This week’s Butler Bookshelf features fun fairy tale retellings, modern fairy tales, and alternative villain stories of fairy tales. For instance, Lauren DeStefano’s The Lost Ones is the second in her Dark Ascension villain-centered series in which readers meet Captain Hook, and his twin sister, as a teenager. Before he was Captain Hook, James was a modest teenager in a small village, seeking adventure, joy, and his place in the world. When his twin sister, Marlene, wishes themselves into a magical place called Never Land, the twins find themselves suddenly entwined in a war that pulls themselves further and further from each other and their home. This backstory to a central character from the beloved Peter Pan tells of the hardships Captain Hook, or James, faced in his youth, giving readers an alternative perspective to a well-known and widely told fairy tale.

Check out more adventure-filled alternative fairy tales below!

Beastly Beauty
Written by Jennifer Donnelly
Published by Scholastic Press
Available today!

Beyond the Isle of the Lost
Written by Melissa De La Cruz
Published by Disney-Hyperion
Available today!

The Day I Fell Into a Fairy Tale
Written by Ben Miller
Illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini
Published by Aladdin Books
Available now!

The Lost Ones
Written by Lauren DeStefano
Published by Disney Press
Available now!

Promchanted
Written by Morgan Matson
Published by Disney-Hyperion
Available now!

The Deep Dark
Molly Knox Ostertag
Scholastic Graphix
Available June 4, 2024
Ages 14 and up

Everyone has secrets. Reserved high school senior Magdalena Herrera’s secret has teeth. Mags is tied to her hometown by her dark secret and a tragic accident, but she is dreaming of a new beginning when she reconnects with her childhood friend, creative and effervescent Nessa. The secret snake-like monster named Laura is caged in the basement because the monster once killed a boy when it escaped Mags’s house. No one must ever know that the murderous monster is still living in the basement. Nessa takes care of Mags after she passes out at a party and a romance quickly ensues between the two friends. Hiding the monster from Nessa, caring for her sick abuela, working long shifts at the diner, and having feelings of grief, loneliness, and guilt from the boy’s death are some of the troubles Mags shoulders.

Dynamically dark paneling, deliberate pacing, and potent dialogue between the characters will captivate teen and adult readers alike. In an intense scene, Mags passes out and believes that she is going to die. Nessa begs her to stay alive, and Mags replies: “For like the first time ever…I really want to” (p. 427). This powerful scene depicts an important message of love and acceptance of ourselves, even the parts we (or society) do not like. The wild creature in Mag’s basement is representative of the troubles in the lives of the many LGBTQ+ characters in this graphic novel. In the end, Mags allows the beast to live in the house with her rather than be caged in the basement—a symbol of Mags accepting who she is and no longer hiding. Grayscale illustrations illuminate Mags’s present, while flashbacks to her childhood burst with shades of pale blue, green, and orange matching the setting of the California desert. The illustration style is noteworthy as it changes from light lines and shading for the characters’ happy moments to dark lines and shading to portray their strong feelings and inner turmoil. 

With the nicer weather upon us, we are starting to spend more time outside. Parks are full of sports teams, families with a soccer ball, and groups of friends pitching a volleyball net. So, this week, we are showcasing some works in our collection that focus on sports. For instance, Charles R. Smith Jr.’s Hoop Queens 2 builds on his Sports Royalty poetry book series, honoring the best and most notable basketball players of the time with their own poem. Smith Jr.’s new book features influential and prominent icons of today’s women’s game with names such as A’ja Wilson, Sue Bird, Brittany Griner, and sisters Nneka & Chiney Ogwumike. With personalized poems for and action photographs of each player, Smith Jr. idolizes and honors both the sport and the incredible athletes that bring it to life.

Check out more books with and about sports below!

Field Day!
Written by Candice Ransom
Illustrated by Ashley Evans
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now!

Hoop Queens 2
Written by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Published by Candlewick Press
Available May 7th, 2024!

La Mala Suerte me Sigue
Written by Ana Siqueira
Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera
Published by Charlesbridge
Available now!

Painting the Game
Written by Patricia MacLachlan
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Available now!

Two Wheels
Written by David Gibb
Illustrated by Brizida Magro
Published by Candlewick Press
Available May 7th, 2024!

The Butler Bookshelf is featuring nonfiction books this week, and you will find The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! by Dean Robbins and Susanna Chapman on the bookshelf. Robbins recounts the story of Viola Smith who was one of the few female professional drummers of her time and was known for her jazzy and speedy drumming. Smith joined her sisters in the rare all-female band called the Smith Sisters Orchestra, and they toured the country in the 1920’s despite facing discrimination. She eventually toured solo with her 17 piece drum kit and wowed audiences everywhere. In fact, Smith loved the drums so much that she continued to play well past her 100^th birthday. For more amazing titles, check out the list below!

Arboretum: Welcome to the Museum
Written by Tony Kirkham and illustrated by Katie Scoot
Published by Big Picture Press
Available now!

The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith!
Written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Susanna Chapman
Published by Big Picture Press
Available now!

Hands-On Science: Motion
Written by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Druscilla Santiago
Published by Charlesbridge
Available now!

I’m a Black Hole
Written Eve M. Vavagiakis and illustrated by Jessica Lanan
Published by MIT Kids Press
Available now!

My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots and So Much More
Written by G. Neri and illustrated by Corban Wilkin
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

Spring is here! The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and…the creatures are stirring! Whether you find yourself waking up to the chirping of birds in the morning, discover a colony of ants has found your fruit bowl, or notice a bee pollinating a flower outside your house, these small but mighty animals help bring new life to this colorful season. From silly picture books to informative guidebooks, our collection features a wide variety of works that educate us about and connect us to the lives of birds, bugs, and bees. Check out some of these titles below!

Nonfiction

Birds: Little Kids First Nature Guide
Written by Moira Rose Donahue
National Geographic Kids
Ages 4-8
Available now

In this nature guide, children can learn about and identify a wide variety of bird species, from parakeets to penguins. Each page includes close-up pictures of a type of bird, paired with brief but informative facts. This photograph-heavy book will engage young bird-watchers and further inspire those who notice the rare cardinal in the backyard. Its compact size makes it a great addition to a walk through the woods or a picnic at the park.

Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest
Written by Ranger Hamza
Illustrated by Kate Kronreif
Ivy Kids
Ages 4-7
Available May 7th, 2024

Take a walk through nature with Ranger Hamza, as he guides you through finding a bird’s nest in a tree or spying worms digging through the soil. Based on ranger role on the British television channel, CBeebies, Ranger Hamza welcomes readers to identify nature’s wonders in their own surroundings with easy activity suggestions and fun facts about common sightings. Although it is nonfiction, Ranger Hamza’s inviting narration style reads as an adventure, and the colorful illustrations will engage young readers. This book would be great for curious young minds that often find themselves wandering off on walks.

Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever (2nd Edition)
Written by Darlyne Murawski and Nancy Honovich
National Geographic Kids
Ages 4-8
Available now

In this 2nd edition, authors Murawski and Honovich combine their expertise with entomologist Bill Lamp to provide an in-depth guide to over 100 bugs. Each two-page spread focuses on one type of bug—such as the bombardier beetle or the dead leaf butterfly. One page contains a close-up photograph of the bug, and the other page includes a short paragraph of information as well as some other fun, informative fact. With a thorough introduction that covers topics such as bug migration and communication, this book is best used as a reference book for young bug-lovers or those searching for a fun—or disgusting—fact or two.

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants
Written and illustrated by Philip Bunting
Crown Books for Young Readers
Ages 4-8
Available now

With witty, informational text and simple, endearing illustrations, Bunting draws children in to the world of ants. Readers learn about ants’ odorous communication system, their group mentality, and their role in consuming plants and recycling them as nutrients for soil. This playful nonfiction picture book may spark an interest in ants and inspire the next generation of entomologists, biologists, and inquiring minds.

Fiction

Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten
Written by Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Candlewick Press
Ages 4-8
Available now

Perfectly titled, this goofy yet heartwarming picture book follows a spider who enters a house of a woman, who quickly begins to care for this spider…as a kitten. She names the spider Luigi, feeds him breakfast, plays with him, and encourages him to nap. After a while, Luigi admits to himself that he very much likes being a kitten, and the woman admits that she knows he is a spider. The soft illustrations and funny storyline pair well with themes of self-acceptance and joy.

Maisy Loves Bees
Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Candlewick Press
Ages 1-3
Available now

Lovable Maisy returns with a fascination for bees! This board book combines informational text about bees on the left pages with a Maisy storyline on the right pages, bringing readers through Maisy’s day caring for and appreciating bees. Cousins’ signature colorful, thick-lined style and simple, engaging text will appeal to babies and young toddlers who love to explore.

The Secret Language of Birds
Written by Lynne Kelly
Delacorte Press
Ages 8-12
Available now!

While trying to fit in at summer camp, Nina spots two endangered birds that she knows haven’t nested in the area in over a century. Puzzled and intrigued, Nina plots a plan to help protect these rare birds and finds friends of her own in the process. Kelly’s poignant and powerful new children’s fiction novel speaks to young middle graders who love asking questions and searching for answers.

In preparation for Earth Day on April 22nd, we are celebrating the Earth on this week’s Butler Bookshelf. One of our newer picture books follows two children, Kûn and Solveig, who are connecting by the Earth’s wonder despite their distance. Through these children’s eyes, readers learn about the evolution of the Earth and its life from millions of years ago to today. Baker-Smith’s soft, beautiful illustrations serve as a wonderful celebration of the world we call home.

Check out more books in our collection that help celebrate Earth Day below!

The Ever-Changing Earth
Written and illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith
Published by Templar Books
Available April 23, 2024!

Everyone Starts Small
Written by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrated by Dominique Ramsey
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-Inventions
Written by Michelle Meadows
Illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
Published by Random House Children’s Books

Kids Fight Extinction: Act Now to Be a #2minutesuperhero
Written by Martin Dorey
Illustrated by Time Wesson
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

Maisy Loves Trees
Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

The World is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child
Written by Mary Annaïse Heglar
Illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now!

The Kill Factor
Written by Ben Oliver
Chicken House Books
Ages 12-18
Available April 16th, 2024

Fifty young contestants compete for their chance at freedom in a reality game show fueled by popularity and brand credits, the currency of the day. Emerson Ness, a poverty-stricken teenager living in a stratified society, is arrested for manslaughter after setting fire to her school and unintentionally killing a janitor. A mysterious man known only as the Producer offers her a way out: participate on Retribution Island, a revolutionary new game show that, if won, could absolve her of any crime. But, as Emerson observes, “[h]istoric didn’t always mean good; in fact, more often than not, it meant very, very bad” (p 55). If she loses, she’ll spend the rest of her life in solitary confinement. Out of options and unable to pay for her legal defense, Emerson agrees to the game so her younger brother Kester, a deaf tech prodigy with a promising future, can have the brand credits to survive and go to college. The game begins as Emerson and forty-nine other contestants board a cruise ship, taking them to Retribution Island. Once they arrive, a shocking twist changes the stakes of the game and forces them to fight for survival.

The book is infused with social commentary on how we value life and popularity in the age of social media. Just like Emerson, each secondary character has their own motivations for joining the show: some are fueled by the desire for fame, while others compete to better their circumstances in poverty. Despite the violence of the show, the character dynamics are realistic to the teenage experience, complete with cliques, crushes and best friends. With a new and potentially deadly game every night, the pace accelerates, and the tone gets darker and more dismal. Emerson’s emotional journey through the twists and turns of the game keeps the reader engaged and interested. Her grim desperation to win against all odds is fascinating and contributes to the story’s dark atmosphere. The trauma incurred by viewing and participating in acts of senseless violence is realistically portrayed. The Kill Factor is a fast-paced and timely addition to the young adult dystopian genre that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

Guest reviewer, Katie Steffensen, is a Dominican University MLIS candidate and works in youth services at a library in the North Chicago suburbs. She loves working with tweens and teens.

The New Girl
Written by Cassandra Calin
Scholastic Graphix
Available June 4, 2024

Goodbye Romania, hello new life! Lia and her family are waiting to board a flight to Montreal–leaving behind Romania, her friends, her family, and the one home she has ever known. However, Lia’s heartbreak is dwarfed by the cramps of her first menstrual period. Quickly, Lia is propelled into a world of changes: her new language—French, her new home, and her changing body. “It feels strange being so far from Romania. . . from my friends, my family, my life. It feels like I’m living someone else’s life now. In a completely different world” (p. 24). All of these changes at once cause Lia to struggle with her classwork, communicating with her friends, and managing her painful periods. Lia hopes that one day she will feel like herself again and be comfortable in her new surroundings.

In this delightful graphic novel, middle grade children will enjoy the imperfect, yet, endearing main character, Lia and her evolution throughout the story. Lia is so proud when she earns a B on her French report, which is a huge improvement from her first French assignment in the Welcome Immersion Program. Although, Lia is forming a tight group of six girlfriends, she still has trouble communicating with one friend Wan Yin about her crush. Subdued and lovely pinks, purples, and teals perfectly complement the novel’s subject of being a middle school girl. Calin perfectly executes Lia’s vicissitude of emotions through her expressive eyes, blushed cheeks, and furrowed brows. A semi-autobiographical novel based on the author’s immigration experience, the theme of the book is all about embracing change. Front and back matter includes a table of contents and a glossary with French, Romanian, and simplified Chinese words and phrases translated into English.

This week, we are showcasing some of our collection’s new children’s fiction. In the hilariously titled The Underdogs of Upson Downs, main character Annie lives in the countryside with her best friend, an adopted dog named Runt. Runt is everything a sheepherder desires—he is fast, agile, and energetic, and he will listen to anything Annie says, unless there are other people around. One day, Annie and her family are caught in a battle with a landowner threatening to take their farm, and the only way Annie can think to save her home is to win the prize money at the Krumpets Dog Show in London. In this heartwarming story of friendship and hardship, Annie and Runt compete as real underdogs with real stakes to try to win the Agility Course Grand Championship. Will they beat out the fastest dog in the world?

Check out more of our new children’s fiction below!

Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem
Written by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich
Illustrated by Molly Murakami
Published by Candlewick Press
Available today!

Charlie Hernandez & the Phantom of Time
Written by Ryan Calejo
Published by Aladdin Books
Available today!

Ferris
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press
Available today!

Friend or UFO
Written by Julie Buxbaum
Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Published by Delacorte Press
Available April, 16th, 2024!

Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress
Written by Cameron Chittock
Illustrated by Amanda Castillo
Published by RH Graphic
Available April 23rd, 2024!

The Underdogs of Upson Downs
Written by Craig Silvey
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
Available today!