Betsy Bird
@fuse8.bsky.social
Blog about kids books? You bet (A Fuse #8 Production). Library degree? You know it. Books for kids? Five. Books for adults about kidlit? Two. Podcasts about kids books? One (Fuse 8 n’ Kate). Having fun! https://afuse8production.slj.com
Imagine a Pinter play as an informational book for kids, highlighting a natural disaster, and you'll have a sense of what author Mary Kay Carson has pulled off with her dual releases in 2026. Hear her words and see her covers! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/10/t...
The Rare Dual Cover Reveal: Mary Kay Carson Discuses Before It Was a Wildfire AND Before It Was a Hurricane!
Imagine a Pinter play as an informational book for kids, highlighting a natural disaster, and you'll have a sense of what author Mary Kay Carson has pulled off with her dual releases in 2026. Hear her...
afuse8production.slj.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Imagine a Pinter play as an informational book for kids, highlighting a natural disaster, and you'll have a sense of what author Mary Kay Carson has pulled off with her dual releases in 2026. Hear her words and see her covers! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/10/t...
We're a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour today, so let's celebrate one of the Honorees with our customary flair (and interview questions). #STBA #AJL #jewishbooks #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/09/s...
Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour: A Talk with Laura Gehl and Alexandra Colombo About My Body Can
We're a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour today, so let's celebrate one of the Honorees with our customary flair (and interview questions).
afuse8production.slj.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:16 PM
We're a stop on the Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour today, so let's celebrate one of the Honorees with our customary flair (and interview questions). #STBA #AJL #jewishbooks #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/09/s...
"It's just a book about a creative bunny." Due to a snafu, on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we review today's book a little earlier than we should have. Was it worth bending the rules? You'll have to listen to find out. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/09/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
afuse8production.slj.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:05 PM
"It's just a book about a creative bunny." Due to a snafu, on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we review today's book a little earlier than we should have. Was it worth bending the rules? You'll have to listen to find out. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/09/f...
Today we're viewing books from Barefoot Books, Beetle Books, Child's Play, Cicada Books, and Creston Books. Quite the line-up! Thanks @pubspotlight.bsky.social! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/08/p...
Publisher Spotlight Spring/Summer 2026 Preview (Part Two)
Today we're viewing books from Barefoot Books, Beetle Books, Child's Play, Cicada Books, and Creston Books. Quite the line-up!
afuse8production.slj.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Today we're viewing books from Barefoot Books, Beetle Books, Child's Play, Cicada Books, and Creston Books. Quite the line-up! Thanks @pubspotlight.bsky.social! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/08/p...
Today we check out the Spring & Fall books of @redcometpressbooks.bsky.social. Here are some highlights to whet your whistle for the months ahead (and restore your faith in humanity in general). #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/05/p...
February 5, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Today we check out the Spring & Fall books of @redcometpressbooks.bsky.social. Here are some highlights to whet your whistle for the months ahead (and restore your faith in humanity in general). #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/05/p...
Are you curious at all about this clever little Stonewall Honor winner by @stephcherrywell.com? Then I suspect you're going to truly enjoy my talk with its creator here today. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/04/a...
Avoiding the Purple Beret Conundrum: An Ink Witch Q&A with Steph Cherrywell
Are you curious at all about this clever little Stonewall Honor winner? Then I suspect you're going to truly enjoy my talk with its creator here today.
afuse8production.slj.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Are you curious at all about this clever little Stonewall Honor winner by @stephcherrywell.com? Then I suspect you're going to truly enjoy my talk with its creator here today. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/04/a...
There's something for everyone in today's @nosycrow.bsky.social preview. Picture books. Board books. Middle grade fiction. Nonfiction. Books for every possible taste, so we haven't a moment to waste. Let's get into it! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/03/n...
Nosy Crow Publisher Preview (Summer 2026)
There's something for everyone in today's preview. Picture books. Board books. Middle grade fiction. Nonfiction. Books for every possible taste, so we haven't a moment to waste. Let's get into it!
afuse8production.slj.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:13 PM
There's something for everyone in today's @nosycrow.bsky.social preview. Picture books. Board books. Middle grade fiction. Nonfiction. Books for every possible taste, so we haven't a moment to waste. Let's get into it! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/03/n...
Today, it's all about the fish. Fish and photography, baby. Flotsam turns 20 years old this year, so on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we finally have a chance to determine if it's a modern day classic or not. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/02/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Flotsam by David Wiesner
Today, it's all about the fish. Fish and photography, baby. Flotsam turns 20 years old this year, so we finally have a chance to determine if it's a modern day classic or not.
afuse8production.slj.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Today, it's all about the fish. Fish and photography, baby. Flotsam turns 20 years old this year, so on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we finally have a chance to determine if it's a modern day classic or not. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/02/f...
Sometimes an author just works themselves up to the book of a lifetime and you are lucky enough to watch that happen in real time. That’s pretty much what we have here . The kids that get to read this book for the first time are lucky too. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/01/r...
Review of the Day: A Scar Like a River by Lisa Graff
Sometimes an author just works themselves up to the book of a lifetime and you are lucky enough to watch that happen in real time. That’s pretty much what we have here. The kids that get to read this ...
afuse8production.slj.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Sometimes an author just works themselves up to the book of a lifetime and you are lucky enough to watch that happen in real time. That’s pretty much what we have here . The kids that get to read this book for the first time are lucky too. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/01/r...
We've a mere four titles in today's publisher preview with Elsewhere Editions of @archipelagobooks.bsky.social, but whatta four it is! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/30/e...
Elsewhere Editions Publisher Preview (Spring & Fall 2026)
We've a mere four titles in today's publisher preview but whatta four it is!
afuse8production.slj.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:14 PM
We've a mere four titles in today's publisher preview with Elsewhere Editions of @archipelagobooks.bsky.social, but whatta four it is! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/30/e...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
Amid ICE’s violent crackdown, two publishing professionals will host an online auction featuring more than 500 items and services donated by members of the industry, to benefit Minnesotans and immigrants buff.ly/V1dQfDD
January 29, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Amid ICE’s violent crackdown, two publishing professionals will host an online auction featuring more than 500 items and services donated by members of the industry, to benefit Minnesotans and immigrants buff.ly/V1dQfDD
Today, Elisha Cooper talks with us a bit about his latest title, as well as its debt to Where the Wild Things Are, PLUS he has a very nice rant about respecting children's art, and he also confesses which book did him in "in the best way". #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/28/a...
A Rare Bird of an Interview: A Talk with Elisha Cooper
Today, Elisha talks with us a bit about his latest title, as well as its debt to Where the Wild Things Are, PLUS he has a very nice rant about respecting children's art, and he also confesses which bo...
afuse8production.slj.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Today, Elisha Cooper talks with us a bit about his latest title, as well as its debt to Where the Wild Things Are, PLUS he has a very nice rant about respecting children's art, and he also confesses which book did him in "in the best way". #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/28/a...
Here's the full roster of the new ALA YMA winners (Newbery, Caldecott, etc.) including a collection of behind-the-scenes info with interviews, videos, and reviews of some of the titles. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/27/a...
ALA Youth Media Awards: The Interviews, Videos, and Behind-the-Scenes of the Winners
Here's the full roster of the new ALA YMA winners (Newbery, Caldecott, etc.) including a collection of behind-the-scenes info with interviews, videos, and reviews of some of the titles.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Here's the full roster of the new ALA YMA winners (Newbery, Caldecott, etc.) including a collection of behind-the-scenes info with interviews, videos, and reviews of some of the titles. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/27/a...
The ALA YMAs are starting and we are IN the room! Almost no publishers and virtually no authors or illustrators in the room. So strange…. And fun!!
January 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The ALA YMAs are starting and we are IN the room! Almost no publishers and virtually no authors or illustrators in the room. So strange…. And fun!!
A classic Boynton gets our official @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast treatment. How has it aged? I'll let you guess our answer to that one. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/26/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton
A classic Boynton gets our official podcast treatment. How has it aged? I'll let you guess our answer to that one.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:18 PM
A classic Boynton gets our official @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast treatment. How has it aged? I'll let you guess our answer to that one. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/26/f...
To wrap up our Pooh coverage, we end today with two Winnie-related releases and what they have to say about the silly old bear in the 21st century. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/23/w...
Winnie-the-Pooh Celebration Week: Day 5 – New Pooh-Related Titles Worth Exploring
To wrap up our Pooh coverage, we end today with two Winnie-related releases and what they have to say about the silly old bear in the 21st century.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:22 PM
To wrap up our Pooh coverage, we end today with two Winnie-related releases and what they have to say about the silly old bear in the 21st century. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/23/w...
Meet Lottie: My nemesis. For several years I was at war with this sweet little pearl-wearing otter. Sit back, kids. because I've a tale to tell. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/22/w...
Winnie-the-Pooh Celebration Week: Day 4 – The Strange Case of Lottie the Otter a.k.a. The Bane of My Existence
Meet Lottie: My nemesis. For several years I was at war with this sweet little pearl-wearing otter. Sit back, kids. because I've a tale to tell.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Meet Lottie: My nemesis. For several years I was at war with this sweet little pearl-wearing otter. Sit back, kids. because I've a tale to tell. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/22/w...
Today I pull two entirely different Pooh-related posts from my archives. One the one hand, a statue you can visit. On the other, a book you may have forgotten. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/21/w...
Winnie-the-Pooh Celebration Week: Day 3 – Statues and Lesser Known Histories
Today I pull two entirely different Pooh-related posts from my archives. One the one hand, a statue you can visit. On the other, a book you may have forgotten.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Today I pull two entirely different Pooh-related posts from my archives. One the one hand, a statue you can visit. On the other, a book you may have forgotten. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/21/w...
Note this one. One of the best of the best of the year already.
★ “Incisive and joyful” picture book GOLDFINCHES by late poet Mary Oliver and illustrator Melissa Sweet “tether[s] nest-building and art-making for a wondrous close that points to the generative meaning that can arise from paying attention”
Goldfinches by Mary Oliver
Sweet vibrantly illuminates an incisive and joyful work from the late poet Oliver in a picture book that takes the feel of a nat...
buff.ly
January 20, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Note this one. One of the best of the best of the year already.
Today's title shows kids that just because someone's name is on a book, they're just one of a large group of people, all working in tandem to make it the best possible literary experience. Naturally, questions abound. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/20/w...
Winnie-the-Pooh Celebration Week: Day 2 – How a Bear Became a Book: A Q&A with Annette Bay Pimental and Faith Pray
After reading today's book I realized that it's showing kids that just because someone's name is on a book, they're just one of a large group of people, all working in tandem to make it the best possi...
afuse8production.slj.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Today's title shows kids that just because someone's name is on a book, they're just one of a large group of people, all working in tandem to make it the best possible literary experience. Naturally, questions abound. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/20/w...
On the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast, it's our annual consideration of three potential Caldecott winners. I guarantee you'll be shocked by some of these reactions. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/20/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Caldecott Contenders 2026
It's our annual consideration of three potential Caldecott winners. I guarantee you'll be shocked by some of these reactions.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:15 PM
On the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast, it's our annual consideration of three potential Caldecott winners. I guarantee you'll be shocked by some of these reactions. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/20/f...
For Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th anniversary, we're considering his legacy. Today's tales concern the complicated feelings Pooh's creators felt towards him, as well as the later fights over where he'd make his permanent home. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/19/w...
Winnie-the-Pooh Celebration Week: Day 1 – The Complicated History of a Silly Old Bear
In celebration of Winnie-the-Pooh's 100 anniversary, we're taking the week to consider his legacy. Today's tales concern the complicated feelings Pooh's creators felt towards him when his success beca...
afuse8production.slj.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:18 PM
For Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th anniversary, we're considering his legacy. Today's tales concern the complicated feelings Pooh's creators felt towards him, as well as the later fights over where he'd make his permanent home. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/19/w...
"I wanted my readers to accept themselves, and speak their truths. And so I had to speak mine first." Shifa Safadi joins us to talk about what it truly takes to write an honest book for kids and to reveal the cover of this new middle grade work! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/15/c...
Cover Reveal and Q&A with Shifa Safadi: Sisters Alone
afuse8production.slj.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:09 PM
"I wanted my readers to accept themselves, and speak their truths. And so I had to speak mine first." Shifa Safadi joins us to talk about what it truly takes to write an honest book for kids and to reveal the cover of this new middle grade work! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/15/c...
"They aren’t the cookie-cutter tweens and tweens, or cookie-cutter Black characters, or cookie-cutter parts of cookie-cutter families. They are complicated and outsiders and more admirable and loveable for it." #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/14/f...
For Some Reason They Let me Interview Questlove & S.A. Cosby??? I’m Not Questioning It
afuse8production.slj.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:27 PM
"They aren’t the cookie-cutter tweens and tweens, or cookie-cutter Black characters, or cookie-cutter parts of cookie-cutter families. They are complicated and outsiders and more admirable and loveable for it." #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/14/f...
"CELEBRATE PERSON!" That's what I've always felt that this Doreen Cronin series (and their Big Face Book Jackets) says. But this book is, to my mind, the Martin Luther King book to beat all other Martin Luther King books. Agree? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/14/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, ill. Bryan Collier
afuse8production.slj.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:15 PM
"CELEBRATE PERSON!" That's what I've always felt that this Doreen Cronin series (and their Big Face Book Jackets) says. But this book is, to my mind, the Martin Luther King book to beat all other Martin Luther King books. Agree? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/14/f...