If the name of librarian Betsy Byrd doesn't ring a bell, I urge you to check out the link. I first encountered her informative and prolific reflections on books for children in her FUSE #8 Production posts for School Library Journal.. That has been many years in the past. During that time Betsy served as librarian in New York City but is now residing in the midwest, along with her family. Beyond professional training in children's literature and a long career in the field, it was when she had young children of her own that her love of nursery rhymes was renewed.
And nearly ruined!
Her author note is a reminder that little audiences LOVE nursery rhymes, for many reasons. They are rhymes, predictable, bouncy, and short. They are also key cultural touchstones. Repetition is part of their appeal, but, as a parent, that can grow old sooner rather than later.
For the sake of her own mental well-being, Byrd spontaneously began adding "POP! Goes the Weasel" into other nursery rhymes, to the delight of her littles. A brilliant idea was born!
UNION SQUARE KIDS, 2025
POP! Goes the Nursery Rhyme, written by Betsy Byrd, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, is now available. Take a look at that weasel on the cover, along with the undefined bird (any relation to BYRD?) who is continually appalled that tine-honored nursery rhymes are being ruined by the goofy weasel!
This bird is a reader, and continually redirects ram rambunctious weasel, insisting that these familiar, iconic rhymes DO NOT iINCLUDE a weasel! The gleeful joy Weasel expresses is countered by distraught and disrupted lambs and other animal characters who portray familiar nursery rhymes. Meanwhile, bird resembles Mo Willems PIGEON on several pages, and takes it personally to NOT be caught off guard. (Be sure to enjoy the opening and final end papers, too!)
Successful? Can't you guess?
This artful and ingenious blend of familiar rhymes with wacky and wild humor has created what will likely become a modern day classic. The personalities of the central characters are unforgettable, inviting dramatic interpretive readings (my favorite kind!). I'll also predict that this will encourage seeking out more nursery rhyme modifications.
I couldn't be happier about that, since nursery rhymes (and fairy tales and folk tales) have lost their place of honor within far too many classrooms. The demands of strict curricula and test practices have nudged out time for what used to be universal cultural touchstones, as Betsy mentioned in her author note. A book like this just might undo a bit of that pattern. I can only hope.
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