Author Archives: bclyp

Snow Many Books, Snow Little Time: A (Nice) List of Holiday Reads

by

With the holiday season officially in full swing, there’s no better way to spend the day than with a good book—cozy clothes & hot cocoa optional, but encouraged. From snowy stories to Yuletide tales, whether you’re counting down the days ‘til Santa or just enjoy the cold, our early gift to you is a list full of wonderful wintertime books for all ages. As a wise, jolly old man once said, be sure to check it twice.

PICTURE BOOKS:

The Muttcracker
Written by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Ages 4-8
September 9th, 2025

Biff is not like other dogs; he’d rather be in ballet than barking—pliéing than playing! When their ballet teacher assigns The Nutcracker’s roles, aspiring Sugar Plum Fairy Biff is devastated to learn he and his human have been cast as measly bonbons. But the show must go on, and the two are determined to dazzle with their fine dancing. With charming illustrations and warm-and-fuzzy words, this picture book is perfect for ballerinas, dogs, and humans alike.

Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue
Written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt
Random House Children’s Books / Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Ages 4-8
October 28th, 2025

When Santa Claus comes down with a cold the week before Christmas, Elmore the trusty moose volunteers to take over. But he’s got a big to-do list, and he’d better check it twice. Exercise the reindeer! Don’t give the elves too much sugar! Easy-peasy, right? But things go south (no, not the pole) fast, and it’s up to Elmore to save the big day. With jokes that both kids and adults can appreciate, this holiday story is sure to be a Christmas crowd-pleaser.

NON-FICTION:

Joy to the Whole World!: A Round the World Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book
Written by Lucy Brownridge and illustrated by Sang Miao
The Quarto Group / Wide Eyed Editions
Ages 3-6
September 2nd, 2025

Whether it’s an Ethiopian feast, snowballs & sledding in Finland, or a dip in the pool for Australians, Christmas looks different all around the world. Intricate, lively illustrations are paired with liftable flaps hiding all sorts of Yuletide treasures, making this the perfect way to travel internationally this holiday season, all from the comfort of your own home.

Our Frozen Planet
Written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and illustrated by Kim Smith
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Beach Lane Books
Ages 4-8
September 2nd, 2025

Bundle up for a trek through the tundra, and beyond, as tales are told of grandfatherly Greenland sharks, cuddly Japanese macaques, blubbery seals, and all of the other flora & fauna brave enough to (polar) bear the cold. With colorful pictures and a knowledgeable narrative that’s far from information-heavy, this book is apropos for aspiring Antarctic explorers. Or anyone looking to escape the snow… with more snow.

MIDDLE GRADE:

Twelve Classics of Christmas
Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Brothers Grimm, et al.
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin
Ages 8+
September 9th, 2025

Forget partridges in pear trees! With short stories from the Brothers Grimm, L. Frank Baum, Charles Dickens, and many more beloved authors, this collection of twelve Christmas classics might just be the best way to count down the days ‘til December 25th.

Snow
Written by Meera Trehan
Candlewick Press / Walker Books US
Ages 8-12
January 21st, 2025

The Snow Princess spends her days in the snow, digging for something, anything, to save her kingdom. When twelve-year-old Ela’s boring family vacation prompts her to take a walk through the snow, the two girls and their worlds can’t help but collide. With wishes and twists and magic galore, this snowy story is the perfect wintertime tale for valiant princesses and family vacationers alike.

YOUNG ADULT:

Joy to the Girls: A She Gets The Girl Novella
Written by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Ages 14+
September 30th, 2025

It’s the holiday season, and Alex and Molly are madly in love, so what better way to spend their last winter break together than with a romantic getaway to a small storybook town? And how about getting their friends to fall in love, too? With Christmas and a bit of matchmaking on their minds, the two girls scheme to make this the most memorable holiday yet. This short and sweet novella nicely pairs with a warm mug of cocoa.

Fake Skating
Written by Lynn Painter
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Ages 16+
September 30th, 2025

It’s been five years since they last talked, and childhood best friends Dani and Alec are now, pun intended, polar opposites. The once goofy Dani now keeps her nose quietly buried in books, and the once gangly Alec is now… a perfectly chiseled high school hockey star?! The ice rink and Minnesota snow might be frigidly cold, but when Alec and Dani begin “fake dating” to save face after a locker room mishap, things heat up. Fast. A perfectly formulaic rom-com story to satisfy all of your saccharine holiday Hallmark movie needs.

Sounds like the perfect time to bundle up with a book (or two).

Butler Bookshelf

by

It’s December, and here at the Butler Center we’re ready to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! We’re celebrating all things cold and snowy this week with a look at some of the winter picture books in our collection. Our feature pick is Snow Kid by Jessie Sima. When a snow kid is built and named Twig by the group of kids who created them, they’re quite happy to be Twig. But after the kids leave and Twig heads out on their own adventure, they begin to grow and change. Are they still Twig after all these changes? This heartwarming story asks what it means to be yourself, and celebrates the joys of growing up and discovering who you want to be.

Check out more winter books below!

Fox and Owl’s Winter Adventure
Jackie Lui
Illustrated by Moonlie
The Quarto Group/words&pictures
Available now!

Is This… Winter?
Helen Yoon
Candlewick Press
Available now!

My Little Deer
Hannah Eliot
Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Little Simon
Available now!

Snow Kid
Jessie Sima
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available now!

Winter is Wonderful
Emma Dodd
Candlewick Press/Templar Books
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

by

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving, friends! In honor of this holiday’s incredibly iconic fowl, our Butler Bookshelf this week features a feast of bird stories, both non-fiction and picture, to satisfy all of your Turkey Day needs. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with a spread? … Of books, that is! Our feature pick of the week is The Crane and the Keeper, written by Meeg Pincus and illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara, inspired by the true tale of zookeeper Chris Crowe (talk about nominative determinism!) and Walnut, one persnickety white-naped crane. As a rescued and hand-reared crane, Walnut is incredibly feisty and has no interest in her fellow birds, although keepers are eager for her to mate since white-naped cranes are nearing endangered. But with patience from brand-new birdkeeper Chris Crowe, the two begin an unlikely friendship… and courtship, in Walnut’s eyes! Thanks to Chris, she’s able to successfully lay eggs after years of not trying, and goes on to have eleven babies, along with a loving, caring, and unique bond to Chris. Talk about co-parenting!

Check out some other silly (and sweet!) tales of birds galore below.

Tiny Owl’s Scary Day
Petr Horáček
Candlewick Press
Available now!

The Lonely Goose
Lela Nargi
Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Studio
Available now!

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon
Sandra Nickel
Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro
Candlewick Press
Available now!

The Crane and the Keeper: How an Endangered Crane Chose a Human as Her Mate
Meeg Pincus
Illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara
Candlewick Entertainment / Smithsonian Kids
Available now!

Born Inside a Nest So Small: Conversation with a Hummingbird
Iza Trapani
Charlesbridge
Available now!

And from all of us at the Butler Center, have a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 Wishing you and your family all the best!

Save the Date(s): It’s book sale time!

by

Mark your calendars for December 4-6th for the Annual Butler Book Sale. Once you’ve finished the Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s time to start holiday shopping in earnest. And there is NO better gift than a book! Whether it’s for the kids in your home, the kids in your library, or your own TBR pile, BCLC has a story for you.

We love that the books go to good homes and you can love that all proceeds from the book sale go to support Butler Center programming and activities. Any questions before the sale? Please send a note to butler@dom.edu.

The Butler Children’s Literature Center is located in the Rebecca Crown Library at Dominican University — 7900 W. Division St., River Forest, IL 60305

Need help finding us? DIRECTIONS AND CAMPUS MAP

Butler Bookshelf

by

This week’s Butler Bookshelf is all about the silly! We’re taking a look at some new picture books that are pretty much guaranteed to… well, at least give you a giggle! There’s a little bit of everything for everyone here: an acorn-less gray squirrel who’s going nuts (literally!), a wise bug broadcasting insect advice on air, an overzealous little penguin pursuing polar bear for dinner, and one little girl’s grocery store banana bonanza. Our feature pick this week is Little Red and Big, Bad Fred, a creatively silly & heartfelt take on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale, written and illustrated by Ashley Belote. Little Red loves going to his Great-Grandpa’s house, especially since it means he gets to see his furry friend Fred along the way! But the one thing Little Red doesn’t know is… Fred’s a hungry, hungry wolf and thinks Little Red would make a scrumptious midday snack! One winter day, Fred hits his head, and Little Red brings him to Great-Grandpa’s for help. With sharp, shiny fangs and big, big claws, the two realize he must be a dog! They buy him kibble, play fetch, and after lots of belly rubs, Fred realizes that maybe Little Red wouldn’t be the perfect meal, but rather the perfect best friend.

Check out some more silly, laugh-out-loud picture books below!

Little Red and Big, Bad Fred
Ashley Belote
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Gray Squirrel Loses It!
Cassandra Federman
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug
Susan E. Goodman
Illustrated by Merrill Rainey
Astra Books for Young Readers / Hippo Park
Available now!

I’m Going to Eat a Polar Bear
Karl Newson
Illustrated by Nicola Kinnear
The Quarto Group / Happy Yak
Available now!

A Quick Trip to the Store
Sam Wedelich
Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!

What is Beyond the Moon: A Review of Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Helene Courtois

by

Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Helene Courtois
Allie Summers
Illustrated by Sian James
Candlewick Press/mit Kids Press
Ages 6-10
Available November 18, 2025

From the time she was a young girl in a remote village in the French Alps, Helene Courtois has looked up at the moon, and wondered what could lay beyond it. As she grows older, she finds herself chasing this question all the way into a career as a cosmographer, mapping the vast universe beyond the moon. Her maps of the galaxy eventually uncovers the existence of a supercluster of galaxies named Laniakea — perhaps finally answering her question of what lays past the moon.

Summers follows Courtois from childhood through to her discovery of Laniakea, with the moon as a constant companion in her journey. The sky dominates James’ illustrations on every page, always keeping the story oriented towards the stars. The narrative masterfully weaves together a cohesive story of Helene’s life, bringing her discoveries back to the maps and experiences of her childhood.

Future astronomers and cosmographers-in-training will be drawn to this book’s exploration of space, and humanity (and Helene’s) journey towards mapping it. Courtois’ mission of inspiring girls to pursue science means there is also ample inspiration for girls in STEM in its pages.

Butler Bookshelf

by

Romantasy (a portmanteau of romance and fantasy) is the undisputed ruler of Booktok, and the genre dominating bookshelves everywhere. This week, we’re celebrating all things magical, fantastical, and romantical by highlighting some of the young adult romantasy in our Butler collection. Our feature pick is The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang. The night that Fei was born, a prophecy sealed her fate as the Empress of all Empresses who will one day rule over a united continent. Sealed away in the palace walls and promised in marriage to the Emperor’s son, Fei wants nothing more than to reclaim her own destiny. But as her childhood friend and betrothed wages war against a powerful, supernatural prince from a neighboring kingdom, she is forced to confront the truth of her prophecy — and the truth of her heart’s desire.

Check out more YA romantasy below!

A Forgery of Fate
Elizabeth Lim
Random House Children’s Books/Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

A Match Made in Hell
Charlotte Ingham
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now!

An Embroidery of Souls
Ruby Martinez
Random House Children’s Books/Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

The Nightblood Prince
Molly X. Chang
Random House Children’s Books/Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Witchkiller
Ashlee Latimer
Scholastic/Scholastic Press
Available now!

The Complications of Intimacy: A Review of How Girls Are Made

by

How Girls Are Made
Mindy McGinnis
HarperCollins 
Ages 16-18
Available November 18, 2025

High school seniors Fallon, Shelby, and Jobie couldn’t be more different. Fallon is determined to graduate with straight A’s and escape Presnick, their small, conservative Ohio town. Shelby is focused on her budding career as a semiprofessional MMA fighter. And Jobie is chasing online stardom… and a rhinoplasty. When Fallon finds out her thirteen-year-old sister Farrah’s sex education class is teaching girls virtually nothing, she decides someone must enlighten these young girls about safe sex. After coercing Shelby and Jobie to join in, the trio begins hosting secret meetings to talk about sex at the local rec center, under the guise of a “self-help” class called “SHAFT.” After an Instagram post about “SHAFT” goes viral, Presnick’s parents are up in arms. DMs begin flooding in; fingers start pointing, and their antidote to an incompetent health class quickly spirals into a dangerous web of lies. Weaved in between their own simultaneous struggles, a fatal ending for one of the three solidifies the long-lasting effects of trauma. 

Although the first three hundred pages, even with a point of view shift each chapter, maintain a consistent tone that accurately captures the acerbic humor and raw tumult of teenage girlhood, the final fifty pages quickly veer into tragedy reminiscent of a Lifetime movie—fitting for a story steeped in teenage drama. Despite its soapy ending, How Girls Are Made serves as an important cautionary tale about the complications (and potential dangers) of sex and relationships. The characters are complex; the dialogue rings true, and as devastating as the story becomes, McGinnis confronts a myriad of incredibly relevant issues to teenagers nowadays. Given its heavy subject matter, which McGinnis tackles with heart-wrenching accuracy, including references to rape, suicide, and domestic abuse, the book is best suited for more mature young adult readers. 

Butler Bookshelf

by

Graphic novels are a favorite among students, teachers, and librarians alike. Spanning a variety of genres, stories, and art styles, anyone can find their perfect graphic novel match. We have no shortage of them here in the Butler Center, so this week we’re taking a look at some of our middle grade graphic novels. Our feature pick is The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan. Eugenia Wang has never been allowed to celebrate her birthday on the day itself, because her mother believes the date, April 4th, is unlucky due to Chinese superstition around the number 4. Genie plots to throw a party on her actual 13th birthday and to apply to an art summer camp behind her disapproving mother’s back. But while she plans, she begins having visions of death and disaster striking on her birthday, which bleed through into the comic she draws for her art camp application. As the visions continue and her birthday draws closer, Genie begins to suspect the visions are a supernatural warning — and she needs to figure out how to stop their events from coming true.

Check out more middle grade graphic novels below!

Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!: A Graphic Novel
Suzanne Lang
Illustrated by Max Lang
Random House Children’s Books/Random House Studio
Available now!

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang
Stan Yan
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics: The Graphic Novel
Chris Grabenstein
Illustrated by Douglas Holgate
Random House Children’s Books/RH Graphic
Available now!

My Life as an Internet Novel
A Hyeon and Yu Han-Ryeo
Random House Children’s Books/RH Graphic
Available now!

Someone’s Gonna End Up Crying
Jo Knowles
Illustrated by Glynnis Fawkes
Candlewick Press
Available now!

Food and Family: Scrumptious books for the season to come

by

If you too are ready to move from spooky tales to warm and cozy stories, do I have some suggestions for you. Brand new (2025) books of family, friends, and food just in time for the season of abundance. Enjoy these reads with your best book buddy, an extra cozy blanket, and your favorite stretchy pants.

PICTURE BOOKS:

Family Feast!
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison
Random House Children’s Books
Age 4-8
September 23, 2025

When this multi-generational family gathers for a party, no one will leave without a full belly and a full heart. “Tastes like home when family meets; bond so warm, so strong, so sweet.” This hug of a refrain anchors a poetic picture of a joyful day of food, family, connection and home. Vibrant colors and bold strokes of oil paint perfectly capture the action and emotion of a large and loving (and loud if they’re like mine!) extended family.

Owl’s Fall Feast Fiasco
Written by Kristen Rememar and illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Charlesbridge
Age 3-7
September 5, 2025

Menu planning for a party is stressful! Especially as Owl attempts to impress his favorite didgeridoo musician and learns that he doesn’t really even understand the tastes of his closest friends. By asking questions and accepting their different palates, Owl learns that gathering with friends is the most important part of a feast. The combination of speech bubbles, graphic-like panels, and full-page spreads allow unique animal personalities to eclipse stereotypes in this ode to a forest Friendsgiving.

MIDDLE GRADE:

Witchycakes: Sweet Magic
Written by Kara LaRue and Illustrated by Ariane Moreira
Random House Children’s Books
Age 6-9
August 19, 2025

“In a magical bakery by the sea, live a witch and a witch-to-be…” Blue and their mama bake up tasty treats with a little magic and a lot of love. While making the deliveries, Blue gets to practice different bits of magic as they try to help their friends and neighbors. This delightful early chapter book blends themes of independence and community spirit with the gentle lesson of learning from our mistakes. Whimsical, candy-colored illustrations complement the story and showcase a diverse and vibrant community full of heart.

The Secret of Honeycake
Written by Kimberly Newton Fusco
Knopf
Age 8-12
January 21, 2025

In the midst of the Great Depression, a young girl named Hurricane is forced by family tragedy to move in with an intimidating great aunt and her kind-hearted servant. Through her insecurity and grief, she learns about the ways of caregiving, the importance of using her voice, and the magic that can come from sharing food cooked with love.

NONFICTION:

Sweet and Salty! King Arthur Company’s Cookbook for Young Bakers
Written by King Arthur Baking with Jessica Battilana and Yekaterina Boytsova
Photography by Rick Holbrook and illustrated by Jordan Sondler
Simon & Schuster
Age 8-12
September 30, 2025

For anyone new to baking—no matter the age—King Arthur’s new title is just the guide for those looking to share love through food this holiday season. Full of tips for getting started, skills tutorials like how to “just fold it in!” (a photo guide titled “What is folding and how do you do it?”), equipment lists, and plenty of recipes for sweet and savory treats. Mouthwatering photography, fun and funny graphics, and easy to follow instructions are blended into the most delicious book for all aspiring bakers.

When Alexander Graced the Table
Written by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner and illustrated by Frank Morrison
Simon and Schuster
Age 4-8
January 7, 2025

Inspired by family and food, this is the origin story of a young boy who would grow to be a James Beard Award-winning chef. Always enamored of Sunday dinners with his family, Alexander Smalls used his new kitchen skills to make a sweet surprise for his father and family to enjoy. Morrison’s oils capture both the thoughtful and ambitious boy and the emotions that inspired him. This would make a lovely non-fiction companion to Family Feast.

YOUNG ADULT:

Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories
Edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
HarperCollins Publishers/Heartdrum
August 26, 2025
12+

Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In is everywhere and nowhere all at once. Each piece of this anthology takes place against the backdrop of the drive-in, as teenagers from Alaska to Hawai’i enjoy traditional foods, comfort snacks, and a little bit of magic to provide just what they need when they need it. As they deal with hallmark challenges of young adulthood—grief, love, jealousy, friendship, and family—they make connections within, beyond, and between Indigenous cultures.

Love Craves Cardamom
Written by Aashna Avachat
Random House Children’s Books/Joy Revolution
Age 13+
May 20, 2025

Archi is an American Desi HS student studying abroad in Jaipur and hoping for a “boy-free semester.” Shiv is a mysterious boy who wants to show her the city in all its delicious vibrancy, even when he’s not ready to show his true self. This lighthearted YA rom-com is a story of growth, culture, self-awareness, agency, and the way that food can nurture us—body, heart, and soul.

Here’s to a delicious season of thankfulness for you and yours. May your hearts, bellies, and bookshelves be full!