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Review of the Day: The Reel Wish by Yamile Saied Méndez

May 24, 2025 by Betsy Bird

Un-put-downable. A little more complex than its cover implies, this is a title to hand to that kid that always has to be the best, even if it kills them.

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Recent Posts

“If you like my storytelling, this is your jam.” Jason Reynolds Goes All Audio with “Soundtrack”

Ten years ago Jason Reynolds wrote Soundtrack. Now a decade later, it comes to us entirely as an audiobook. I talk with Jason and his producers about the logistics of such a huge project.

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Erin Entrada Kelly Goes All Nonfiction on Us! A Talk About AT LAST SHE STOOD

A Newbery winner switches gears and writes a work of older nonfiction for her young readers. Today we answer why, and discover just how cool Joey Guerrero truly was.

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31 Days, 31 Lists: 2022 Funny Picture Books

Deconstructing Daniel Tiger or Why Children’s Programming Is Freaking Me Out, Man

Newbery/Caldecott 2023: Fall Prediction Edition

Review of the Day: The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers, ill. Shawn Harris

31 Days, 31 Lists: Best Picture Books of 2024

Myrick Marketing Publishing Summer & Fall 2025 Preview – Part One: Floris Books, Gecko Press, and Helvetiq

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh

Remember (the) Maine: A Stroll Around Kittybunkport with Scott Rothman

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Recent Comments

May 22, 2025

Betsy Bird on “If you like my storytelling, this is your jam.” Jason Reynolds Goes All Audio with “Soundtrack”

"Unfortunately, the record was just a clever prop. ..."

May 22, 2025

Lily Mayfield on “If you like my storytelling, this is your jam.” Jason Reynolds Goes All Audio with “Soundtrack”

"Is the vinyl version of Soundtrack available for sale? If so, where can we buy it? ..."

May 21, 2025

Betsy Bird on Erin Entrada Kelly Goes All Nonfiction on Us! A Talk About AT LAST SHE STOOD

"I sympathize entirely. Is me. ..."

May 21, 2025

Daniel Meyer on Erin Entrada Kelly Goes All Nonfiction on Us! A Talk About AT LAST SHE STOOD

"Oh $%#@! I’m already reading at least three other books, and now I have to read this one, too. ..."

May 20, 2025

Betsy Bird on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"Oh! For some reason I thought that Dan Santat would be next on your list. I'm so glad it'll be Matt! And Winnie-the-Pooh ..."

May 20, 2025

Julia Teel on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"Thank you for this list! It's true that Abilene is full of children's literature fun and our collection continues to gro ..."

May 17, 2025

Betsy Bird on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"Well, if you ever solve the mystery you MUST tell me! Forthwith! If not sooner! ..."

May 17, 2025

Eric on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"I want to know how and why Salman Rushdie found himself outside the courthouse posing for that photo in Eatonton Georgia ..."

May 17, 2025

Cindy Shutts on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"Joliet Public Black Road Branch has a Ally but Alice by Phyllis Reynods Naylor one https://jolietlibrary.org/connect/ ..."

May 17, 2025

Lark on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"Haven't I told you about the Humpty Dumptys in Colorado Springs before? https://downtowncs.com/bronze-humpty-dumpties-b ..."

May 16, 2025

Betsy Bird on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"Oo! Hot tip. Thanks! ..."

May 15, 2025

Karen Cramer on A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

"There’s an Amelia Bedelia statue at the library in Manning, SC. Last fall I visited a cute storybook garden in Bingh ..."

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Book Reviews

Review of the Day: The Reel Wish by Yamile Saied Méndez

Un-put-downable. A little more complex than its cover implies, this is a title to hand to that kid that always has to be the best, even if it kills them.

Review of the Day: Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, ill. Cátia Chien

Today's book is best described as beautiful, weirdly touching, and utterly original. “Swish Zing Tizzle-ting POOF!”

Review of the Day: The Black Mambas by Kelly Crull

This book? It’s a wonder. A joy. A small pinpoint of light in the darkness that is 2025. If you are in need of something that takes your faith in humanity and gives it a jolt to the gills, that would be this title.

See More Reviews »

More Recent Posts

Myrick Marketing Publishing Summer & Fall 2025 Preview – Part One: Floris Books, Gecko Press, and Helvetiq

May 20, 2025 by Betsy Bird

It's time for another preview of some of our most interesting small publishers. We've books from all around the world here today, each of them making their way to American bookshelves and libraries. Don't miss out!

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh

May 19, 2025 by Betsy Bird

A cult classic picture book with a distinctly 1993 bent is the focus of our discussion today. How has Mr. Lunch aged in the intervening 32 years? We aim to find out.

Remember (the) Maine: A Stroll Around Kittybunkport with Scott Rothman

May 15, 2025 by Betsy Bird

Maine is where Robert McCloskey plied his trade. It's where Miss Rumphius planted all those lupines. And it's where we head today for chowder, thick sweaters, and the occasional Whoopie Pie.

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A Complete Listing of Children’s Literature Statues: 2025 Edition

May 14, 2025 by Betsy Bird

I've updated my listing of children's literary statues available in the United States. Take a deep dive into characters old and new.

Cover Reveal and Q&A: The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker (cover by Jon Klassen)

May 13, 2025 by Betsy Bird

Sara Pennypacker's books always pack a punch, but her latest goes into previously uncharted territory. We talk with her and then get to see a Jon Klassen cover like you've never seen him before.

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki, ill. Dom Lee

May 12, 2025 by Betsy Bird

This title is definitely our first Lee & Low book on the podcast, and after its publication would spurr on many other historical titles for kids to come.

Review of the Day: Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, ill. Cátia Chien

May 9, 2025 by Betsy Bird

Today's book is best described as beautiful, weirdly touching, and utterly original. “Swish Zing Tizzle-ting POOF!”

Read More Posts »

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