Welcome to the online presence of the Butler Children's Literature Center, housed in Dominican's SOIS (Crown Library room 214). Here, we celebrate the best in books for youth and those who delight in sharing them. For Summer 2025, BCLC will offer collection access to the Dominican community and general public during posted open hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 4pm, Wednesday noon-4pm, Friday 9am-5pm and by appointment with the Curator. Contact Jen Clemons at jclemons@dom.edu to make arrangements or you can still reach us at butler@dom.edu.
Designed to motivate girls to learn more about the field of botany and see how one person’s creativity and determination can change the world, Science Wide Open: Women in Botany, written by Mary Wissinger and illustrated by Danielle Pioli, has been peer-reviewed by an extensive team of scientists, science educators, and parents. The highlighted women hail from all over the world, span from the 16th Century to the present day, and include Waheenee, Ynés Mexía, Dr. Janaki Ammal, Elizabeth Coleman White, Loredana Marcello, and Wangari Maathai.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Curve & Flow: The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect Paul R. Williams Written by Andrea J. Loney and Illustrated by Keith Mallett Published by Alfred A. Knopfs Available this September 27th!
Dinosaur Atlas: A Journey Through Time to the Prehistoric World, Written by Tom Jackson and Illustrated by Maggie Li Published by QEB Publishing Available now!
Illumibugs Written by Carnovsky and Illustrated by Barbara Taylor Published by Wide Eyed Editions Available today!
Memories and Life Lessons from the Magic Tree House Written by Osborne, Mary Pope Published by Random House Books for Young Readers Available now!
Science Wide Open: Women in Botany Written by Mary Wissinger and Illustrated by Danielle Pioli Published by Science Naturally Available this September!
This is the Sun Written by Elizabeth Everett and Illustrated by Evelline Andrya Published by Science Naturally Available this October!
The Whispering Dark Kelly Andrew Scholastic Press October 18, 2022 Ages 14 and up
Being Deaf, Delaney Meyers-Petrov has always been seen as fragile, but when she gets accepted into the mysterious Godbole School, with its history of teaching students how to roam between worlds, she jumps on the chance to prove herself. Meeting Colton Price again at the school was not part of the plan. Colton Price’s life has orbited around one person ever since he woke up from death at her feet – Delaney’s. Forced together on campus, but forbidden from interacting, Colton struggles to keep away from her. They form an uneasy alliance to discover why students are dying gruesome deaths and brace themselves for an age-old enemy that has risen from the shadows of the school’s dark history.
Described by the publisher as a romantic fantasy, it reads more as a mystery thriller, with its strange murders and supernatural entities, with only subtle themes of romance. Andrew skillfully builds tension that makes readers need to find out the cause of the deaths and the secrets of the school to be appeased. The story could have been more effectively told in the first-person, by the alternating narrators, to provide in-depth understanding of each character. Its third-person narration waters down the emotion and hinders evolving character arcs. Delaney sees herself as fragile in the beginning and doesn’t tell friends or professors that she’s Deaf, which hurts her relationships and grades. Even in the end, she doesn’t tell people around her. Elements like the frequently changing narrators and elaborate language are disorienting and add to the mystery. The puzzling secrets of the school that only Colton seems to know but are hidden outside the grasp of the reader until the rushed resolution are an additional element of suspense. This perplexing story will make young adult/new adult readers ponder what they would come back to life as after a deathly experience: a better version of themselves or something possessed by evil.
When the king of Norway gifts a bear to the king of England, it starts poorly. Little feels like home to the bear, trapped in a cage far away from where it grew up. But when King Henry III requires the bear to be brought to the Thames River to swim and fish, giving the bear a bit of freedom and joy, the bear can feel a bit more at home in their new strange land.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
A Bear Far From Home Written by Susan Fletcher and Illustrated by Rebecca Green Published by Anne Schwartz Books Available September 27th!
Even Robot Can Be Thankful! Written and Illustrated by Jan Thomas Published by Beach Lane Books Available today!
Friends Written and Illustrated by Daniela Sosa Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Available today!
It’s Diwali! Written by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal and Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan Published by Beach Lane Books Available today!
Little Red and the Bid Bad Editor Written by Rebecca Kraft Rector and Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey Published by Aladdin Available today!
Three Little Vikings Written and Illustrated by Bethan Woollvin Published by Peachtree Publishing Available now!
The Glass Witch Lindsay Puckett Scholastic Press October 18, 2022 Age 8-12
Adelaide Goode is the youngest in a family of cursed and complicated witches, doomed to feel she is not magic enough, thin enough, or “Goode enough.” About to be left with her grandma for the summer, Addie clings to her mother in a snap decision that unleashes the curse, turns her bones to glass, and makes her the target of a witch-hunting spirit. Only by accepting herself and connecting with her family’s magic, or kindred, can she save herself, her family, and her town from shattering.
Challenged by low self-esteem and fear of abandonment, Addie uses tween snark and extraordinary baking skills as a shield against her fears. Puckett weaves heavy themes of body image, bullying, and family tension with more whimsical notes of a Halloween Pageant, delicious food imagery, and brave rescue rabbits to keep the tone light and the pace lively. And the addition of a fearless and monster-obsessed new friend, Fatima, makes for the perfect foil for Addie and her ideal companion in a magical crisis. Secondary adult characters begin in a less-defined manner but shine in a conclusion that sees Addie find her self-worth while learning about her family and her place in it.
Friendship, family, and magic combine in this lighthearted story of self-discovery and acceptance.
Action! by Meghan McCarthy tells the story of the invention and innovation of film from the silent black and white films leading to today in McCarthy’s signature easy-to-follow narrative voice.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Action! How Movies Began Written and Illustrated by Meghan McCarthy Published by Simon and Schuster Available Now!
Aphrodite the Beauty Written by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams Published by Aladdin Available Now!
Creepy Crayon! Written by Aaron Reynolds and Illustrated by Peter Brown Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Available Now!
Four for the Road Written by K.J. Reilly Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available Now!
Maisy at Work Written and Illustrated by Lucy Cousins Published by Candlewick Press Available September 6th!
Those Summer Nights Written by Laura Silverman Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available Now!
Bessie the Motorcycle Queen Charles R. Smith, Jr. Illustrated by Charlot Kristensen Scholastic Inc. / Orchard Books September 20, 2022 Ages 6 to 8
Through rhyming verse, Bessie the Motorcycle Queen tells the story of little-known adventurer, Bessie Stringfield. A Black motorcyclist, she was known for her spontaneous, cross-country motorcycle rides, flair for the dramatic, and ability to cruise easily past her white, male competitors. Fighting against conditions in the Jim Crow-era South, Bessie was often forced to sleep under the stars when motels rejected her, was chased by Klan members, and cheated out of her race winnings. The impulsive, determined, and highly skilled Bessie gives author Charles Smith, Jr. plenty of tales for an action-packed ride. His verse maintains a quick pace and fun tone, despite some heavy content, even if some lines are a bit clunky. The sherbet-flavored color palette, laid over the modern digital paintings, immediately places the story in the 1920s. Elements like her wheat penny, which she flipped to decide her next location, add to the period details and her legend. The rough, lineless illustrations feel cartoon-like and energetic, with Bessie and her motorcycle significantly more detailed than everything else, keeping the reader’s eyes always on her. The backmatter includes an author’s note explaining his discovery of Bessie’s story, and the inspiration he found in her bravery, as well as a bibliography with books and online articles for additional reading on Bessie.
With races, car chases, and daring motorcycle stunts, this tall tale of an overlooked historical figure shines a spotlight on her bravery and spirit in a story of empowerment.
In Trex by Christyne Morrell, the titular character Trex gets an experimental brain implant to save his life, however, it also causes him to shock everything he touches. At the same time, spy in training Mellie the Mouse becomes suspicious of him when Mellie sees electricity leave Trex’s hands. But there is a bigger mystery afoot, can the unlikely pair solve it before it’s too late?
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
TheDaredevils Written by Rob Buyea Published by Delacorte Press Available Now!
If You Read This Written by Kereen Getten Published by Delacorte Press Available Now!
Lemon Bird Can Help! Written by Paulina Ganucheau Published by RH Graphics Available Today!
Pizza my Heart Written by Mika Song Published by RH Graphics Available Now!
Trex Written by Christyne Morrell Published by Delacorte Press Available August 30th!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy: Rory and the Magical Mix-Ups Kallie George Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez Disney Hyperion October 11,2022 Ages 5-8
Living as a non-magical being her whole life, Rory Spellington enrolls in Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy so she can achieve her dream of becoming a fairy godmother. Her excitement about finally attending the Academy fades when all of her spells turn into disasters. Only with the help of her new friend, Mai, and her experience living in the non-magical world does Rory learn that having magic doesn’t make all wishes come true; listening and being there for someone is the best way to grant any wish.
This imaginative and magical tale starts by providing a map of Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy so readers can visually follow along on Rory’s adventures. Including a map of the academy encourages readers creativity as they delve into the story and adds to the adventure. Bright, vivid colors and attention to detail in the illustrations make each chapter a magical tale on its own*. Although the academy name and characters within the story have references to Disney movies, familiarity isn’t necessary to follow along. To adjust to the age-appropriate reading level, George spells out complex words, using word play to complement Rory’s magical spell-casting challenges, and normalizes learning differences for the reader. George’s tone follows Rory’s time at the academy from excited and animated in the beginning, then slowly dwindles to discouraged as Rory’s spells end in disaster, and back to festive as Rory completes her first magical assignment with flying colors, helping a child with his first wish. With an overtmoral, the author makes it clear to young readers that nobody can be a perfect fairy or non-magical person, but if you are motivated to fulfill your dream, then try your hardest, even when there might be magical disasters.
The Blanket Where Violet Sits by Allan Wolf and Illustrated by Lauren Tobia is a meditative bedtime book about stars. Lyrical with a nostalgic art style, a storybook for nights under the moon.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
The Blanket Where Violet Sits Written by Allan Wolf and Illustrated by Lauren Tobia Published by Candlewick Press Available August 30th!
Blue Badger and the Big Breakfast Written by Huw Lewis Jones and Illustrated by Ben Sanders Published by Happy Yak Available September 6th!
Broccoli’s Big Day Written by Mike Henson and Illustrated by Sandra De La Prada Published by Happy Yak Available Now!
TheMouse Who Carried a House on his Back Written by Jonathan Stutzman and Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault Published by Candlewick Press Available August 30th!
Never Brush a Bear Written and Illustrated by Sam Hearn Published by Happy Yak Available Now!
Wild Summer: Life in the Heat Written by Alex Morss and Sean Taylor and Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu Published by Happy Yak Available Now!
New shoes, new school supplies, and maybe new anxieties—back to school season is here! Whether you’re sending off the kids from your home, home library, or welcoming them into your classrooms, these 2022 picture books are full of reassurance (and sometimes silliness) to help with a smooth transition into the norms and routines of the school year.
KINDergarten cover art
KINDergarten: where kindness matters every day Written by Vera Ahiyya Illustrated by Joey Chou Penguin/Random House Studio June 2022 Age 4-8Leo is nervous about kindergarten, especially his new teacher’s request that the class contribute ideas to kindness pledge. Leo prefers quiet. What if he can’t figure out what to say? As Leo meets his classmates, and hears their ideas about kindness, he realizes his actions can speak just as loudly as their words. Vibrant colors and geometric illustrations lend a joyful tone to this reminder about all the ways we can show kindness to others.
Purple School cover art
The World Needs More Purple Schools Written by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman Penguin/Random House Children’s Books June 2022 Age 3-7
Penny Purple and her friends are back and bringing their plans for a more curious, respectful, and cooperative world to their classroom—and yours. Bright and joyful illustrations combine with silliness galore to explore Penny’s school community and everything the students and teachers do as good citizens and friends.
Everything in Its Place cover art
Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging Witten by Pauline David-Sax Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow Penguin/Doubleday July 2022 Age 3-7
An introverted young book-lover finds solace (and an escape from recess) by volunteering in the school library. Forced to face a week of recess on her own, an all-female motorcycle group inspires her to take a risk on opening up in order to find a like-minded friend. A mix of blue pencil drawings, watercolor, and collage are brilliantly combined to bring the girl’s interests, experiences, and imagination together in one cohesive and lovely ode to books and belonging.
Hurry, Little Tortoise cover art
Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! Written by Carrie Finison Illustrated by Erin Kraan Penguin/Random House Studio July 2022 Age 3-7
Little Tortoise is determined to be on time for her first day of school. Passed by classmate after classmate, her dedication turns to despair when she’s knocked on her shell. A rescue by her teacher, Mr. Sloth, gives just the pick me up she needs to build confidence and get to class right on time. A sweet tale of perseverance to illustrate that moving at your own pace doesn’t diminish your place in the crowd.
This is a School cover art
This is a School Written by John Schu Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison Candlewick March 2022 Age 3-7
Through simple text and lively art, this diverse and vibrant school community comes to life and introduces young students to the rhythms and learning within. Identifying locations, experiences, and emotions tied to the school day and beyond, Schu gently welcomes readers to the world of school. Differences in culture, ability, skill, and social-emotional experience are celebrated in vignettes exploring all the school building and school community might offer and what community members have to offer in return.
Butler's Pantry 