Elizabeth Bird
1,145 Articles
The Birth of Les Maîtres de l’Imaginaire and the Vast Importance of International Children’s Book Art
"A country needs ideas from everywhere, just like mushroom rhizomes help the forest to grow. Below the surface." I speak with artist Étienne Delessert about his show of international children's illustrators.
Review of the Day: Cinderella Liberator by Rebecca Solnit, ill. Arthur Rackham
Want to look at Cinderella through the mores of the 21st century? I suggest pairing yourself up with an artist that’s been dead for 80 years. Why it’s so crazy, it just might work.
Did You Like Wolf in the Snow? A Cover Reveal for Matthew Cordell’s Next Wordless Book: Explorers
when the very nice people at Macmillan asked me if I wanted to do a bit of a cover reveal for Matthew Cordell's newest book, do you know what I said? I said yes, please, and thank you, because I am a polite soul. And heck, why not throw in a little interview with Mr. Cordell for spice?
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Frederick by Leo Lionni
The old Ant and the Grasshopper fable got the Lionni touch back in 1967 when the four time Caldecott Honor winner chose to put a new spin on an old classic. So how successful was this book in the end? Is it a product of its age (the tune in and drop out 60s) or something that stands the test of time?
Not Your Nest: The Andrea Tsurumi/Gideon Sterer Comic Interview
Interviews? They're cool. But interviews between authors and illustrators in the form of a comic? Much, much cooler. Betsy Bird brings you Andrea Tsurumi and Gideon Sterer as they discuss their book Not your Nest.
Review of the Day: Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, ill. Kadir Nelson
Kwame Alexander’s words are grand. Kadir Nelson’s art soars. But when you put those two things together, and they work in tandem, they bring out the best in one another. Unrelenting, undeniable, unavoidable. Fail to read this book at your peril. I hope it is only the beginning.
For Example, Take These Joke Books . . . Please!
What's the best joke book on the market for kids today? Here are some recent publications vying for the prize.
For Example, Take These Joke Books . . . Please!
What's the best joke book on the market for kids today? Here are some recent publications vying for the prize.
Board Book Trailer Reveal: You Are Light by Aaron Becker
If you know Aaron Becker's name it's probably from that magnificent quest trio of picture books, Journey, Quest, and Return. Becker took a seemingly simple form, the picture book, and gave it breadth and depth without sacrificing child-interest and focus. But apparently that wasn't enough of a challenge because now he's created a board book and it's a doozy of a marvel.