iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Psst! Don't let it get around, but word on the street has it that a sequel to POP! Goes the Nursery Rhyme (with more incredible art from @atsurumi.bsky.social) is coming out in June of 2027. You didn't hear it from me, though...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Hope you like books about dogs! And old men who float. And proto-bios, wordless fables, sneaky jackals, and the occasional chopped toe. Here's what's on offer in the autumn with @northsouthbooks.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/06/02/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

"When you are little in front of a big world, how do you make changes for the well-being of everybody?" Yuyi Morales asks the big questions today in a guest post that I am honored to host. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/04/09/t...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Today I would like you to make the acquaintance of new books coming out from @helvetiq.bsky.social, Kalaniot, Kube, @littleislandbooks.bsky.social, and @nubeocho.bsky.social, all thanks to @pubspotlight.bsky.social: #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/03/27/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Today we've immortal girls, sneaky weasels, irresistible futons, and tigers with a penchant for sweets. It's @cuentodeluz.bsky.social, Floris Books & @geckopress.bsky.social in a @pubspotlight.bsky.social preview! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/03/06/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

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...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

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!!

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

I’m in a movie! The BEST movie about picture books ever made. And now you can finally see it!

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

My pettiest post returns! It's The Scourge of Upside Down Knitting Needles! How did we do in 2025? afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/18/t...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

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

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

So many thoughts. The positioning of the earrings. The tshirt/dress and its 1991 colors and pattern. No notes. Fire. Adore.

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

A childhood manuscript makes good. ND Stevenson discusses the origins of his debut mg fantasy while I fall over myself to get you to read it. This discussion is delightful. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/09/11/n...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Not only has the creator of Strange Planet (Nathan Pyle) written a bedtime book, but it's chock full of science, humor, and some seriously sweet backmatter for the younger set. We talk! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/09/04/t...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

One of my favorite NYC art exhibits will feature a piece from my latest book and it’s all thanks to the sheer brilliance of my illustrator, @atsurumi.bsky.social!!

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Today we've a bit of science, a round of board books, and even some soccer related hijinks. Here's what's on the menu for the upcoming 2026 spring from @nosycrow.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/08/28/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Anyone else see The Little House in this image?

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

Are you an illustrator coming to #ala25 next week? Would you like a fun soiree to attend? It appears that Mr. Brian Biggs is local to the area and he's organizing a get together. Come! Hang out! More info here: www.eventbrite.com/e/ala-illust...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Going to the ALA conference at the end of June? Miss the Kidlit Drink Nights of yore in Manhattan? Fill the void with a return! Thanks to @cherylklein.bsky.social, we’ve a new one coming out and you’re all invited (no RSVP required).

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

You know what the hero of this book is doing when we first meet him? Kicking over the headstones of complete strangers in the cemetery. I review a STRONG title from @katemessner.com #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/06/06/r...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

For a one-time only deal, @atsurumi.bsky.social and I will be presenting POP! together! If you’re anywhere in the area on June 27th then you simply must come. There will be puppetry and strange voices!! @unionsquarekids.bsky.social

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

I've updated my listing of children's literary statues available in the United States. Take a deep dive into characters old and new. #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/05/14/a...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Are we all doing the thing where we all stand in complete and utter support of Carla Hayden (newly sacked by 47)? Damn right we are.

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Picture book authors, get thee an illustrator so talented that they can adapt an ostrich hand puppet into a secretary bird. The co-star of POP! GOES THE NURSERY RHYME, thanks to the craftsmanship of one @atsurumi.bsky.social. Note how they meticulously painted the eyeballs. THANK YOU, ANDREA!!!

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

If we're doing Poetry Month then by gum we're gonna do it right. And 2025, for whatever reason, is already FULL of shockingly good poetry. Here's a taste. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/04/02/t...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Happy book birthday, POP! You know what's even more fun than celebrating your own book's release? Celebrating of all the fellow books coming out today too! I do a recap of some of the other titles coming out today that are stellar. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/03/18/h...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

In other news, other news! Me and @cordellmatthew.bsky.social news! With raptors! And yelling! #kidlit

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

It's heeeeere! Everyone's favorite oh-dear-god-why-are-you-talking-about-2026-when-we're-barely-surviving-2025 post! It's mid-March so that means it's time for the annual Spring Prediction Newbery/Caldecott post! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/03/11/n...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

When they're not winning Caldecott Awards, the good people of @levinequerido.bsky.social are churning out even more books. Keep your eyes open for the following in this Spring/Summer preview. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/02/21/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

If you're in the mood for great new books, today preview of @nosycrow.bsky.social, @nubeocho.bsky.social & @pajamapress.bsky.social examines historical activists, tsunamis, doughnuts, anglerfish and more! afuse8production.slj.com/2025/02/19/e...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

"How ya feelin', Kate? Ya feeling calm? Feeling calm?!?" Today on the @fuse8nkate.bsky.social podcast we tackle the Jon J. Muth Caldecott Honor winner that is now in its 20th year. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/02/17/f...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Werner Herzog meets Magic School Bus! Frog and Toad on the Riviera! Check out all the very cool spring titles from one of our favorite small publishers @transitbooks.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/02/06/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Today we've a real treat. Not just the cover reveal of the latest from Newbery Honoree Daniel Nayeri and @levinequerido.bsky.social but also a plethora of alternative covers that were considered too. These didn't make the cut. See what did! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/25/c...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

A whole PLETHORA of cool books are coming out this year from small publishers far and wide. It's a preview of books from Cuento de Luz, Post Wave, Lantana, Little Island, and Marble Press via @pubspotlight.bsky.social #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/24/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Today we're having our very first publisher preview of Spring 2025 titles from Enchanted Lion Books. Be ready! These are some SERIOUSLY gorgeous titles. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/22/p...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

You’re at lunch, casually reading through your pile of picture books, when on the endpapers you encounter…

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

I am absolutely in love with Mafalda and soon, my friends, you will be too. Translated into English for the first time, I talk with the people who have given her life here in the States. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/14/s...

A panel from Mafalda where the two parents stare at one another as she says, "Papa? Can you explain why humanity is a disaster?"

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Today, we talk with Lauren Agra Deedy and Susan Gal on their new book, where it came from, its design, and how you develop a book with this kicker of a combo of art and heart. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/09/n...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

See? Is that so hard? More covers like this, people. Something a kid might actually want to read. Good job, @littlebrownyr.bsky.social design team. 📚👍

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 03/01/2025

Each year I track the children's book creators we lost during the year. In 2024 we saw some truly great friends go away. Here's my list. Even if you didn't know the people, you knew these books: #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/03/i...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

I just can't stop making lists! As such, please enjoy today's summary of some of the 2025 Children's Books I Am Most Exited To See. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/01/02/a...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

Day 30: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2024 Middle Grade Fiction. Come and enjoy this eclectic collection of some of the most memorable fiction for older readers out in 2024. A sampling of some of the best. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/30/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

Day 28: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Best Nonfiction Picture Books of 2024. I consider these the best of the best. The ones you cannot miss. See if you can find one you missed before now. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/28/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 26/12/2024

Day 26: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2024 Biographies for Kids. This may look like an ample list, and it is, but all thirty of these individuals are just a small slice of the pie of the published bios in 2024. Read them in good health. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/26/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Here's an early holiday present for all you fans of @dansantat.bsky.social. You say you want to see him draw an anglerfish? You got it!! I mean... that's all I wanted for Christmas this year...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Day 22: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2024 Fantasy Books for Kids. Here are some books with a distinctive fantasy feel that stood out to me in 2024. Read 'em! Enjoy 'em! Love 'em! And suggest the ones I missed. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/22/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Day 20: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2024 Funny Books for Older Kids - On today's list you'll discover a wild mix of nonfiction, poetry, comics, novels, and more. Just sit back and enjoy the array! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/20/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Day 19: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Great 2024 Comics and Graphic Novels for Kids! Ah, this is a big one. With today's list we start tackling books for older readers this month. Comics just make for a natural starting place. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/19/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

Day 18: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2024 Easy and Early Chapter Books. Whatever you might call them, today's books are titles that transition children into first reading on their own, then into reading for pleasure. Enjoy some of the best: #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/18/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Day 16: 31 Days, 31 Lists - 2024 Poetry for Kids. Dive in to a delicious array of verse for children. Poetry. It ain't just for April anymore. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/16/3...

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Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

Day 14: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Fairy tales, folk tales, and religious tales. Today's list combines the best parts of traditional storytelling with modern mores. Come and enjoy the old and the new together. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2024/12/14/3...

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