Finding Your Holiday Voice

By Nancy Churnin 

One of the first rules for authors is to check to see if there are already books that cover the subject we’re writing about. That rule does not apply to holiday stories. Now you don’t want to duplicate a story someone else has written. But there is a boundless appetite for new holiday stories – provided you have a fresh spin.

 

One approach is to draw from personal experience. That’s what Lisa Amstutz did with two heartwarming books that have become seasonal favorites. Applesauce Day, illustrated by Talitha Shipman (Albert Whitman, 2017) celebrates her family tradition of making applesauce each fall. 

Finding a Dove for Gramps, illustrated by Maria Luisa di Gravio (Albert Whitman, 2018) is based on Lisa’s childhood memory of participating in a Christmas Bird Count with her dad. In addition to the focus on family bonding, the book winningly “dovetails” with a citizen science project that takes place each year at the end of December/beginning of January.

Another way to go is to give a fresh twist to a familiar tale. That’s what Susie Holt did with her playful take on a beloved Christmas song. In Twelve Cowboys Ropin’, which she also illustrated (Pelican Publishing, 2015), Susie reimagines the traditional “Twelve Days of Christmas” with Lone Star charm as a fun way to teach Texas kids about Texas symbols. Instead of pear trees and French hens, Susie’s twelve days feature mockingbirds, pecan trees, armadillos, prickly pears, and other Texas treasures. Her goal, she says, was that “the familiar rhythm cumulative structure would draw children into the read-aloud, while the Texas-themed surprises would make the book memorable.”

You can also take a non-fiction approach as I did with some of my holiday-themed books, shining light on little-known stories of the origins of Halloween and Christmas traditions. Lila and the Jack-o’-Lantern, Halloween Comes to America, illustrated by Anneli Bray (Albert Whitman, 2023) is historical fiction about the Irish immigrants who brought their Halloween customs to America. 

The Queen and the First Christmas Tree, Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England, illustrated by Luia Uribe (Albert Whitman, 2018) is the story of the kind queen who introduced the first Christmas tree to England in 1800 to delight a party of 100 children.

Holiday stories can be contemporary. My newest book, The Miracle Menorah of Mariupol, illustrated by Marissa Moss (Creston Books, September 2026) pulls a tale of hope from recent headlines as a synagogue’s beloved menorah is found miraculously unharmed t in the rubble of war-torn Ukraine in time to be lit for Hanukkah.

And if you’re wondering if it is really possible to have your own fresh take on a holiday or season that’s been written about innumerable times, check out the stories in the middle-grade anthology, The Festival of Lights, edited by Henry Herz (Albert Whitman, 2024). This anthology of 16 Hanukkah stories, each by a different author, including me, shows how wildly different the styles, settings, and themes can be in writing about the same holiday.

 

So, dig deep, think about what makes the holidays meaningful to you – a family tradition, a favorite song, a nugget of inspiration from the past or present – and you may find your own story to celebrate.

A Little Fiction Can Still Teach Big Facts

By Susan Holt

When people hear "Nonfiction Ninjas," they naturally assume we only write nonfiction. While many of us do, our love of facts often sneaks into our fiction as well.

As a former school librarian, I was always drawn to books that told a delightful story while quietly teaching readers something new. Those books invited children to laugh, imagine, and then say, "Really? I didn't know that!"

That's exactly what I hoped to do in my newest picture book, There Once Was a Cowgirl. Although it's a playful, fictional romp inspired by the Texas State Fair, I couldn't resist adding a little extra learning. The endpapers are filled with fun Texas State Fair facts, including: 

• The number of people attending the Texas State Fair - more than 2 million!
• Corny Dog facts - Every year, Fletchers sell more than 500,000 corny dogs, along with about 1,500 gallons of mustard!
• In 1969, Wanda "Fernie" Winter brought the first funnel cakes to the Texas State Fair.

Those little nuggets of information transform a fictional story into informational fiction—a story children can enjoy again and again while discovering fascinating facts or planting seeds for a research project.

 

Many of my fellow Ninjas do this beautifully.

Lisa Amstutz's Our Christmas Tree Farm is a heartwarming family story with back matter facts about everything from grafting a new tree from a twig to eco-friendly way to recycle a Christmas tree.

Nancy Churnin's We Thank Our Trees! (coming January 5) celebrates the many ways trees enrich our lives with back matter about Tu B’Shevat and how you can connect with trees.

The back matter in Peggy Thomas's The Soil in Jackie's Garden includes information on the soil cycle and how to make a compost pile.

And Christine Liu Perkins's The Quest for a Tangram Dragon includes tangram shapes for readers to cut out, so they can play with their very own tangram puzzle!

Whether we're writing nonfiction, informational fiction, or fiction sprinkled with facts, our goal remains the same: to spark curiosity. Sometimes all it takes is one surprising fact tucked inside a story to inspire a child to keep asking questions—and that's where learning truly begins.

 

 

HISTORY BOOKS FOR MAEVE

By Peggy Thomas

Happy 4^th of July!

As I watch the fireflies light the sky (I hate noisy fireworks), I will be thinking about this wonderful community of nonfiction writers. You give me hope that kids like my 3 ½ -year-old granddaughter Maeve will always have true United States history stories that make them inspired, curious and questioning. I want Maeve to feel connected to the past and to appreciate how people from all walks of life have created the world she now inhabits.

Until this year, my only history books were biographies of dead white guys. But then I learned about journalist Alice A. Dunnigan. Writing Toward Justice is about how Alice became the first woman of color admitted to the White House, Capitol and Supreme Court press corps. She repeatedly questioned Truman and his policies for Black Americans, and she never backed down when Eisenhower shut her out of press conferences (two traits Maeve has already mastered).

Two more books are going on Maeve’s bookshelf. Both tell US history stories, and both are by my fellow Ninja Nancy Churnin. A Teddy Bear for Emily—And President Roosevelt, Too is about the creation of the first Teddy bear.  But it becomes much more because Nancy has told the story from the perspective of a young Jewish girl learning about her parent’s immigration to the United States.  Maeve may not understand how immigrants create US history, but she will definitely absorb the many acts of kindness and gratitude that connected Emily’s family with the president. 

The other book is Rainbow Allies. It is the true story of kids not much older than Maeve who right an injustice in their neighborhood.  Maeve will connect the pride flags in the story to the one hanging outside Nana and Papa’s house. She’ll question why anyone would want to frighten Cari and Lauri who will remind her of her aunts. And she will know that even kids have the power to make history.

So, on behalf of Maeve and kids all over the US, keep writing history books! 

There is plenty of material—250 years’ worth. And the beauty of history is that it is always growing! Find the stories that resonate with you. What do you want your kids and grandkids to know about?  Which stories will make them curious?  Question the status quo?  Or inspire them to action?  Then write!

Dead white guy history: 

Other US History Stories by Nancy Churnin: 

     

         

Ninja Magic!

 Ninja Writing Magic happened this weekend.

For three days, twenty-five writers joined the Ninja Writers for the Total Ninja Experience, a weekend devoted to stories, creativity, community, and helping writers move closer to their publishing dreams.

There were fiction writers. Nonfiction writers. Picture book creators, middle grade authors, novelists, and writers chasing brand-new ideas. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, helping participants elevate their manuscripts, strengthen their craft, and advance their writing careers.

Through intensive critiques, craft discussions, Ask Me Anything sessions, brainstorming, publishing conversations, games, laughter, and countless cups of coffee, writers gained fresh perspectives on their work and new tools to help them move forward.

The Ninja team is Nancy Churnin, Susie K. Holt, Peggy Thomas, Linda Skeers, Lisa Amstutz, Christine Liu-Perkins, and Stephanie Bearce. Between us, we’ve published more than 6000 books for young readers, but one thing remains true: we love helping writers succeed.

This year’s retreat took place at Prairie Woods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Surrounded by beautiful prairie views and fueled by wonderful food, writers spent the weekend learning, revising, encouraging one another, and discovering that they weren’t alone on the writing journey.

Ideas flowed. Story problems were solved. New friendships were formed. More than a few lightbulb moments appeared.

By the end of the weekend, notebooks were overflowing with ideas, revision plans were taking shape, and writers were heading home excited to write more.

That’s the Total Ninja Experience.

A weekend where questions are welcomed, creativity is celebrated, and writers leave believing a little more strongly in both their manuscripts and themselves.

Ninja News

While we’re celebrating, we’d love to share a few recent accomplishments and book releases from the Ninja team.

Nancy Churnin received a 2026 Christopher Award for A Teddy Bear for Emily – and President Roosevelt, Too, illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe (Albert Whitman). The award honors works that affirm “the highest values of the human spirit” and reflects the Christopher motto: “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Nancy was also selected as one of the outstanding Texas-based artists for the 2026-2028 Texas Touring Roster through the Texas Commission on the Arts. Schools and organizations throughout Texas can apply for grants to help bring roster artists to their communities. Nancy’s newest picture book, Purim Baskets, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford, was released through PJ Library.

Peggy Thomas recently released Writing Toward Justice: The Life and Reporting of Alice A. Dunnigan. The book is illustrated by Tonya Engle.

Susie K. Holt’s newest book, There Once Was a Cowgirl, is now available from TCU Press.

Stephanie Bearce recently released several titles in her new Gross Science series from Creative Media, including Diseases, Fungas and Mold, Parasites, Poop, Blood, and Farts and Burps.

Stephanie also celebrated the release of The Curse of the Lost Cave, 

the newest mystery in the Raven Gallows series from Shadow Mountain Publishing.

The first Raven Gallows mystery, The Secret of Moonrise Manor, has been nominated for Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Award, Pennsylvania’s Keystone Reading Award, and Indiana’s Read Aloud List.

And there is more exciting news on the horizon from the Ninja team, which we’ll be sharing in future newsletters.

Until then, keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep an eye on this newsletter and our Facebook page for future retreat announcements, Ninja news, book releases, and opportunities to connect with our writing community.

The Not-Just-Nonfiction-NINJAS

By Stephanie Bearce 

Another Nonfiction Fest has wrapped up, and once again, we are blown away.

For an entire month, generous writers shared their wisdom. We explored research rabbit holes, voice, structure, and how to turn facts into stories that breathe. It was a feast of curiosity and craft, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who made it extraordinary.

For seven years, the Nonfiction Ninjas have hosted this celebration of learning. We love nonfiction. We love true stories. We love primary sources, surprising historical details, and the thrill of discovering something real and remarkable.

But here’s what some people don’t always realize:

We are not just nonfiction ninjas.

When you spend years studying fascinating real people and remarkable events, eventually your brain starts asking… what if?

Peggy Thomas’s love of gardening and nature didn’t stay neatly inside the nonfiction box. It inspired The Soil in Jackie’s Garden — and yes, she even participated in the Soil Your Undies Challenge.

Linda Skeers reminds us that best friends are even better than sprinkles — and we all know sprinkles improve everything!

Lisa Amstutz brings warmth and tradition to life in Our Christmas Tree Farm.

Nancy Churnin celebrates heart and Halloween in Lila and the Jack-o’-Lantern.

Susie K. Holt captures bold spirit in There Once Was a Cowgirl.

Christine Liu Perkins imagines mathematical shapes as characters in The Quest for a Tangram Dragon.

And then there’s me, lover of weird science and odd bits of history, writing about Raven Gallows, who lives in a funeral home and has a habit of uncovering mummies, lost diaries, and secret societies.

We, Ninjas, are full of surprises.

But here’s the thing.

We know good writing.

We’re seasoned publishing veterans who’ve revised more manuscripts than we can count. We’ve wrestled with tricky middles, reshaped story arcs, and strengthened characters until they felt real enough to walk off the page.

When a manuscript is almost there, we can see it. And we know how to help you carry it the rest of the way.

That’s why we’re inviting you to the 2nd Annual Total Ninja Experience: Revision Retreat & Children’s Writing Workshop
June 12–14, 2026
Hiawatha, Iowa

This workshop is designed for writers who already have a manuscript that needs critiquing, revision, editorial help, and guidance — fiction or nonfiction, picture book through YA and everything in between.

You’ll work directly on your manuscript with award-winning authors dedicated to helping writers elevate their craft. The faculty-to-critique group ratio is six to one or better, and participation is limited to maximize learning and keep the experience intimate and focused.

The weekend includes:

• Scheduled critique groups
• Brainstorming
• Impromptu discussions of craft
• Dedicated time to revise

Location:
Prairiewoods
120 East Boysen Road
Hiawatha, IA 52233-1277
(319) 395-6700
About 20 minutes from Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)

Programming and all meals are included in every option.

Retreat Options:

• Shared room/shared bath — $450
• Private room/shared bath — $650
• Stay off site (meals + programming included) — $375
• Solar-powered hermitage (no outlets, no charging), single occupancy — $400

Want to arrive early? Add Thursday (dinner Thursday plus Friday breakfast and lunch) for $100.

Check-in: 3:00 PM Friday
Check-out: 11:00 AM Sunday

Register early. Space is limited.

Because we may be called the Nonfiction Ninjas…

…but we are not limited to one section in a bookstore.

We live in nonfiction and novels. In gardening and ghosts. In Christmas tree farms and tangram dragons. In stories rooted in fact and stories born entirely from imagination.

We love true stories.

We love made-up stories.

Mostly, we love strong stories.

If you’re ready to strengthen yours, we’d love to see you in Iowa this June.

When the Research Doesn't Match Your Vision

By Lauren H. Kerstein

 

My guiding force as an author, creative coach, and psychotherapist is to lift up others and help them feel seen. In writing HOPE RODE, I was thrilled that I had the opportunity to share a story with the world that not only lifted up and paid homage to librarians but also highlighted the strengths of rural communities in Kentucky during the great depression. 

 

This story also gave me the opportunity to spotlight some incredible women— Eleanor Roosevelt and Elizabeth Fullerton— in addition to the tenacious and tireless librarians who rode 100-120 miles per week over mountains, through creeks, and down treacherous landscapes to deliver books. 

 

I even had the opportunity to talk about horses and mules.

 

It was a beautiful story and an incredible opportunity, until…the research didn’t support my goal of helping others feel seen. 

 

Let me take a step back to explain.

 

After hundreds of pages of notes and many, anmy interviews, I could not find an answer to the following question: 

Was the BIPoC community included in the Packhorse Library Project?

 

I hit dead end after dead end. And then… I found a picture and I thought I had my answer.

I was so relieved as I wanted as much diversity in the illustrations as possible. I wanted everyone to feel seen.

But something nagged at me. Why was there only one picture? Why couldn’t experts verify whether or not the BIPoC community was involved? I wanted more information so that I could ensure my NONFICTION book was accurate. I didn’t want to suggest the BiPoC community was involved, if in fact, they were excluded. 

 

So, I kept digging.

 

Enter Reinette F. Jones, an outreach/research/reference librarian in Special Collections at

the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on all things connected to African Americans in and from Kentucky. She told me the picture I found was actually from a Library Extension Program NOT the packhorse library program.

 

I was devastated.

 

“Yes,” she said, “libraries were and are incredibly important to the African American community. But “no,” she wouldn’t include any librarians of color in the packhorse program. It wasn’t historically accurate.

 

IT WASN’T HISTORICALLY ACCURATE.

 

I was faced with an excruciating choice. How could I help everyone feel seen if some were excluded from the program?

 

The following guideposts helped me decide what to do.

Nonfiction: I wanted to ensure my nonfiction book was just that… NONFICTION.

 

Facts: Facts have become more amorphous than I’d like in today’s world. I wanted to ensure my book included only FACTUAL information that I could reference because I’d cross-checked it with reputable sources.

 

Backmatter: I could use my backmatter as a place to address the BIPoC community and librarians in a clear and concise way.

 

Author Visits: I would have the opportunity to discuss this research dilemma with students in the classroom, not only to share my journey, but also to ensure each and every student felt seen.

 

Reality: The reality is that there are far too many heartbreaks in our history. Segregation. Racism. Discrimination. Hatred. Mistrust. The list goes on and on. If I were to suggest people of color were included in the packhorse library program, I would be contributing to misinformation, not highlighting the fact that these heartbreaks led to exclusion and lack of access.

 

At the end of the day, we, as nonfiction creators, are arbiters of truth. The research didn’t align with my initial vision, but it didn’t stop me from still highlighting these fierce, dedicated, and bold librarians who brought the gift of reading to rural Kentuckians during the great depression.

 

These badass women changed the world forever.

 

Perhaps, now, I need to take what I learned about the BIPoC community and Library Extension Services and write that book. Or share this knowledge with someone within the community who might want to write this important book.

 

Stay tuned…

 

But for now, I feel good that I remained an arbiter of truth as I shared what I’d learned about the packhorse library program.

 

Librarians are truly the backbone of our world!

 

 

About the Author: Lauren is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, creative coach, screenwriter, and NYT-bestselling ghostwriter. She is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series, Home for A While, Remembering Sundays with Grandpa, and Hope Rode. Additionally, Lauren writes books in her field and just released a book about emotion regulation. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, and is a long-time member of 12x12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.

 

The Twelve-Sentence Story

By Lisa Amstutz 

 

Have you ever found yourself lost in the weeds with your nonfiction picture book? Maybe there are so many great details about your subject that you want to include them all! Maybe it feels like you’ve lost the throughline. Or maybe something just feels off.

Today I wanted to share an outlining method that I’ve found helpful in getting to the heart of a story. I call it the Twelve-Sentence Story. Each sentence corresponds to one spread in your picture book. You may need more than 12, depending on your book’s page count and how much back matter you’ve included.

Some people like to make a book dummy, which is also a great idea. However, this quick method allows you to see the whole story at a glance.

Start by numbering 1-12 on a sheet of paper (vertically). Write one sentence by each number summarizing what’s happening on that spread. Keep it brief—this is the bare bones version of your story.

Now read through your sentences. Is there a complete story arc there? Where does the conflict happen? Is it early enough in the story? Are there clear stakes?

Does the story build toward a satisfying conclusion? Is all the info you’ve included necessary, or does some of it distract from the main point? On the tail end, should your story have ended sooner?

Here is a sample outline from Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car by NF Ninja Peggy Thomas, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (Calkins Creek, 2018). This is a 48-page book, with 17 full spreads plus back matter.

1. Henry Ford made cars.

2. Mother encourages young Henry to help others; he tries.

3. Life on the family farm is hard—he looks for ways to make it easier.

4. The Great Depression makes life even harder for farmers.

5. Maybe he can create a new market for their products!

6. Henry builds a laboratory to test crops.

7. He finds the perfect food…the soybean!

8. Ford tractors plant 300 kinds of soybeans over 8000 acres.

9. Henry’s team creates soybean paint for Ford cars.

10. The team makes more car parts from soybeans and keeps farmers busy!

11. Ford eats beans…and even wears beans.

12. Ford makes his cars even beanier with soybean plastic.

13. He tests the plastic—it works!

14. Ford assembles the soybean car.

15. Ford shows off his new car.

16. WWII begins and the soybean car is forgotten.

17. But the soybean is not!

18-23. Back matter

You can see a clear arc here, from Henry's desire to help farmers to his eventual success at building a soybean car, and even more broadly, to helping create markets for soybeans.

You may want to try an outline before you start writing or wait until you have a draft down on paper. This method works for picture book biographies as well as other narrative nonfiction stories. It works equally well for fiction. And it can be adapted to outline an expository or concept picture book as well.

What outlining method works best for you? Please share in the comments!

 

 Lisa Amstutz is a literary agent with Storm Literary Agency and a Nonfiction Ninja. She is the author of more than 150 children’s books, including Our Christmas Tree Farm, Plants Fight Back, Amazing Amphibians, and Applesauce Day. With a background in biology and environmental science, Lisa particularly enjoys writing about nature and agriculture. When she’s not writing or agenting, she loves watching birds, hiking, and gardening. Learn more at www.LisaAmstutz.com.