Author Archives: bclyp

Butler Bookshelf

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Celebrate the power of music, family, and legacies our loved ones leave behind in Bravo, Little Bird!. Written by Annie Silvestro and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, this picture book tells the special friendship between an old man and a little bird. 

“The old man played joyful, jolly music.
Sad, soulful music.
Beautiful, bountiful, breathtaking music.
Little Bird listened…until she couldn’t stay quiet any longer.
Then, she sang.
“Bravo, Little Bird!” cheered the old man.“

Check it out along with other picture books featured below!

All About Nothing
Written by Elizabeth Rusch & Illustrated by Elizabeth Goss
Published by Charlesbridge
Available April 4th!

Border Crossings 
Written by Sneed B. Collard III & Illustrated by Howard Gray
Published by Charlesbridge
Available Today!

Bravo, Little Bird!
Written by Annie Silvestro & Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
Published by Simon & Schuster For Young Readers
Available Today!

Everyone Loves Lunchtime but Zia
Written by Jenny Liao & Illustrated by Dream Chen
Published by Alfred A Knopf
Available Today!

Find Your Brave (A Coco and Bear Story)
Written and Illustrated by Apryl Stott
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available Today!

I Am Not an Octopus
Written by Eoin McLaughlin & Marc Boutavant
Published by Candlewick Press
Available Today!

Lab Partners: A Review of Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of SisterhoodLab Partners: A Review of

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Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood
Linda Elovitz Marshall
Illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso
Knopf
February 14, 2023
Age 5-9

Marie and Bronia grew up in a home surrounded by love, learning, and tragedy. Losing their mother and sister when they were quite young inspired the sisters to discover ways to help others. They supported each other through school and beyond in their journey to become a doctor and scholar in search of medical miracles. Each grew to make significant impacts on their chosen field, and on each other’s lives, through their curiosity, determination, and courage. This picture book biography of Marie Curie and Bronia Dluska explores the lives of the brave and brilliant sisters as they broke gender boundaries and cultural norms in late 1800s Poland to educate themselves and others in their quest to save the world. Marshall tells the story of their progress from young students to scientific trailblazers in a factual, often bleak, manner, broken by moments of whimsy. She describes the struggles between work and family obligations, accompanied by a moody-toned illustration of the conflict, leading into a spring-like spread of Marie and her husband Pierre on their bicycling honeymoon (p. 10-13). She balances moments from their personal biographies with their professional accomplishments, crafting an example of strong, but well-rounded women in science as role models for young readers, developing scientists, and sisters of all ages. Sisters Anna and Elena Balbusso’s geometric, sepia-toned, mixed media illustrations capture the STEM focus and historic setting to perfection. Utilizing imagery of atomic bonds, equations, and lab equipment against poignant images of the family, they reinforce the conflicting priorities that must have been a constant struggle for the women during that time period (and often still are). A time line and reading list (for children and adults) adds weight to this inspirational addition to STEM and Women’s History Month collections and programming.

A story of sisterhood and intellectual curiosity that lead to some of the great medical and scientific discoveries of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Butler Bookshelf

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Inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut in Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy. Inspired by African American history and folklore, this contemporary fantasy will take readers on a hunt with Nic Blake and her two friends as they try to search for a lost magical tool that can save her father from imprisonment and clear his name. 

Check it out along with the other children’s fiction novels featured below!

Gina and the Last City on Earth (Hilo #9)
Written by Judd Winick
Published by Random House Graphic
Available February 28th!

Hope’s Path to Glory: The Story of a Family’s Journey on the Overland Trail
Written by Jerdine Nolen
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available Today!

Lasagna Means I Love You
Written by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Published by Alfred A Knopf
Available February 21st!

Momo Arashima: Steals The Sword Of The Wind
Written by Misa Sugiura
Published by Labyrinth Road
Available February 28th!

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy
Written by Angie Thomas
Published by Balzer + Bray
Available April 4th!

Sugar Pancake
Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Illustrated by Abhi Alwar
Published by Random House Graphic
Available Today!

Black History Empowerment Through Children’s Literature 

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Get ready for a celebration of black culture and an understanding of black history through the eyes of children with these new titles that can be enjoyed all year round.

Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement
Simon & Schuster (Paula Wiseman Books)
January 10, 2023
4 – 8 years

Love Is Loud is a nonfiction children’s book that is based on the true story of Diane Nash and how she became a civil rights movement leader at such an early age. The striking illustrations demonstrate her journey with bright colors and heartwarming imagery. Diane’s story is a reminder to be strong, determined and brave in the face of adversity.  

Lovely Day, based on the lyrics by Bill Withers, Illustrated by Olivia Duchess 
Scholastic  
January 10, 2023
4 – 8 years

Lovely Day is a visual guide through the famous lyrics of the song by Bill Withers. The lyrics on their own are positive, uplifting and reassuring. The whimsical illustrations highlight the bond of a black family and their beautiful neighborhood; this story inspires happiness to the beat of an iconic song.  

Sugar Pie Lullaby
Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud 
Sourcebooks Explore
February 7, 2023
4 – 8 years

Sugar Pie Lullaby is a children’s fiction book about family, togetherness and the unity. The music of Motown pumping through the veins of this story makes this a soulful read. The simple prose amplifies the love of family and the joy of music with references to songs like “Don’t You worry ‘Bout A Thing” by Stevie Wonder, “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” by Brenda Holloway and “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Nickolas Ashford.  

We Are Here  
Tami Charles, Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Scholastic (Orchard Books)
January 3, 2023
4 – 8 years

We Are Here is a children’s fiction book that celebrates impact, legacy, and heritage. The book follows a young black girl and those around her through a discovery of black culture and empowerment. The author penned this story as a tribute to their deceased child, making sure that their memory lives on by sharing the appreciation of blackness and black culture. “We Are Here” is a proclamation that explains why it is important for others to learn about black history throughout the generations.  

You So Black
Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., Illustrated by London Ladd 
Simon & Schuster (Denene Millner Books)
January 10, 2023
4 – 8 years

You So Black is a popular poem that has now transformed into this inspiring children’s book. The emotionally fulfilling poem in this story, paired with the intricately beautiful artwork of the illustrations, is striking and captivating. “You so black,” was once an insult to black people, but this author reclaims the phrase and turns it into empowerment for black culture.  

 

Butler Bookshelf

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Follow Carlotta Walls LaNier’s courageous story in A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School as one of nine black students who integrated the all-white Little Rock Central High School and became known as the Little Rock Nine. Adapted for young readers, this historical memoir journeys through traumatic and life-changing events that influenced the Little Rock Nine in individual ways. 

Check it out along with the other titles written by black authors featured below!

All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford & Illustrated by Ashley Evans
Published by Crown Books For Young Readers
Available February 28th!

The Black Queen
Written by Jumata Emill
Published by Delacorte Press
Available Today!

The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music
Written by Roberta Flack and Tonya Bolden & Illustrated by Hayden Goodman
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Available Now!

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Written by Talia Hibbert
Published by Joy Revolution
Available Now!

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better
Written by Glenda Armand & Kim Freeman & Illustrated by Keith Mallett
Published by Crown Books For Young Readers
Available Today!

A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School
Written Carlotta Walls LaNier &  Lisa Frazier Page
Published by Delacorte Press
Available Today!

Love—In the Air and on the Shelves

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Family, friend, or a secret crush, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love in all its forms, and these brand-new titles have them all covered. So, curl up with a handful of conversation hearts and your favorite of these lovely titles to feel all the sweet emotions of everyone’s favorite heart-shaped holiday.

You are Loved: A Book About Families
Margaret O’Hair, illustrated by Sofia Cardoso
Scholastic
Picture Book
March 7, 2023
Age 4-8

No matter how they’re formed or how they look, love is what makes a family. Inspired by the adoption story of Down Syndrome advocate Sophia Sanchez, O’Hair explores the many ways families are come together—birth, adoption, blending, and found families are all celebrated—and that their love is the thing that matters most. Candy colored illustrations of both everyday activities and special events complement a text that honors family in all its forms, and is a follow up to the inclusion-focused You are Enough (2021).

Best Friends Furever (Love Puppies #1)
JaNay Brown-Wood
Scholastic
Early Chapter Book
February 7, 2023
Age 7-10

In this first installment of the Love Puppies series, the team of magical pups is there to help shy third grader, Meiko, make a friend at her new school. But as plan after plan goes awry, feelings are hurt and messes are made until mayhem leads to a brand new friend. Reminiscent of the Care Bears or Paw Patrol, but with dashes of sparkle and magic, Best Friends Furever centers love as a magical component of friendship. A final chapter recap in the Doghouse gives explicit tips on what the pups learned about how to make and be a friend.

The Love Match
Priyanka Taslim
Simon & Schuster/Salaam Reads
Young Adult
January 3, 2023
Age 12 and up

Zahra is a princess in name only (read: no royal bank account) and must put dreams of college and writing on hold to help support her family. But in their small Bengladeshi American community, her mother’s plan for a rich suiter and her flirtation with a dishwasher/musician soon come into conflict. What’s a girl to do but fake a relationship with the family-approved boy and keep saving for college one day? Conflict abounds in family, friend, and romantic relationships as Zahra works toward her true goals and clarifies her true feelings. Taslim will leave readers guessing about the OTP until the very end as love for her family and herself help set Zahra’s course.

Butler Bookshelf

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Luminously illustrated by Catherine Rayner, Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony provides young readers a peek into the journeys and challenges that penguins now face in the heat of climate change. Facing displacement due to climate change, follow an empress penguin and her mate as they try to search for food, find shelter, and care for their young penguin chick. Back matter is provided that describes the real story of the loss of many emperor chicks at Halley Bay that tries to encourages readers to help protect the environment so these extraordinary survivors will continue to be found in the Antarctic for generations to come.

Check it out along with the other picture books we received this week below!

Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony
Written by Nicola Davies & Illustrated by Catherine Rayner
Published by Candlewick Press
Available February 14th!

Pick a Perfect Egg
Written by Patricia Toht & Illustrated by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick Press
Available February 14th!

This Book is My Best Friend
Written & Illustrated by Robin Robinson
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available January 31st!

Together With You
Written by Patricia Toht & Illustrated by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick Press
Available February 14th!

Watch Out For the Lion
Written by Brook Hartman & Illustrated by Anna Süßbauer
Published by Page Street Kids
Available Now!

Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike
Written by Dashka Slater & Illustrated by Laura Hughes
Published by Candlewick Press
Available February 14th!

Butler Bookshelf

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With the help of some unusual friends, Leeva Spayce Thornblossom sets out on a quest in her small town of Nutsmore to discover the burning question of: What are people for? Written by Sara Pennybacker, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist, Matthew Cordell, Leeva At Last is a fast-paced book with themes of parental absurdism, heartwarming friendship, and a peculiar badger. 

Check it out along with the other children’s fiction titles featured below!

Camp Creepy
Written by Kiersten White
Published by Delacorte Press
Available Now!

Cupcake Diaries (Emma on Thin Icing: The Graphic Novel #3)
Written by Coco Simon & Illustrated by Giulia Campobello
Published by Simon Spotlight
Available January 24th!

The Enchanted Bridge (Dragons in a Bag #4)
Written by Zetta Elliot & Illustrated by Cherise Harris
Published by Random House Children’s Publishers
Available Now!

Heroes of Havensong: Dragonboy
Written by Megan Reyes
Published by Labyrinth Road
Available January 24th!

Leeva At Last
Written by Sara Pennypacker & Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Published by Balzer + Bray
Available March 7th!

Llama Llama Hooray For New Friends!
Written and Illustrated by Anna Dewdney
Published byGolden Books
Available Today!

All in a Days Work: A Review of Stillwater and Koo Save the World

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Stillwater and Koo Save the World (A Stillwater and Friends Book)
Jon J. Muth
Scholastic Press
Ages 4 to 8
February 7, 2023

Koo, a young giant panda, wakes up inspired to change the world and enlists his thoughtful Uncle Stillwater to help fix it all—today. As they go about their day, Koo proceeds to have giant expectations of what he would like to do, but Stillwater teaches him that making small changes in the environment, and helping the community, can be their own meaningful way to change the world.

Told using a variety of animals, humans, and anthropomorphic pandas, the diverse characters reflect the diversity of the world and all the characters that might need kindness. Pandas as symbols of peace and friendship in Asian countries, are the main character in this story as they try to bring small improvements to the world around them. The pace of the story changes from rapid excitement as Koo suddenly wakes up one day and instantly ropes his uncle into the expectations of wanting to save the whole world, then slows only when Stillwater speaks to Koo about making small differences in the world around him. As the pace changes, the tone of the story changes to one of acceptance and encouragement of his personal efforts Encouraged by his uncle, Koo begins to bring joy to those around him through small but meaningful actions, such as cleaning his room and making a cake for the neighbors. These realistic everyday chores and acts of thoughtfulness offer young readers clear examples of how their actions impact the world around them. Drawn with pencil and granulated watercolors, the airy but vivid illustrations exemplify the beauty in the world around Stillwater and Koo and why they want to help save it. Stillwater and Koo Save the World is an uplifting story about wanting to make giant differences in the world by doing something small, inspiring readers to make meaningful changes in the world regardless of age.  

 

Butler Bookshelf

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With the unique collaboration of audio and vibrant illustrations, Lift Every Voice and Change: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generations takes young readers on an exploration of each speaker and the significance of quotes. By listening to impactful quotes spoken by inspiring Black Americans, readers gain an age-appropriate understanding of the strides made in the ongoing journey for equality.

Check it out along with the other nonfiction titles featured below!

100 Things to Know About Architecture
Written by Louise O’Brien & Illustrated by Dàlia Adillon and Louise O’Brien
Published by Happy Yak
Available January 31st!

Cash is Queen: A Girl’s Guide To Securing, Spending, and Stashing Cash
Written by Davinia Tomlinson & Illustrated by Andrea Oerter
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available Today!

Courage in Her Cleats: The Story Of Soccer Star Abby Wambach
Written by Kim Chaffee & Illustrated by Alexandria Badiu
Published by Page Street Kids
Available Now!

Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular
Written by Polly Owen & Gwen Millward
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available Now!

Lift Every Voice And Change: A Celebration Of Black Leaders And The Words That Inspire Generations
Written by Charnaie Gordon & Illustrated by Aeron Cargill
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available Today!

We Are Your Children Too: Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America’s Schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia
Written and Illustrated by P. O’Connell Pearson
Published by Simon & Schuster For Young Readers
Available Today!