Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction
authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction
and expository nonfiction with an essay by Sara Levine.
Thank you, Sara.
Whether the topic is germs, poop, or the functional anatomy of bird
beaks, my books for children usually fall into the category of expository
nonfiction. Expository nonfiction aims to present ideas and information in a
clear and accessible fashion.
This type of writing suits me well as I write to share science that
hasn’t previously been covered in children’s books. I strive to explain concepts
in ways that make people think about themselves and the world differently. I
also try to make people laugh, to share the fabulous and awe-provoking hilarity
of life on Earth. An expository writing style allows me the freedom to attempt
all this in ways that will engage young readers.
Most of my books have a list text structure. A list book presents
interesting facts about a specific topic, be it the ways our bones or teeth are
similar to and different from those of other animals, or the various animals
that eat poop and the reasons why, or the range of ways bird beaks resemble
household tools in function. I also use other literary techniques and devices
to share the information.
I frequently use a question-and-answer format that encourages
readers to think something over before turning the page. Here, the page-turn is
a built-in pause, an opportunity for reflection, followed by surprise and
delight. Here’s an example:
Page turn:
In Bone by Bone: Comparing Animal Skeletons, and other books
in my Animal by Animal series, questions invite readers to explore comparative
anatomy, whether about bones, teeth, or eyes. In Eye by Eye: Comparing how
Animals See, an opening question asks What
kind of animal would you be if you had eight eyes? (The answer is a
spider.)
Thinking about these anatomical variations in terms of their own
bodies helps readers understand evolutionary relatedness, how we are alike and
different from other animals. This technique works well in my classes for
students of all ages and it translates well into a book format. When asked to
think about something and answer a question, readers directly engage in their
learning, which is powerful. And, of course, humor helps. In these books, T.S
Spookytooth’s hilarious illustrations show what kids would look like if they had animals’ characteristics,
adding to the fun.
My new book, A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use, similarly
poses questions to allow young readers to understand the varying functions of
beaks by comparing them to common tools, rather than their own bodies.
Kate Slater’s gorgeous collage illustrations superimpose the tool
on the bird’s body, prompting readers to guess which birds have beaks with a
tool’s particular function before the page-turn.
Sometimes, I find that a topic doesn’t work as a list book. In Germs
Up Close, I used a description text structure that matched how I had taught
this topic as a full‑semester course to college undergraduates. To fit all the
information into a 32-page picture book, my writing had to be clear, direct,
and concise—with some humor sprinkled in. The vivid photographs help to bring
the book to life.
Why do I find so much joy in writing expository nonfiction for
children? It brings together different parts of my education, experiences, and
interests in a new way.
I have written essays.
I have been an educator for both adults and children.
I have worked as a veterinarian.
Each of these pursuits occupied separate parts of my life. In
writing science books for children, I use my full skill set. I integrate what I
know about writing and science and teaching in a playful way to create books
that I hope will fascinate and delight young readers.
Sara Levine is a veterinarian, educator, and award-winning writer of STEM
books for kids. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Lesley University.
Sara has eight picture books published and four scheduled for publication. Her
titles, which include Bone by Bone,
Tooth by Tooth, Flower Talk, and The
Animals Would Not Sleep! have received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize,
Beehive Book Award, Cook Prize Honor, and the Mathical Book Prize.
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5 Responses
I agree – the cool thing about writing is that it can bring together so many of the things you love under one umbrella. I have a few of your books on my mentor-text bookshelf.
This is a great post. I love and I believe kids love expository nonfiction. Thanks
I love your books and amusing them as mentor texts for my own. Would love a copy of your book and will share with my Jr high school library..
I really enjoyed reading your post. I just recently got to read Bone by Bone and loved it. I also write about science topics and your books are great mentor texts for me. Thank you.
This bird-lover loves A PEEK AT BEAKS! Such a great book. Congrats, Sara!