Betsy Bird's Blog, page 270

Cover Reveal: Moletown by Torben Kuhlmann

Folks, I make no bones about the books that I love. And when I saw that jaw-dropping picture book Lindbergh last year in all its high-flying mousie glory, I knew I was looking at something special. Now I am so pleased and honored to offer you a quickie peek and glance at German author/illustrator Torben Kuhlmann’s next glorious book. It’s Moletown (ISBN: 978-0735842083). And it’s amazing:

Sort of The Lorax by way of The Rabbits, no? And these interior spreads haven’t even shown you the moles’...

Niblings Announcement: New Niblings Nigh

The Niblings (a group consisting of bloggers Travis Jonker of100 Scope Notes, Jules Danielson ofSeven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, Philip Nel ofNine Kinds of Pie,and Betsy Bird ofA Fuse #8 Production) are pleased to announce two new inclusions into their happy little sphere.

To fill the much-needed YA slot, Mitali Perkins joins us. A distinguished author, responsible for such books asRickshaw Girl,Bamboo People,Secret Keeper, and this April’s upcomingTiger Boy, Mitali has maintained her...

The PreGame/PostGame ALA Youth Media Awards Videos and Some Vids From the Winners As Well

Hi ho, folks! And what an exciting morning we had today. Lori Prince and I had a blast in the SLJ office predicting winners and then discovering how wrong (or occasionally right) we were. Here’s the PreGame Show, in case you missed it live. Note how Lori successfully predicts a Newbery combo that was far from a given:

For more fun, check out our PostGame Wrap-Up in which we caterwaul with great good fervor:

Here’s the video of the folks who won getting “the call”, which is fun:

And for additiona...

Mocks Amuck

Each year I like to keep track of all the Mock Caldecotts, Mock Newberys, Mock Siberts, etc. that I can find. It’s not easy. At this point in time it’s not as if ALA or SLJ has created a centralized site where folks can plug in their Mock results for all the world to see (*bats eyelashes in general direction of ALA and SLJ*).

In lieu of that, I’ve compiled as many Mocks as I can find. This year’s findings were a bit hampered by a snowstorm that caused many a Mock Newbery on the East Coast to b...

Animated and Opinionated: The SLJ Pre-Game / Post-Game Show Returns!

Observe the following:

SLJ-Pre-game Show dance number: ALA Youth Media Awards 2014 from School Library Journal on Vimeo.

If it is not immediately clear, this is a video of me dancing with partner-in-crime Lori Prince to the ALA hold music. More specifically, it’s the music that they play as you wait for the live webcast of the ALA Youth Media Awards to begin. In the past it was dour stuff, like Bon Iver on Valium. They must have gotten complaints because there was a distinct tonal shift last ye...

Review of the Day: Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

Mr. Squirrel and the Moon

By Sebastian Meschenmoser

NorthSouth

$18.95

ISBN: 978-0-7358-4156-7

Ages 3-6

On shelves now

Here in America 2015 is turning out to be a great year in terms of children’s literary imports. Authors and artists that I haven’t seen gracing the shores of our fair nation for years are suddenly returning en masse. Years ago I loved Ole Konnecke’s Anthony and the Girls. Now we get to see his You Can Do It, Bert! I’ve always been a fan of Frances Hardinge. Now we’re seeing her...

The Role of Children’s Literature in Contemporary Cinema

I was watching Gone Girl for the first time with friends the other day because occasionally I like to remember that there are literary adaptations out there of books for people above the legal drinking age. Mind you, when you’ve a one track mind like my own, every mega-adult hit has a children’s literature connection. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was based on the idea of an adult Pippi Longstocking, said Stieg Larsson in interviews. That sort of thing.

Mind you, you don’t have to go far to...

Press Release Fun: The 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference

Bet you didn’t know that there was a nonfiction conference for children, did you? There is, and it’s still relatively new. This year they invited me to take part with them, then whipped up this nifty little press release. Come and attend! Particularly if you’re here in NYC. It’s just a day and it’s not far at all. Besides, it really is one of a kind:

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And yes. I really only have one single solitary headshot that I like to use. I’m panicky that way.

Morning Mailbag: Trinkets, Treasures, and Apples

We’re experiencing that time of the year when the mail comes fast and loose and continual. Every day it seems like there’s something interesting to see. So while it lasts, let’s have another round of Morning Mailbag where I highlight some of the more interesting items that have cropped up in my office this week.

First up, Circles by Yusuke Yonezu (ISBN: 978-9888240678) which is a minedition book. If you’ve seen Yonezu’s other board books you’ll know what to expect. Good thick lines and bright...

Fusenews: Don’t Let the Pigeon Shoot First

Hi-ho, folks. As the Newbery draws nigh thoughts of winners and legitimacy surface. Consider the case of Cece Bell’s El Deafo, a graphic novel that is also a great joy. Does it have a chance? Monica Edinger at educating alice makes a strong case in its favor. Another debate was held over at Heavy Medal on the same subject, which you can take as an alternate point of view. Cece lovers of the world unite!


In other news, I wouldn’t call this next link workplace safe. Not because it’s gross or ina...