Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Hoot: News from the Butler Children’s Literature Center, November 2018

by

Book Tree

How is it we are already looking at a Christmas tree in the Crown Library? I may not be ready for the holidays just yet, but it does seem appropriate with this wintry weather. And as the year winds down, it also seems appropriate for the requisite year-end, or at least semester-end, recap. So here’s just a quick look at what the Butler Children’s Literature Center has been up to this semester and a sneak peek at what we’re planning for the Spring semester.

 

Fall Semester Happenings–

Professional Development

This semester we were thrilled to host two professional development events for librarians, teachers, teacher-librarians, and really everyone interested in great books and getting them into the hands of great kids.

Sarah AronsonIn September, we welcomed Evanston author Sarah Aronson for a chat about local authors and creative ways to incorporate their books into your programming. Her presentation, “Made in Illinois: New Books by Illinois Authors and How to Use them in the Classroom (and Library),” sparked an engaging conversation about how collaboration between authors, teachers, and librarians can make books come alive. She also shared information about READ LOCAL, a new initiative by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for connecting those who create books with those who share them. Find out more at https://illinois.scbwi.org/read-local/.

 

In October, professional reviewers Janice Del Negro (Associate Professor, Dominican University SOIS) and Hal Patnott (Library Assistant, Oak Park Public Library and former Butler Center Graduate Assistant) led a book reviewing workshop with thoughtful discussion on the history of reviewing and current trends in the field, as well as the resources and skills required for professional reviewing of youth literature.

 

Illinois Library Association Annual Conference

I was excited to spend three days at the ILA Annual Conference in Peoria this October attending programming sessions, reconnecting with former colleagues and classmates, and chatting with alumni at the DU exhibit table. The knowledge, passion, and collaborative spirit on display throughout the event were truly inspiring. And the ILA staff and conference committee did an impressive job of hosting, organizing, shepherding, and generally managing the chaos of that many librarians in one place.

What’s Up Next–

Butler Center Book Sale

Join us for the annual Butler Center Book Sale on Friday 12/7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm* and Saturday 12/8 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Get expert book recommendations, enjoy cider and cookies, and check some gifts off your holiday shopping list. Know a teacher or librarian that could use some new books in their collection? Bring them along! Hardcover books are just $5 and paperbacks only $2. Proceeds from the sale support Butler Center programming. *Please note the change in Friday’s closing time from previous book sale announcements.

butlercenter booksale 2018 UPDATE JPEG

 

Ellin Greene Memorial Storytelling Tea

We were saddened to learn about the passing of Ellin Greene this past summer. This storyteller, author, teacher, mentor, and Butler Children’s Literature Center champion will be missed in the storytelling community and beyond. In her honor, the Butler Center will host a Storytelling Tea on Sunday, January 13th at 3:00 pm. Storytellers Janice Del Negro, Marie Ringenberg, and special guests will share tales in memory of their friend and colleague. If you’d like to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Ellin Greene, please RSVP to Jen Clemons at butler@dom.edu by January 4th.

 

Butler Lecture

carmen_agra_deedy_163x163On March 20, 2019, the Butler Children’s Literature Center welcomes award-winning children’s author, Carmen Agra Deedy for the 7th Annual Butler Lecture. Join us for The End of the Story as Deedy shares rousing tales of her own families’ life experiences and how the most unlikely of teachers coupled with a series of seemingly small events, made an enormous impact in shaping generations of lifelong learners. The lecture begins at 6:00 pm; a reception and book signing will follow the lecture. Registration opens mid-January.

 

Professional Development

Our professional development series will continue next semester. Keep your eye out for announcements on Spring events focused on self-care (for those of us that invest so much of ourselves in the kids we serve), as well as research and programs to support kids in bilingual homes. Dates and times to be announced on the Butler’s Pantry in later this year.

Open Hours

The Butler Center welcomes teachers, librarians, booksellers, parents, grandparents, caregivers and anyone interested in literature for young people. As the holiday season approaches, we will be closed following the Dominican University school closing calendar for the Christmas/New Year break, but otherwise open Monday – Thursday from noon-4 p.m., or by appointment with the curator; contact butler@dom.edu to make special arrangements or just to make sure we’re not on vacation.

The Center is a non-lending library but our staff is here to assist you in locating books that address specific themes, age groups, or reading levels.

The Butler Center is located in the Rebecca Crown Library, room 214, on Dominican’s main campus at 7900 W. Division Street in River Forest, Illinois. Directions and a campus map are available here. The Butler Center is administered by Dominican’s School of Information Studies and is generously supported by the Butler Family Foundation. We hope you’ll want to visit us, or join us for an event, and stay tuned for our news and upcoming events. Please contact me with any questions you have. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Happy Holidays,

Jen Clemons

Curator, Butler Children’s Literature Center
Dominican University SOIS
sois.dom.edu
butlerspantry.org
butler@dom.edu

Raising Readers: A Review of Mousie, I Will Read to You

by

mousie

Mousie, I Will Read to You
Rachael Cole & Melissa Crowton
Schwartz & Wade Books, November 2018

Young Mousie grows up a reader in this new picture book written by Rachael Cole and illustrated by Melissa Crowton. Mama Mouse takes every opportunity to read to Mousie, from “Long before the words make sense,” to “In the middle of the night,” and “When morning comes.” In this way, Mousie goes from avid listener to a reader himself, choosing his own books and reading them by flashlight after bedtime. The cycle of reading continues as Mousie begins a family of his own.

Digital artwork in soft, primary colors centers on Mousie growing up with his mother and their life together. Small details like background art, book covers, and Mousie’s own toys add to the enjoyment of turning the page. Mousie, I Will Read to You ends with a page of tips for “Raising a Reader,” from Dr. Pamela High of the American Academy of Pediatrics, including ways to make reading together enjoyable and beneficial.

Where Do You Fit In? A Review of Click

by

Click

Click by Kayla Miller
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, January 2019
Ages 10-13

In Kayla Miller’s Click, the variety show is coming up at school and outgoing Olive has not been asked to join a group. This leaves her feeling outcast and alone when she is unable to find her own “click.” Olive refuses her mom’s help to find a group, instead turning to her Aunt Molly. She decides the best choice is to become a host, the talent show announcer. In her words, “It would be a way that I could help all of my friends with their acts by introducing them” (p.132). This story was heartfelt and cute with bright colored pastel artwork which suggest that the tone is cheerful. The digital medium conveys the lively tone through expressive faces and flat simplistic backgrounds with bold highlight lines. The novel does a wonderful job touching on family relationships, specifically mother and daughter. At first, Olive’s mom oversteps her boundaries in trying to help her. By the end of the novel, a balance is achieved between allowing Olive to be independent and encouraging her to follow through. Olive also learns that, in friendships, growing apart and having different interests is okay. Her friends even encourage her in her choice to become a host. The novel has a solid plot portraying realistic issues for friendship and family. Miller shows these serious middle school themes in a lighthearted way that doesn’t take away from the tension.

Mark your calendars, book-lovers!

by

Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts or building your own collection, it’s the perfect time of year for buying books.

butlercenter booksale 2018

Ok, so maybe I think it’s always the perfect time for new books, but I know a big stack of books and a warm cup of cider will help me make it through the cold months ahead.

Cheers!

Jen Clemons
Curator, BCLC

 

ILA Recap: Peoria is cooler than I thought!

by

Peoria Civic Center plaza

Back in the swing of things after a busy week of librarian-ing in Peoria and all I can say is, I can’t wait for next year. Despite the wild weather (82 degrees when I got there and 48 degrees when I left) and a packed schedule (the typical conference curse of one interested in sometimes vastly unrelated topics), I had a blast. From connecting with former co-workers to getting a glimpse of some amazing work DU alumni are doing all around the state, it was a wonderful three days of library fun.

Here are some of the highlights:

Book-nerd moment

Gene Yang

Opening General Session with Gene Luen Yang—Graphic novels weren’t really my thing, but American Born Chinese is one of the books that helped me develop an appreciation for GN’s and all they have to offer. Besides, as a self-confessed nerd, I always like to see someone own their nerdiness like Gene Yang does.

 

Inspiration moment

ILA President’s Program with Miguel Figueroa—As the Director of ALA’s Center for the Future of Libraries, Miguel Figueroa appears to have a keen eye for changes in the library profession and in society at large. His thoughts on the future being a “revolution” that brings people together and builds inclusivity were thought-provoking. Such an exciting opportunity for librarians and teachers who are so often already fostering those ideals.

 

Out of my comfort zone moment

Dungeons and Dragons dice“Looking for Group”: Engaging Teens with Dice, Monsters, and Stories—I purposefully picked a session about something which I know NOTHING, Dungeons and Dragons and similar role-playing games are that thing. The enthusiasm of the presenters and the way they use these games as a tool for social and emotional learning was fantastic and eye-opening. Thanks to Courtney Moore, Addison Public Library; Luke Rathburn, Grayslake Public Library; Emily Fardoux, Lincolnwood Public Library; Rachel Kaplan, Northbrook Public Library for the intro to the world of RPG’s and all their many sneaky teaching tools.

 

So excited to share moment(s)

Ok, let’s be honest, there were more of these than I can reasonably add to this post. So my top 2 sessions that I can’t wait to tell people about are:

Balance & Beyond: Work/Life Integration for Libraries—Working with the public can present emotional challenges to the strongest of us. How can libraries and library managers provide support for staff that allow them to be at their best in both their professional and personal lives? Kelly Durov and Laurie Prioletti, Northbrook Public Library; Brian Shepard, Indian Trails Public Library District; Regina Townsend, Forest Park Public Library provided a host of programming and policy ideas for creating a positive environment and supporting self-care for their teams.

Sort of Bilingual: Serving Youth and Young Adults from Spanish-Speaking Homes—With the help of an ALA Diversity Research Grant, Elizabeth Lynch and Kelly MacGregor of Addison Public Library set out to discover the strengths and opportunities of the kids in their community that come from bilingual homes. They discussed their research, the supportive program development that came from their learnings, and how they encourage a celebration of bilingualism at the library and beyond.

 

I am often in awe of the brilliant, generous, and dedicated librarians I meet in this small world of library-land—thanks to all for the inspiration!

Cheers!
Jen Clemons
Curator, BCLC

 

Will We See You in Peoria?

by

Headed to Peoria for the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference?
Want to connect with us while you’re there?

Screenshot-2018-10-4 Annual Conference

Visit us in the ILA Exhibits— you’ll find DU in the Peoria Civic Center at booth 214. Stop by to chat about what’s going on with Dominican, the SOIS program, and the Butler Center.

OR

Meet up at the Dominican iSchool Alumni Reception. Join fellow Dominican grads and prospective Dominican grads for a chat, a snack, and some networking. You’ll find us on Tuesday, October 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Cheminee Ballroom in the Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel.

Better yet, try both. Hope to see you there!

Jen Clemons
Curator, Butler Children’s Literature Center

Book Reviewing Workshop

by

3

Book reviewing image

Curious about how to get your start in book reviewing? Looking to sharpen your current skills? Join professional reviewers Janice Del Negro (Associate Professor, Dominican University SOIS) and Hal Patnott (Library Assistant, Oak Park Public Library) for a discussion on the history of reviewing and current trends in the field, as well as the resources and skills required for professional reviewing of youth literature.

Who: Open to all teachers, librarians, students, and book-lovers (or any combination thereof)

What: Tips, tricks, lively discussion, and snacks– of course

When: Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 11am–1pm

Where: Butler Children’s Literature Center, Crown Library 214

Please RSVP to us at butler@dom.edu or whichever social media post you’re reading right now.

Hope to see you then!

 

A Sweet Story to Tackle a Tough Topic: A Review of The Remember Balloons

by

The Remember BalloonsThe Remember Balloons
Jessie Oliveros
Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
Simon and Schuster, August 2018
Ages 5-9

James has a handful of colorful balloons, reminders of his most important days. His parents and grandfather have even more balloons. His dog has one! Each bright balloon holds a special memory—birthdays, weddings, fishing trips—a lifetime of extraordinary moments. As Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, Mom and Dad help James understand memory loss and how he can help keep Grandpa’s stories alive.

A gentle metaphor for aging, memory loss, and dementia to help young readers process what’s happening to a loved one. Oliveros doesn’t shy away from the anxiety, confusion, and anger in James’ reactions; validating those feelings in young and old alike. The black and white pencil drawings of this close-knit, mixed-race family provide an understated counterpoint to the vibrant balloons and the memories within. The subtly in both text and art work well together in handling such an emotional topic and put the focus on the joy of remembering shared experiences.

Do you READ LOCAL?

by

Sarah Aronson Do you shop at your local farmers market? Support local arts organizations? How about adding “Read local authors” to the list?

Join us on Thursday, Sept 20th when we host Evanston author Sarah Aronson for a chat about local authors and creative ways to incorporate their books into your programming.

Made in Illinois: New Books by Illinois Authors and How to Use Them in the Classroom (and Library)

When: Thursday, September 20th– program starts at 6:15pm

Where: Butler Children’s Literature Center– Crown Library Room 214

RSVP: By September 17th to butler@dom.edu

You can find out more about Sarah, her books, and her love of exclamation points at www.saraharonson.com