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.
Nell Cross Beckerman Illustrated by Kalen Chock Scholastic Inc. August 6, 2024 Grades PreK-3
“A rumble. A tremble. A grumble. Growing, growling, getting hot. When will it . . . pop?!” (p. 3-5). Beckerman uses intriguing storytelling to guide children on an adventure exploring wondrous volcanoes. Readers are led from the depths of the ocean floor to the Ring of Fire and all the way to volcanoes in deep space with Beckerman’s dynamic lyrical language. Volcano lava is destructive, but even more damaging are the tsunamis caused by burning rock rain falling from the sky. However, scientists discovered that underwater volcanoes seep mineral rich water allowing a world of life to exist deep in the ocean. Did life on Earth begin around underwater volcanoes? Nonfiction text on each page takes a deeper dive into the science of volcanoes and volcanologists.
The importance of science exploration is an apparent theme when volcanologists risk their safety taking samples trying to predict when volcanoes will erupt. Beckerman calls these risk-takers “superheroes.” Poetic language such as “an avalanche of ash,” “a plume of doom,” and “a cinder shotput” (p. 23) paint a vivid picture of nature’s wonders for the audience. Concept artist, Chock, paints gorgeous illustrations with subdued blues, purples, browns, and bright oranges, enticing the reader to read more about nature’s spectacular marvels. Each page contains exciting volcano dramatics to keep the reader turning the pages. Substantial back matter includes both author’s and illustrator’s notes, further reading, types of volcanic eruptions, more facts about volcanoes, and questions volcanologists are still trying to answer.
Now that school is almost out and assigned reading for the year is done, graphic novels are great options for those who want a bit more artwork in their books. This week, we are featuring some of our collections new graphic novels, like Next Stop by Debbie Fong. In Fong’s debut novel, middle schooler Pia faces some hardships at home—after her brother recently passed away, her family decides to move to a new town and try to start fresh. To get her mind off of her troubles, Pia goes on a bus tour with a family friend that stops at different, and wacky, roadside attractions along the way. This mix of a self-discovery road trip adventure, middle school humor, and difficult emotional journeys is a touching take on the tough yet wonderous middle grade years.
Check out more of our graphic novels below!
Curveball Written by Pablo Cartaya Illustrated by Miguel Díaz Rivas Published by Disney Hyperion Available now
Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville Written and illustrated by Sylvia Kantorovitz Published by Walker Books Available now
Next Stop Written and illustrated by Debbie Fong Published by RH Graphic Available now
Hilo: Rise of the Cat Written and illustrated by Judd Winick Published by Random House Children’s Books Available now
Sweet Valley Twins: The Haunted House Written by Nicole Andelfinger Illustrated by Knack Whittle Published by RH Graphic Available now
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.
This week, we are featuring some of our newer picture books in our collection. In Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran’s Piper Chen Sings, Piper Chen is no stranger to singing. In fact, she sings all the time—riding her scooter to school, to her loyal stuffed animal audience, and even while her grandmother, Nǎi Nai, cooks. However, when her teacher asks if she wants to perform a solo for the school musical, Piper starts to feel butterflies in her stomach. Piper thinks she will be too nervous to perform, until Nǎi Nai says that she feels butterflies too! With the help of her grandmother, Piper finds the courage to embrace the butterflies and courageously sings at the musical. This heartfelt picture book’s lyrical text and wispy illustrations helps empower young readers to sing to their heart’s content!
Check out more of our picture books below!
The Boy Who Said Wow Written by Todd Boss Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh Published by Beach Lane Books Available now
Built to Last Written by Minh Lê Illustrated by Dan Santat Published by Alfred A. Knopf Available now
For Our Daughters Written by Mel Nyoko Illustrated by Joelle Avelino Published by Random House Studio Available now
Just Try It! Written by Lily Rosenthal and Phil Rosenthal Illustrated by Luke Flowers Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers Available now
Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School: Based on a True Story Written by Traci Huahn Illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan Published by Crown Books for Young Readers Available now
Piper Chen Sings Written by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran Illustrated by Qin Leng Published by Random House Studio Available now
The Crossbow of Destiny Written by Brandon Hoàng Scholastic Press Ages 8-12 Available August 6th, 2024
When Vietnamese American Freddie travels to Vietnam for the first time in almost 10 years to celebrate the career of her beloved archaeologist ông ngoại, or grandfather, she struggles to find her place within her family and her culture. Her family speaks English only to her, she can’t read Vietnamese, and she can barely remember the village where her family lives. Thankfully, she finds solace in seeing Ông Ngoại and her favorite cousin, Liên, who reminds her, “We’re cousins. Viet cousins. That’s like the strongest bond in the universe’” (p 231). At Ông Ngoại’s celebration, Freddie discovers that Ông Ngoại’s colleague, Nhất, is using him to find an ancient crossbow from a Vietnamese legend—and he is willing to kidnap for it. Freddie and Liên narrowly escape Nhất’s clutches after a mysterious boy on a motorcycle named Duy saves them, but Ông Ngoại is still missing. Suddenly, Freddie is re-living the legendary An Dương Vương folktale in modern-day Vietnam to find the magical crossbow before Nhất and his crew. With the help of Liên and their new ally Duy, Freddie learns more than she ever thought she could about her culture while also saving her ông ngoại.
By opening the novel with the Vietnamese legend set thousands of years ago, Hoàng foreshadows Freddie’s action-packed adventure while also introducing readers to cultural context of the characters and plot. The first half of the book focuses on strong characterization, centering Freddie’s identity struggles and familial bonds with Liên and her ông ngoại. The shift from a story of Vietnamese identity to a high-stakes mythical quest is not gradual, but searching for the crossbow ultimately builds Freddie’s confidence in her identity, which ties the two sections of this complex plotline together well. Early on, Hoàng centers Vietnamese identity—he uses Vietnamese phrases in dialogue and description and translates anything that is not discernable with context. This fluid yet bold writing style gives voice to readers familiar with Vietnamese language and culture while also welcoming readers who are less familiar into the world of Vietnamese legends, culture, and language. With powerful themes of self-confidence and perseverance, Hoàng’s middle grade novel is a beautiful combination of Vietnamese culture and an unexpected hero’s quest to save the world.
This week’s Butler Bookshelf features fun fairy tale retellings, modern fairy tales, and alternative villain stories of fairy tales. For instance, Lauren DeStefano’s The Lost Ones is the second in her Dark Ascension villain-centered series in which readers meet Captain Hook, and his twin sister, as a teenager. Before he was Captain Hook, James was a modest teenager in a small village, seeking adventure, joy, and his place in the world. When his twin sister, Marlene, wishes themselves into a magical place called Never Land, the twins find themselves suddenly entwined in a war that pulls themselves further and further from each other and their home. This backstory to a central character from the beloved Peter Pan tells of the hardships Captain Hook, or James, faced in his youth, giving readers an alternative perspective to a well-known and widely told fairy tale.
Check out more adventure-filled alternative fairy tales below!
Beastly Beauty Written by Jennifer Donnelly Published by Scholastic Press Available today!
Beyond the Isle of the Lost Written by Melissa De La Cruz Published by Disney-Hyperion Available today!
The Day I Fell Into a Fairy Tale Written by Ben Miller Illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini Published by Aladdin Books Available now!
The Lost Ones Written by Lauren DeStefano Published by Disney Press Available now!
Promchanted Written by Morgan Matson Published by Disney-Hyperion Available now!
The Deep Dark Molly Knox Ostertag Scholastic Graphix Available June 4, 2024 Ages 14 and up
Everyone has secrets. Reserved high school senior Magdalena Herrera’s secret has teeth. Mags is tied to her hometown by her dark secret and a tragic accident, but she is dreaming of a new beginning when she reconnects with her childhood friend, creative and effervescent Nessa. The secret snake-like monster named Laura is caged in the basement because the monster once killed a boy when it escaped Mags’s house. No one must ever know that the murderous monster is still living in the basement. Nessa takes care of Mags after she passes out at a party and a romance quickly ensues between the two friends. Hiding the monster from Nessa, caring for her sick abuela, working long shifts at the diner, and having feelings of grief, loneliness, and guilt from the boy’s death are some of the troubles Mags shoulders.
Dynamically dark paneling, deliberate pacing, and potent dialogue between the characters will captivate teen and adult readers alike. In an intense scene, Mags passes out and believes that she is going to die. Nessa begs her to stay alive, and Mags replies: “For like the first time ever…I really want to” (p. 427). This powerful scene depicts an important message of love and acceptance of ourselves, even the parts we (or society) do not like. The wild creature in Mag’s basement is representative of the troubles in the lives of the many LGBTQ+ characters in this graphic novel. In the end, Mags allows the beast to live in the house with her rather than be caged in the basement—a symbol of Mags accepting who she is and no longer hiding. Grayscale illustrations illuminate Mags’s present, while flashbacks to her childhood burst with shades of pale blue, green, and orange matching the setting of the California desert. The illustration style is noteworthy as it changes from light lines and shading for the characters’ happy moments to dark lines and shading to portray their strong feelings and inner turmoil.
With the nicer weather upon us, we are starting to spend more time outside. Parks are full of sports teams, families with a soccer ball, and groups of friends pitching a volleyball net. So, this week, we are showcasing some works in our collection that focus on sports. For instance, Charles R. Smith Jr.’s Hoop Queens 2 builds on his Sports Royalty poetry book series, honoring the best and most notable basketball players of the time with their own poem. Smith Jr.’s new book features influential and prominent icons of today’s women’s game with names such as A’ja Wilson, Sue Bird, Brittany Griner, and sisters Nneka & Chiney Ogwumike. With personalized poems for and action photographs of each player, Smith Jr. idolizes and honors both the sport and the incredible athletes that bring it to life.
Check out more books with and about sports below!
Field Day! Written by Candice Ransom Illustrated by Ashley Evans Published by Random House Children’s Books Available now!
Hoop Queens 2 Written by Charles R. Smith Jr. Published by Candlewick Press Available May 7th, 2024!
La Mala Suerte me Sigue Written by Ana Siqueira Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera Published by Charlesbridge Available now!
Painting the Game Written by Patricia MacLachlan Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available now!
Two Wheels Written by David Gibb Illustrated by Brizida Magro Published by Candlewick Press Available May 7th, 2024!
Are you a student in the Dominican University School of Information Studies? Interested in international literature for young people? Love to travel? You may have missed the 2024 trip, but there’s always next year. Check out some of what you missed and help inspire your Spring 2025 course selections (hint: registering for LIS 796!).
Exploring Bologna: Gorgeous Bologna is capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and home to the oldest university in the world (University of Bologna was founded in 1088!). Known as the Fat City (for the mouthwatering food), the Red City (for the red-tiled roofs and leftist politics), and the Learned City (for the university), Bologna has something for everyone’s tastes. Explore the endless list of restaurants and markets, but be sure to try the tortellini or Bolognese the region is known for. Wander the very-walkable city for amazing architectural sites spanning from the Etruscans to modern times. The stunning Biblioteca Salborsa (main library) and associated city government buildings are a personal favorite spot to explore. Or spend your first day in one or many of the free museums that dot the city—occupying your mind and belly is a great way to fight the first day jet lag!
The library steps are the cool place to hangoutBiblioteca Salaborsa entry floorThe main gallery of the library
Excursion to Ravenna: Bologna is a great jumping off point to explore the region. DU students have ventured to Modena, Verona, Florence, Ravenna, and more. This year, a 70 minute train ride took us to Ravenna to admire the stunning mosaic work for which the city is known. A complex of Roman and Byzantine religious buildings have been designated a UNECSO World Heritage site and provide a great deep dive into the history and art of the city. There are even locations to watch modern mosaic artists at work.
Liz at Museo Archivescovile e Cappella di Sant’AndreaBasilica di San VitaleSan Vitale interior
BCBF Day 1: Then to the main event—book fair day. The class joins thousands of book industry professionals in a celebration and exploration of kid lit from around the world (over 31,000 attendees this year!). The scope and scale of the event are massive, spanning five halls of the sprawling Bologna Fiere conference center complex. Day one highlights include: The lovely (and well-catered) opening ceremony, Stories Across Media: a celebration of the winners of the BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia award, Reading for a Healthy Planet: Inspiring Children’s Books to Help Achieve a Sustainable Future, and a delightful and delicious class dinner.
Thousands of people excited to start the conferenceKeri is ready to explore BCBF
BCBF Day 2: More to see and do with the global community of book lovers! The fair includes awards, programming, author and illustrator presentations, visual showcases, and publisher booths (for showing off and the buying/selling of international book rights). Today was our day for book-celebrity sightings: Mac Barnett (Spy Kid series), Oliver Jeffers (The Incredible Book Eating Boy), Lincoln Pierce (Big Nate books), and book publisher Neal Porter (Neal Porter Books). And, of course, a stop at one of the conference floor gelato stands!
Mac Barnett’s new book will publish in Italian only until someone buys the US rights–for sale at BCBF.
Individual travel: SOIS students branched out on their own this year too, exploring in Rome, Florence and Venice on their free day and before/after the official class travel. If you’re already headed to Italy, you should definitely check some things off the bucket list.
Sneak Peek at 2025: Keep an eye out for an official Information Session in Fall 2024 to discuss the Spring 2025 course, including coursework, itinerary, associated costs, and more. And save the date for travel—BCBF 2025 will take place March 31-April 3, 2025. Slovenia will serve as next year’s guest of honor country and Brazilian illustrator Bruno DeAlmeida provides the bicycle-themed visual identity.
Not an SOIS student? Contact the Butler Center at butler@dom.edu for ways you can participate in 2025.
The Butler Bookshelf is featuring nonfiction books this week, and you will find The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! by Dean Robbins and Susanna Chapman on the bookshelf. Robbins recounts the story of Viola Smith who was one of the few female professional drummers of her time and was known for her jazzy and speedy drumming. Smith joined her sisters in the rare all-female band called the Smith Sisters Orchestra, and they toured the country in the 1920’s despite facing discrimination. She eventually toured solo with her 17 piece drum kit and wowed audiences everywhere. In fact, Smith loved the drums so much that she continued to play well past her 100th birthday. For more amazing titles, check out the list below!
Arboretum: Welcome to the Museum Written by Tony Kirkham and illustrated by Katie Scoot Published by Big Picture Press Available now!
The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! Written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Susanna Chapman Published by Big Picture Press Available now!
Hands-On Science: Motion Written by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Druscilla Santiago Published by Charlesbridge Available now!
I’m a Black Hole Written Eve M. Vavagiakis and illustrated by Jessica Lanan Published by MIT Kids Press Available now!
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots and So Much More Written by G. Neri and illustrated by Corban Wilkin Published by Candlewick Press Available now!
Butler's Pantry 