Tag Archives: Butler Bookshelf

Butler Bookshelf

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This week’s Butler Bookshelf is all about the silly! We’re taking a look at some new picture books that are pretty much guaranteed to… well, at least give you a giggle! There’s a little bit of everything for everyone here: an acorn-less gray squirrel who’s going nuts (literally!), a wise bug broadcasting insect advice on air, an overzealous little penguin pursuing polar bear for dinner, and one little girl’s grocery store banana bonanza. Our feature pick this week is Little Red and Big, Bad Fred, a creatively silly & heartfelt take on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale, written and illustrated by Ashley Belote. Little Red loves going to his Great-Grandpa’s house, especially since it means he gets to see his furry friend Fred along the way! But the one thing Little Red doesn’t know is… Fred’s a hungry, hungry wolf and thinks Little Red would make a scrumptious midday snack! One winter day, Fred hits his head, and Little Red brings him to Great-Grandpa’s for help. With sharp, shiny fangs and big, big claws, the two realize he must be a dog! They buy him kibble, play fetch, and after lots of belly rubs, Fred realizes that maybe Little Red wouldn’t be the perfect meal, but rather the perfect best friend.

Check out some more silly, laugh-out-loud picture books below!

Little Red and Big, Bad Fred
Ashley Belote
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Gray Squirrel Loses It!
Cassandra Federman
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug
Susan E. Goodman
Illustrated by Merrill Rainey
Astra Books for Young Readers / Hippo Park
Available now!

I’m Going to Eat a Polar Bear
Karl Newson
Illustrated by Nicola Kinnear
The Quarto Group / Happy Yak
Available now!

A Quick Trip to the Store
Sam Wedelich
Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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For this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we’re exploring all things mythological. From the fire-breathing dragons who can’t quite seem to keep their underpants burn-free to the little girl who’s unsure what to do with a seemingly-stranded unicorn… (The carnival? A pet store maybe?), each of these picture book picks feature some fantastical creatures and the chaos (or magic!) that ensues. Our feature pick this week is The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake, written and illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz, the second book in her best-selling (and authorial debut!) series. Ember the dragon is an excellent baker, so it’s no surprise when Princess Turnip arrives with the daunting request that he shall be the one to bake for the Fairy Queen’s birthday party. Only one small problem: The Queen wants a “birthday cake” and Ember’s never heard of “birthday cake” before! Apparently, it’s supposed to be: sweet, tall, and… full of candles?! Despite some failed attempts and a few tears (and thanks to a handy-dandy gaggle of fellow dragons who are more than willing to sample the burnt extras…), Ember is determined to let them eat cake. The fairies, that is.

Check out some more mythical creature tales (tails) below!

The Angel and the Mermaid
Becky Cameron
The Quarto Group / Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

Dragons Love Underpants
Claire Freedman
Illustrated by Ben Cort
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin
Available now!

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake
Devin Elle Kurtz
Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Sometimes You Find a Dragon
Viviane Schwarz
Candlewick Press
Available now!

Unicorn Post
Emma Yarlett
Candlewick Press
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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Fall has officially begun, and with October just around the corner, this week’s Butler Bookshelf is all about middle grade horror stories! From fantastical mysteries to nail-biting thrillers, these books are the perfect way to kick off spooky season early. (Scaredy-cats beware!) Our feature pick this week is Cry Out Loud, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Tara O’Connor. After Irish teen Nell’s been suspended from school, her mother decides she’s going to spend her school term off on the coastal countryside, with a mysterious aunt and uncle she’s never met. There’s no cell service; it’s rainy, dreary, and the townspeople are far from friendly, but things quickly take a terrifying turn as Nell discovers her family belongs to an ancient, murderous cult. And to make matters worse, their magical ritual requires the sacrifice of a first-born daughter… one who just so happens to be Nell! Can she escape before it’s too late? Pick up Cry Out Loud to find out!

Check out some more middle grade spooky stories below!

Open Wide
I.M. Eerie
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin 
Available now!

Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein
Padraig Kenny
Candlewick Press / Walker Books US
Available now!

Cry Out Loud
Tara O’Connor
Random House Children’s Books / RH Graphic
Available now!

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave
Ally Russell
Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press
Available now!

Phantom Academy
Christine Virnig
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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Books can be the perfect escape, so for this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we’re exploring the natural world through nonfiction! Whether it’s a trek through the rainforest, swimming down to the deep, dark sea, venturing back to dinosaur times, or investigating animal antics—did you know wombats poop cubes?!—there’s a little bit of science for everyone in each of these week’s picks. Our featured book is Welcome to Whalebone Mansion: Creatures That Lurk at a Whale Fall by Laken Slate and illustrated by Bindy James. Take a dive down below to see what’s lurking in the dark depths of the ocean! Sunken skeletons, “whale falls,” make the perfect nutritious hang-out spot for a slew of spooky sea creatures. From vampire squids to goblin sharks—zombie worms too!—maybe it’s time to start your Halloween celebrations a tad bit early this year! (No scuba gear necessary.)

Check out some more nature nonfiction below! 

The Forest That Grows Around Me
Charlotte Guillain
Illustrated by Vuon Illustration
The Quarto Group / words & pictures
Available now!

Farting Fish: and 49 Other Weird and Wonderful Scientific Discoveries
Alice Harman
Illustrated by Sam Wedelich
The Quarto Group / Happy Yak
Available now!

Welcome to Whalebone Mansion: Creatures That Lurk at a Whale Fall
Laken Slate
Illustrated by Bindy James
Charlesbridge
Available October 7th!

From Bam! to Burp! A Carbon Atom’s Never-Ending Journey Through Space and Time and You
Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Charlesbridge
Available October 28th!

3 Weeks in the Rainforest: A Rapid Inventory in the Amazon
Jennifer Swanson
Charlesbridge
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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Happy National Dog Day, readers! The Butler Center is joining this celebration of our furry friends with some hilarious and heartwarming books about dogs. We know that many young readers love playing with and reading to dogs, so what’s better than a book that can make you laugh about your pet and appreciate their companionship? One delightful picture book that portrays the special connection we can have with our pets is Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Matt Myers. Hazel is a sassy pooch who loves her toys, walks, and most of all, her girl, Bea! Every day they spend together is perfect in Hazel’s eyes—lots of playing, naps, and even two dinners! But when Bea’s new baby sibling comes into the picture, everything changes. Now, Bea is preoccupied with playing with the baby, and Hazel doesn’t know where she belongs in the family anymore. After a classic Hazel accident, she finds out where she fits—right in the middle, with everybody else, including the baby! Michalak’s text is funny and Hazel’s sass is sure to make young readers and their caregivers laugh out loud. She also takes care to portray the adjustment that comes along with a new family member and how that change affects the whole family, making this picture book a great resource for young kids who are about to gain a new sibling. Myers’s watercolor and ink illustrations are a cool-toned full color palette, and the classic newspaper-cartoon style pairs well with the humorous text. A fun story about a sweet and cheeky pup dealing with a major change, Hazel the Handful will entertain audiences of all ages and prompt them to give their pets some extra love.

Check out more books about dogs below!

The Dog Who Made It Better
Written by Katherin Nolte
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now

Hazel the Handful
Written by Jamie Michalak
Illustrated by Matt Myers
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now

Smelly Peggy
Written and illustrated by Helen Stephens
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now

What Coco Can Do
Written by Maribeth Boelts
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now

Where Are You, Brontë?
Written by Tomie DePaola
Illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

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Biographies are a great way to learn about the world and all its diversity. The experiences of other people can be informative, intriguing, and inspiring. This week, the Butler Center is sharing some of these fascinating stories, like William Kamkwamba (Little People, BIG DREAMS) by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman. William Kamkwamba grew up in Malawi, Africa, on a corn farm. He loved school, but for a while he had to stop when his family couldn’t afford the fees because droughts had affected their farm. After visiting the library, William thought of a way to help his family’s farm: build a windmill to pump water to the corn fields! William’s windmill was a great success, and after a few years, he started telling his story to the world. After college, he started Moving Windmills, a foundation that supports problem-solvers and encourages them to use their education and creativity to improve their communities and the world. Vegara’s text is simple and informative, aptly portraying William and his compassion and care for his community and the environment. She includes a two-page detailed biography about William at the end of the book, as well as recommended further reading. Beautyman’s quaint, full-color illustrations pair well with the text, bringing William’s world to life and showcasing his creativity. William’s story is both heartwarming and interesting, and will be sure to inspire young readers to think outside the box for their communities.

Check out more biographies below!

Bob Marley (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Subi Bosa
Published by The Quarto Group/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now

Messi Mania: The Ultimate Story of the World’s Greatest Soccer Star
Written by Luis Miguel Echegaray
Published by The Quarto Group/Holler
Available now

The Totally Awesome World of Steph Curry: Learn All There Is To Know About Your Favorite MVP
Written by Neal E. Fischer
Published by The Quarto Group/becker & meyer
Available now

William Kamkwamba (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman
Published by The Quarto Group/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now

Yves Saint Laurent (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Klas Fahlén
Published by The Quarto Group/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

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It’s hard to believe it, but school is just around the corner! This change can be uncomfortable for kids of any age, whether they’re starting school for the first time, going to a new school, or starting a new grade. Books are a great way to help kids learn what to expect when it’s time to hit the books again, so we have put together a list of books for young readers about starting school. These books are great for kiddos that while it’s okay to be nervous about school, there are all kinds of fun things to learn and do there. In No School for Me! (Change Is Hard) by Natasha Yim and illustrated by Cory Reid, Little Turtle is upset about starting preschool. The change is scary, and Little Turtle just wants to stay home. But when Mama Turtle drops Little Turtle off at school, Little Turtle soon learns that change can be fun, too! Little Turtle makes friends and can’t wait to go back to school to eat snacks, make art, and play outside. Yim validates the nervous feelings young readers may have about school by showing Little Turtle’s reluctance, but she slowly shows how fun school can actually be. Reid’s full-color, pastel illustrations pair well with Yim’s text to create a comforting story about all the different ways that change can feel.

Check out more back to school books below!

Getting Ready For First Grade
Written by Vera Ahiyya, The Tutu Teacher
Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
Published by Random House PICTUREBACK
Available now!

Gus & Sully: Ready for School
Written and illustrated by Steve Light
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

No School for Me! (Change Is Hard) (Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies)
Written by Natasha Yim
Illustrated by Cory Reid
Published by Charlesbridge
Available now!

Today at School: With Yesterday and Tomorrow
Written by Jessica Young
Illustrated by Renee Kurilla
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

Trusty Bus
Written by Elizabeth Weiss Verdick
Illustrated by Jeff Harter
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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Today marks the start of National Anti-Boredom Month during the month of July. To celebrate, we are sharing a list of books for all ages that may just hold the perfect cure for boredom. Whether it’s a book to teach a little one how rocks change or a thrilling young adult novel full of twisty secrets to uncover, there are books on this list to educate, entertain, and encourage creativity this month and beyond. An especially adventurous title on this list is The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn’s Great Big Wish by Shawn Harris. In this charming picture book, readers meet the teeny-weeny unicorn again on his newest quest. This time, he’s trying his hardest to become big like he’s always wished he could be. When a fairy princess hears about his wish, she tells him that it will come true he finds something “teeny-weeny-er” (11). The teeny-weeny unicorn searches and searches until his finds a tiny bud. By the time he gets back to the princess, the bud has blossomed–and his little sibling wobbles out! Paired with Harris’s bright and colorful chalk pastel illustrations, this sweet picture book is just right for any soon-to-be big siblings.

Check out more boredom-busting books below (and follow our blog and social media pages to discover more new reads everyday)!

At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
Written by Erin Entrada Kelly
Published by HarperCollins Publishers/Greenwillow Books
Available now

Rocks’ Journey
Written by Sally M. Walker
Illustrated by Kim Smith
Published by Candlewick Press/mit Kids Press
Available now

Snowglobe 2
Written by Soyoung Park
Translated by Joungmin Lee Comfort
Published by Random House Children’s Books/Delacorte Press

Squeak Seeks!
Written by Peter Curtis and Patty Michaels
Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/SIMON SPOTLIGHT
Available now

Survive This Safari
Written by Natalie D. Richards
Published by Random House Children’s Books/Delacorte Press
Available now

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn’s Great Big Wish
Written and illustrated by Shawn Harris
Published by Random House Children’s Books/Alfred A. Knopf
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

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For this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we’re taking a trip outside to explore the outdoors and observe the world around us. Whether you’re listening for bird calls, searching for a giant sea creature, or watching a murmuration of starlings, there is always something amazing to discover in nature. In this week’s feature, A Forest Song by Kisten Hall and illustrated by Evan Turk, readers take a journey through the forest, noticing and appreciating the world around them. Hall utilizes the words of other famous poets in this cento poem to inspire young kids to think deeply about their natural world and observe the beauty that surrounds them. Featuring lines from writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Oliver, and Lucy Maud Montgomery, Hall’s poem beautifully illustrates the vast wonders of the forest. Turk’s stunning gouache illustrations pair perfectly with Hall’s poetry, using bright colors to bring the forest to life. With whimiscal poetry and immersive illustrations, A Forest Song will inspire readers to step outside and soak in the world around them.

Check out more books that showcase the outdoors below!

A Forest Song
Written by Kirsten Hall
Illustrated by Evan Turk
Published by Random House Children’s Books/Random House Studio
Available now

The Pony and the Starling
Written by Jennifer McGrath
Illustrated by Kristina Jones
Published by Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press
Available now

The Search for Carmella: What Mystery Lurks in the Deep?
Written and illustrated by Chloe Savage
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now

A Sky That Sings
Written by Anita Sanchez & George Steele
Illustrated by Emily Mendoza
Published by Lee & Low Books
Available now

Wave Warrior and the Reef Rescue
Written by James Sellick
Illustrated by Patrick Corrigan
Published by The Quarto Group/Ivy Kids
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

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One of the best ways to learn about the experiences of other people is to read biographies. Whether they’re an athlete, scientist, musician, or poet, a person’s biography is sure to expose readers to different ways of life and help them build empathy for others. This week, the Butler Center has created a list of some of our favorite biographies for young readers published so far this year, like Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Love written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday. This biography tells the story of Edie Windsor, a lesbian woman who helped pave the path for marriage equality for same-sex couples. Edie was born in 1929, and in 1963, Edie met the love of her life, Thea Spyer. Edie and Thea spent many decades together, eventually marrying in Canada in 2007, two years before Thea passed away from health complications. After Thea passed, the government tried to stop Edie from inheriting her property and money because it didn’t recognize their marriage as legal. With the help of her lawyer, Roberta “Robbie” Kaplan, Edie successfully sued the United States government. Her lawsuit was the first step in overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, a law that was eventually completely voided in 2022 with the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. Through Edie’s hard work, activism, and her love for Thea, important steps were made towards marriage equality for all people in the United States. Genhart expertly intertwines Edie’s personal story with LGTBQ+ history, which helps readers understand the world Edie was living in and how she eventually came to become an important LGBTQ+ activist. Paired with Thuesday’s vibrant and colorful mixed-media illustrations, Edie’s world comes to life to inspire readers to stand up for themselves and those they love. Genhart also includes extensive backmatter detailing the history of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, the DOMA, and the United States Supreme Court. Both inspiring and informative, Edie for Equality is a great addition to any library collection.

Check out more inspiring biographies below!

Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey
Written by Jess Keating
Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Published by Random House Children’s Books/Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Love
Written by Michael Genhart
Illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday
Published by Lee & Low Books
Available now!

Harry Styles (Little People, Big Dreams)
Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by Lizzie Knott
Published by The Quarto Group/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

The Totally Awesome World of Caitlin Clark: Learn All There Is To Know About Your Favorite All-Star
Written by Sara Weiss
Published by The Quarto Group/becker&meyer!kids
Available now!

Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver
Written by Sara Holly Ackerman
Illustrated by Naoko Stoop
Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Beach Lane Books
Available now!