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
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...
Am I right? Does it matter? Let's have some fun blindly throwing darts at a wall. It's my Final Newbery/Caldecott Prediction Post. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/13/n...
Newbery/Caldecott 2026: Final Prediction Edition
Am I right? Does it matter? Let's have some fun blindly throwing darts at a wall.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Am I right? Does it matter? Let's have some fun blindly throwing darts at a wall. It's my Final Newbery/Caldecott Prediction Post. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/13/n...
What if you could assign any illustrator to any out-of-print children's book? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/12/t...
The Out-of-Print: A Proposal (with a Rabbit hOle Twist)
What if you could assign any illustrator to any out-of-print children's book?
afuse8production.slj.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:24 PM
What if you could assign any illustrator to any out-of-print children's book? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/12/t...
This book works its way into the fissures and cracks of children's gray matter, affecting their reading preferences for, potentially, their entire life. For that to happen, you need something a little weird, and special. You need a book like this. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/09/r...
Review of the Day: The House With Nobody In It by Jon Klassen
This book works its way into the fissures and cracks of children's gray matter, affecting their reading preferences for, potentially, their entire life. For that to happen, you need something a little...
afuse8production.slj.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:12 PM
This book works its way into the fissures and cracks of children's gray matter, affecting their reading preferences for, potentially, their entire life. For that to happen, you need something a little weird, and special. You need a book like this. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/09/r...
"How do I acknowledge the harm without letting it dominate the story or overshadow the light? How can I stay truthful about the past while keeping the focus on queer joy?" Learn the answers to these questions in this glorious cover reveal and Q&A. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/08/c...
Cover Reveal and Q&A: A Place to Dance by Eric Rosswood with Richard Lamberty, and illustrated by Vincent Chen
afuse8production.slj.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:12 PM
"How do I acknowledge the harm without letting it dominate the story or overshadow the light? How can I stay truthful about the past while keeping the focus on queer joy?" Learn the answers to these questions in this glorious cover reveal and Q&A. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/08/c...
Today we turn again to the small publishers, seeing what they have coming out. Get ready for books from Beaming Books, Eternal Tree Books, NSTA Kids, and Shout Mouse Press. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/07/p...
Publisher Spotlight Spring/Summer 2026 Preview!
Today we turn again to the small publishers, seeing what they have coming out. Get ready for books from Beaming Books, Eternal Tree Books, NSTA Kids, and Shout Mouse Press
afuse8production.slj.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Today we turn again to the small publishers, seeing what they have coming out. Get ready for books from Beaming Books, Eternal Tree Books, NSTA Kids, and Shout Mouse Press. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/07/p...
With absolutely ZERO experience ever deciding a Sibert Medal or honorees, but with a full-blooded appreciation for informational books for kids in all their glory, here's what I'm loving right now and what I think has a fightin' chance. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/06/s...
Sibert 2026 Predictions! It’s Nonfiction, Man.
With absolutely ZERO experience ever deciding a Sibert Medal or honorees, but with a full-blooded appreciation for informational books for kids in all their glory, here's what I'm loving right now and...
afuse8production.slj.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM
With absolutely ZERO experience ever deciding a Sibert Medal or honorees, but with a full-blooded appreciation for informational books for kids in all their glory, here's what I'm loving right now and what I think has a fightin' chance. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/06/s...
Today on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast, since the Vietnamese new year of Tet occurs in Jan/Fe, I took that as permission to tackle this fascinating 2003 publication. We go over Tet, bananas, embroidery, and what a "leather mouse" might be. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/05/f...
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Ten Mice for Tet by Pegi Dietz Shea, Cynthia Weill, Tô Ngọc Trang, and Phạm Viêt Đình
Since the Vietnamese new year of Tet occurs in January/February, I took that as permission to finally tackle this fascinating 2003 publication. We go over our past predictions and resolutions, Tet, ba...
afuse8production.slj.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Today on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast, since the Vietnamese new year of Tet occurs in Jan/Fe, I took that as permission to tackle this fascinating 2003 publication. We go over Tet, bananas, embroidery, and what a "leather mouse" might be. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/05/f...
Some lived here in the States and some abroad, but we do our best to remember the creators of books that have made changes to the minds, hearts, and general beings of children worldwide. #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/02/i...
In Memoriam: Remembering Those Lost in 2025
Some lived here in the States and some abroad, but we do our best to remember the creators of books that have made changes to the minds, hearts, and general beings of children worldwide.
afuse8production.slj.com
January 2, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Some lived here in the States and some abroad, but we do our best to remember the creators of books that have made changes to the minds, hearts, and general beings of children worldwide. #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2026/01/02/i...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
The most amazing book blogging feat of the year concludes in fitting fashion, with a fantastic list of the best picture books of the year.
Day #31: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books. End with a bang! Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as unforgettable & thanks for reading all month! #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/31/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books
Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as truly unforgettable.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The most amazing book blogging feat of the year concludes in fitting fashion, with a fantastic list of the best picture books of the year.
Day #31: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books. End with a bang! Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as unforgettable & thanks for reading all month! #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/31/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books
Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as truly unforgettable.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Day #31: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books. End with a bang! Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as unforgettable & thanks for reading all month! #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/31/3...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
For the past few months, I've been really struggling to find books I can fall in love with, especially #middlegrade. Betsy Bird seems to have shared all the wonderful books I've missed, right here. Now I've got my reading to close out 2025 and to carry me happily into 2026. 💖 #kidlit 📚 👍🏼
Day #30: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Middle Grade Fiction. These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/30/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Middle Grade Fiction
Our penultimate post!! These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. If you're comfo...
afuse8production.slj.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
For the past few months, I've been really struggling to find books I can fall in love with, especially #middlegrade. Betsy Bird seems to have shared all the wonderful books I've missed, right here. Now I've got my reading to close out 2025 and to carry me happily into 2026. 💖 #kidlit 📚 👍🏼
Day #30: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Middle Grade Fiction. These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/30/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Middle Grade Fiction
Our penultimate post!! These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. If you're comfo...
afuse8production.slj.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Day #30: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Middle Grade Fiction. These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/30/3...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
Surreal. I use this nonfiction list every year to find mentor texts and to learn how to do nonfiction well. And now our book is on this list. Can't get over this!
Day #28: 31 Days, 31 Lists: The creme de la creme! The top of the pops! These are the title you won't be able to forget, no matter how the years roll by. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/28/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Nonfiction Picture Books
The creme de la creme! The top of the pops! These are the title you won't be able to forget, no matter how the years roll by.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Surreal. I use this nonfiction list every year to find mentor texts and to learn how to do nonfiction well. And now our book is on this list. Can't get over this!
Day #29: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2025 Nonfiction Books for Older Readers. Forget the picture books. Older nonfiction, that nebulous but ultimately satisfying genre, is where the action is. This list today just proves it. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/29/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Nonfiction Books for Older Readers
Forget the picture books. Older nonfiction, that nebulous but ultimately satisfying genre, is where the action is. This list today just proves it.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 29, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Day #29: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2025 Nonfiction Books for Older Readers. Forget the picture books. Older nonfiction, that nebulous but ultimately satisfying genre, is where the action is. This list today just proves it. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/29/3...
Day #28: 31 Days, 31 Lists: The creme de la creme! The top of the pops! These are the title you won't be able to forget, no matter how the years roll by. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/28/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Nonfiction Picture Books
The creme de la creme! The top of the pops! These are the title you won't be able to forget, no matter how the years roll by.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Day #28: 31 Days, 31 Lists: The creme de la creme! The top of the pops! These are the title you won't be able to forget, no matter how the years roll by. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/28/3...
Day #27: 31 Days, 31 Lists: Blueberry Award Contenders (Celebrating the Environment). Today's list contains an appreciation of nature, a rallying cry for climate action, and titles that promote climate stewardship. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/27/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Blueberry Award Contenders (Celebrating the Environment)
Today's list contains an appreciation of nature, a rallying cry for climate action, and titles that promote climate stewardship.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Day #27: 31 Days, 31 Lists: Blueberry Award Contenders (Celebrating the Environment). Today's list contains an appreciation of nature, a rallying cry for climate action, and titles that promote climate stewardship. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/27/3...
Reposted by Betsy Bird
have a merry Christmas or else
December 26, 2025 at 4:21 AM
have a merry Christmas or else
Reposted by Betsy Bird
I’m in a movie! The BEST movie about picture books ever made. And now you can finally see it!
December 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Day #26: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2025 Unique Biographies for Kids. If you're looking for proof that we are in a Golden Age of Children's Literature, look no further than this list. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/26/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Unique Biographies for Kids
If you're looking for proof that we are in a Golden Age of Children's Literature, look no further than this list.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Day #26: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2025 Unique Biographies for Kids. If you're looking for proof that we are in a Golden Age of Children's Literature, look no further than this list. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/26/3...
Day #25: 31 Days, 31 Lists: Science and Nature Books for Kids. Merry Christmas! How about celebrating the season with science? I mean... it's good for what ails ya. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/25/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Science & Nature Books for Kids
Merry Christmas! How about celebrating the season with science? I mean... it's good for what ails ya.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 25, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Day #25: 31 Days, 31 Lists: Science and Nature Books for Kids. Merry Christmas! How about celebrating the season with science? I mean... it's good for what ails ya. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/25/3...
Day #24: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2025 American History Books for Kids. The truth can always be presented to children. You just need to have the brains and the guts to know how to do it well. These books have both. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/24/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 American History Books for Kids
The truth can always be presented to children. You just need to have the brains and the guts to know how to do it well. These books have both.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Day #24: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2025 American History Books for Kids. The truth can always be presented to children. You just need to have the brains and the guts to know how to do it well. These books have both. #31Days31Lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/24/3...