Short Bio:
Kirsten used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids and grown ups too. Kirsten is the author of the picture books: Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Calkins Creek, 2020), A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion, 2021), The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023), and This Is How You Know, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little, Brown, 2025). She also is the author of the middle grade, graphic nonfiction, Light of Resistance, illustrated by Barbara McClintock, (Roaring Brook, 2025), along with 30 nonfiction books for the school and library market. Kirsten has drawn on her revision superpower to create the craft book, Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A Step-By-Step Revision Guide (Both/And, 2023). Kirsten lives near Los Angeles with her husband, lhasa-poo, and two curious kids. Her house is filled with LEGOs, laughter, and lots of books!
Kirsten is a member of The Soaring 20s picture book group. Follow her on social media @kirstenwlarson. Click here to sign up for occasional news and updates about Kirsten’s books, speaking engagements, and more. She also teaches at The Writing Barn and serves as a nonfiction and query corner “elf” for Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Writing Challenge.
Kirsten is represented by Lara Perkins of Andrea Brown Literary.
Kirsten W. Larson 
Thanks Sandi! I should say I “survived” the 10K. I’d like to run another, but that’s about the upper limit of what my aging body can do. Ha, ha.
Hi right back at you, Emily! I love that so many of us in children’s writing come from such disparate worlds. I’ve met former engineers, lawyers, scientists. Welcome to our happy little PPBF group.