Founded Opsis Kalopsis , a Swedish children's culture journal for adults, in 1986 and remained its sole editor until 2002. Studied linguistics, literature and children's literature at Stockholm University 1972-1976. Journalist since the 1960s and 1979-1985 editor-in-chief at Kamratposten, a Swedish magazine for children and young people.

Author of a number of children's books, on subjects including geography and newspaper publishing. Published Barnboksvärldar (The World of Children's Books) in 2001 - a collection of 32 interviews with children's authors from various countries.

Has lectured on children's culture at Stockholm University's Centre for the Study of Children's Culture and the Stockholm Institute of Education. Served as a member of the Swedish section of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) 1989-1997, and as its chairman from 1993. Member of the jury for Barnens Bokklubbs Läseklubben, a children's book club, 1982-1995. Through extensive worldwide travel, Birgitta Fransson has studied the market for children's literature and its players.

Awarded Eldsjälspriset for dedication to the cause of children's literature by the Swedish Academy of Children's Books in 1999 for her work in the field of children's culture. Birgitta Fransson was made Journalist of the Year 1997 by the Swedish Magazine Publishers Association for her work in promoting children's needs for books. She was also awarded the Municipality of Lidingö Cultural Award 1989 and the Gulliver Prize 1991.