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It's time for the Nutcracker Smackdown; plus a 2024 year in review
Published 4 months ago • 3 min read
Hello friends!
True confessions: I have so. many. nutcrackers! I've whittled down my collection, but it's so hard to pick a favorite. Here's your chance to weigh in. Shoot me an email with your favorite nutcracker from my collection by Dec. 19. I'll post the winner on Facebook and IG (@kirstenwlarson). Here are your choices:
Apollo Astronaut
British Beefeater
Pittsburgh Steeler
Darth Vader
Prop Plane Pilot
Cub Scout
2024 Year in Review.
Every year, I participate in Julie Hedlund's 12 Days of Christmas for Writers. It's a process that encourages us to reflect on our surprises and successes, reframe our challenges and disappointments, and create a blueprint for the new year. If you haven't done 12 Days before, I highly encourage you to sign up. It begins Dec. 26. (sign up here)
This year, I started 12 Days early because I'm off to Greece with my family for the holidays. I wanted to share a few highlights from my surprises/successes, because I am just so grateful for all the good things that happened this year. And I know not every year is like this, so I want to celebrate it as much as I can.
Seeing This Is How You Know, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little Brown) off to the presses. The book pubs 9/16/25. Cover reveal coming soon!
Signing the contract on a new nonfiction picture book. ... More soon!
Reviewing the Barbara McClintock's sketches for Light of Resistance, my MG graphic novel with Roaring Brook
Finishing a draft of my adult, rom-com mystery
Scooping up the Orbis Pictus Honor for The Fire of Stars with illustrator Katherine Roy at NCTE in Boston (see pics below); plus the book is coming to Scholastic Book Fairs soon. YAY!
Seeing Wood, Wire, Wingsgo into its third printing
It has truly been an amazing year and I'm so grateful to be on this journey with all of you. Wishing you and yours a happy and restful holiday season. Kirsten
Inside this newsletter:
Celebrating at NCTE in Boston
Join the New Year's cohort for Crafting Your Nonfiction PB; save 30%
Join me for the Write.Submit.Support. 6-month mentorship
Transcript link for Episode 4 of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations with Stephanie Gibeault
January 2025 "New in Nonfiction" List (148 titles)
Celebrating at NCTE in Boston
The Fire of Stars was named a National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Orbis Pictus Honor Book for 2024. Illustrator Katherine Roy and I (left) attended the Children's Book Award luncheon to receive our award from Committee and Chair Julia López-Robertson of the University of South Carolina (pictured center). It was also a lovely opportunity to catch up with writer friends, including many creators from my Soaring '20s marketing group, who I've know for years, but only online!
30% off Crafting Your Nonfiction PB Class
Write Your Children's Nonfiction Book in 30 Days (+ Live Q&As!) Transform your idea into a polished children's nonfiction book in just 30 days! Sign up for the New Year's Cohort and get two live Zooms plus a private Facebook group for support. The course includes:
• 20 daily lessons
• Comprehensive workbook
• Videos modeling the research and writing process
• 2 BONUS live Q&A sessions (1/15 and 2/13, also recorded)
• Private community support (Facebook)
Special New Year's offer - 30% off until Jan 10! Learn more here. And if you have any questions, please let me know!
Write. Submit. Support Mentorship starts in March
Are you ready to take your work to the next level? Join me for Write. Submit. Support through The Writing Barn. Learn more about this six-month mentorship program and apply at The Writing Barn. Learn more.
New podcast episode, plus transcript
Don't miss episode 4 of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations (on Youtube as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.). Buffy Silverman (Starlight Symphony) provides tips and encouragement for writing in rhyme. Don't have time to listen? Get the transcript here.
New in Nonfiction
Roundup of January New Releases
Here's the latest roundup of the latest juvenile nonfiction books from U.S. publishers. You'll find the full list of 148 books in Edelweiss by clicking the link below.
Think nonfiction kids' books are boring? Think again! I'm a writer, teacher, and writing coach dedicated to helping students reimagine their true stories, turning them into captivating reads. Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, new releases, and more.
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Hello friends! In Greece! Left to right: Chania in Crete, Delphi, and Mycenae Holiday highlights! I hope you had a lovely holiday season. We spent the holidays in Greece on the island of Crete, as well as Athens, Delphi, and the Peloponnese. I was able to squeeze in some last-minute research for my next picture book (still a big secret until an illustrator is assigned). I just sent revisions to my editor Monday and am hoping I can say more soon. Big news! My next published picture book, THIS...
