ReFoReMo Day 20: Kristen Remenar Elicits Engaging Nonfiction

3/21/2015

by Kristen Remenar

Good nonfiction won’t sound like an encyclopedia excerpt. Informational picture books like these pull in young readers with rich, interesting vocabulary and beautiful art. Teachers and librarians are looking for books with engaging topics for all levels of readers, especially the youngest ones. Study these to see how to make nonfiction irresistible.

Bone by Bone by Sara Levine Illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth
Seed by Seed by Esme Roji Codell Iluustrated by Lynne Raye Perkins
Parrots Over Puerto Rico By Susan L. Roth; Cindy Trumbore; Susan L. Roth
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre

Kristen Remenar is a children’s librarian, author, teacher, and a national speaker on literacy. Her first picture book, GROUNDHOG'S DILEMMA, will be published by Charlesbridge in 2015, and illustrated by Matt Faulkner, award-winning author/illustrator (and Kristen’s beloved husband).

116 Comments

Maria Marshall

3/19/2015 05:27:16 pm

Excited to read 5 new, undiscovered books. Thank you.

KRISTEN REMENAR link

3/20/2015 09:02:23 am

You're welcome, Maria. I hope you enjoy them!

Juliana Lee link

3/19/2015 05:28:26 pm

Parrots Over Puerto Rico has become one of my new favorites, thanks to a critique partner who is using it as a mentor text.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:08:02 am

Not only is the text of "Parrots Over Puerto Rico" worth studying, but the art is exquisite. Gorgeous, gorgeous book!

Kristi Veitenheimer

3/19/2015 05:32:04 pm

Thanks for some new suggestions! I'm interested in trying my hand at writing a nonfiction picture book.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:09:19 am

Go write that nonfiction picture book, Kristi! With the schools focusing more and more on informational reading, there's a strong demand for good nonfiction at all levels. Best of luck!

Keila Dawson link

3/19/2015 05:41:20 pm

Teaching through storytelling is much more interesting. Thanks for some new titles to read.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:09:47 am

I completely agree, Keila. Hope you enjoy these books!

Heidi Yates

3/19/2015 06:07:16 pm

I love nonfiction picture books and I am really looking forward to reading these recommendations. Thank you Kristen!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:10:18 am

It's my pleasure, Heidi! I'll be interested to hear which ones resonate most with you!

Cassie Bentley

3/19/2015 06:43:29 pm

I've read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. I look forward to re-reading it as a mentor text. I've been reading nonfiction at the adult level. These mentor texts show me that the concepts can be engaging for children also. Thank you for the suggestions.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:12:27 am

Cassie, I first read the adult version of "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" and I was captivated by William Kamkwamba's story. I was so glad to see he'd written a picture book version for younger readers.

Maria Laso

3/19/2015 07:31:36 pm

I want to write delicious nonfiction that's full of vitamins but tastes like cake! How do we make ourselves an expert when we're not?

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:14:19 am

Maria, since I'm a librarian, you won't be surprised that I'll encourage you to hit your local library! Read as much as you can on the topic in which you're interested. You don't necessarily need a college degree in a subject to be considered an expert, as long as you've done your research and can cite your sources.

Rebecca Colby

3/19/2015 08:04:14 pm

I love it when I've never heard of any of the recommendations! And trying to write irresistible non-fiction is something I'm struggling with at the moment. Thanks for these!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:14:44 am

It's my pleasure, Rebecca! Hope you enjoy these!

Elaine Hillson

3/19/2015 09:41:02 pm

I too would love to try to write non-fiction. My worry was how to avoid sounding too dry. Thanks for the suggestions - they will certainly give me something to think about.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:15:21 am

It's my pleasure, Elaine! Wishing you well on your writing endeavors!

Linda Schueler link

3/19/2015 11:50:22 pm

I love nonfiction, and I am happy to see how it is becoming so engaging.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:16:19 am

Linda, I'm loving nonfiction more and more with interesting, well-written books like these.

Julie Burchstead

3/19/2015 11:55:44 pm

These are great selections. I loved science as a kid, but hated deadly NF books, they were so dry and unappealing. Now I can't stop reading them! I love how many stories come out both as chapter books like The One and Only Ivan had a PB companion. I have read the chapter book of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, but not the PB.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:22:02 am

Julie, I read Kamkwamba's chapter book first, too, and I was so excited to see the picture book! I can't wait to get the "Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla" - so cool that it's written by Katherine Applegate just like her award-winner, and I love G.Brian Karas' art.

Sara Eastler link

3/20/2015 12:00:20 am

I love Bone by Bone and Seed by Seed! Parrots Over Puerto Rico is on our list, not necessarily because we're interested in the topic but because the illustrations are to die for! The texture in these is amazing.

Thanks for the recommendations Kristin and congratulations on your upcoming book.

Val McCammon

3/20/2015 12:51:32 am

I can't wait to read these -- Bone by Bone looks totally fun! Thanks, Kristen.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:23:03 am

Val, "Bone by Bone" is one of those books you can't not read cover to cover once you pick it up! Hope you enjoy these!

Sue Heavenrich link

3/20/2015 01:05:35 am

I love Bone by Bone! And have read most of these - except Seed by Seed which is going on my library list post haste!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:24:35 am

Sue, "Seed by Seed" is one of those rare biographies that goes beyond just "this is when he was born, did some stuff, then died" to show the impact one person can have on the world. It's such a moving book!

Marianne Kuzujanakis

3/20/2015 01:05:41 am

Thanks, Kristen! Four of five of these PBs are entirely new to me. I look forward to reading them.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:24:56 am

I'm so glad, Marianne! Hope you enjoy them!

Pat Miller

3/20/2015 01:10:06 am

Thanks for the varied list of nonfiction, Kristen.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:25:11 am

It's my pleasure, Pat!

Lisa Connors link

3/20/2015 01:10:52 am

I'm a big fan of well-done nonfiction. Thanks for these titles. Congrats on your upcoming release!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:26:03 am

Thanks, Lisa! After 20+ years of sharing picture books with kids, it's such a thrill to know that this year, I get to share a book that *I* wrote!

Manju Howard link

3/20/2015 01:23:13 am

Thanks, Kristen! The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is the only one I have read. Great PB!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:27:31 am

I'm glad you like Kamkwamba's pb, too! He makes me feel like the world's problems really are solve-able, if we find different ways to look at things.

Debra Shumaker

3/20/2015 01:26:07 am

I love nonfiction so I'm excited to check out these books. Thanks so much! And congrats on your upcoming book!!!!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:28:11 am

Thanks, Debra! I hope you like these, and I really hope you like "Groundhog's Dilemma" when it comes out in December!

Maria Gianferrari link

3/20/2015 01:27:05 am

HUGE fan of NF here, especially of April Pulley Sayre's work! I love all of these books, but haven't yet read Seed by Seed--putting it on my request list ASAP! All of the titles in your selection have such different approaches and voices.

Thanks, Kristen!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:29:34 am

Thanks, Maria! I hope these titles show that there isn't one right way to write engaging nonfiction.

Carol Gordon Ekster

3/20/2015 01:31:29 am

I just read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind yesterday and was blown away by the beauty of the writing in addition to an inspiring story. April Pulley Sayre has also mastered the ability to write in a lyrical way about nature. I just requested the other three. Thanks for the suggestions!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:31:00 am

Carol, I love to find beautiful writing in informational books. Nonfiction can be as lyrical and lovely as fiction - and April Pulley Sayre shows this book after book after book!

Angela Hawkins link

3/20/2015 01:41:59 am

Looking forward to reading these! I've a non fiction biography underway and hope to find inspiration from these and many others mentioned in previous posts. Thanks Kristen!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:31:37 am

You're so welcome, Angela! Best wishes on your writing!

Deborah Allmand

3/20/2015 01:46:20 am

I have read The Boy who Harnessed the Wind. Great storytelling. Lovely list of books I can't wait to read. Congrats on your book. Thank you so much for the great post.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:32:19 am

Thanks, Deborah! I hope you find these books (and mine, in December!) worth the read!

Kristin Tanner link

3/20/2015 01:47:59 am

Getting ready to launch my kickstarter campaign for my non-fiction picture book based on my original song!!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:32:49 am

Cool, Kristin! Wishing you much success!

Kristin Tanner

3/20/2015 01:51:46 am

Forgot to include my website for my book-
Www.kristintanner.com

Robin Currie link

3/20/2015 02:02:57 am

I was at the Morton Arboretum gift shop yesterday and got an eyeful of nonfiction - same percentage of OK, WOW, and "ho hum"! Lots of very creative titles, though.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:34:02 am

Robin, I agree, there are still plenty of nonfiction titles out there that sound like textbook excerpts. That's why it makes me so happy to share well-written books like these!

Erin Nowak link

3/20/2015 02:16:25 am

Thanks for these recommendation. I've really fallen in love with non-fiction pb's thanks to ReFoReMo, and it's contagious. My 3rd grader took 2 of my ReFoReMo books to school today, since he class is studying biographies. She felt they needed to see how NF PBs are informative and fun at the same time.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:35:55 am

Erin, I'm so glad you're sharing great nonfiction with your kiddo. So often when we think of reading for fun, we think of fiction, since anything can happen there. Well-written nonfiction shows us that the world we live in is just as amazing as what we could ever imagine.

Carrie Charley Brown

3/23/2015 11:35:29 am

It is so important for kids to see their parents passionate about reading, too! Great modeling, Erin! Now it is important to her, too! Good mommy!

Sharri Sandnes link

3/20/2015 02:19:17 am

Thanks for the great suggestions!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:36:09 am

You're welcome, Sharri!

Doreen Lepore link

3/20/2015 02:44:28 am

Fantastic list - thanks!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:36:27 am

You're so welcome, Doreen!

Nicole Popel link

3/20/2015 03:23:34 am

I love reading NF PBs!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:36:43 am

Me, too, Nicole!

Joyce Tucker link

3/20/2015 03:37:53 am

Thank you for sharing some wonderful NF PB!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:36:59 am

It's my pleasure, Joyce!

JEN Garrett link

3/20/2015 03:51:20 am

I just read a beautiful NF PB, "The Beatle Book" At first glance it seems like a string of facts, but the pairing of text and illustrations make this an enjoyable read.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:37:29 am

Dontcha just love the power of the picture book, Jen? :)

Rachel Hamby link

3/20/2015 03:52:52 am

Thanks for these titles, Kristen.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:37:52 am

It's my pleasure, Rachel!

Leslie Goodman link

3/20/2015 04:00:04 am

My main focus in writing for children has always been fiction. However, these five new mentor texts could inspire me to shift gears. Thanks!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:38:11 am

I feel exactly the same way, Leslie!

Brenda link

3/20/2015 04:04:06 am

This was so timely for me. I have been looking for mentor texts because I'm trying to write my first creative nonfiction. I'm more of a fiction kind of girl, but this story just wants to be told. I found Balloons over Broadway on my own, and I really like it. Congrats on your book that's coming out. How exciting!!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:39:35 am

Brenda, "Balloons Over Broadway" is genius. I love Melissa Sweet's work. And thanks for the warm wishes for "Groundhog's Dilemma"! After 20+ years of sharing books with kids, I'm so excited to share my book this December!

Therese Nagi

3/20/2015 04:36:27 am

Kris thanks for sharing some great book choices.

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:39:54 am

You're so welcome, Therese!

Stephanie Geckle link

3/20/2015 04:57:56 am

Thank you, Kristen! I look forward to reading. Congratulations on Groundhog's Dilemma!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:40:24 am

Thanks, Stephanie! I really hope you enjoy "Groundhog's Dilemma"!

Alice Fulgione

3/20/2015 06:52:28 am

Thanks, Kristen!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:40:41 am

You're quite welcome, Alice!

joanne Sher link

3/20/2015 06:57:21 am

These all look fabulous - love nonfiction that is rich and beautiful. Thanks :)

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:41:02 am

Hope you enjoy these, Joanne!

Lori Dubbin

3/20/2015 07:03:00 am

I just got PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO and can't wait to read and glean!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:41:42 am

Lori, I predict you'll love "Parrots Over Puerto Rico" - it's stunning!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/20/2015 07:49:36 am

Hi Kristen, thanks for the list. The only title I'm familiar with is Parrots Over Puerto Rico. I remember reading where it won many awards. Can't wait to read it. :)

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:42:02 am

Thanks, Rita! I hope you enjoy these!

Beth Gallagher

3/20/2015 08:02:01 am

Thanks for the great recommendations! Can't wait to start reading. :)

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:42:19 am

It's my pleasure, Beth!

Rene` Diane Aube

3/20/2015 09:30:04 am

These look wonderful, Kristen :) I'm looking forward to learning how to make non-fiction sing LA-LA-LA-LA-LAAAAAH!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:43:53 am

Rene, if you can get your nonfiction singing, your readers will find it irresistible!

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/20/2015 09:40:40 am

I've read only two of these. Off to the library I go. I'm particularly attracted to Bone by Bone. Thanks for the recs!

KRISTEN REMENAR

3/20/2015 09:44:14 am

I hope you enjoy these, Jilanne!

Kaye Baillie

3/20/2015 11:07:07 am

Each of these covers makes me want to see what's inside. Can't wait to find these books. Thanks, Kristen.

Kathy Mazurowski

3/20/2015 11:12:10 am

I am ready to read and study this non-fiction titles. Thanks!

Sandy Perlic

3/20/2015 11:46:19 am

I haven't read any of these! How lovely to discover some "irresistible" nonfiction. Thanks!

Vivian Kirkfield link

3/20/2015 12:11:00 pm

Oh yes...aren't non fiction picture books amazing these days, Kristen? I absolutely love them all. And thank you for spotlighting these...there are a couple here I have not read yet.
Giving kids books that are exciting and beautiful is so important if we want to foster their interest and help them become lovers of books and reading.

Janie Reinart

3/20/2015 01:30:36 pm

Looking forward to checking out these titles! Thanks for the post.

Kristen Kirwan Browning

3/20/2015 01:54:15 pm

Thanks for the recommendations. I have really enjoyed VULTURE VIEW and EAT LIKE A BEAR during ReFoReMo, so I especially look forward to reading RAINDROPS ROLL. I would love to write beautiful, poetic NF!

Heather Pierce Stigall

3/20/2015 02:21:02 pm

As a kid (and still as an adult), NF was not usually my first choice, but I am ever so grateful for the genre. Besides being personally inspired by some books I've read (and thank you for a few more suggestions!) it is this genre that got my second child to read. In elementary school he was very reluctant to read until he discovered non-fiction. He devoured books about snakes, lizards, sharks, bears, rabbits, dinosaurs, and natural disasters. He quickly became a walking, talking encyclopedia! He is now in 9th grade and science and history are still his favorite subjects.

Suzy Leopold

3/20/2015 03:32:31 pm

These five titles are piquing my attention. I want to turn the pages. There are so many creative nonfiction picture books that are being published currently for kids. These great books are nothing like the nonfiction books that I read as a kid. Thank you for recommending these books, Kristen.

Gabrielle Snyder

3/21/2015 04:57:36 am

These sound fabulous! Thanks for recommendations, Kristen.

shirley johnson

3/21/2015 06:19:51 am

I look forward to reading these. Thanks for posting!

Jennifer Judd link

3/21/2015 07:14:59 am

Love this list--I haven't read these yet! NF is daunting to me, for that feeling of NOT being an expert (and worrying about getting all the information right, while still making it captivating for young readers!). Can't wait to check these out. And congrats on your new book!

Yvonne Mes link

3/21/2015 11:49:34 am

Hmm, I haven't ready any of these! Will see if I can get them at my library, thanks for the suggestions!

Saba

3/21/2015 05:00:37 pm

I would be interested in getting these to see how the subjects are handled. NF is a hard genre to write creatively

Renee Kirchner

3/22/2015 03:16:14 am

I've read Raindrops Roll, but haven't read the other titles. Thanks for the great suggestions!

Ann Magee

3/22/2015 06:13:41 am

The first two titles are new to me--can't wait to get them from the library. I love writing NF picture books. I never stop learning something new!

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/22/2015 02:51:20 pm

I have not read these. Looking forward to checking them out. Thanks so much, Kristen!

Romelle Broas link

3/22/2015 07:09:09 pm

Hi kristen! I haven't read any of the books. I am excited to add it to my reading list.

Caroline Twomey link

3/23/2015 01:35:19 am

Looking forward to reading these, I've only read The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind so I'm looking forward to checking the other 4 out, thanks!

Lauri Meyers link

3/23/2015 05:58:47 am

A great reminder on the importance of a fabulous title too.

Carrie Finison

3/24/2015 06:04:14 am

I love seeing a list of books I haven't read! Thanks for sharing.

Linda

3/24/2015 08:54:44 am

Kristen, this list will be a huge help as I work on my non-fiction revision. Thank you!

Teresa MI Schaefer

3/24/2015 09:07:28 am

Nonfiction can and should be as amazing as fiction!

Mary Worley

3/24/2015 10:02:07 am

Congratulations on your book. Looking forward to reading it. Nonfiction just keeps getting better and better. Thanks for your list.

Janet Smart link

3/24/2015 11:46:25 am

I'm anxious to read these. Love the covers, too.

Sandy Powell

3/26/2015 04:52:04 am

I need some good books to study so I can get motivated to write non-fiction. Thanks for the suggestions.

Jeanette Bradley

3/30/2015 02:03:02 am

So many wonderful books - I am maxing out my library card!

Karen Nordseth Roos

3/30/2015 04:18:51 pm

can't wait to take a look at these, kristen! thank you so much for this post. non-fiction picture books are stellar!

Juliann (Juli) Caveny link

3/30/2015 06:41:23 pm

Ah, the nonfiction! I love research; I love facts; I love the new nonfictions!

Anita Banks

3/31/2015 04:21:23 am

Thank you!

ReFoReMo Day 20: Kristen Remenar Elicits Engaging Nonfiction

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