(NOTE: Want to learn the basics of writing nonfiction picture books for kids, check out my introductory class, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A step-by-step beginner’s course.”)
What Is a Nonfiction Picture Book?
I’m so glad you asked! Nonfiction picture books are a unique and powerful form of storytelling that blend art, information, wonder, and curiosity to engage young readers. To truly understand what makes a nonfiction picture book, let’s break it down into two essential components: picture books as a format and the definition of nonfiction.
A Picture Book is a Format
A picture book is a distinct format that relies on the seamless integration of words and images to tell a story or convey information. Unlike magazine articles or encyclopedia entries, which may feature occasional images, a picture book cannot be fully understood without its illustrations. The artwork plays an essential role, often telling as much or more of the story as the text itself. In the image below from THE FIRE OF STARS, see how the images give the poetic words whole new levels of meaning. Through Katherine Roy’s art, it becomes clear that the “star” refers to both a star in the sky and a young girl.
Who is the Picture Book Audience?
Picture books are typically created for children ages 4 to 8 and are designed to be read aloud by an adult. That means they can use more complex language than early readers or chapter books. Note that nonfiction or informational picture books can also skew older, reaching readers up to 9 or even 10 years old.
How Long are Picture Books?
Most fiction picture books are 32 pages, but nonfiction picture books sometimes extend to 40 or even 48 pages. If you are a first-time writer, aiming for 32 pages is a good rule of thumb.
In terms of word count, nonfiction picture books can vary widely. Biographies and historical narratives often range from 800 to 1,400 words, with an average of about 1,100 words. Other types of nonfiction picture books tend to be shorter, typically between 74 and 1,100 words, with an average of 550 words. These statistics are based on a survey I conducted of debut nonfiction authors in 2024. Check out the full results here.
Key Characteristics of Nonfiction Picture Books:
- A unique book format that integrates text and art
- Geared toward children ages 4 to 8 (sometimes up to 10 for nonfiction)
- Typically 32 pages (sometimes 40 or 48 for nonfiction)
- Word count averages between 550 and 1,100 words
- Designed to be read aloud by an adult to the child
- Use higher-level language than early readers or chapter books
- Can tackle complex topics in a kid-friendly, age-appropriate way
Now that we understand the picture book format, let’s move on to the second key component: nonfiction.
What is Nonfiction?
Nonfiction means 100% true. Every fact presented in a nonfiction book must be verifiable through research. Unlike fiction, nothing is made up.
The Rules of Nonfiction
- Authentic dialogue: If a character speaks in the book, their words must be based on primary sources.
- First-person perspective: If the story is told from the viewpoint of “I” or “we,” it must be a firsthand account.
- No talking animals or personified objects: We cannot give human emotions or thoughts to non-human subjects because these are not verifiable facts.
A Word About Informational Fiction
If anything is made up, a book becomes informational fiction. There’s nothing wrong with informational fiction! In fact, many award-winning books fall into this category. The American Library Association’s Sibert Medal, for example, honors informational books without requiring them to be strictly nonfiction. Informational fiction blends facts with storytelling techniques but does not adhere to nonfiction’s strict guidelines.
Types of Nonfiction Picture Books
Nonfiction picture books come in many forms. Here are some common types you’ll find at the library:
1. Picture Book Biographies
These books tell life stories of historical or contemporary figures, often focusing on lesser-known individuals. Examples include my books:
- Wood, Wire, Wings by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Tracy Subisak
- The Fire of Stars by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Katherine Roy
2. Histories
These books explore past events, the evolution of ideas, or cultural traditions. Examples include:
- Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
- Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, illustrated by Daniel Minter
- The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It by Dee Romito, illustrated by Ziyue Chen
- We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac
3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Books in this category explore scientific concepts in a kid-friendly way. Examples include:
- Hands-On Science: Matter by Lola M. Schaeffer, illustrated by Druscilla Santiago
- Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature by Kristen Bott Nordstrom, illustrated by Paul Boston
4. The Natural World
These books cover topics like plants, animals, ecosystems, and more. Authors such as Melissa Stewart (PIPSQUEAKS, SLOWPOKES, AND STINKERS), Nell Cross Beckerman (VOLCANOES), and Maria Gianferrari (COYOTE MOON) frequently write in this category.
Note that even if they don’t have a main character or follow a traditional storyline, all nonfiction picture books are infused with tension and take the reader on an emotional journey, which sets them apart from the other types of nonfiction below.
Other Types of Children’s Nonfiction (That Aren’t Picture Books)
While picture books are a popular nonfiction format, other types of children’s nonfiction exist:
1. School and Library Nonfiction
These books are often part of leveled series, designed for independent reading or school projects. They use engaging voice but focus on “just the facts.” They do not take the reader on an emotional journey. Publishers often commission writers for these projects. Learn more about that here. Examples include:
- Kirsten W. Larson’s Robotics in Our World series (Amicus)
- The Second Amendment by Kirsten W. Larson (Capstone)
2. How-To Books
Cookbooks, craft books, and coding guides fall into this category. These books are meant to be read independently and don’t use storytelling techniques.
3. Browsable Books
Designed for readers to flip through rather than read cover-to-cover, these books include:
- DK Eyewitness books
- Guinness World Records
- National Geographic kids’ books
Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in learning the basics of writing nonfiction picture books for kids, check out my introductory class, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A step-by-step beginner’s course.”
By understanding the structure, audience, and rules of nonfiction picture books, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging, fact-based stories for young readers!