Category Archives: picture book

Butler Bookshelf

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This week, we’re thinking about our friends and family – the people we love and choose to spend our time with. These Butler Bookshelf picks are all about how we show love to the important people in our lives! Our feature pick is Why We Eat Fried Peanuts by Zed Zha, illustrated by Sian James. As they celebrate Lunar New Year, Mèng’s father tells her the story of her tài nâi nai (great-grandmother) and explains the important part that ancestors play in their culture. He recounts the story of Tài Nâi Nai’s kindness towards strangers, and the baby, nicknamed Little Peanut, who she rescued and raised as her own. Complete with definitions and pronunciations for over 20 words in Mandarin and instructions on making your own fried peanuts for Lunar New Year’s celebration, this picture book is a fantastic introduction to Chinese culture, holidays, and celebrations, as well as a heartwarming story about the importance of family.

Check out more books about love, family, and friendship below!

Lily’s Dream: A Fairy Friendship
Bea Jackson
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Aladdin
Available now!

Hand Holds: Love
Fiona Munro
Illustrated by Laura Hambleton
The Quarto Group/Design Eye
Available January 28th, 2025

The Welcome Book
Danna Smith
Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/LITTLE SIMON
Available now!

When Alexander Graced the Table
Alexander Smalls & Denene Miller
Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available now!

Why We Eat Fried Peanuts
Zed Zha
Illustrated by Sian James
The Quarto Group/becker&myer!kids
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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In the very first Butler Bookshelf of 2025, we’re taking a look at some of the new picture books in the Butler collection! Our first feature of the year is Mary Murphy’s Friends Forever. Two monkeys celebrate their friendship, climbing, swinging, and playing together in the trees. When they find themselves head to head with a hungry crocodile, they come away even more sure of their friendship than before. With charming full-page illustrations and bouncy prose, this book is a fantastic addition to any picture book collection.

Check out the Butler Center’s picture book picks below!

Are You a Hungry Monster?
Written and illustrated by Guilherme Karsten
Published by Happy Yak
Available January 21, 2025

Dinosaur Roar! (Simon Spotlight Edition)
Written by Henrietta Stickland
Illustrated by Paul Stickland
Published by Simon Spotlight
Available now!

Friends Forever
Written and illustrated by Mary Murphy
Published by Happy Yak
Available January 28, 2025

Heartfelt
Written by Elaine Vickers
Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available now!

Willow Takes on the Weather
Written by Rachel Noble
Illustrated by Annabel Tempest
Published by Page Street Kids
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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For this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we’re highlighting a variety of youth literature in our collection. This list has something for all ages, fiction, nonfiction, and bilingual! The featured book for this week is Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea written by Andrew Hacket and illustrated by Kaz Windness. Ollie is tired of dealing with Everett’s constant bullying. One day, when Everett steals a sapling from Ollie, he has an idea — he will eat an acorn and grow into a mighty tree so that Everett will never be able to bully him again. But when Ollie becomes tall and strong and stands up to Everett once and for all, he realizes that he went about it all wrong. He burps everything up, and Ollie and Everett reconcile and start growing their gardens together. Windness’s colorful, lively illustrations compliment Hacket’s lively and expressive story about how to stand up for yourself and what it truly means to be mighty.

Check out more books for all ages below!

The Flower Shop/La Florería
Written by Lourdes Heuer
Illustrated by Zara González Hoang
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

Love Is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent
Written by Dan Paley
Illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

My Father’s House
Written by Mina Javaherbin
Illustrated by Lindsey Yankey
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea
Written by Andrew Hacket
Illustrated by Kaz Windness
Published by Page Street Kids
Available now!

Paige Proves It!: The Curious Cove
Written and illustrated by Amy Marie Stadelmann
Published by Aladdin
Available now!

Zodiac Rising
Written by Katie Zhao
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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November is National Native American Heritage Month, and a great way to celebrate is by reading some books that center Native American characters and history! This week’s Butler Bookshelf will highlight books by and about Native Americans, including Boozhoo!/Hello! written and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley and translated by Mary Ann Corbiere. Boozhoo!/Hello! is a bilingual English and Anishinaabemowin picture book about forest animals found in Anishinaabe territories. Deers are eating, bees are buzzing, and otters are playing in this fun, whimsical story. The simple, rhythmic text engages with young readers, allowing them to learn both English and Anishinaabemowin simultaneously. The bold art in the Woodland style and bright colors will delight readers, drawing their attention to each animal and what they’re doing. Complete with author’s and translator’s notes about the inspiration and work behind the story and Anishinaabemowin language, Boozhoo!/Hello! is a wonderful addition to collections and storytime programs this month and throughout the year.

Check out more books about Native American history and characters below!

Boozhoo!/Hello!
Written and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere
Published by House of Anansi Press
Available now!

Gold Rush: The Untold Story of the First Nations Woman Who Started the Klondike Gold Rush
Written by Flora Delargy
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!

On a Wing and a Tear
Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Published by Heartdrum Imprint
Available now!

The Ribbon Skirt
Written and illustrated by Cameron Mukwa
Published by Graphix
Available now!

This Land: The History of the Land We’re On (Race to the Truth)
Written by Ashley Fairbanks
Illustrated by Bridget George
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
Available now!

The Joy of Trying New Things: A Review of The Creature of Habit Tries His Best 

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The Creature of Habit Tries His Best 
Written by Jennifer E. Smith 
Illustrated by Leo Espinosa 
Published by Random House Children’s Books/Random House Studio 
Ages 4-8
Available November 19, 2024 

The Creature of Habit Island returns in this charming story about what it means to be the best at something. New things still make the Creature nervous, but with the encouragement of the very small creature, they travel off Habit Island to a new place that has snow and pine trees. The Creature attempts every challenge, but he struggles to climb the trees and balance on the logs like his friend. He gives up in frustration. When he sees the very small creature riding a bike, he’s mesmerized and decides to give it a go. It’s hard at first, but he is determined to at least be the best at trying. The Creature is eventually successful and they ride their bikes together as they think about all the new things they can try in the future. 

In this heartwarming picture book, Jennifer E. Smith brings back the Creature of Habit to expand on the importance of trying new things. In the sequel, Smith explores themes of determination and what it means to be the best. By showing him try many different activities before discovering his love for bike riding, Smith shows readers that sometimes, it takes trial and error to discover your passion. She also emphasizes the importance of persevering instead of giving up when the Creature decides that, rather than wanting to be the best at riding the bike, he wants to “be the best at trying to ride” (p. 18) the bike. Smith’s text is paired with Leo Espinosa’s comic-like digital illustrations to bring the Creature to life. The bright colors contrast and grab readers’ attention, and his animated illustration style further engages readers in the story as he shows the activities the creatures do together, like climbing trees and riding bikes. The Creature of Habit Tries His Best is an entertaining story that can be used in a lesson or storytime to help young readers understand the importance and joy of breaking out of your comfort zone with something new, and persisting, even when it’s hard.  

Finding the Words: A Review of A Voice in the Storm 

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A Voice in the Storm 
Written and illustrated by Karl James Mountford 
Candlewick Press/Candlewick Studio 
Ages 3-7 
Available November 5, 2024 

Sometimes, it’s hard not to feel like there is a storm raging inside. In Karl James Mountford’s A Voice in the Storm, Rat struggles with her own emotional storm and how to open up to her friends about her feelings. When a storm starts outside, she runs away from her friends, Jackdaw and Hedgehog. As lightning flashes and thunder cracks, Rat has a frightening experience with Snake, almost stepping into his mouth when he offers to shelter her. Afterwards, she runs into Bear, who teaches her that the storm outside “‘needs time to free its voice’” (p. 22). With Bear’s advice and support, Rat learns how to open up to her friends and give a voice to the storm happening inside her. 

Mountford’s stunning artwork and poignant prose come together to create a touching story that discusses depression and helps guide readers in figuring out how to express themselves. Mountford uses digitally created, geometric illustrations with a color palette of purples, greens, blacks, and grays to draw the eye of the reader and show the intensity of Rat’s emotions. His animals are expressive, showing Rat’s sadness, Jackdaw’s worry, and Bear’s kindness. Mountford’s use of storms as a metaphor aptly describes mental health struggles in a way that’s easy for young readers to understand and relate to. Additionally, the dialogue between characters, especially Rat and Bear, introduces readers to ways they can articulate their own feelings: Bear tells Rat that “‘all voices [are] just noise until someone listens’” (p. 22). When Rat opens up to Bear, she tells him that she “‘[cares] about everything all at once, and yet, [she doesn’t] feel anything at the same time’” (p. 25). This conversation gives readers an opportunity to learn how they can ask for support when they need it. While the publisher recommends this book for preschool-early elementary school readers, this emotionally moving story can serve as a thoughtful conversation starter for all ages participating in discussions about mental health. 

Winter Teamwork: A Review of In the Winter Woods by Daniela Kulot 

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In the Winter Woods 
Written and illustrated by Daniela Kulot 
Translated by Elisabeth Lauffer 
Charlesbridge 
Ages 3-7 
Available October 15, 2024 

It’s the middle of a cold winter, and Fox, Mouse, and Crow are all hungry, but they can’t find even a morsel to eat. Squirrel is hungry, too, but he has a secret stash of snacks hidden away that he can’t wait to enjoy. When Fox, Mouse, and Crow ask Squirrel to share, he says no. After hours of searching, he realizes that he forgot where his stash was hidden. He asks Fox, Mouse, and Crow for help in exchange for sharing his food. Soon, they find Squirrel’s food and feast together! 

With these woodland creatures, Kulot tells a story of friendship and community, showing the importance of working together and sharing with others. Although the message has been repeated before, Kulot brings charm to the basic “sharing is caring” theme with her woodland creatures and winter landscape. The illustrations are done in digital media, and the animals have a cute, slightly cartoonish look with beautiful backdrops of winter in the countryside. Kulot uses muted blues, browns, oranges, and greens to create the cold, barren atmosphere. These delightful illustrations complement the text, where Kulot uses devices like alliteration and rhyming to add a sing-song-like quality, bringing levity to what could otherwise be a dire situation. With its beautiful art and thoughtful message, In the Winter Woods would be a great addition to libraries and classrooms looking to do a program or lesson on winter or social-emotional learning.  

Butler Bookshelf

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Diverse stories are an important part of literature for all ages, especially for kids. October is Global Diversity Month, so this week’s Butler Bookshelf highlights some fiction and nonfiction books from authors around the world. One of these books is Look! Look! written by Uma Krishnaswami and illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy. Krishnaswami tells the story of a young Indian girl discovers a slab of stone in the weeds, and she calls her friends to come and take a look. They work together to clean the weeds, garbage, and other stones up. Soon, more and more people from their village and other villages nearby help them uncover an old step well. Once the well is cleaned up, rain fills the well, and the previously dry and dusty land comes back to life as plants begin growing again and the animals return. Accompanied by colorful, geometric illustrations done in acrylic, poster color, and water color by Uma Krishnaswamy, Look! Look! is a delightlful story that educates readers on ancient Indian step wells and shows how they can potentially be a solution for handling floods and providing water in India.

Check out more books from diverse authors below!

Hooray for She, He, Ze and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today?
Written by Lindz Amer
Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now

Look! Look!
Written by Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy
Published by House of Anansi Press
Available now

My Olive Tree
Written and illustrated by Hazar Elbayya
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Available now

Old Wounds
Written by Logan-Ashley Kisner
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now

Tala Learns to Siva
Written by Kealani Netane
Illustrated by Dung Ho
Published by Orchard Books
Available now

How It Works: A Review of Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber

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Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber
Sarah Albee
Illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewan
Charlesbridge
October 22, 2024
Age 6-9

Used for everything from bike tires to raincoats, rubber plays a major role in things springy, stretchy and bouncy in ours daily lives. Follow its history from the discovery by indigenous Central American tribes (who farmed natural rubber latex from local plants), adoption by Europeans (imagine the difference when their soccer balls could bounce!), and the evolution in its usefulness into the multipurpose substance we can’t live without today. Part narrative nonfiction and part traditional nonfiction, Bounce combines a fascinating story of invention with “The Science!” interjections that explain the how or why of a narrative detail (what is it that makes rubber sink or float?).

Award-winning nonfiction author and former basketball-player (who appreciates a bouncy ball more?), Sarah Albee explores the history and science behind a very common part of everyday life. With a panel of expert readers—chemists, materials scientists, and engineers—Albee dives deep into both the story and the scholarship with accessible language and delightful facts. The extensive and respectful backmatter includes sections on tribal naming preferences, acknowledgement of the troubling issues of slavery and the environmental impact of rubber production, a timeline that dives deeper into some details from the narrative, and a thorough bibliography and source notes. Intricate yet fluid pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations connect closely to the text descriptions with detailed images of the action, movement in the line work, and expressive faces. Eileen Ryan Ewan uses color to help show the passage of time, moving from muted and historically accurate colors to more vibrant shades in the modern spreads. This engaging and fact-filled picture book would be a perfect accompaniment to introductory science lessons on the properties of matter or chemistry in upper elementary school or for the budding scientists in any library.

Bloom Where You’re Planted: A review of Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden

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Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden
Christy Mandin
Scholastic/Orchard Books
July 2, 2024
Age 4-8

Garden Glen is basic: the homes look the same, the adults look the same, the gardens look the same. And they want to keep it that way. But when Millie Fleur La Fae and her family move to the Addams Family-esque house on the edge of town, things are bound to change. To make Garden Glen feel like home, she plants a truly peculiar garden—full of fanged fairy moss and grumpy gilliflower—and draws the ire of her neighbors who want to “mow it down!” With determination, creativity, an inclusive spirit, and some encouragement from Mom, she invites her young classmates to experience something a little different, but wonderfully weird. And little by little, builds a culture of acceptance in her new home.

In this sweet, silly, yet layered homage to individuality, Mandin proves that a lot of flare and a little bravery can make a big impact. Millie Fleur’s persistence and Mom’s wisdom about fear disguised as resistance offer an unambiguous message on what it takes to effect change. Met with everything from disdain to threats by adults, Millie Fleur finds her peers more open to something new. The full-color, sepia toned illustrations lend a retro feel that’s both appropriate to 1950s feel of the very proper town and the straight-laced character costuming. The “hand-drawn” style of the digital illustrations is deceptively simple, with expressive faces and moments of architectural precision that complement the layers of meaning in the story. An author’s note introduces some unique (though sadly un-fanged) plants that young gardeners can add to their own yard and background on the true poison garden that helped inspired the tale.

A charming, yet inspiring tale for the young change agents in your library.