Butler Bookshelf

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Grab an apron! With more than forty vegetarian and plant-based recipes for scrumptious meals, savory snacks, tasty treats, and showstopper desserts, David Atherton’s Bake, Make & Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks is a feast for readers who care about the food on their plate. 

Check it out and the other nonfiction titles we are featuring below!

Bake, Make & Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks
Written by David Atherton and Illustrated by Alice Bowser
Published by Candlewick Press
Available November 8th!

Hidden Habitats Earth
Written and Illustrated by Lara Hawthorne
Published by Big Picture Press
Available November 1st!

Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts: An Introduction to Infographics
Written by Stuart J. Murphy and Illustrated by Teresa Bellon
Published by Charlesbridge
Available Now!

SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost your Brain
Written by Amy E. Herman & Heather Maclean
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available Today!

Troublemakers in Trousers: Women and What They Wore to Get Things Done
Written by Sarah Albee and Illustrated by Kaja Kajfez
Published by Charlesbridge
Available Today!

Where do Big Creatures Sleep at Night?
Written by Steven J. Simmons & Clifford R. Simmons and Illustrated by Ruth E. Harper
Published by Charlesbridge
Available Today!

An Everglades-inspired Fantasy Adventure: A Review of Into the Glades

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Into the Glades
Laura Sebastian
Delacorte Press
October 25th, 2022
Ages 8 to 12

The Glades—a peaceful but magical swamp-like area filled with magical creatures—has been the home to best friends, Cecilia and Larkin, since they were young. But with the unexpected death of Cecilia’s father, Oziris, the leader of the village, the Glades has turned maliciously towards the townspeople like never before. Wrapped in anger and grief but determined to resurrect Oziris and break the curse on the Glades, Cecilia and Larkin, along with their two younger brothers, embark upon a journey through the Glades to find a powerful witch. But the potential price of such dark magic may be too much for the children to handle, along with the grief and fury threatening to consume them.

As the girls and their brothers’ journey through the Glades, Sebastian weaves in how each handles their grief, from simmering anger to calm acceptance. Tested throughout their journey, Cecilia and Larkin are challenged by their emotions, magical ability, and fear of losing each other. In the end, they have to accept each other for their bonds of friendship to endure. Sebastian uses the journey though the Glade as a metaphor for moving through the stages of grief. Details of Oziris’s death introduce a darker tone, but Sebastian balances it with subtle humor and lightheartedness from the brothers. She firmly places them as emotional support for Cecilia and Larkin while away from the rest of their grieving family members. The characters and location of the story are inspired by the author’s childhood, making it a personal story that still allows readers to immerse themselves in her experience. Into the Glades is a fantasy adventure encouraging social-emotional learning by bringing to life real issues surrounding loss and grief along with accepting change and enjoying each moment, providing a silver lining to even the darkest events.

Butler Bookshelf

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Van Dog, by Mikolaj Pa and illustrated by Gosia Herba, combines the features of a picture book with seek-and-find and comic. It is a thought-provoking story touching on the philosophy of art without being direct about the topic.

Check it out and the other titles we feature below!

All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at Night
Written by Polly Faber and Illustrated by Hobday Harriet
Published by Nosy Crow
Available November 1st!

Happy Llamakkah!
Written by Laura Gehl and Illustrated by Lydia Nichols
Published by Abrams Appleseed
Available October 13th!

Love From Mecca to Medina
Written by S.K. Ali
Published by Salaam Reads
Available October 18th!

A Path to the World: Becoming You
Edited by Lori Marie Carlson-Hijuelos
Published by Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Available October 18th!

Van Dog
Written by Mikolaj Pa and Illustrated by Gosia Herba
Published by Milkyway Picturebooks
Available November 15th!

Zara’s Rules for Finding Hidden Treasure
Written by Hena Khan and Illustrated by Wastana Haikal
Published by Salaam Reads
Available October 18th!

Spooky Season Titles For All: Halloween 2022 Recommendations

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Whether sweet and silly or downright terrifying, ghosts and ghouls of all ages enjoy a good spooky story. And publishers did not disappoint this Halloween season, covering the gambit from gentle introductions to Halloween traditions to dark and twisty tales of the occult. So pick your favorite candy, pour yourself a mug of cider, and settle in for a read at your preferred level of spooky.

BOARD BOOKS: For the youngest ghosties!

The Monsters on the Broom
By Annemarie Riley Guertin
Illustrated by Shauna Lynn Panczyszyn
Simon & Schuster/Little Simon
July 2022
0-3

A group of young monsters delight in a midnight flight in this bouncy Halloween celebration to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus.” A rich and moody color scheme perfectly captures the feel of a crisp fall evening. Cheerful little monsters tour their town by broom, on die cut pages that build as they explore, leading up to a group ride and wishes for a “Happy Halloween!”

Halloween is a Treat!
By Sabrina Moyle
Illustrator Eunice Moyle
Abrams/Appleseed
July 2022
0-3

More sweet than spooky, this detail packed little book includes all the most fun Halloween traditions—costumes, candy, jack-o’-lanterns, and more! A gentle rhyme weaves together the various holiday amusements for little cats (and kids) to enjoy. Busy pages full of neon orange highlights may even include some Halloween costume inspiration.

PICTURE BOOKS: Choose your favorite—sweet or spooky?

Happy Owl-Oween!
By Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Lydia Nichols
Abrams/Appleseed
July 2022
3-5

Owlet friends partake in all the Halloween traditions their neighborhood has to offer. Simple text, a sweet rhyme, and vibrant geometric illustrations combine to gently introduce the less-than-scary side of the holiday, helping owls of all ages to get into the spirit. Gehl includes an author’s note explaining the origins of many Halloween traditions, but it’s a bit sophisticated for all but the most precocious kindergarteners.

If Your Babysitter is a Bruja
By Ana Siqueira
Illustrated by Irena Freitas
Simon & Schuster
August 2022
3-6

A new babysitter might spell big trouble for a mischievous girl with an oversized imagination. Imagining her parents left her with a witch turns an ordinary evening into a magical Halloween adventure of broomsticks, bubbling caldrons, and ghostly castles. Spanish words and phrases are incorporated throughout, yet easily interpreted in context. Vibrant and exaggerated illustrations and inventive text combine for a unique and whimsical addition to Halloween book collections.

The Most Haunted House in America
By Jarrett Dapier
Illustrated by Lee Gatlin
Abrams
August 2022
4-8

Invited by the First Lady to play at the White House Halloween celebration, the Skeleton Drummers answer the call, entertaining both the living and the long-dead with their spooky tunes. Even when they are scared silly themselves, the show must go on, and the band plays ‘til dawn. Sepia tones mute the illustrations, adding age and mood to the images, and enhancing the drama of the event. Smiling skeletons and rhyming text tempers what could be a scarier picture book tale. An author’s note includes some of the most popular ghost stories told about the White House as well as the author’s experience playing the drums for White House Halloween party dressed as a skeleton.

Middle Grade: Just the right amount of scare factor!

Crimson Twill: Witch in the City
By Kallie George
Illustrated by Birgitta Sif
Candlewick
July 2022
7-9

Who says witches need to be spooky? Perhaps all they have to be is themselves. A trip to the big city department store—Broomingdale’s—is Crimson’s change to find just what she needs. Maybe a cat or a new hat, if she can find one that suits her. What she finds instead are friends that like her just the way she is—unique. Reminiscent of The Worst Witch in tone and language, with lovely black and white illustrations, this sweet chapter book is full of charm and charms.

Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel
By James Howe and Andrew Donkin
Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
Based on the 1979 novel by Deborah and James Howe
Simon and Shuster/Atheneum
August 2022
8-12

Harold the dog and Chester the cat must contend with a new pet in the Monroe family home, a peculiar bunny who just might be a vampire. Chester, with Harold as trusty sidekick, investigates just what’s making all the vegetables in the house white and juiceless. And just how their new roommate might be responsible. A graphic adaptation of the original story, the varied layout and muted color scheme uphold the melodramatic nature of the novel, while keeping just the right amount of humor to keep things light.

August of the Zombie (Zombie Problems Book 3)
By K.G. Campbell
Knopf
January 2022
8-12

August DuPont has an unusual, and undead, problem—he attracts zombies. And what started as one sidekick has turned into a horde. In the final installment of this trilogy, he must finally find the Zombie Stone to lay his followers and some family secrets to rest. Moody, yet humorous, illustrations provide levity and show the zombies to be more ridiculous than ravenous. Quirky and clever, a delightful middle grade introduction to supernatural stories.

Wildseed Witch
By Marti Dumas
Abrams/Amulet
May 2022
10-14

One fit of temper and Hasani goes from a summer of fun and family (drama) to a premier finishing school for witches to hone her newfound abilities. But being the newcomer isn’t easy, especially when everyone else grew up in a magical family, and you’re starting from scratch. Dumas has created an alternative New Orleans, with all the charm and spirit of the original, and an additional spark of magic. Perfect for Harry Potter fans who will cheer for this determined and charismatic heroine of color. A tribute to learning your own balance between fitting in and standing out, and how to most gracefully be yourself.

Young Adult: From a hint of magic to downright scary!

Fraternity
By Andy Mientus
Abrams/Amulet
September 2022
13+

Scandal sends Zooey Orson from his New York high school to an all-boys boarding school full of secrets, secret societies, and not-so-secret biases. He is taken in by the Vicious Circle, a group of gay students that become his found family in their fight against very human and supernatural secrets, and an occult text that could destroy them all. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, this story of brotherhood and belonging combines episodes of LGBTQ history with paranormal thrills.

The Monarchs
By Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige
Harper Collins/Clarion
January 2022
14+

The most popular sorority on campus hides many secrets—the rules of sisterhood, details of the death of their past president, and that they are actually a powerful coven of witches. New president Scarlett and new student Vivi balance schoolwork, love interests, and battling the ancient forces of evil in this sequel to The Ravens. An atmospheric college setting and emotionally charged relationships between the sisters add substance to this fast-paced and action-packed duology closer.

Spells for Lost Things
By Jenna Evans Welch
Simon and Schuster
September 2022
12+

Willow’s mom dragged her to Salem to sort out a family inheritance. Mason is in Salem with a foster care placement. And they both want to be nearly anywhere else. Drawn together by the mystery of Willow’s family history, they are kept together by a growing connection. YA romance with a dash of witchcraft combine for a charming story of finding family and finding yourself. Welch weaves in the thread of wanderlust that ties all her novels together, with Willow and Mason exploring all the lore and kitsch Salem, Massachusetts have to offer as they learn about life, family ties, and each other.

Butler Bookshelf

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In Puffin, discover the intriguing world of this charming bird in a collaboration that pairs Martin Jenkins’s engaging, informative text with the warm energy of Jenni Desmond’s illustrations. Filled with interesting facts, this delightful introduction to the puffin offers young ornithologists more details in the back matter.

Check it out, along with the other picture book titles we are featuring below!

Berliners
Written by Vesper Stamper
Published by Alfred A Knopf
Available October 25th!

A Different Kind of Normal
Written and Illustrated by Abigail Balfe
Published by Crown Books
Available Now!

Just the Way You Are
Written and Illustrated by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar Books
Available October 25th!

My First Guide to Weather
Written by Camilla De La Bedoyere and Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu
Published by Big Picture Press
Available October 25th!

Puffin
Written by Martin Jenkins and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond
Published by Candlewick Press
Available October 25th!

Saturday AM Annual 2023: A Celebration of Original Diverse Manga-Inspired Short Stories from Around the World
Published by Saturday AM
Available Now!

Space Synaesthesia: A Review of Tasting Light

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Tasting Light: Ten Science Fiction Stories to Rewire Your Perception
Edited by A.R. Capetta and Wade Roush
MiTeen Press
October 11th, 2022
Ages 14 and up

Editors A.R. Capetta and Wade Roush use the preface of Tasting Light to outline the goals of their collection. To serve as a gateway into science fiction for those who don’t usually get into the genre, to show that YA SF is a place for conversations about identity, and to describe a hopeful future. The collection succeeds on two of its three points. However, it falls short of its third goal, as Roush describes, “there’s a central feeling (in the stories) – that the future is going to be better than the present, as long as we make it that way.” All the stories exist in dystopian worlds, and when characters find solutions, they are individual solutions that allow the characters to exist within systemic problems. These stories follow the tradition of using science fiction writing to describe reality in a way that cannot be done through a direct statement. They are thought experiments about current problems of identity and autonomy instead of predictions of how children will save the future.

In Junauda Petr-Nasah’s “Melanitis,” there is a medication that can give children an incredible intelligence boost. One of the side effects is the chance of their skin creating enough melanin to be perceived as Black when they reach adulthood—causing them to face discrimination similar to those born Black. This story follows Amari, a young Black person, as they are figuring out their own identity. They are breaking away from their parents’ expectations and the cultural expectation of what it means to be Black. This is shown through Amari’s change in their hair from Locs, like her parents, to a significant style for Amari and Amari breaking up with their white friend who has Melanitis. Amari’s friend only sees Blackness as a problem to be talked through now he is affected by it. The medication that causes Melanitis is theoretically possible, but it is not an extrapolation of a modern medical phenomenon, and this is not the point. It is used as a thought experiment to explore what it means to be Black. While this type of metaphor isn’t present in all stories, it enhances the already strong writing that is present in each of the ten stories. The collection feels cohesive. The primary themes are not present in every story, but the stories with them are spread out in a way to weave the book together. All are accessible for new Sci-Fi readers as well. As most are set in near future Earth, the reader only has to allow one significant difference in the world per story.

Tight writing, paired with themes relevant to teens, and a diverse group of authors and characters, makes Tasting Light a perfect place to start for a teen who wants to know what science fiction is all about.

Butler Bookshelf

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In The Woman Who Turned Children Into Birds by David Almond and Illustrated by Laura Carlin, Nanty Solo is new in town and claims she can turn children into birds. Terrified parents forbid the idea, but the children want to fly.

Check it out, along with the other picture book titles we are featuring below!

Ballet Kids
Written and Illustrated by Holly Sterling
Published by Candlewick Press
Available October 18th!

Bella & Blue
Written and Illustrated by Berrie Torgan-Randall
Published by Blue Bronco Books Jr.
Available Now!

Embassy of the Dead: Destiny Calling
Written by Will Mabbitt and Illustrated by Taryn Knight
Published by Walker Books
Available October 18th!

Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls
Written by Atinuke and Illustrated by Onyinye Iwu
Published by Candlewick Press
Available October 18th!

The Woman Who Turned Children Into Birds
Written by David Almond and Illustrated by Laura Carlin
Published by Candlewick Studio
Available October 18th!

Roundhouse Kick Retelling: A Review of Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon

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Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon
Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrated by Joy Ang
Abrams Books for Young Readers
November 1st, 2022
Ages 4 to 8

Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon depicts a refreshing Chinese twist on the age-old folk tale of Little Red Riding Hood, as told by the wolf from the original. But this Little Red knows kung fu and carries a sword, which is why her mother feels safe sending her to grandmother, or Nainai’s house, when she’s sick. Making her way to Nainai’s house, Little Red is tricked by a dragon and uses her quick wit and traditional Chinese instruments to save Nainai and herself, making her the hero of her own story.

Although Little Red Riding Hood knows how to defend herself, she doesn’t use much force when trying to escape the dragon’s belly, just cleverness. This provides deeper character depth than the original tale. More in line with the original tale, many other characters in this picture book aren’t focused on besides Little Red Riding Hood. As the big bad wolf is looked at as an antagonist in other folktales, his perspective as narrator is a unique element that refocuses the story now on a Chinese dragon as the antagonist. The digital art and vivid colors in Ang’s illustrations lend a modern sensibility to the ancient setting and traditional tale, and add a further twist to the retelling. Detailed backmatter contains Compestine’s author note on her inspiration for this twisted tale, her motivation to include certain Chinese elements, and a deeper look into Chinese culture and heritage. Young readers will enjoy this “real” version of the story, and grown up readers will get a chuckle out of the wolf’s audience in the final spread. Messages of empowerment, problem-solving, and not waiting for a huntsman savior are the real beauty of this twisted tale.

Butler Bookshelf

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Beginning is a poetic picture book where a father and child see all the wonders and connections in nature and life as they go about their day. A child and father observe the cycles of nature and come to see that as each journey ends, new adventures begin.

Check it out, along with the other picture book titles we are featuring below!

Beginning
Written by Shelley Moore Thomas and Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available today!

Case of the Zaps
Written by Alex Boniello & April Lavalle and Illustrated by James Kwan
Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Dragon Noodle Party: A Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals
Written by Ying Chang Compestine and Illustrated by Paula Pang
Published by Holiday House
Available December 6th!

Our Story Starts in Africa
Written by Patrice Lawrence and Illustrated by Jeanetta Gonzales
Published by Magic Cat Publishing
Available now!

Spells for Lost Things
Written by Jenna Evans Welch
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available today!

Vegetables in Pajamas
Written and Illustrated by Jared Chapman
Published by Abrams Appleseed
Available January 10th!

The Circle of Life: A Review of This Is the Sun

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This Is the Sun

This Is the Sun
Elizabeth Everett
Illustrated by Evelline Andrya
Science Naturally
October 2022
Ages 4-7

A vibrant geometric sun shines its rays on the undulating earth below. Thus begins this brilliant and bouncy circle of life story told as a cumulative tale to the rhythm of “The House That Jack Built.” Moving from the sun, to the tree, to the flower, and so on Everett walks readers though the tale with simple text, easily digestible by preschool story times or early independent readers. Lush, full-color, digital collage illustrations complement the spare text. With text to the left of the spread and full-page illustrations to the right, Andrya layers in each new element of the story and introduces a seek-and-find component. Can you find the bug, on the leaf, on the tree? The text and art are both reminiscent of Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar. This familiar format, combined with the cadence of a well-known nursery rhyme, lends the nonfiction text to story time in a way most NF does not. Adding to its utility, the book will be available in both English and Spanish, with teacher resources available on the publisher’s website after publication.

This deceptively simple story elegantly introduces the complex topic of our interdependent ecosystem and helps young readers see their place in it.