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
How does an able-bodied person write about a person with disabilities and do it without their own assumptions and discomfort getting in the way? A talk with author Seema Yasmin of an incredible new chapter book bio. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/14/p...
Palestinian. American. Comedian. Disabled. A Talk with Seema Yasmin About Maysoon Zayid: The Girl Who Can Can
How does an able-bodied person write about a person with disabilities and do it without their own assumptions and discomfort getting in the way? A talk with the author of an incredible new chapter boo...
afuse8production.slj.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:30 PM
How does an able-bodied person write about a person with disabilities and do it without their own assumptions and discomfort getting in the way? A talk with author Seema Yasmin of an incredible new chapter book bio. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/14/p...
"I really wanted to do a story about people playing across abilities – the way my kids and their friends play. Deal with the logistics later, the first step is the imagination. Adventuring for the sake of adventure." We talk with Howie Shia. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/13/t...
“These tiny people are going to save the world.” A Ra! Ta! Ma! Cue! Talk with Howie Shia
afuse8production.slj.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:12 PM
"I really wanted to do a story about people playing across abilities – the way my kids and their friends play. Deal with the logistics later, the first step is the imagination. Adventuring for the sake of adventure." We talk with Howie Shia. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/13/t...
"Death is very confusing to the living, and stories can help us navigate the strange displacement in the wake of bereavement." A talk with Kevin Maillard and Rafael López about a necessary book for a modern age. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/12/f...
For the Inevitable Tough Moments: A Talk with Kevin Maillard and Rafael López about And They Walk On
afuse8production.slj.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:04 PM
"Death is very confusing to the living, and stories can help us navigate the strange displacement in the wake of bereavement." A talk with Kevin Maillard and Rafael López about a necessary book for a modern age. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/12/f...
"She had so much hope for saving this planet. We mustn’t disappoint Jane." We talk today with Jane Goodall's picture book biographer Patrick McDonnell about her life and legacy. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/11/m...
Memorium…Jane: Patrick McDonnell Discusses Jane Goodall
afuse8production.slj.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:13 PM
"She had so much hope for saving this planet. We mustn’t disappoint Jane." We talk today with Jane Goodall's picture book biographer Patrick McDonnell about her life and legacy. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/11/m...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
some years, Circulatory System Walking Through the Kitchen Day just completely sneaks up on you
November 10, 2025 at 1:28 PM
some years, Circulatory System Walking Through the Kitchen Day just completely sneaks up on you
And the official trend of 2025 children's literature is... gushy yellow fruit for the win! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/10/a...
All Hail the Year of the Banana: The Official Children’s Literature Trend of 2025
And the official trend of 2025 children's literature is... gushy yellow fruit for the win!
afuse8production.slj.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:08 PM
And the official trend of 2025 children's literature is... gushy yellow fruit for the win! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/10/a...
I'm prepping for my 31 Days, 31 Lists extravaganza in December, particularly the holiday list. This year I've seen a SLEW of spectacular Hanukkah titles, but far less memorable Christmas ones. The exception? I am QUITE fond of @adamrex.bsky.social's latest. Behold:
#The13thDayofChristmas
#The13thDayofChristmas
November 9, 2025 at 10:28 PM
I'm prepping for my 31 Days, 31 Lists extravaganza in December, particularly the holiday list. This year I've seen a SLEW of spectacular Hanukkah titles, but far less memorable Christmas ones. The exception? I am QUITE fond of @adamrex.bsky.social's latest. Behold:
#The13thDayofChristmas
#The13thDayofChristmas
Reposted by Betsy Bird
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
Shapes! Shrews! History! Legalese! And, to top it all off, speculation on whether or not life as any meaning. It's a slew of interesting books in today's publisher preview from @pubspotlight.bsky.social! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/07/m...
Myrick Marketing/Publisher Spotlight Publishing Preview (Fall 2025): Cicada Books, Creston Books, and Cuento de Luz
Shapes! Shrews! History! Legalese! And, to top it all off, speculation on whether or not life as any meaning. It's a slew of interesting books in today's preview.
afuse8production.slj.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Shapes! Shrews! History! Legalese! And, to top it all off, speculation on whether or not life as any meaning. It's a slew of interesting books in today's publisher preview from @pubspotlight.bsky.social! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/07/m...
Want to start your own children's book magazine? Why not talk to someone who has? SHELF is a remarkable new addition to periodical collections everywhere, and we talk to its founder. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/06/p...
Periodically Pleasing: A Talk with Helen Hancocks of SHELF
Want to start your own children's book magazine? Why not talk to someone who has? SHELF is a remarkable new addition to periodical collections everywhere, and we talk to its founder.
afuse8production.slj.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Want to start your own children's book magazine? Why not talk to someone who has? SHELF is a remarkable new addition to periodical collections everywhere, and we talk to its founder. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/06/p...
Just in time for Native American Heritage Month we've a preview of Diné cartoonist, zinester, and librarian @jooliefiveash.bsky.social's upcoming graphic novel debut! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/05/a...
A Soggy Stump Deep Dive: Preview THE FROGGY LIBRARY by Julie Fiveash
Just in time for Native American Heritage Month we've a preview of Diné cartoonist, zinester, and librarian Julie Fiveash's upcoming graphic novel debut!
afuse8production.slj.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Just in time for Native American Heritage Month we've a preview of Diné cartoonist, zinester, and librarian @jooliefiveash.bsky.social's upcoming graphic novel debut! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/05/a...
Folks, I think it's fair to say that the Persian myths on your library shelves are in serious need of an upgrade. Happily, one is here, and we're talking about it today. I talk with Ryan Bani Tahmaseb about the rather gorgeous PERSIAN MYTHOLOGY #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/04/g...
“… good and evil, life and death, order and chaos.” We’re Talking Persian Mythology Today with Ryan Bani Tahmaseb
Folks, I think it's fair to say that the Persian myths on your library shelves are in serious need of an upgrade. Happily, one is here, and we're talking about it today.
afuse8production.slj.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Folks, I think it's fair to say that the Persian myths on your library shelves are in serious need of an upgrade. Happily, one is here, and we're talking about it today. I talk with Ryan Bani Tahmaseb about the rather gorgeous PERSIAN MYTHOLOGY #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/04/g...
"Then she was smoked, delicately. She was delicately smoked. Delicately smoked was she." Like it when your picture book protagonists are killed off halfway through a book? Then you're gonna LOVE today's book on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/03/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Arlene Sardine by Chris Raschka
afuse8production.slj.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:08 PM
"Then she was smoked, delicately. She was delicately smoked. Delicately smoked was she." Like it when your picture book protagonists are killed off halfway through a book? Then you're gonna LOVE today's book on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/03/f...
Visit a land that's more like, "a tale from folklore, rather than in a magical fictional setting." We talk Pumpkin Kings (and their living wards) with Steven Banbury. #kidlit #halloween 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/31/h...
Happy Halloween! And What Better Time for a Pumpkin Princess Q&A with Steven Banbury?
Visit a land that's more like,
afuse8production.slj.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Visit a land that's more like, "a tale from folklore, rather than in a magical fictional setting." We talk Pumpkin Kings (and their living wards) with Steven Banbury. #kidlit #halloween 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/31/h...
You lucky ducks. You're getting an extra special sneak peek of Evanston Public Library's illustrious year end list of some of the best children's books of 2025. Enjoy! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/29/a...
Announcing Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids: 2025 Edition!!
You lucky ducks. You're getting an extra special sneak peek of Evanston Public Library's illustrious year end list of some of the best children's books of 2025. Enjoy!
afuse8production.slj.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:19 AM
You lucky ducks. You're getting an extra special sneak peek of Evanston Public Library's illustrious year end list of some of the best children's books of 2025. Enjoy! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/29/a...
Would you like to hear a story? A true one? One told by Laurie Halse Anderson? Discover the tale of how Abigail Adams inoculated her family against smallpox, and see the repackage of Anderson's Fever 1793. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/28/c...
Cover Repackage Reveal: Laurie Halse Anderson Talks Abigail Adams, Disease, and FEVER 1793
Would you like to hear a story? A true one? One told by Laurie Halse Anderson? Discover the tale of how Abigail Adams inoculated her family against smallpox, and see the repackage of Anderson's Fever ...
afuse8production.slj.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Would you like to hear a story? A true one? One told by Laurie Halse Anderson? Discover the tale of how Abigail Adams inoculated her family against smallpox, and see the repackage of Anderson's Fever 1793. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/28/c...
Oh no! It's a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Situation! We tackle our first Dav Pilkey on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast and stumble on an overly familiar trope. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/27/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
Oh no! It's a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Situation! We tackle our first Dav Pilkey and stumble on an overly familiar trope.
afuse8production.slj.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Oh no! It's a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Situation! We tackle our first Dav Pilkey on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast and stumble on an overly familiar trope. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/27/f...
Memory and nostalgia in a Hmong home in St. Paul fuels this enticing picture book. I talk with the creators to learn more about nostalgia and the role architecture plays in our memories. 📚👍 #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/23/t...
The Blue House I Loved: A Q&A with Creators Kao Kalia Yang and Jen Shin
Memory and nostalgia in a Hmong home in St. Paul fuels this enticing picture book. I talk with the creators to learn more about nostalgia and the role architecture plays in our memories.
afuse8production.slj.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Memory and nostalgia in a Hmong home in St. Paul fuels this enticing picture book. I talk with the creators to learn more about nostalgia and the role architecture plays in our memories. 📚👍 #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/23/t...
This season, we're seeing books about Nowruz and architectural spiders, reluctant frogs and inadvertently heroic wolves. It's all here! Come look! 📚👍 #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/22/p...
Publisher Preview: NorthSouth Books (Spring 2026)
This season, we're seeing books about Nowruz and architectural spiders, reluctant frogs and inadvertently heroic wolves. It's all here! Come look!
afuse8production.slj.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:14 AM
This season, we're seeing books about Nowruz and architectural spiders, reluctant frogs and inadvertently heroic wolves. It's all here! Come look! 📚👍 #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/22/p...
As Jeff Kinney's 20th Wimpy Kid book comes out today I reminisce about his early days and then we chat about buses, bookstores, and more. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/21/t...
Think Pink! A Party Pooper Q&A with Jeff Kinney
As Jeff Kinney's 20th Wimpy Kid book comes out today I reminisce about his early days and then we chat about buses, bookstores, and more.
afuse8production.slj.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:10 AM
As Jeff Kinney's 20th Wimpy Kid book comes out today I reminisce about his early days and then we chat about buses, bookstores, and more. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/21/t...
In our latest consideration for Halloween, on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we discuss the difficulty of saying the term "anapestic tetrameter" aloud and (I won't lie) we may use the term "badonkadonk" more than once. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/20/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss
In our latest consideration for Halloween, Kate and I discuss the difficulty of saying the term
afuse8production.slj.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:10 AM
In our latest consideration for Halloween, on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we discuss the difficulty of saying the term "anapestic tetrameter" aloud and (I won't lie) we may use the term "badonkadonk" more than once. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/20/f...
I’ve noticed something about Daniel Nayeri. With every middle grade novel for kids that he writes he gets a little bit funnier. A little bit faster. And this latest title? It’s a little bit one of the best books of the year. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/17/r...
Review of the Day: The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
I’ve noticed something about Daniel Nayeri. With every middle grade novel for kids that he writes he gets a little bit sharper. A little bit sleeker. A little bit funnier. A little bit faster. And thi...
afuse8production.slj.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:11 AM
I’ve noticed something about Daniel Nayeri. With every middle grade novel for kids that he writes he gets a little bit funnier. A little bit faster. And this latest title? It’s a little bit one of the best books of the year. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/17/r...
"... this time, the picture book format chose me. Picture books break down BIG feelings and ideas in quick, easy ways. The format helped me break down my big feelings." A talk with @torreymaldonado.bsky.social! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/16/a...
A Just Right Q&A with Torrey Maldonado
afuse8production.slj.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM
"... this time, the picture book format chose me. Picture books break down BIG feelings and ideas in quick, easy ways. The format helped me break down my big feelings." A talk with @torreymaldonado.bsky.social! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/16/a...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
Join us for a FREE #Webinar on Nov. 5th!
Hosted by Betsy Bird (@fuse8.bsky.social), five publishers will chat about their forthcoming books!
Register here: ow.ly/Os3J50XbchX%...
P.S. All participants will be entered for a #BookGiveaway 🎉
#IndieKidsBookBuzz #NewBooks #KidLit #BookSky #BookWebinar
Hosted by Betsy Bird (@fuse8.bsky.social), five publishers will chat about their forthcoming books!
Register here: ow.ly/Os3J50XbchX%...
P.S. All participants will be entered for a #BookGiveaway 🎉
#IndieKidsBookBuzz #NewBooks #KidLit #BookSky #BookWebinar
October 15, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Join us for a FREE #Webinar on Nov. 5th!
Hosted by Betsy Bird (@fuse8.bsky.social), five publishers will chat about their forthcoming books!
Register here: ow.ly/Os3J50XbchX%...
P.S. All participants will be entered for a #BookGiveaway 🎉
#IndieKidsBookBuzz #NewBooks #KidLit #BookSky #BookWebinar
Hosted by Betsy Bird (@fuse8.bsky.social), five publishers will chat about their forthcoming books!
Register here: ow.ly/Os3J50XbchX%...
P.S. All participants will be entered for a #BookGiveaway 🎉
#IndieKidsBookBuzz #NewBooks #KidLit #BookSky #BookWebinar
In need of a picker upper? How about a book for kids that documents how Field Museum scientists do fieldwork to save the Amazon rainforest? A talk and a trailer premiere with @jenswanbooks.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/15/b...
Book Trailer Premiere: 3 Weeks in the Rainforest and a Q&A with Jennifer Swanson Q&A
In need of a picker upper? How about a book for kids that documents how Field Museum scientists do fieldwork to save the Amazon rainforest? A talk and a trailer premiere.
afuse8production.slj.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:18 AM
In need of a picker upper? How about a book for kids that documents how Field Museum scientists do fieldwork to save the Amazon rainforest? A talk and a trailer premiere with @jenswanbooks.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/10/15/b...