Welcome to the online presence of the Butler Children's Literature Center, housed within Dominican's School of Information Studies, Crown Library room 214. Here, we celebrate the best in books for youth and those who delight in sharing them. For Fall 2026, BCLC will offer collection access to the Dominican community and general public during posted open hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9am-4pm, and by appointment with the Curator. Contact Jen Clemons at butler@dom.edu or jclemons@dom.edu to make arrangements.
Trove Danie Stirling HaperCollins Children’s Books/HarperAlley Ages 12+ Available November 10, 2026
Obsessed with the niche fantasy series Trove, tenth-graders Nessa and Juliette create a sleepover club with three rules: no spoilers, no sleep, and no drama. Despite sticking to these rules for years, their friendship is shaken when Juliette announces she is moving the same day the author of Trove retires without plans to publish the final book. Desperate for closure on their beloved series, the girls spend the weeks before Juliette’s move tracking down the manuscript for the series finale. At FabuCon, a Trove fan convention, the girls follow clues from a fan claiming to have the manuscript on a chaotic quest that tests their friendship. As the story unfolds, scenes from the Trove series are woven into Juliette and Nessa’s present-day narrative, inviting readers into the fantasy world that has captivated the protagonists. At times, Trove feels like a third member of their friendship, so central to their interactions that scenes from the series replace the background of their conversations. Alongside glimpses into the fantasy series, flashbacks to seventh grade reveal how the girls’ struggles with bullying and loneliness shaped their connection. In one particularly touching scene, Juliette is bedridden with a cold and exasperated with her parents for serving her apple juice, a flavor she dislikes. Moments later, Nessa appears outside her bedroom window with a care package containing Juliette’s favorite strawberry juice. The detailed illustrations distinguish the three timelines while allowing body language, small acts of care, and unspoken moments to build a nuanced portrait of the girls’ relationship. For middle-grade readers, the story’s subtle portrayal of emotional resilience is a reminder that friendship isn’t built solely on grand gestures or earth-shattering emotions. Sometimes, a carton of juice or a shared hobby call can lay the foundation for a lifelong friendship. For readers who relate to the all-consuming experience of being part of a fandom, this graphic novel offers a heartwarming portrayal of the special bond that grows from a shared passion.
Picture books are a powerful tool for nurturing children’s creativity while honoring their uninhibited outlook on the world. From cooking family recipes to making music out of the rumble of a garbage truck, this week’s collection of picture books demonstrate that there is no wrong way to embrace your inner artist. Our Pick of the Week, But Art is Awful by Cassey McCreight, follows a young boy begrudgingly visiting the local art museum with his mother. At first, he drags his feet and boldly questions the artists’ legitimacy. But as he continues to critique the artwork, he becomes empowered by his attention to detail, enthusiastically finding aspects of each work that he missed during his previous visit. At the back of the book is a list of art movements cheekily titled, “Stuff I Accidentally Learned at the Art Museum.” With a playful, child-like tone, the list provides historical information and thought-provoking questions about each period, enhancing the story’s message of encouraging children’s innate ability to appreciate, critique, and make art.
Check out this and more art-focused books below:
But Art is Awful Cassy McCreight Illustrated by Yan Xindi ABRAMS/Abrams Books for Young Readers Available now!
The Magic Orchestra Lauren Crisp Illustrated by Ella Hobbis Penguin Random House/Tiger Tales Available now!
Sounds of Trash Tina Athaide Illustrated by Neha Rawat Charlesbridge Available now!
Yulu’s Linen Cao Wenxuan Illustrated by Suzy Lee Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now!
Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal Holiday House/Neal Porter Books Available now!
Once again, publishers have come in clutch in time for Halloween. Some of these books are cute rather than frightening, but they are fantastic reads nonetheless. Each book’s cover and content’s scariness is measured by ghost emojis. One is the least scary, but four is the most scary. Here are some recommended elementary to middle-grade reads for this spooky season!
Easy Readers and Early Chapter Books
Maud and the Very Eventful Week Lisa Anchin Candlewick Press Published: July 28, 2026 Cover: 👻 Content: 👻 Lisa Anchin’s Maud and the Very Eventful Week follows the week in the life of a little vampire girl named Maud. Maud encounters various shenanigans such as having an enchanted teapot gone wild, ghosts invading her dollhouse, and finding a huge sharp tooth on a walk through the forest. Even making soup with her witch friend, Agnes, has wildly comical results. It culminates in having a weekend yard sale, where all her friends and neighbors stop by and have a splendid time in spite of the crazy week Maud had. Quite cute and charming, fans of cute and quirky stories featuring monsters would love this easy-reader book.
Princess in Black and The Trick-Or-Treating Trouble Shannon and Dean Hale Illustrated by LeUyen Pham Candlewick Press Published: July 7, 2026 Cover: 👻 Content: 👻 Princess Magnolia, aka the Princess in Black, returns in this seasonal installment of the popular transitional book series. On Halloween night, Princess Magnolia is taking a break from handing her world famous candied apples (and fighting monsters) to go trick or treating with her friends. However, she realizes that even monsters don’t take a break from causing mischief for the holidays as a little orange monster is walking around asking people for goats instead of candy, and they even like to eat rocks instead of jellybeans! Happily, everyone is able to compromise so that all the trick-or-treaters, even the orange monster, can have a Happy Halloween. Hilarious, action-packed, and with a hint of surprise, The Princess in Black and the Trick-Or-Treating Trouble is a delightful addition to an entertaining and endearing series.
Jasper’s Creepy Tales!: Unsettling Salad! Aaron Reynolds Illustrated by Peter Brown Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Published: February 3, 2026 Cover: 👻👻👻 Content: 👻👻👻 Aaron Reynolds’ Jasper’s Creepy Tales! came in clutch with two new installments to the series this year. The first new book, Unsettling Salad! centers on two best friends Thaddeus Badger and Oliver Possum, two junk-food fanatics. Things change after Oliver’s parents ambush the boys by having them choose a salad from their favorite fast food joint, Hurt-a-Burger, for dinner instead of the usual 17-patty burger and fries. Oliver turns greener by the day after eating the glowing broccoli, and soon his parents isolate him from the world, feigning illness and punishment to anyone who asks. Thaddeus breaks his friend out. They walk in the light of the full moon, and then things take an even worse turn, putting Thaddeus (and everyone else) in danger possibly forever. Creepy and full of suspense, children might need to take a closer look at their vegetables after reading Jasper’s Creepy Tales!: Unsettling Salad!
Jasper’s Creepy Tales!: Yarn is Everything! Aaron Reynolds Illustrated by Peter Brown Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Published: July 14, 2026 Cover: 👻👻👻 Content: 👻👻👻 If living broccoli in the glowing salad isn’t to your taste, try something a little cosier in Jasper’s Creepy Tales’ Yarn is Everything! This creepy tale stars Winona Mole, who loves crocheting yarn more than anything and anyone in the world. For her ninth birthday, she gets a “replica” of the Spirit Hook, an artifact Winona loves the most in the Museum of Woollen Arts and Yarn Stitchery that mysteriously disappeared soon after Winona and her father left. With the supernatural hook, she is able to crochet everything, even better than the creations contestants make on Yarn is Everything!, Winona’s favorite crocheting game show where people can crochet yarn into anything (even food and objects). After she’s accepted to be on the program, preparing for the competition takes over Winona’s whole house to the point where even her parent’s things are nothing but yarn-woven replicas. When the fateful day does arrive, Winona wants to win so badly that her obsession with it just might be her ultimate undoing. Riveting and unsettling, Jasper’s Creepy Tales!: Yarn is Everything! is one cautionary story that will send shivers down readers’ spines.
Witchycakes: Puddles and Potions (Witchycakes Book 3) Kara LaReau Illustrated by Ariane Moreira Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books Published: February 10, 2026 Cover: 👻 Content: 👻 It’s a chaotic rainy morning before the Spring Festival at the Witchycakes bakery, and Mama Moon has her hands full. Her daughter, young witch-in-training Blue, wants everything in the day to go smoothly and perfectly. When Mama Moon isn’t looking, she takes the “Perfect Potion” without asking. Blue uses it with the new hire, Marlin, and it works like a charm. Blue uses the perfect potion on her delivery to grouchy Ms. Crabbe, but it doesn’t go so well. By the time she tries to use it on the bickering Jellyfish twins, Blue ran out of potion! However, Blue realizes that a perfect day can be possible, even without using magic. Playful and pretty, young readers will be charmed by Blue’s whimsical adventures in using magic responsibly and having fun along the way. There is also an easy recipe for “Seagull Nest Cupcakes” for kids to bake along.
Graphic Novels
Pizza and Taco: Scariest Sleepover Ever! (Pizza and Taco Book 11) Stephen Shaskan RH Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books Published: July 21, 2026 Cover: 👻 Content: 👻 Pizza and Taco have everything for the perfect sleepover at Taco’s basement: a fantastic playlist, list of fun activities, and their guest and supply list on hand. The only thing they can’t do is watch a scary movie. But that won’t stop the dynamic duo and their sleepover guests from telling ghost stories! The trio of duos, Pizza and Taco, Cookie and Muffin, and Burger and Hotdog, take a turn telling scary tales: three in total. But our main pair of besties aren’t scared of a few little ghost stories, right? Amusing and fun, fans of Pizza and Taco won’t be disappointed with this latest installment of the series.
Jazzy the Witch in Friends Fiasco (Jazzy the Witch Book 2) Jessixa Bagley Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Published: July 14, 2026 Cover: 👻 Content: 👻 Bikes are now all the rage in Jazzy the Witch’s town, and she is more than happy to teach her friends, neighbors, and family about the fun of cycling. Then a mysterious and cool newcomer, Estrella, and her family stroll into town. She impresses everyone with her bike and book skills, making Jazzy and her bookworm bestie Aggie jealous. The two witch friends are determined to knock Estrella down a few pegs. A few acts of sabotage turn into an all-out prank war between the pair and the new girl, which gets so intense that it has Jazzy questioning her own actions. Eventually, Jazzy and Aggie have an epiphany that perhaps there’s more than enough room for more intelligent and awesome witches in the neighborhood after all. Delightfully drawn, Jazzy the Witch in Friend Fiasco will enchant readers with its sublime story on navigating new friendships. It will also please fans of the first book and will have them chomping at the bit at what magical mayhem Jazzy’s next misadventure will bring.
Blood City Rollers: Move It or Bruise It (Blood City Rollers Book 2) V.P. Anderson Illustrated by Tatiana Hill RH Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Publishing Published: January 20, 2026 Cover: 👻👻 Content: 👻👻 Mina and Swan have no idea where their Blood City Roller Derby (BCRD) vampire friends settled after being evicted from their old hideout. However, the Vampires find them and bring their human friends to their new home: an abandoned asylum with zombies in the basement. Just as the Vamps and Bats are ready to practice, a new team, the Wheelers, crashes their place and wants the new roller rink for themselves. The only way to settle this feud is a Sudden Death Scrimmage Match. With things falling apart at home, her friendship with Swan hitting the rocks, and not performing her best, Mina is unsure she’ll keep her place on the BCRD. After talking with both team coaches, Mina is determined to fix things one step at a time, including the feud between the roller teams. Blood City Rollers: Move It or Bruise It is a funky graphic novel that will have readers laughing and empathizing with our spooky band of heroes.
Through the Black Gate Alfredo Caceres Atheneum, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Published: June 30, 2026 Cover: 👻👻👻 Content: 👻👻👻 Irene, an orphan trying to figure out the ins and outs of the magical book her parents left for her, and Francis, a young aspiring musician, try to find Irene’s cat, Moses, who Irene believes to be her father’s soul trapped inside the cat’s body. He had just escaped from Francis’s aunt Ruth’s hostel, where Irene was staying, and ran off to near the scene of the accident that killed Irene’s parents. When the children find Moses, Francis plays his song, the cat starts glowing, and a portal to another realm opens. Soon the children find themselves in a domain between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead: the In-Between. It also becomes apparent that their presence catalyzes (in part) all sorts of chaos and corruption in the realm. Working together, the unlikely friends Francis and Irene find closure with their deceased loved ones, and they help restore balance between the worlds. A moving story on processing grief through a supernatural and magical quest, Through the Black Gate will tug at readers’ heartstrings and either be unnerved or amazed by the In-Between’s freakish outlandish environment and inhabitants.
Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye: The Graphic Novel (Stitch Head Book 2) Guy Bass Illustrated by Pete Williamson RH Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Publishing Published: July 21, 2026 Cover: 👻👻👻 Content: 👻👻 The title character is friendlier than he looks on the cover of this graphic novel adaptation of the chapter book series of the same name. Stitch Head, the caretaker of over 300 monsters, is tending to his master’s creations as usual when a mysterious letter arrives. His master, the Mad Professor Erasmus, is invited to receive a special award, and he leaves his laboratory. With nothing else to do, Stitch Head’s friends, Creature and Arabella, suggest they take inspiration from The Daring Diary of Dash Flashpowder and become a pirate. As Stitch Head finds himself a ship, a crew, and even a trusty critter companion, Pox the monkey-bat, he finds out the letter sent to his master was a cunning ruse made by Stitch Head’s arch nemesis, Fulbert Freakfinder. It’ll be up to Stitch Head and his plucky, janky crew of creatures plus human girl to save the day. Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye will entertain readers with the comedic and awesome action and dialogue as well as characters drawn with the very wide-eyed gothic heroines homaging a Tim Burton-esque style to captivate them into this frightful adventure at sea.
Chapter Books & Middle Grade Novels
Monsters of Fife Book 2: Terror Birds By Jane Yolen Illustrated by Celia Lowenthal Charlesbridge Moves, an imprint of Charlesbridge Published: July 14, 2026 Cover: 👻👻 Content: 👻👻 The Royal & Ancient Monster Hunters are back facing another monster terrorizing the town of Fife. Seven months after their encounter with the sea dragon, Cat, Jaime, Callum, and Mr. Harris find themselves at odds with prehistoric birds the size of houses. Jaime’s father calls them the “terror birds” in his studies, and his nickname isn’t unfounded as their presence is threatening the Scottish town. With help from Cat’s new Black Hound, Soot, the gang must band together to save the town from the monsters in the sky. Full of startling close calls with danger, fans of the late Jane Yolen will enjoy the action-packed and charming Monsters of Fife Book 2: Terror Birds. This book also features graphic novel inserts and illustrations epically drawn by Celia Lowenthal.
Little Bones By Sandy Bigna Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Published: July 14, 2026 Cover: 👻👻 Content: 👻👻 Eleven-year-old Bones wants nothing to do with anyone since her brother Nico’s unexpected death, but everything changes when she accidentally resurrects a baby bird skeleton under the full moon. She names him Bird. Bird wants to return to the way he was before, but Bones doesn’t know how to reverse the curse. To find the remedy, Bones reluctantly allows her neighbor, Terry, the chatty trash-digging new kid on the block, to help research how to break Bird’s curse. They soon discover Bones would need to make a wish during the next full moon to set Bird’s soul free. However, at the same time, Bones grows attached to Bird and doesn’t want him to leave. Just as time is about to run out, Bones eventually lets Bird go and allows her guilt and sadness that she held since Nico’s death to be released as well. Heartbreaking and emotionally grounded, Little Bones, a novel told in verse, will get readers emotionally invested in Bones finding closure in grief and breaking readers’ hearts.
Arthur Blackwood Scary Stories for Kids Who Like Scary Stories Volume 1 By A.M. Luzzader Sourcebooks Wonderland, an imprint of Sourcebooks Kids Published: August 4, 2026 Cover: 👻👻👻 Content:👻👻👻 If readers enjoy Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, then Arthur Blackwood is the series for them. Arthur Blackwood invites readers into his lair to share with them his ever-growing collection of scary stories well assured to give whoever hears them bone chills! He turns down the light and invites the reader (you) to the edge of his fireplace, the best place for sharing such horrifying and weird tales. Once the reader ignores or accepts his warning, Blackwood tells eight grisly tales from various objects lying about on his second floor office, like a stuffed tarantula, a black iron suit of armor, and the crystal ball. Uncanny and peculiar, the stories and black-and-white freaky illustrations featured in Arthur Blackwood Scary Stories for Kids Who Like Scary Stories Vol 1 will haunt and horrify whoever chooses to read this book.
Sprout Taylor Tyng Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books Published: March 24, 2026 Cover: 👻 👻 Content:👻👻👻👻 Scarlet Posy Rose Oleander Ursinia Thistle Sprowder, or Sprout for short, spent most of her life hidden away in fear of what others would say if they saw the antlers growing on her head. Then she reads a story in The Clipper, the local paper, concerning a sighting of another person with antlers, just like Sprout. She decides to escape hiding and seek the mystery person out. In her search, she finds and befriends another societal oddball, E.B. Shaw, a son of the local billionaire, who also has a special interest in cupcakes and has ‘wandering episodes.’ As they search for the mysterious antlered person, Sprout and E.B. quickly realize something more sinister is afoot. Dr. Leo Penzig and his minions are on the hunt for antlered people as well, to study and experiment on them. Sprout, E.B., and Tess, the antlered person featured in The Clipper, are determined to foil the doctor’s insidious plot by uncovering the dark and dreadful secrets that plagued Tolsbury. Perhaps in doing so, the trio will get the chance to live out in the open instead of in confinement. Taylor Tyng brings intense scenes guaranteed to terrify readers to their core, but the main character’s newfound optimism, though often tested, is contagious. Sprout is a heavy but hopeful read about finding not only the courage to be true to one’s self but also friendships that can help overcome perilous dilemmas and extraordinary challenges.
Fear Files: Hide and Seek (Fear Files Book 1) By Christopher Edge Candlewick Press Published: July 14, 2026 Cover: 👻👻👻👻 Content:👻👻👻 Adam was having a terrible time at his outdoor sleepover with his best friend, Sol, and then the two friends stumbled on Apodidraskinda, a ghost town in the middle of the woods. An innocent game of hide and seek turns dangerous when Adam finds a group of children desperately hiding from a looming, shadowy figure known as the “Itter.” If he finds someone, that person is swallowed up in his shadow and is later recruited to find the others still in hiding. All versions of “hide-and-seek” are played at once, and the game doesn’t end until one person remains. Now it’s a race against time and the shadows as Adam tries to survive the deadly game and find Sol. The post-it note commentary from the Fear Files team interspersed in Adam’s narrative and pieces of encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings, and random transcriptions left by the “Itter” resemble an investigative atmosphere to this middle-grade chapter book. Full of suspense and thrilling action, Fear Files: Hide and Seek will have readers hanging at the edge of their seats, waiting to see if Adam will get out of his predicament alive.
Haunted Comic Club Josh Tierney Illustrated by Caitlin Soliman Oni Press Ages 8-12 Available October 6, 2026
Will is an aspiring writer struggling to fit in at school after his closest and only friend moved away. Anita is a passionate artist grieving her Ama, who was always her biggest supporter. After a chance meeting at the Tween Zone after school club, the two outcasts decide to team up to create the best comic ever. Their subject? The ghost of a former staff member who still haunts the Tween Zone.
Will and Anita’s story is firmly rooted in creativity and friendship. With a core message about finding your “people” and chasing your passions, the graphic novel is simple to digest while still having exciting twists and turns. Drawings of Will and Anita’s own characters interplay with the illustrations, giving extra dimension to the world and the two tweens’ inner lives. The ghost of Sarah, the Tween Zone staff member, lurks throughout the story, both in the fictional comic and in the Tween Zone itself, adding a supernatural element that leaves the main characters and the readers alike questioning whether the ghost story is merely a legend.
A heartfelt, relatable story with protagonists who are easy to root for, Haunted Comic Club has the potential to resonate with a wide variety of readers. Those who are curious about scary books but not yet reading to jump into the deep end will enjoy the spooky atmosphere that radiates throughout the graphic novel without being overly frightening.
There are only days to go before the Fall semester officially begins here at Dominican, and I know the vibes and weather are currently screaming “summer” (at least summer storms here in the Midwest), but it’s still time to start adding back-to-school items to your calendar. Big sigh, I feel it too.
Open Hours:
Please join us to browse the collection of the newest and best children’s books from North American publishers, explore the Effie Lee Morris Collection of African American Children’s Books, or do a bit of research in the Ellin Greene Folk and Fairytale Collection. Beginning August 24th, the Butler Center will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Need a different time for your research visit? Email butler@dom.edu for an appointment.
Information Session – LIS 796: International Book Fair
Interested in discovering children’s literature from farther afield? Each spring, Dominican’s School of Information Studies offers LIS 796: International Book Fair. The course explores issues and trends in the global kid lit publishing, considers diversity and cultural appropriate in youth literature, and some of the ways librarians and teachers can apply a wider lens to their own collection development work. The course culminates in a trip to Italy to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
Connect with course instructor and BCLC director, Jen Clemons, at 7:00 p.m. on September 30, 2026, to learn more about the course, conference, costs, and associated travel. Register here.
Not a current SOIS student? The course is open for you to register as a student-at-large. Reach out to course instructor and BCLC Director Jen Clemons, or the Butler Center for more information.
Book Sale – Save the Date(s)!
Time to mark your calendar for the Annual Butler Center Book Sale. This year’s sale will include an evening shift for all you librarians and teachers that need to come after school, a full weekday, and weekend mid-day for the Saturday errand-runners.
If you’re looking for more reasons to come to Dominican’s lovely campus this fall, stay tuned for smaller events and lectures presented by other academic units within the College of Business, Information Studies, and Technology; the Butler Center’s administrative home.
A Hanbok for Hana Korena Di Roma Howley Illustrated by Jaime Kim Candlewick Press Ages 5+ Available September 1, 2026
After moving to a new town with her Eomma, Hana’s life is changing. Now, with the Korean holiday of Chuseok approaching, she’s had enough of change. Instead of celebrating with her family, she has to celebrate with new neighbors, and her traditional hanbok no longer fits. But in creating a new hanbok, Hana discovers ways that the old and the new can coexist, and how new traditions can be just as beloved as old ones.
This simple, easy to follow story grapples with the idea of change, something familiar to many young readers, while introducing Korean concepts including holidays, clothing, and foods. A short explainer in the back gives more information about these for readers who may not be familiar. Kim’s illustrations emphasize the theme of old and new, especially in the depiction of Hana’s new hanbok, which is made from pieces from an old hanbok belonging to her Eomma as well as new pieces.
Perfect for discussions on cultural traditions and fall holidays, A Hanbok for Hana offers a view of a culture that may be familiar to some readers and brand new to others. Universal themes tie together a story that any young reader can relate to, regardless of their background.
Maptacular! Laura Baker Illustrated by Jorge De La Paz Lonely Planet Kids November 10, 2026 Age 8-12
Most maps divide the world by country borders, but what if it were split by favorite ice cream flavors, tallest trees, or global distribution of video gamers? Prolific children’s nonfiction author, Laura Baker, along with travel guide powerhouse Lonely Planet, offers middle grade readers this fascinating, infographic-like twist on cartography. Maptacular! features 70+ maps with chapters focused on countries, people, nature, transportation, history, and technology, then subdivided further into 2-page spreads exploring a single topic or question, such as “Do You Need a (School) Uniform?” or “Marco Polo’s Voyage.” The amount of easily digestible text varies from spread to spread, but most include a helpful key for understanding the map and fun facts associated with the topic, like that Australia is home to 28 million people and 40 million kangaroos (p24). Without a strong narrative structure, the title allows for consuming intriguing details at a reader’s own pace, either moving slowly through the ideas and images, or dipping in and out like a reference text, while wildly varied topics nurture curiosity about both the earth and the global community. Baker introduces deeper topics for consideration in age-appropriate ways, like that maps are organized the way they are (with Europe in the center) because they were developed by European explorers, gently encouraging readers to look at other things from a new perspective. De La Paz uses graphic design-inspired digital images in a candy-colored palette to clearly express the facts of each topic. Clean image overlays help simplify complex ideas, like the way Mercator Projection maps stretch out the land at the top/bottom of the globe. The inclusion of several wayfinding aids, an about section (explaining the parts of each spread), a world map, glossary, and resource list support both new nonfiction readers and those looking to dig deeper into a topic.
A vivid, info-packed guide for geography buffs and fun fact collectors alike.
Comet’s Nine Lives Jan Brett G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an Imprint of Penguin Random House Ages 4-8 Available: October 6, 2026
When his first life slips away from him after eating some foxgloves, Comet the cat needs to find a home to keep his other eight lives intact. As his efforts turn into one misadventure after another, losing more lives in the process, Comet’s goal of finding a suitable shelter seemed further than ever. However, the safety he sought may be closer than he first thought.
Jan Brett’s signature intricate and realistic art style shines once again in her latest picture book. Her trademark serene and cool watercolor illustrations and borders, which include seashells, sea creatures, seaweed, and wooden planks, capture the coastal ambiance of the story’s island setting. The watercolor paint isn’t super vibrant, but it is smooth and calm. Comet’s antics portrayed in the pictures spark exciting action despite the lack of bright colors. Brett’s prose doesn’t talk down to her audience. She uses sophisticated language in some areas, especially when a dog character feels outraged or frightened of Comet’s unwelcome presence. For instance, in one scene where a health inspector comes to an ice cream parlor and sees Comet, he proclaims, “Feline residues! Maximum infractions!” As Comet loses each life, Brett’s wording makes apt descriptions that match the situation presented in the illustrations. Overall, Comet’s Nine Lives is an exquisite read sure to charm both parents and young readers alike. Jan Brett fans would be proud to include this book in their collections.
The Continuation of Summer Dillon Sarah Everett HarperCollins Children’s September 15, 2026 Age 8-12
What would you think of a replica android replacing your sibling? What if you were the replica? That’s how Summer 2.0 came to join the grieving Dillon family after their 11-year-old daughter’s passing. With downloads of Summer’s memories and mannerisms, she is not meant to replace, but to continue Summer’s life. That is, until a glitch in her code has Summer 2.0 developing her own likes (the color turquoise), dislikes (oatmeal-yuck), fears (being recycled), and a “forever plan” with dreams for her future—gaining her family’s love, becoming the perfect Summer, growing old, and visiting the Grand Canyon.
This middle grade, science fiction novel is an exploration of what makes us “us,” what makes us human. Sarah Everett’s characters embody all the joys and heartbreaks of life (for both humans and androids), with themes of grief, love, friendship, and individuality. She handles tough subjects delicately and with an 11-year-old’s worry about their place in the worlds of school and family. Fast prose, brief paragraphs, and journal-like footnotes addressed to Summer 1.0 and future Summers embody the voice of a vibrant, yet unsure young girl, with just a touch of AI omniscience. This juxtaposition poses questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence in an age-appropriate way and mirrors the changes tweens experience as they grow from childhood wants to the more complex understanding that comes with growing up. A bittersweet coming of age story to remind readers that we are all unique, we all have value, and we are all irreplaceable.
Last week, the American Library Association’s annual conference was held here in Chicago, only a few miles away from Dominican and the Butler Center. Kathryn and Kian, Graduate Assistants at the Butler Center, both attended as first-time conference goers. Here’s what they had to say about the experience:
Kathryn
Sesquicentennial: that’s the word of this year’s conference, folks, one that’s hard to spell and say, but it’s what this year’s ALA Annual conference is all about. Except, no, that’s not quite it. Yes, this year marks the 150th ALA annual conference held right here in Chicago; however, this was also a gathering of multitudes. Multitudes of like-minded people assembling in one ginormous McCormick Center, multitudes of sessions featuring awesome authors and/or artists, multitudes of ARCs, stationary, tote bags, and much more than either Kian or I (Kathryn) could barely fit into our suitcases and backpacks for the journey home. Come with us as we graduate assistants here at the Butler Center to share our experience of #ALAA26 with you all!
Ethical Use of AI in Libraries
For one of my “Ruffage” conference sessions (that is, informational panels that are good for the critical thinking parts of my brain), I decided to venture into Michaela Herrick’s and Justin Bambico’s panel titled “Finding a Middle Ground: Ethical Use of AI in Libraries.” Seeing the anti-AI memes being flashed as the people filed in their seats and the anti-AI buttons being passed around, I knew we were in good hands. While I’m on the boat that AI does more harm than good in the long run, I also believe that “everything can be enjoyed in moderation.” Throughout their presentation, it was abundantly clear that: there are many types of AI, and when discussing AI types, especially problematic ones, you need to be specific on what AI you’re talking about; Gen AI is adding new issues to already long-running problems, and there is no straight solution to solving them; and, above all else, humans should ALWAYS be in control of technical implementation. With AI use being widespread as it is, it’s no surprise that there were over 30 AI-related panels at the ALA Annual this year, and that number is only going to increase as the years pass. It won’t be the last we’ll hear from this newfangled technology, but for better or worse, it’ll get harder to avoid running into it, too.
Visual Stories, Big Impact: Graphic Novels for Kids
This was one of my favorite sessions I attended. On Sunday (June 28), right after glimpsing the most epic giant chess match between graphic novelists (Dan Santat and Thien Pham) that I had ever witnessed in my life, I dashed over to the Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage in the Exhibition Hall to hear a few author-artists, Red (Aurora vols 1 and 2), Katie Risor (Welcome to the Forest series), and Matthew Loux (illustrator of The Spark Experiment) discuss their works, what attracts readers to them, and why they tell stories in a comic format. Graphic novels and comics can tell tales by combining prose and art in a way that fosters visual literacy for the reader. It’s always fascinating to sneak a peek into a creator’s process and how impactful literature, especially graphic novels, can be to people. As Red points out, and the other author-artists concurred, there’s a sense of richness and depth that’s hard to capture when it’s just words. In a graphic novel/comic format, the artist and writer could get away with having background characters giving each other side-eyes and whisper to each other while the main characters are having a conversation, or a wanted poster hanging on a pole in the village square that might foreshadow to a big reveal later in the story. As those authors would tell you, it truly is a unique way to tell a story and can get young readers excited about reading.
Library Marketplace Madness
Even after making a preliminary schedule via my ALA information class, I quickly discovered that you’ll still never know who you’ll run into at the ALA. For example, I didn’t know that Red, artist-author of Aurora Vols 1 and 2 and half of the main faces/voices of YouTube channel Overly Sarcastic Productions, was going to be there to sign her latest graphic novel until Saturday night. There was even someone cosplaying as Mrs. Claus walking around the Exhibition Hall on Saturday (June 27). There were so many long lines, advanced reader copies, authors, and more, that it made my head spin! Even the photo ops right outside the Marketplace were fascinating. Where else could you get a photo op with one of the six original American Girl dolls?!
Until next year, #ALAA26. See you in New Orleans @ #ALAA27!
Kian
As a student, “have you been to ALA?” is a constant refrain coming from all sides. Plenty of people in library school had told me that if I had the opportunity to go as a student, I should. With the ALA 150 Conference right here in Chicago, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to take advantage of so I could finally see what all the hype was about for myself.
Armed with the conference scheduler app, my backpack, and advice from several veteran ALA attendees, I tackled three days running wild and free with my fellow librarians at McCormick Place.
Friday Highlights: Rachel Maddow and the Running of the Librarians
I arrived at the conference, immediately discovered that I had vastly overestimated how busy registration would be, and got my badge in under five minutes. Nothing was actually happening yet, so I got to hang out and get the lay of the land. In the grand hall, the shop was bustling (I forced myself to leave without buying anything, even though I really wanted a Snoopy “Read” poster), and the ALA history exhibit was significantly less bustling but interesting nonetheless. Then, on to the opening session!
The opening session was long and packed full of speakers. Highlights for me included Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (the latter of whom appeared via prerecorded video). Both made sure to mention the new Chicago Public Library branch in the Obama Presidential Center, to raucous applause. Of course, the main draw was Rachel Maddow, who talked about the importance of libraries and information access in her own work, as well as her collective crush on all librarians.
After Maddow, there was something which one librarian I spoke to before the conference called the “Running of the Librarians” – the mad dash from the main stage to the now-open exhibitor hall. I made my way through the mass of people and started on the closer end of the hall, opposite from where the publishers were concentrated (which I later figured out was probably the wrong tactical approach), chatted with some exhibitors, and got my first round of books before exhaustion took over and I headed home for the day.
Saturday Highlights: Queer Kidlit, LeVar Burton, and a Gaggle of Authors
My first session on Saturday was Queer Kidlit Joy, which featured a panel of authors of queer kidlit from picture books to YA. This was a great session that talked a lot about the value of queer books and stories, as well as strategies for getting them into the hands of young readers. It was definitely one of my favorites of the conference.
Later in the day I went to see LeVar Burton on the main stage, which was a real stand out of the whole weekend for me. The discussion of stories and imagination as a human superpower was something that really resonated (plus, as a huge Trekkie, I loved how he connected that idea back to Star Trek). Burton’s philosophy that “everyone has a gift they’re meant to give” was another real highlight of the conversation.
I also spent much of this day ping-ponging around the exhibitor hall collecting free books and meeting authors. Among the authors of the day were Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan (in a joint signing where everyone got three books!), Lindsay Currie, Cynthia Leitich Smith (I now have my own signed copy of Legendary Fry Bread Drive-In, which I reviewed in March 2025), Cheryl Isaacs, and Megan Fitzmartin (who was very excited that I was a fellow grown-up fandom teen who had read and loved an ARC of Mary Sue). I also snagged a photo with my childhood American Girl doll and last-name twin Molly McIntire, and while there met several generations of American Girl doll book authors who were also waiting for their photos with the dolls. I have to admit I left the weekend with multiple American Girl ARCs – once an American Girl kid, always an American Girl kid!
Sunday Highlights – Candy Boolean Searching, Zines, and Tote Bag Mayhem
By Sunday my energy was waning fast, so I didn’t stay quite as long as I hoped to. I took advantage of the community quiet room, which I’m happy to report seemed to have a lot of thought put into it, and was a great place to recharge when I was running out of steam.
The standout session was CRTL + THINK, which was a model of active and passive programming to teach information literacy skills to secondary students. Among the stations in the mock information literacy night was “candy crush searching,” which taught boolean searching using a pile of candy. Of course, one of the benefits of this was that you get to eat the candy in the end, but it was also a great way to introduce the concept using a tactile model.
On the exhibit floor, I got a signed copy of another of my Butler blog review books, Riding the Trail: Cherokees Remember the Removal. I hung around the zine pavilion, which had very busy DIY tables, presumably due to the ongoing love affair between librarians and arts and crafts. This was also the day that I played a rousing game of “how many tote bags can I get” with the goal of collecting them for the Butler Center’s annual book sale. I topped out at around 7, but I met a pair playing the same game who had at least a dozen, so clearly I have not yet reached my full bag-collecting potential.
Final Thoughts
The biggest struggle coming into my first ALA Annual as a student was that there was so much to do. I definitely felt the pressure to try to fit in as much as possible, which left me with a major case of FOMO. But I did get quite a lot done, and I was lucky to get my trial run done on my home turf. I’m glad to have had the experience, and I’m ready to tackle the next one with a better understanding of both the conference itself and my own limitations and needs and an attendee.
