Betsy Bird's Blog, page 205

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Fifteen: 2017 Fairy Tales / Folktales

Ah! One of my favorite lists. Not a long one, to be sure, but beloved. As I’m sure you’ve heard me say far too many times, in the history of children’s librarianship there was once a plethora of folktales and fairytales published every single year. Some of them were great, some them were hugely problematic, but they were a constant. Walk into your local library and check out the 398.2 section and you’ll see a large grouping of books, probably all with copyright dates between the 1960s-1980s....

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Fourteen – 2017 Fabulous Photography

Well, folks, I’m sick. Sick as a dog. Sick as a dog on a log in a bog (I think I’ve been writing up picture books too long). Fortunately, and by complete coincidence, today’s post is going to be an easy one. Folks that know me well are aware that there was a time when, for me, two roads diverged in a wood. I could become a photographer in some capacity or I could become a children’s librarian. I’ve never regretted the choice but I also retained my love of the art. Did you know that a lot of...

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Thirteen – 2017 Picture Books With a Message

Let’s have some fun defining our terms. What exactly do I mean when I say “books with a message”? Basically, I’m talking about books that wear their hearts on their sleeves. We all know that in their earliest form, when people were initially coming up with the idea of making literature for children, the primary purpose was to instruct the little buggers. It took a while to come up with the idea of purely amusing them. How much harder it is to balance the two. Picture books have never abandon...

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Twelve – 2017 Translated Picture Books

Initially I think I was going to call this list “2017 Imports” but that was a bit on the vague side. And was I really going to include all the Australian, British, Irish, Canadian, etc. books I admired this year? Seems a bit much. No, let’s instead offer an homage to the delightful translations of 2017. They’re difficult to pull off and difficult to sell but often reveal true beauty unavailable here in the States. Unique voices, if you will. With the full and present knowledge that there’s b...

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Eleven – 2017 Bilingual Children’s Books

I wish I had kept better statistics over the course of my children’s librarian career. Maybe if I had I could give you a sense of whether or not the number of bilingual children’s books published in 2017 was higher or lower than normal. As it currently stands, I’m just pleased to see these books at all. Please note that this round-up is by no means complete and that I am included books simultaneously published in English and another language as well as bilingual titles where both languages a...

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “You know, I like the Fuse 8 n’ Kate podcast, but would it kill them to occasionally do terrible French accents for long periods of time?” then have I got a show for you!! This week Kate’s sick, but we plod onward and upward. In the course of things the episode turns out to be a momentous one. It’s also one of our funnier ones, though I may be biased on that point. In any case, I doubt you’ll see where this conversation will turn. It’s a shocker. I’m st...

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Ten – 2017 Math Picture Books

It’s almost unfair that I’m not including math for older readers on today’s list, but for that I think you’ll be best suited turning to the awesome Mathical Awards, given out each year. The Mathical Book Prize (given by a committee of math teachers, working mathematicians, and the occasional librarian like me) celebrates math in books for children of all ages. Like what you see on today’s list? You can get a lot more suggestions from people who actually know their stuff at the Mathical site....

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Nine – 2017 Picture Book Reprints

Reprints! I may as well call this the zombie list for all that they’re celebrated, but celebrated they should be. I am always truly delighted when a picture book rises from the out-of-print dead to engage and delight young readers once more. Steadily throughout the year I’ve kept track of some of the brighter stars in the reprint firmament. Consider this a continuation of yesterday’s Caldenott list, only worse. At least 2017 Caldenott books can appear on New York Times Best Illustrated or Bo...

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Eight – 2017 CaldeNotts

They can’t win a darn thing, and that’s the truth. Sorta. Each year picture books are considered and assessed by the Caldecott committee to determine which titles are the “most distinguished” contributions to the field of children’s literature. And every year truly beautiful contenders will fall by the wayside, winning nothing. Why? Because when the Caldecott was established American was very intent upon creating a children’s book award that celebrated Americans. Times have changed and we’re...

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Seven – 2017 Funny Picture Books

And now, what could arguably be considered our most subjective of lists. As I like to say when I’m on the road with Funny Girl, humor really changes from person to person. What makes me laugh isn’t necessarily going to be what makes you laugh and vice versa. Still, I have this thing about honoring funny books. It’s a dirty job but someone needs to do it. Today, I’m splitting “picture books” into board books, regular old run-of-the-mill picture books, and easy books. Naturally, there will be...