If you’ve ever read a nonfiction picture book and thought, “I could write something like this,” you’re absolutely right. In fact, that’s exactly where most of us begin. For me, it was reading hundreds of nonfiction picture books with my then-preschoolers on everything from weather to airplanes and space.
Whether you’re a teacher with a passion for dinosaurs, a parent fascinated by birds, or a writer who loves research and real-life stories, nonfiction picture books are a powerful (and rewarding) place to start your kidlit journey.
But where do you actually begin?
Here are three important steps for getting started.
1. Understand What a Nonfiction Picture Book Is
A nonfiction picture book is not just a textbook with illustrations. It’s a carefully crafted, 32-page story (sometimes longer) that makes the reader feel something or see the world in a new way. It might be poetic. It might be funny. But it’s always true—and it’s always created with a child in mind.
Here’s what sets nonfiction picture books apart:
- They marry text and art: illustrations are essential, not optional
- They’re written to be read aloud by adults to kids ages 4–8
- They use kid-friendly language while embracing rich, vivid vocabulary
- They tackle real-world topics: science, history, biography, social justice, math, and more
2. Follow Your Curiosity (Not Just Your Expertise)
A lot of new writers fall into the trap of thinking, “I’m not an expert—who am I to write this?”
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to be a Ph.D. to write a nonfiction picture book. What you do need is curiosity and a willingness to dig into research. I’m not a pilot or an art curator or an astrophysicist, and yet I’ve written books on these topics. What I am an expert in is what fascinates kids and how to communicate with them.
Some of the best story ideas come from:
- A question a child asks that makes you go, “Hmmm, I wonder…”
- A weird fact you stumble on while scrolling or reading
- A historical figure you’ve never heard of who deserves a spotlight
3. Read Like a Writer
Want to write nonfiction picture books? The best way to start is by reading them. A lot of them. And make sure they are recent, preferably published in the last five years. Look at what’s being sold in your local bookstore or ask your librarian for recommendations.
Pay attention to:
- What types of books draw you in (biographies, STEM, nature?)
- How the author starts the story. Do they open with a question? A moment of action? A big, bold statement?
- What’s the overall shape of the story? How is the information organized?
- What voice authors use. Is it poetic? Humorous? Descriptive?
Studying mentor texts will sharpen your instincts. You’ll start to see patterns and possibilities. Reading lots of picture books is truly the best way to learn!
Want Help Taking the Next Step?
If you’re excited but still unsure how to start writing your own nonfiction picture book, I’m happy to recommend my beginner-friendly course, Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book. In the class, I walk you through exactly what makes a nonfiction PB work and how to create your own even if you don’t have an idea yet.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between picture books and other children’s formats
- What makes a book nonfiction (and why informational fiction can still sell!)
- How to uncover your own unique and surprising ideas
Want step-by-step guidance to go from idea to manuscript? Check out my course Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book—designed just for beginners at a new lower price point.