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.
We are welcoming spring this week with some of our new picture books that celebrate nature, the outdoors, gardening, and farming. In Miss MacDonald Has a Farm, Gwarjanski retells the familiar “Old MacDonald” children’s tune with a woman farmer at the center. Rewriting the lyrics to the beloved tune, readers can sing or read along as Miss MacDonald seeds, waters, picks, blooms, and harvests her vegetables, ultimately cooking a meal to be shared with a group of friends. In vibrant, earthy tones, Vukovic brings farming to life with her illustrations of pruning zucchinis and canning pumpkins. It’s hard not to smile while reading this exciting, joyful ode to farming that makes readers want to plant their own vegetables to harvest.
Check out more of our spring-inspired books below!
Lola Meets the Bees Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw Published by Charlesbridge Publishing Available April 9th, 2024!
Miss MacDonald Has a Farm Written by Kalee Gwarjanski Illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers Available now!
Planting Hope: A Portrait of Photographer Sebastião Salgado Written by Philip Hoelzel Illustrated by Renato Alarcão Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now!
The Sunshine Garden: Being a Team Player Written by Jamie Michalak Illustrated by Jenna Nahyun Published by Charlesbridge Publishing Available today!
What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest?: And Other Questions About Nature & Life Cycles Written by Rachel Ignotofsky Published by Crown Books for Young Readers Available now!
Squirrel Needs a Break Kristen Remenar Illustrated by Matt Faulkner Charlesbridge Available May 7, 2024 Age 4-7
After a long winter in the nest, Squirrel is an exhausted single dad, just doing his best with three rambunctious kits. Seeing his need, his forest friends hatch a plan to give Squirrel the break he so desperately deserves. How hard could it be to take care of little squirrels? While Owl takes Squirrel to dinner, Hare teaches the kits to make pancakes. While Groundhog takes him to yoga, Owl teaches the kits to meditate—almost. Each friend takes a turn helping Squirrel to relax and watching the kits. As the community rallies to help, they realize how hard and rewarding it can be to parent. In the end, they all appreciate what a wonderful father Squirrel is and what a strong family they make together.
In this companion to Groundhog’s Dilemma, Remenar uses gentle humor to explore the work and love required to raise young of any species with a story as much for parents as children. And the forest community demonstrates just how important a support system, whether an extended or found family, can be to the effort. Faulkner’s digital illustrations use a pencil-like technique and vintage color palette reminiscent of Disney’s The Rescuers (1977). The combination of full-bleed and multi-panel pages with text bubbles provides enough visual interest to keep the story from veering too retro. Emotionally expressive faces showcase the joys and trials of parenthood so thoroughly that adult readers will feel seen. Perfect for a snuggled up read, this title will illustrate to kids the ways caregivers show their love through both actions and words.
The African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child (or, in this case, squirrel) is proven yet again in this sweet and lighthearted tribute to the power of community.
On the Butler Bookshelf this week, we have some charming fiction and nonfiction picture books. Our featured book this week is Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale by JaNay Brown-Wood. In the retelling of this fairytale, Mahogany is a spirited girl who likes listening to music, sewing, and wearing high-tops. She runs into the hungry wolf on her way to deliver honey cornbread to Grandma. Mahogany cleverly stands by a willow tree where her curly black hair merges with the branches. Hiding in the forest, her dark skin blends with the black shadows. Tricking the wolf’s nose, she knows her lavender essence will combine with the scent of the flowering plants. In the end, Mahogany’s sewing skills, smarts, and Blackness save her and her G-Ma in this fresh and delightful tale.
The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered
Written by Jack Kurland
Published by Frances Lincoln First Editions
Available March 26, 2024
I Am A Masterpiece
Written by Mia Armstrong
Illustrated by Alexandra Thompson
Published by Penguin Random House Children’s Books
The Lilies Written by Quinn Diacon-Furtado HarperTeen Ages 13-17 Available April 30th, 2024
Welcome to Archwell Academy, an “all-girls” preparatory school that honors legacy and scrutinizes difference, epitomized by the school’s exclusive secret society—the Lilies. Initially at odds with each other, Drew (a non-binary transfer student), Blythe (striving to be the first Black valedictorian), Veró (Latina daughter of a Senator doubling as a guerilla artist), and Rory (chancellor’s daughter and school founder’s great-granddaughter struggling with addiction) quickly become entangled when one of their classmates—and Lilies recruit—goes missing. Stuck in a time loop that forces each of them to relive their most shameful memories leading up to Charlotte’s disappearance, Drew, Blythe, Veró, and Rory must wrestle with their guilt. The focus remains on saving Charlotte, but a mysterious fifth narrator slowly reveals that the students are also solving an age-old murder of another student: Rory’s great aunt Lillian, the namesake of the Lilies. As they work together through a troubling past and present, these unlikely allies grow into trusting friends that work in solidarity to rewrite history.
Like many academic thrillers, Archwell is insulated in a bubble of boarding school rules, dynamics, and traditions. But Diacon-Furtado also intentionally sets Archwell in a DC suburb against a familiar backdrop of modern threats, like mass shootings and transphobic legislation, where boarding school can’t protect students from the real world. As the story unfolds, so do the larger metaphors of trauma cycles, privilege, truth, and even a new meaning to living in the closet, a.k.a. a time loop. In this debut novel, Diacon-Furtado appeals to the complex and ethical questions of teenage life in their careful crafting of unreliable, imperfect characters that ultimately become redeemable during their time together. Using a candid voice and unexpected plot twists, Diacon-Furtado simultaneously creates anticipation, anxiety, and hope that will keep readers thinking. This fast-paced, queer, genre-bending story of solidarity acts as a mirror, asking readers not only how they are reinforcing harmful cycles but also how they can break them.
In honor of Women’s History Month, this week, Butler Bookshelf is featuring some of our books by women writers and who center women or girls as main characters. In Tender Beasts, Sunny Behre—the oldest of four siblings—has been raised by her mom to be the next matriarch of her family. Suddenly, her mom is murdered, and her youngest brother, Dom, is the prime suspect. Sunny is thrust into the family leader role sooner than she expected, with one mysterious, dying wish from her mother: “Take care of Dom.” While Sunny isn’t particularly close with Dom, she trusts her mother enough to try to clear Dom’s name and discovers more secrets in the process. Liselle Sambury delivers a psychological thriller that will keep you hooked.
Check out more of our titles by women featuring women below!
Drawing Deena Written by Hena Khan Published by Salaam Reads Available now!
Ellie Mae Dreams Big! Written by Kristina McMorris Illustrated by Amanda Yoshida Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Available now!
Finally Heard Written by Kelly Yang Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Available now!
Finding Normal Written by Stephanie Faris Published by Aladdin Books Available now!
Tender Beasts Written by Liselle Sambury Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available now!
Excited about spring break, Marya, Hanna, and Alexa plan their trip to the most amazing place on the planet, Skye Adventure Park. Spirited third-grader Marya is determined to beat athletic Alexa in the obstacle courseat Skye and have her name projected on the leaderboard for all to see. With the help of Baba, Marya researches how to become a major competitor and Operation Super Athlete, with its strict rules, is born. Rule number two states that athletes“practice regularly,” (p. 68) and rule number three asserts that it is important to “eat and sleep well” (p. 68). So, Mama cooks many delicious foods for Marya like protein-filled daal, wheat pancakes, yogurt, and fruit snacks. Marya then invites herself over to her frenemy’s (Alexa) house to train with her and her best friend, Hanna. The trio, but mostly Marya, prepare for the Skye Obstacle Course on ninja steps, a balance beam, a rock wall, and a climbing rope. Marya eagerly awaits competing against her friends at Skye and being crowned the super champion.
In this playful and lighthearted series, Marya Khan battles her rival, Alexa, just like any competitive third grader. Each tome in the series is a stand-alone about Marya and Alexa competing to have the best birthday party, for example, in book one. The dialogue demonstrates the spunkiness in the well-developed young characters. When Mama announces they’re going to Skye Adventure Park, Alexa squealed, “Oh my god, seriously? That’s awesome!” (p. 48). The four rules about how to be a super athlete are themes in the book and rules of thumb for life. Rule number four is an important lesson, especially for the young readers of the book: “It’s okay to lose sometimes” (p.68). Losing is a crucial life lesson that everyone needs to experience, and as Marya learns, sometimes it is better to work as a team rather than fighting to win. Black and white illustrations complement the fast-paced and entertaining text. At the start of each chapter, a Word of the Day from Marya’s journal provides some insight into the upcoming plot, and at the end of the book, readers have the option to plan an obstacle course, just like Marya did in the story.
We have new teen fiction this week on the Butler Bookshelf! This week we are featuring a novel in verse called Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo. Elhillo recounts the story of 16-year-old Samira who has a reputation for being the “bad girl” in her neighborhood. After being grounded for a scandalous rumor, Samira’s dream of a fun summer full of parties and exploring the city is stymied. She turns to the poetry slam scene for support and captures the attention of an older, mesmerizing poet named Horus. Samira feels that she is desired for the first time, but she is keeping a secret that could threaten her reputation again in her community. She must figure out how to balance being true to herself, her poetry, and her family.
Bright Red Fruit Written by Safia Elhillo Published by Make Me A World Available now!
Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry Written by Alex Ritany Published by Alfred A. Knopf Available now!
Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear Written by Robin Wasley Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Available now!
The Eternal Ones Written by Namina Forna Published by Delacorte Press Available now!
Snowglobe Written by Soyoung Park Published by Delacorte Press Available now!
Kindling Chee, Traci HarperCollins February 27, 2024 Grades 9-up
Magical elite soldiers must confront their own traumas and identities while banding together to defend a town besieged by raiders. Inspired by Seven Samurai, Chee weaves together the stories of seven kindlings who are desperate for stability and purpose in a world that no longer needs them. Raised from the age of six to be elite weapons in a war of expansion, these kindlings now wander the countryside, but are soon gathered for a mission by one of their own. Initially, each kindling views the defense of Camas—the mountain village terrorized by raiders—as just a job. But as time passes and the soldiers’ lives and pasts show their impact, the group finds solace in one another and grows close. “That’s what home is. The people you love. The people you fight for.” (p. 417) Despite coming from similar backgrounds, each character has their own unique voice, characteristics, vices, fears and desires. One character is nonbinary; the rest are female. Even if they don’t bear the same scars, every kindling recognizes a bit of themselves in their comrades. Though all seven kindlings have point-of-view chapters, the book is written in second-person, which forces the reader to empathize with their harsh reality. These vignettes of grief, trauma and the effects of war are devastating and intensely realistic; Chee paints an unflinching depiction of violence and its effect on children. Interweaving these moments with lighter ones like romance and village camaraderie keeps the book from being bogged down by heavy topics. Action scenes towards the climax of the story are fast-paced and thrilling, but easy to follow. Despite a macabre tone throughout and bittersweet climax, the story ends on a note of newfound hope and optimism. Kindling puts the desperation of existing without guidance, and the challenge of living one’s life for oneself, on display in a way any reader can empathize with.
Guest reviewer Katie Steffensen, is a Dominican University MLIS candidate and works in youth services at a library in the North Chicago suburbs. She loves working with tweens and teens.
This year’s lecture, “The Right to Be Confused,” is fast approaching. Have you registered to join us on Wednesday, March 13th? Find all the details and get registered here.
Now, let’s meet Kyle…
Kyle Lukoff has been working at the intersection of people and reading for over twenty years. From a high school job at Barnes & Noble, he has managed to make books his entire life. He grew up near Seattle, Washington but moved to New York City in 2002.
Kyle is the author of the middle grade novel Too Bright to See, which was a 2022 Newbery Honor book, the 2022 Stonewall Award winner, and a National Book Award finalist. He also wrote the Stonewall-award winning picture book When Aidan Became a Brother, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, which “sets a new standard of excellence in transgender representation,” according to a Kirkus starred review.
He is the author of many other books for young readers including the Max and Friends early reader series illustrated by Luciano Lozano, the linguistically humorous picture books A Storytelling of Ravens (illustrated by Natalie Nelson) and Explosion at the Poem Factory (illustrated by Mark Hoffmann), the Acorn series Mermaid Days (illustrated by Kat Uno), and his first non-fiction work, If You’re A Kid Like Gavin, co-authored by young trans activist Gavin Grimm and illustrated by J Yang. Kyle has several forthcoming titles, including the epistolary picture book I’m Sorry You Got Mad, a Jewish fantasy-adventure upper middle grade novel, and several other projects.
Prior to becoming a full-time writer Kyle was the librarian at Corlears, an independent elementary school in New York City. He spent eight years working with children from preschool through fifth grade, teaching literature and research skills as well as helping kids and their parents connect with books and reading. He reviews regularly for Kirkus and served as a 2020 Kirkus Prize judge. He also spent two years as a juror for the Stonewall Award, prior to winning it in 2020, and was a 2023 National Book Award judge for the category of Young People’s Literature.
When Kyle isn’t reading or writing, he’s making something complicated for dinner, petting a cat, or riding his bike.
You’ll find more fun backstory, book love, and an assortment of articles and interviews on Kyle’s website. Check out a few of my favorites (linked from KyleLukoff.com)…
You can find his books in the all the usual places, but one of my favorites is Bookshop.org, a hub for independent bookstores, where your purchases provide support for indy bookstores around the country.
Full Lecture Details:
12th Annual Butler Lecture featuring Kyle Lukoff March 13, 2024 6:00 p.m. Free with registration required Location: Springer Suites, Dominican University’s Rebecca Crown Library, 7900 W. Division St. River Forest, IL 60305 Online (link will be sent to online registrations the day of the event) A book signing and reception, hosted in the Butler Children’s Literature Center, will follow the lecture
This week, Butler Bookshelf brings you a collection of our new nonfiction books. In She Can STEM, Liz Lee Heinecke rewrites women scientists into history, providing a short biography on 50 female scientists along with a related science experiment for readers to try at home for each historical figure. This work includes women who contributed to the fields of biology, chemistry, ecology, and physics, featuring people like Christine Darden–an aircraft wing designer who made important strides at NASA–and Tu Youyou–a pharmacist who discovered a treatment for malaria still used today. Readers will love the discoveries, experiments, and enchanting illustrations for each of these inspiring female figures.
Check out more of our nonfiction titles below!
National Monuments of the U.S.A. Activity Book Written by Claire Saunders Illustrated by Chris Turnham Published by Wide Eyed Editions Available March 5, 2024!
Only in Florida Written by Heather Alexander Illustrated by Joseph Moffat-Peña Published by Wide Eyed Editions Available March 5, 2024!
Rewild the World at Bedtime: Hopeful Stories from Mother Nature Written by Emily Hawkins Illustrated by Ella Beech Published by Wide Eyed Editions Available March 5, 2024!
She Can STEM: 50 Trailblazing Women in Science from Ancient History to Today Written by Liz Lee Heinecke Illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton Published by Quarry Books Available now!
Tenzing Norgay Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara Illustrated by Bandana Tulachan Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books Available now!
The Secret Life of Bugs Written by Moira Butterfield Illustrated by Vivian Mineker Published by Happy Yak Books Available March 5, 2024!
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