with my students!
August 8, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Jana! You can share photos, videos, interviews and even my messy first-page draft with your students–it’s all on my Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.com/karlingray/nadia-the-girl-who-couldnt-sit-still/follow/?guid=wyparz353q5p
August 8, 2016 at 8:21 am
Beth Gallagher
Excellent post! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration and the chance to win this great book! 😀
August 8, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Beth! Good luck!
August 8, 2016 at 8:22 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
You opened my eyes to something new. Thank you
August 8, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Karlin Gray
Yay! Thank you!
August 8, 2016 at 8:25 am
ptnozell
Thank you Karlin & Tara. I have yet to try to write a non-fiction picture book, but I have fond memories of reading them to my young daughters while I was an American history grad student in the early 1990s. These tips will help me as I try my hand at a genre that very much interests me.
August 8, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Karlin Gray
Pick a subject that you love and go for it!
August 8, 2016 at 8:30 am
darlene koppel
Inspiration-packed post! Thank you Karlin & Tara. I’m going to begin looking into non-fiction book ideas.
August 8, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Karlin Gray
That’s great Darlene! Take a look at “this day in history” websites or pick a year when you were a kid and look at the news events of that year.
August 8, 2016 at 8:33 am
Jennifer Daniels Neal
It was so much fun to see Ms. Nadia in the stands last night as we watched the olympics on TV. My daughter had me sign her up for gymnastics right away.
August 8, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Karlin Gray
That’s great! Just saw Nadia launched a free app, Nadia’s Perfect 10: http://ultimatestargames.com/nadia/
August 8, 2016 at 8:44 am
Donna L Martin
Another great post Tara! I’m researching another nonfiction book now and this post was very informative!
Donna L Martin
August 8, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Karlin Gray
Good luck with your book Donna!
August 8, 2016 at 8:56 am
Linda Hofke
I, too, loved to watch Nadia on TV as a kid. I was in gymnastics and she was my hero. Congrats on your book!
I started writing fiction but am now working on a few NF stories. I really enjoyed this post.
August 8, 2016 at 4:33 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Linda. Nadia does so much work with the Special Olympics and several charities. She is a great role model!
August 8, 2016 at 9:08 am
Wendy Greenley
My sore knees are a constant reminder of my love for & participation in gymnastics back when it was a high school sport. The safety equipment is so much better now. Congratulations on sharing your ❤ for Nadia, Karlin!
August 8, 2016 at 4:35 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Wendy. The gymnastics floor is so bouncy now!
August 8, 2016 at 9:20 am
Jennifer Rumberger
Very cool, Karlin, how the stars all aligned. And great idea to think of what you wanted to read when you were 5!
August 8, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Jennifer! It was a long time ago but I still remember! 😉
August 8, 2016 at 9:26 am
Kirsten W. Larson
I don’t think I know a single young girl who doesn’t love gymnastics. What a wonderful idea for a PB. I wish you all the best with your new book.
August 8, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Kirsten! It’s a great place to get your wiggles out!
August 8, 2016 at 9:26 am
davidmcmullin1
Thanks so much. I have a few NF ideas, but have been tentative about writing them. Maybe this is the inspiration I needed.
August 8, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Karlin Gray
I hope so! 🙂
August 8, 2016 at 9:26 am
shiela fuller
Thank you, Tara, for this post today. I am going to sign up for Karlin’s blog.
August 8, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Karlin Gray
Email me if you have trouble with it!
August 8, 2016 at 9:36 am
kariail2013
Thanks for a great post on non-fiction! I have a few ideas too that now I’ll take more seriously.
August 8, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Karlin Gray
Great to hear!
August 8, 2016 at 9:39 am
kimchaffee1007
Thank you for this post. I have been writing fiction for a few years but am looking to delve into the world of non-fiction and it is nice to read some great tips!
August 8, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Kim. Jump in!
August 8, 2016 at 9:44 am
writeremmcbride
Karlin, what a great post! You make a good point that we want to write for our reader’s interests and likely points of attachment or engagement. If that doesn’t happen, it can read with detachment and kids don’t feel included in the audience. I do many presentations of non-fiction narratives to kids, and have been working to see where it is that I stop in a text and exclaim, “Wow! Think about this…!” to (and with) the kids. Those are places where the narrative needs spacing, or an affirmation. It has been an education for me!
August 8, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Karlin Gray
Reading your manuscripts to kids is a good tip. If they lose interest, that’s a spot for revision!
August 8, 2016 at 9:46 am
Jill Tadros
My daughter (9) loves nonfiction picture books, in fact, we read The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still last night! Every time we watch Mysteries at the Museum she’ll say, “That would make a great PB!” She and I are always adding to my list of books we wish existed!
August 8, 2016 at 4:45 pm
Karlin Gray
My son is obsessed with Mysteries at the Museum–a great source for nonfiction inspiration!
August 8, 2016 at 9:47 am
Sharon Nix Jones
What a great idea…to ask your kid self what book you would like to read. Nadia was our favorite gymnast when my sister and I were kids.
August 8, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Sharon! Although I don’t ask my kid self what she wants for dinner or we’d be having ice cream cake every night! 😉
August 8, 2016 at 9:48 am
Katie Giorgio
This is great…thanks for sharing!
August 8, 2016 at 4:51 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Katie!
August 8, 2016 at 9:59 am
Brenda Huante
Your book sounds mighty exciting as well as the other books mentioned. Thank you so much!
August 8, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Brenda! It was great learning about The William Story–I got to tell my husband something he didn’t know about baseball. Aha!
August 8, 2016 at 10:00 am
Linda Carpenter
Many thanks for the great post on non-fiction and helpful advice. I am currently working on two non-fiction PB’s and love the research, the uncovering and developing.
August 8, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Karlin Gray
Yes, it’s as close as I’m going to get to being a detective!
August 8, 2016 at 10:00 am
betlwe
My granddaughter, who was from China, loves gymnastics. Even though she’s a teenager now, she would appreciate reading this book about Nadia, one of the great gymnasts. Terrific idea to write what your young self would have enjoyed reading.
August 8, 2016 at 10:02 am
megcason1
So inspiring!! Gymnastics is our household past time. Can’t wait to read it!!
August 8, 2016 at 10:09 am
Gail Hedrick
I devoured biographies when I was little-so why have I been such a chicken to write one? Your article was inspiring, and the book looks like a gem! Thanks so much.
Gail Hedrick
August 8, 2016 at 5:02 pm
Karlin Gray
Thanks Gail!
August 8, 2016 at 10:11 am
mariagianferrari
Nadia’s such a wonderful book, and the timing was in the stars :). Congrats to you, Karlin! Picture book biographies are among my favorites to read, and all of these are amazing and very touching books. I can’t wait to read Ada’s Violin–I had my library request it. Maybe some day I’ll write one too when I find the right subject. And thanks for hosting, Tara 🙂
August 8, 2016 at 10:13 am
Joanne Sher
I definitely need to read this! Have SUCH wonderful memories of watching the Olympics that year and being amazed by Nadia. Thanks SO much for the tips, too – I totally need to do a PB biography!
August 8, 2016 at 10:15 am
rgstones
What perfect timing with the Olympics! Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
August 8, 2016 at 10:25 am
grammywritesblog
Great post! I can’t wait to read your book to my 5-year-old granddaughter. I also can’t wait to set my mind to work on non-fiction! You have shared some wonderful ideas and suggestions. Thank you!
August 8, 2016 at 10:30 am
Lori Dubbin
This post helps me so much with a nonfiction picture book I have been revising. From Laban Hill: “the motivations and fears and aspirations of the people involved reveal how the facts fit in” – so hard to do (and still reworking it) but essential for the reader to connect. And asking your 5-year-old self what she would have liked to read – perfect 10, Karlin!
August 8, 2016 at 10:40 am
bucherwurm65
I feel inspired to write nonfiction! Thanks for all the interesting titles, too!
August 8, 2016 at 10:49 am
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks for the tips and the story. I always love watching the Olympics.
August 8, 2016 at 10:50 am
Midge Ballou Smith
I am just now venturing in to non-fiction writing, and this was very encouraging! Thank you–
August 8, 2016 at 10:55 am
Angela Turner
Thank you for this inspiring post. I write nonfiction picture books and I am eager to learn as much as I can. The authors in your post each provided helpful information. Also thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of NADIA. I was a little older than you back in 76 but I remember watching her perform and all the excitement surrounding it.
August 8, 2016 at 11:11 am
Nancy Kotkin
I was a gymnast as a kid. Nadia was my hero. Such an inspiring role model. Can’t wait to read this tribute to her.
August 8, 2016 at 11:13 am
Pat
I was also fascinated with Nadia Comaneci when I was a little girl and her story definitely deserves to be told! Thank you for writing it.
August 8, 2016 at 11:21 am
Wendi Silvano
Thank you… wonderful tips and thoughts on non-fiction
August 8, 2016 at 11:49 am
Charlotte Dixon
Congratulations, Karlin! Your tip to think about the younger you has me thinking of my past. I have many people who inspired me and Nadia is one of those people. I look forward to reading your book 🙂
August 8, 2016 at 12:03 pm
joanwatsonmartin
Thanks for reminding us about Nadia Comaneci. I remember cheering for
her and admiring her technique sooooo long ago.
JoAn
August 8, 2016 at 12:09 pm
Kristi Veitenheimer (@kdveiten)
Congratulations on the birth of your book! I’ve always loved watching gymnastics competitions!
August 8, 2016 at 12:15 pm
Lisa Maucione
I love the nonfiction that is available to read today. I think most of my nonfiction reading when I was a kid was from the encyclopedia. Nonfiction picture books have so much voice that helps to engage and interest learners. I have to check out all these titles.
August 8, 2016 at 12:19 pm
Kathy Doherty
Nadia’s performance was amazing! And how wonderful for you to have written a book about her!
August 8, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Sherri Jones Riverx
Nonfiction today is da bomb. Your book sounds wonderful. I am working on a little known 1936 Olympian gold medal winner and would love to see it on the shelves in the spring before the 2020 Summer Olympics. Sigh……
August 8, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thank you for all the non-fiction writing tips! I’m inspired to get back to work on my NF pieces.
August 8, 2016 at 12:50 pm
csheer18
Many thanks to you, Karlin and Tara, for providing inspiration and mentor texts to re-ignite my interest in pursuing a non-fiction PB project that’s been set aside for awhile. How wonderful that the kidlit world is bringing more NF, especially in picture books, to young readers today!
August 8, 2016 at 1:05 pm
danielle hammelef
Wow! I’m a girl who can’t sit still! Just ask my family. Anyway, this book idea must have just been fate for you to everything timing wise line up. i love nonfiction for kids and since I write it myself, I can’t wait to read this book.
August 8, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Emmi S. Herman
I enjoyed reading this post and the comments from the authors. I echo the author who said that emotions are key. The backstory reveals the motivation for the writer and makes it relevant to the young reader, hopefully enough to leave a life-long impression.
August 8, 2016 at 1:14 pm
Kaela Parkhouse
Great article about timing! I know you said the timing for your book was coincidental on your part, but it’s a great thing to look into when researching a subject. What anniversaries are coming up in 4-5 years, etc. Thanks for the reminder!
August 8, 2016 at 1:28 pm
Erika Hitchcock
Love the illustrations and what a great story to share with kids.
August 8, 2016 at 1:51 pm
kirsticall
I also loved Nadia! I can’t wait to read your book!
August 8, 2016 at 1:54 pm
Lori Alexander
Fantastic idea for a PB biography. My daughter will flip over this one–congrats, Karlin!
August 8, 2016 at 2:34 pm
Emmi S. Herman
I enjoyed reading your post and agree with the comment made by the author about the emotional element in the nonfiction narrative. It helps tell the story for the writer and engages the young reader, hopefully leaving a life-long impression.
August 8, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Leslie Raith
So glad your book did arrive with such stellar timing! Love your point of thinking back to our own inspirations :))
August 8, 2016 at 2:53 pm
laura516
NF bios are terrific. Thank you for sharing your journey and helpful writerly advice.
August 8, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Lynne Marie
Doing Cartwheels over this opportunity! Thanks!
August 8, 2016 at 3:14 pm
Patricia Tilton
Lots of good information!
August 8, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was a great interview. Thank you for sharing. I want to read your book.
August 8, 2016 at 3:50 pm
katmaz2012
Love that you asked your kid self what you would want to read. Just got this book from the library. Can’t wait to read it.
August 8, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Thanks, Karlin, for your helpful information. Your book sounds great! I’m glad that your timing turned out to be perfect.
August 8, 2016 at 4:01 pm
Ann Kelley
What a great book! I can’t wait to read it!
August 8, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Tina Cho
Congratulations on your book! I like that you chose something you wished you had. And thanks to all the NF authors who gave tips!
August 8, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Elizabeth steffenson
I love the title! Especially since my own little girl can’t sit still!! I hope your book becomes inspirational to children everywhere!😀Congratulations!
August 8, 2016 at 5:20 pm
jdewdropsofink
I remember watching Nadia too. She was such a hero for little girls at that time. Will definitely be looking for this book.
August 8, 2016 at 5:44 pm
Natasha Garnett
My daughter is named Nadia! I will be reading this book whether or not I win it. Hooray for NF for young readers.
August 12, 2016 at 9:02 am
Karlin Gray
Thanks Natasha! Hope your Nadia loves my NADIA!
August 8, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Caroline Flory
We love nonfiction picture books in our house, and love so many of these books listed, and definitely love all these tips shared! Thanks so much, and congrats on your book!
August 8, 2016 at 8:28 pm
jpetroroy
I’m so into gymnastics right now!
August 8, 2016 at 8:53 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Wonderful information on non-fiction picture books. Thanks for all of that. This book looks terrific.
August 8, 2016 at 10:12 pm
M. aka Naila Moon Richards
I remember seeing Nadia compete. She was amazing! I cannot wait to read your book. Thanks for the opp to win it!
August 8, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Sandy Perlic
What wonderful advice for nonfiction! So glad you trusted your younger self – I would have never thought of that topic.
August 8, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Christie Wild
I love hearing about all the new nonfiction books. Thanks!!!
August 8, 2016 at 10:59 pm
Kristen Browning
So many cool non-fiction picture books! I can’t wait to read them and am so excited about the wonderful NF options for kids these days. I, too, would have loved a book about Nadia when I was younger. Better late than never! Now my five-year old daughter and I can enjoy it together.
August 8, 2016 at 11:49 pm
Deb Beauchamp
Thank you for this post Karlin. There are so many inspirational people in this world to learn from. Thank you for being one of them!
August 9, 2016 at 2:43 am
Tracey
Thanks for the post, Karin and congratulations on your success. I loved Nadia as a kid as well. I would watch the movie about her every time it came on and I would have loved to have had a book like this too. I am a librarian and will get your book for our collection!
August 9, 2016 at 6:08 am
waengel2002
What a great idea for a book! What little girl doesn’t like gymnastics and twirling?? Congratulations. I can’t wait to read it.
August 9, 2016 at 6:37 am
Lisa A. Reiss
Excellent idea for a picture book. I remember Nadia and I would have loved to read this as a little girl, too. Congratulations on the book! Much success! 🙂
August 9, 2016 at 7:38 am
Lisa
There are a lot of important things to think about here! 🙂 I loved Olympic gymnastics when I was a kid. I was so sure that was going to be my career! Except I was not good at gymnastics. LOL
August 9, 2016 at 8:42 am
Sheri Radovich
I am so glad I read this blog today. I did not know there was a blog for new or struggling unpublished writers to ask questions about writing and non fiction. I would use it for exploring doing a non fiction picture book. Have thought of doing it about another sport I loved growing up. I wonder if Karlin actually talked to someone who knew Nadia or competed with her.
August 9, 2016 at 9:02 am
Nancy Furstinger
The perfect bio for you to write–I can’t wait to read it! Congrats and happy signing:-)
August 9, 2016 at 9:57 am
Gloria Amescua
These were all great tips. I’m working on a nonfiction picture book right now, so it’s perfect timing. And I’m watching the Olympics as well.
August 9, 2016 at 11:31 am
Meena
Just when I was looking for Olympic theme related books — Thank you so much!
August 9, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Mary Kalorian-Zychowicz
Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful post. I have been working on picture books. I have focused on fiction but recently felt compelled to learn more about non-fiction picture books. This post with all of the various author’s insights was really a helpful place to begin more research in the non-fiction art. Thank you again and congratulations on your book and the amazing timing!
August 9, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Cathy Ogren
Karlin, I love the story behind your book – a perfect 10!
August 9, 2016 at 1:57 pm
picturebookplaydate
This former gymnast would love a copy! Great post and this looks like an amazing book.
August 9, 2016 at 4:23 pm
Stephen Sugg
So nice to see nonfiction covered! We have a young daughter and we were at the library recently seeking out books along these lines to show her prior to the olympics. She is only 2, but she enjoys watching gymnastics when we show her routines online.
August 9, 2016 at 4:25 pm
bethanyj0
I would have eaten this book up as a kid and look forward to reading it as an adult! Thanks for your tips, Karlin!
August 9, 2016 at 5:06 pm
MickiGinsberg
What a great post! Thank you !
August 9, 2016 at 6:37 pm
kidlitgail
Great news to hear that publishers want lesser-known people. So many individuals have created incredible systems, objects, devices, medicines etc. and have not received the recognition they deserve. I am a pre-published writer of NF picture books and hope to help a few “lesser-knowns” to shine their light! I love your book, Karlin and all the great tips given.
August 9, 2016 at 6:45 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Having worked with young children all my adult life, I love how non-fiction picture books are opening up whole new worlds to this insatiably curious crowd. Thank you, Karlin, and all those writing these wonderful resources.
August 10, 2016 at 9:02 am
DB Cote
I’m looking forward to reading your book about Nadia. Congratulations! Also, can you share a link to the non-fiction picture book class that you mentioned? Thank you.
August 10, 2016 at 1:55 pm
angiecal76
Thank you for sharing parts of your writing journey, Karlin. You are quite inspiring. Can’t wait to read all about Nadia!
August 10, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Wendy Doxey
Thank you for your insight and inspiration! It made my day 🙂
August 11, 2016 at 10:15 am
LaurenKerstein
There is so much insight and wisdom packed into this post. Thank you!
August 11, 2016 at 11:36 pm
Sylvia Liu
Awesome! Your book looks great. Congratulations!
August 12, 2016 at 12:20 pm
writersideup
Karlin, this is great stuff 🙂 Thanks! And I remember Nadia well, only I was a lot older than 5 lol
August 12, 2016 at 12:37 pm
koolaidmoms
Looks like an amazing book for little girls. Thank you for sharing the views of other writers too.
August 15, 2016 at 1:21 pm
Jean Matthew Hall
Thanks for such useful tidbits!
August 15, 2016 at 1:22 pm
Jean Matthew Hall
Reblogged this on Jean Matthew Hall and commented:
Great tidbits! Thanks.
August 15, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Beautifully written nonfiction books are so important to share with children. Kuddos to you for doing that!
August 16, 2016 at 1:17 pm
Natasha Wing
An unforgettable Olympic moment!
August 25, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Kelly Schmitt
This book is incredible! What’s better that girl power AND the Olympics. We all better gear up to get MSs ready to submit soon for Summer 2020.