Betsy Bird

Betsy Bird brings her experience as a children’s librarian and critic to fiction shaped by unusual history. Long Road to the Circus, illustrated by David Small, centers on twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles and her wish to escape repetitive summers on her family’s Michigan farm. Following her uncle leads Suzy to retired circus performer Madame Marantette and the surprising discipline of ostrich riding. Alfred A. Knopf released the story in 2021, and its historical premise draws on real people and events. Bird has worked in collection development at Evanston Public Library and previously served as a youth materials specialist at the New York Public Library. Her books also include Giant Dance Party and Wild Things, coauthored with Julie Danielson and Peter Sieruta. Humor and momentum accompany Suzy’s farm obligations, giving her ambition practical weight. Adventure arrives through persistence, practice, and help from an unconventional mentor rather than escape alone.