Hello, I must be going. I came to say I cannot stay, I must be going.
I’m glad I came but just the same I must be going. Lala!
Today, friends o’ mine, I high-step it onto one of those newfangled aero-planes and take a trip back in time to 2004, when last I lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The good people of Hamline University have been kind enough to invite me to speak as part of their Summer Residency Program. Hamline, you see, has a low-residency MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Big names like Gary Schmidt, Ron Koertge, Wendy Orr, Anne Ursu, Deb Wiles, and even T.A. Barron as well as many others will be present. For my part, I’m giving a talk on Wednesday called Behind the Curtain: True and Untold Stories Behind Your Favorite Children’s Books, Authors, & Illustrators. It’s based on the book I’m writing with Peter from Collecting Children’s Books and Jules from Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast for Candlewick. Should be fun!
The blogging will continue this week, but due to the fact that I can’t remember whether or not my B&B has Wi-Fi (I suspect not) it may end up being a little spotty. Still, we shall do what we can!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Filed under: Uncategorized

About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
One Star Review, Guess Who? (#215)
Joey Weiser’s ‘The Littlest Fighter’ | Preview
Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
When Book Bans are a Form of Discrimination, What is the Path to Justice?
RA Tool of the Week: Canva Collections on Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT
Safe travels.
Ooooo, I wish I could be a fly on the wall (or a bookworm on the shelf) on Wednesday. Travel well (which translates to “No more ankle injuries!”)
Have fun and good luck. If you get a chance put Gary Schmidt in a hammer lock and demand to know when and what his next book is.
Have just found your blogging/postings and I find it interesting that we share same name and interest. I am an artist in Memphis (www.betsybird.com) and just finished illustrating a children’s book for my sister. It’s about her little chihuahua…in Hawaii. Just thought I’d touch base with you. Will be at the SCBWI conf in Nashville this fall.
Oh, and hi Betsy Bird Doppelganger! I am well aware of your work, actually. How funny that you’re getting into the world of picture books as well. Keep me informed on how that little book does. I’m so glad you’re a member of SCBWI.
Aw, Aunt Judy. You never let me have any fun.
And DaNae, you know I will. I’ve been practicing my hammer lock for weeks.
For those of us in the Twin Cities, could you provide details about the event? Thanks,
Near as I can understand, the information can be found here: http://www.hamline.edu/gls/academics/degree_programs/mfa_cl/residency_events.html.
Cheers!