Betsy Bird

Betsy Bird

@fuse8.bsky.social

Blog about kids books? You bet (A Fuse #8 Production). Library degree? You know it. Books for kids? Seven. Books for adults about kidlit? Two. Podcasts about kids books? One (Fuse 8 n’ Kate). Having fun! https://afuse8production.slj.com

4.9K followers196 following1.2K posts

Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

We tackle the spooky urtext. Today on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we see whether or not Kate can identify the morals on these pages by reading a copy of this book that is printed entirely in the original German. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/26/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFuse 8 n' Kate: Der Struwwelpeter by Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann - A Fuse #8 ProductionWe tackle the spooky urtext. Today, we see whether or not Kate can identify the morals on these pages by reading a copy of this book that is printed entirely in the original German.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"..this book wouldn’t really be a traditional biography or a traditional picture book. It’s something different." Today I interview two creators about their new book featuring their kickass aunt. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/22/a...

afuse8production.slj.comA Family Connection in More Ways Than One: Jen Loren and Caldecott Winner Rebecca Lee Kunz Discuss Ruth Muskrat and the So-Called Indian Problem - A Fuse #8 Production"..this book wouldn’t really be a traditional biography or a traditional picture book. It’s something different. This book would take us back and forth through time and generations, to help readers un...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Boy, the hits just keep on coming. You know how much I love the little guys too. The small publishers that put out books that are worthy of consideration but often don't show up in your feeds. Enjoy the bounty via @pubspotlight.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/21/p...

afuse8production.slj.comPublisher Preview: Beaming Books, Beetle Books, and Berbay Publishing - A Fuse #8 ProductionBoy, the hits just keep on coming. You know how much I love the little guys too. The small publishers that put out books that are worthy of consideration but often don't show up in your feeds or store...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

This is for the kid who saw Stranger Things from behind the couch when their older brother was watching it and feels like, "I can take it, man." We discuss Arnold Lobel's spookiest story on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/19/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFuse 8 n' Kate - Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep by Jack Prelutsky, ill. Arnold Lobel - A Fuse #8 ProductionThis is for the kid who saw Stranger Things from behind the couch when their older brother was watching it and feels like, "I can take it, man."
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"Listen, anyone who’s familiar with my previous works knows that I love a terrible little guy." We're talking about the hottest trans fantasy of 2026 for kids with author H.E. Edgmon himself. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/15/d...

afuse8production.slj.comDismantling the “Perfect Victim” Myth. It's a Realmsweep Q&A with H.E. Edgmon - A Fuse #8 Production"Listen, anyone who’s familiar with my previous works knows that I love a terrible little guy." We're talking about the hottest trans fantasy of 2026 for kids with the author himself.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

When Kirkus tells you about, "A mysterious and enchanting tale with an endearing, pickpocketing protagonist" you may naturally grow curious. Learn more with a talk with the author herself. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/14/p...

afuse8production.slj.comPickpocketing Protagonist Alert! It's the Cover Reveal and Q&A for THE VANISHING ORPHANS OF ALVANOR with Callie C. Miller - A Fuse #8 ProductionWhen Kirkus tells you about, "A mysterious and enchanting tale with an endearing, pickpocketing protagonist" you may naturally grow curious. Learn more with a talk with the author herself.

Betsy Bird reposted

Melissa Stewart
@mstewartscience.bsky.social

Teachers! Librarians! Writers! How Many Books Were Honored by the Sibert and Orbis Pictus Committees in the Same Year? melissanonfiction.substack.com/p/how-many-b... @ncte.org @nctecla.bsky.social @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social @aaslala.bsky.social @fuse8.bsky.social

melissanonfiction.substack.comHow Many Books Were Honored by the Sibert and Orbis Pictus Committees in the Same Year?Last spring, I wrote a total of six blog posts analyzing the winners and honor recipients of the top nonfiction awards for children’s books—the ALA’s Sibert Award and NCTE’s Orbis Pictus Award—in this...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Who knew strolls through playgrounds after the kids have finished their Halloween parades could prove so creatively fruitful? We discuss the latest spookytime picture book to hit your shelves this season . #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/13/a...

afuse8production.slj.comAutumnal Revelry of the Spooky Sort: It's a Haunted Playground Q&A with R.J. Palacio and Brett Helquist - A Fuse #8 ProductionWho knew strolls through playgrounds after the kids have finished their Halloween parades could prove so creatively fruitful? We discuss the latest spookytime picture book to hit your shelves this sea...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

The lone "horror" book in Carle's catalog (or so says Travis Jonker). I mean... how could we not consider it on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast after that statement? But is it a forgotten gem or a book justly swept under the rug of history? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/12/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFuse 8 n' Kate: A Ghost Story by Bill Martin Jr., ill. Eric Carle - A Fuse #8 ProductionThe lone "horror" book in Carle's catalog (or so says Travis Jonker). I mean... how could we not consider it after that statement? But is it a forgotten gem or a book justly swept under the rug of his...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

When you find something this intelligent, beautiful and, yes, on occasion, funny, that’s a book worth holding on to tight. I review a fabulous nonfiction Korean import from @helvetiq.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/10/r...

afuse8production.slj.comReview of the Day: Borders by Gudol, ill. Haerang, translated by Sophie Bowman - A Fuse #8 ProductionWhen you find something this intelligent, beautiful and, yes, on occasion, funny, that’s a book worth holding on to tight. I review a fabulous Korean import.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"James and the Giant Peach by way of The Muppet Movie, with the adventurous high spirits and the meta-framing of The Princess Bride and the lush weirdness of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away." It's the cover of @iamjameskennedy.bsky.social's latest. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/09/i...

afuse8production.slj.comIt's Time to Behold! the Legend of Frogboy with a Cover Reveal and Q&A with the Genius That Is James Kennedy!!! - A Fuse #8 Production"James and the Giant Peach by way of The Muppet Movie, with the adventurous high spirits and the meta-framing of The Princess Bride and the lush weirdness of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away." If that s...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

How do you talk about a book that has already been so widely discussed? A challenge indeed.

The Horn Book@thehornbook.bsky.social

#CallingCaldecott: @fuse8.bsky.social on @annewynter.bsky.social + Micha Archer's WHILE WE'RE HERE ( @clarionbooks.bsky.social / @harperkids.bsky.social ): "True #Caldecott winners combine beauty + expertise w/ the ability to grab hold of [your heart] + not let go" www.hbook.com/story/while-...

hbook.comWhile We're HereBetsy Bird drills down on what the termdistinguished means in the Caldecott criteriaas she considers While We're Here, illustrated by Micha Archer, written by Anne Wynter.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

What do Seinfeld, the Pink Panther, and the Sneetches have in common? They're all influences on one of the grooviest and funniest picture books of the year. I talk to its creator to learn more. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/06/t...

afuse8production.slj.comTeam Spots or Team Stripes? A Do You Like My Pants? Q&A with Carrie Shyrock - A Fuse #8 ProductionWhat do Seinfeld, the Pink Panther, and the Sneetches have in common? They're all influences on one of the grooviest and funniest picture books of the year. I talk to its creator to learn more.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"Dead's dead. But I'm alive. And I could use some boots." This book is... different, let's say, and we are HERE for it! If you haven't encountered it before, prepare yourself for a heckuva thing on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/05/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFuse 8 n' Kate: Cold Feet by Cynthia DeFelice, ill. Robert Andrew Parker - A Fuse #8 Production"Dead's dead. But I'm alive. And I could use some boots." This book is... different, let's say, and we are HERE for it! If you haven't encountered it before, prepare yourself for a heckuva thing.

Betsy Bird reposted

Penguin School & Library
@penguinschoollib.bsky.social

A must read interview about the year's weirdest novel for kids!

Betsy Bird@fuse8.bsky.social

When one of the most engaging novels for kids of the year involves severed pinky toes, ominous packs of wild dogs, and rusty, unsettling metal buckets, then it's time to ask @aaronstarmer.bsky.social some questions. An ideal way to kick of October. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/02/t...

afuse8production.slj.comThe Uncanny: Five Questions for Aaron Starmer on You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This - A Fuse #8 ProductionWhen one of the most engaging novels for kids of the year involves severed pinky toes, ominous packs of wild dogs, and rusty, unsettling metal buckets, then it's time to ask its author some questions.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

When one of the most engaging novels for kids of the year involves severed pinky toes, ominous packs of wild dogs, and rusty, unsettling metal buckets, then it's time to ask @aaronstarmer.bsky.social some questions. An ideal way to kick of October. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/02/t...

afuse8production.slj.comThe Uncanny: Five Questions for Aaron Starmer on You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This - A Fuse #8 ProductionWhen one of the most engaging novels for kids of the year involves severed pinky toes, ominous packs of wild dogs, and rusty, unsettling metal buckets, then it's time to ask its author some questions.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

A discussion of balikbayan boxes, "the slowest, most meaningful love letters." Author and journalist @carrenjao.bsky.social delves deep into not simply her book, but the state of Filipino stories in the larger culture today. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/10/01/c...

afuse8production.slj.comCelebrate Filipino American History Month: A Q&A Balikbayan Box Full of The Shape of Love by Carren Jao - A Fuse #8 ProductionA discussion of balikbayan boxes, "the slowest, most meaningful love letters." Author and journalist Carren Jao delves deep into not simply her book, but the state of Filipino stories in the larger cu...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

If Maurice Sendak, Nora Ephron, Patty, & Bob Odenkirk were all fans of a bizarre cult-classic picture book from the 1970s, wouldn't you want to learn more? We host the charming & loquacious Mark Alan Stamaty in celebration of his newest re-release. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/30/w...

afuse8production.slj.comWho Needs Donuts When You've Got Lovely Interviews Like This? A Talk with Mark Alan Stamaty - A Fuse #8 ProductionIf Maurice Sendak, Nora Ephron, Patty, and Bob Odenkirk were all fans of a bizarre cult-classic picture book from the 1970s, wouldn't you want to learn more? We host the charming and loquacious Mark A...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Into the Blabeyverse we go, my children. Let's deep dive into some tried and true science fiction and environmental stewardship from the man who brought us the Bad Guys and so much more. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/29/k...

afuse8production.slj.comKids Experiencing Bad Guys Withdrawal? Let This Aaron Blabey Q&A About Game of Pets Fill the Void - A Fuse #8 ProductionInto the Blabeyverse we go, my children. Let's deep dive into some tried and true science fiction and environmental stewardship from the man who brought us the Bad Guys and so much more.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"We were hoping to help readers, writers, teachers, librarians and students all connect around the humanizing powers of reading and writing together." A talk with two powerhouse authors/podcasters. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/25/d...

afuse8production.slj.comDiCamillo! Yang! Talking! Right Here! It's a Dive Into the StoryKind Podcast with Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang - A Fuse #8 Production"We were hoping to help readers, writers, teachers, librarians and students all connect around the humanizing powers of reading and writing together." A talk with two powerhouse authors/podcasters.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"Cons! Frauds! Good old-fashioned hornswoggling! It’s a rich vein." Join a discussion of writing about that all-American shyster, Charles Ponzi in this discussion with Nicholas Day about his latest. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/24/h...

afuse8production.slj.comGive 'em the Old Razzle Dazzle: A Cover Reveal and Q&A with Nicholas Day for Get Rich Quick - A Fuse #8 Production"Cons! Frauds! Good old-fashioned hornswoggling! It’s a rich vein." Join a discussion of writing about that all-American shyster, Charles Ponzi.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"I think I just find it difficult to leave these newly discovered universes behind when they still seem to have so much unexplored potential." We learn all there is to know about the much anticipated Spaceman sequel today! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/23/c...

afuse8production.slj.comCover Reveal: A Spaceman Returns and We Talk with Randy Cecil About Why - A Fuse #8 Production"I think I just find it difficult to leave these newly discovered universes behind when they still seem to have so much unexplored potential." We learn all there is to know about this much anticipated...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Today on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we consider a tale of tricking the trickster with a good old-fashioned existential crisis. A title I could have sworn we already did on our podcast, but, until now, has left a great gaping hole. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/21/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFuse 8 n' Kate: Flossie and the Fox by Patricia C. McKissack, ill. Rachel Isadora - A Fuse #8 ProductionToday we consider a tale of tricking the trickster with a good old-fashioned existential crisis. A title I could have sworn we already did on our podcast, but, until now, has left a great gaping hole.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Today is International Day of Peace. With that in mind, we focus on a picture book that considers war, but with the focus squarely on the animals. A discussion with Ukrainian artist Margaryta Winker. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/21/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFor the International Day of Peace: A Homecoming Cover Reveal and Q&A with Margaryta Winkler - A Fuse #8 ProductionToday is International Day of Peace. With that in mind, we focus on a picture book that considers war, but with the focus squarely on the animals. A discussion with a Ukrainian artist.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Maybe you saw the Netflix documentary. Maybe you owned one yourself. Or maybe this is a all new to you. We talk with the creators of an upcoming picture book bio about their truly cool title. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/17/e...

afuse8production.slj.com"Excellence, expertise, and Black Joy." A Black Barbie Discussion with Dinah Johnson and Laura Freeman - A Fuse #8 ProductionMaybe you saw the Netflix documentary. Maybe you owned one yourself. Or maybe this is a all new to you. We talk with the creators of an upcoming picture book bio about their truly cool title.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

It's that time again! Time for the penultimate prediction post for the upcoming award season. We've all notched a few more reads at this point, and things are starting to solidify in our brains. So! Who's it gonna be? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/16/n...

afuse8production.slj.comNewbery/Caldecott 2027: Fall Prediction Edition - A Fuse #8 ProductionIt's that time again! Time for the penultimate prediction post for the upcoming award season. We've all notched a few more reads at this point, and things are starting to solidify in our brains. So! W...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Constipated and enraged. Today we feel that it is time to smack people awake with the cover reveal of the century of @elizakinkz.bsky.social's latest picture book RATFACE DOES NOT WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/15/c...

afuse8production.slj.comGreat Interview or THE GREATEST Interview? The Cover Reveal and Q&A of Ratface Does Not Want to Be Your Friend by Eliza Kinkz - A Fuse #8 ProductionConstipated and enraged. Today we feel that it is time to smack people awake with the cover reveal of the century.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Migration, whether it's by humans or insects, is the subject of today's book. We dive, and dive deeply, into its origins and the choices its creators made along the way with creators Belen Medina & @juanamartinezn.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/15/m...

afuse8production.slj.comMagical Realism, Colored Pencils, and the Story of Migration: We Discuss Mariposa's Journey with Creators Belen Medina and Juana Martinez-Neal - A Fuse #8 ProductionMigration, whether it's by humans or insects, is the subject of today's book. We dive, and dive deeply, into its origins and the choices its creators made along the way.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Not only is Mexikid Dreams good, it may even be better than its predecessor. But how? I talk with its creator, Pedro Martín, today to try to figure out how this could have happened. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/10/m...

afuse8production.slj.comMexikid 2: Electric Boogaloo. Truthfully, It's Called Mexikid Dreams. Look, I'm Just Excited to Talk to Pedro Martín Today. - A Fuse #8 ProductionNot only is Mexikid Dreams good, it may even be better than its predecessor. But how? I talk with its creator today to try to figure out how this could have happened.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

I know I'm not supposed to have favs, but this preview of @postwavebooks.bsky.social, Tapioca Stories & @tigertalesbooks.bsky.social via @pubspotlight.bsky.social contains titles that I am PARTICULARLY excited about. Read on to see why. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/09/p...

afuse8production.slj.comPublisher Preview (Fall 2026): Post Wave, Tapioca Stories & Walker Books - A Fuse #8 ProductionI know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but some of the books in this preview are titles that I am PARTICULARLY excited about. Read on to see why.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

"The story of the brave, clever and loving, common man - the longshoreman shrew, the builder mole. Indeed, I felt as if Brian wanted to celebrate common folk, from the largest to the smallest." Today we celebrate an iconic series. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/08/t...

afuse8production.slj.comThe 40-Year-Old Icon: A Redwall Celebration with Editor Patti Lee Gauch and Illustrator Sean Rubin - A Fuse #8 Production"The story of the brave, clever and loving, common man - the longshoreman shrew, the builder mole. Indeed, I felt as if Brian wanted to celebrate common folk, from the largest to the smallest." Today ...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

I, for one, stand behind this book's message, which I interpret as "Trains shouldn't go off their rails because they could freakin' kill someone!" We discuss that old Chestnut TOOTLE on the @fuse8.bsky.social podcast today. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/07/f...

afuse8production.slj.comFuse 8 n' Kate: Tootle by Gertrude Crampton, ill. Tibor Gergely - A Fuse #8 ProductionI, for one, stand behind this book's message, which I interpret as "Trains shouldn't go off their rails because they could freakin' kill someone!"
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Anxious children, kids that feel deeply for animals, and those who are worried about some big change will all relate to what Goodbye, Koi is telling them: sometimes, you have to give up what's familiar for a chance to glimpse the sky. #kidllit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/04/r...

afuse8production.slj.comReview of the Day: Goodbye, Koi by Jack Wong - A Fuse #8 ProductionAnxious children, kids that feel deeply for animals, and young people who are worried about some big change in their lives will all be able to particularly relate to what Goodbye, Koi is telling them:...
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

Piratical picture book process is the name of the game today. Two creators discuss everything from Edward Gorey to Muppet Treasure Island. I host a discussion between @melindabeatty.com & Stefano Tambellini about What Is a Pirate? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/03/w...

afuse8production.slj.comWhat Is a Pirate? Creators Melinda Beatty and Stefano Tambellini Hash It Out - A Fuse #8 ProductionPiratical process is the name of the game today. Two creators discuss everything from Edward Gorey to Muppet Treasure Island.
Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social

A gorgeous array of books from all kinds of different voices. We're pulling out all the stops today for a list you are not going to want to miss this fall. It's a publisher preview of @levinequerido.bsky.social titles! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/09/02/p...

afuse8production.slj.comPublisher Preview: Levine Querido (Fall/Winter 2026) - A Fuse #8 ProductionA gorgeous array of books from all kinds of different voices. We're pulling out all the stops today for a list you are not going to want to miss this fall.

Betsy Bird reposted

Lawrence Schimel
@lawrenceschimel.bsky.social

My dad (92 years old!) has lost his lease in #NYC because building was sold. He must be out of the office by end of the year. So if you or anyone you know might be interested in #vintage #beads, #stones, #crystals, #chain, or other #jewelry parts or supplies, check out CJSSales.com Please share!