Tag Archives: picture books

Butler Bookshelf

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Whether you’re the kind that wakes up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on January 1st, ready to hit the gym, or perhaps someone who likes to go more with the flow and forgo a resolution list, a new year means new beginnings. And with new beginnings come hope, positivity, and all those warm & fuzzy feelings. To celebrate the new year, this week’s Butler Bookshelf is full of inspiring tales, ranging from sibling bonds to finding beauty in imperfection, complete with rich color & wonderful illustrations. Our feature pick this week is The Story and Science of Hope, written by Andrea Curtis and illustrated by Ana Suárez. Hope is more than just a feeling; it’s an essential part of our well-being. According to science. Packed with ancient history, new scientific research, and beautiful illustrations, The Story and Science of Hope is the perfect, awe-inspiring read to combat the uneasiness & anxiety that comes with an ever-changing, scary world. Hope’s scientifically found in the brain, so what better way to activate that feeling than with a cozy read?

Check out some more feel-good books to ring in 2026 below:

The Story and Science of Hope
Andrea Curtis
Illustrated by Ana Suárez
Anansi Press / Groundwood Books
Available now!

A Knot Is Not a Tangle
Daniel Nayeri
Illustrated by Vesper Stamper
Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Shaped By Love: An Ode to Mom Bods
Nikki Powers
Illustrated by Amanda Calatzis
Candlewick Press
Available now!

Together We Are Sunshine
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Studio
Available now!

The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Special Edition)
Emily Winfield Martin
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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Christmas is just two sleeps away! Can you believe it?! Although we’ve covered our fair share of Yuletide tales this holiday season, they do say the more the merrier… so here are five more wonderful wintertime reads to keep you busy before Santa’s big day. Guaranteed to bring joy for even the Grinches and Scrooges. Our feature pick this week is Merry Mittens: A Moontime Cats Christmas Story, written by Jordan Morris and illustrated by Charlie Mylie. Nighttime neighborhood shenanigans are always on the agenda for car friends Carl, Biscuit, and Peewee. They love to cause mischief, but when a mysterious trail of snowy paws leads them right to a big, meow-ing gift box, the three cats decide to find this kitten—well, Christmas present—the proper home. Under someone’s tree, of course.

Check out some other Christmas books below!

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem
Maya Angelou
Illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher
Random House Children’s Books / Anne Schwartz Books
Available now!

Candy Corn Christmas!
Jonathan Fenske
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Little Simon
Available now!

Secrets From the North Pole: Discover the Magic of Christmas
Santa’s Head Elf and Saskia Gwinn
Illustrated by Daria Danilova
The Quarto Group / Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

Merry Mittens: A Moontime Cats Christmas Story
Jordan Morris
Illustrated by Charlie Mylie
Candlewick Press
Available now!

Listen to the Music at Christmas: A World of Magical Melodies
Mary Richards
Illustrated by Skylar White
The Quarto Group / Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!

Snow Many Books, Snow Little Time: A (Nice) List of Holiday Reads

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With the holiday season officially in full swing, there’s no better way to spend the day than with a good book—cozy clothes & hot cocoa optional, but encouraged. From snowy stories to Yuletide tales, whether you’re counting down the days ‘til Santa or just enjoy the cold, our early gift to you is a list full of wonderful wintertime books for all ages. As a wise, jolly old man once said, be sure to check it twice.

PICTURE BOOKS:

The Muttcracker
Written by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Ages 4-8
September 9th, 2025

Biff is not like other dogs; he’d rather be in ballet than barking—pliéing than playing! When their ballet teacher assigns The Nutcracker’s roles, aspiring Sugar Plum Fairy Biff is devastated to learn he and his human have been cast as measly bonbons. But the show must go on, and the two are determined to dazzle with their fine dancing. With charming illustrations and warm-and-fuzzy words, this picture book is perfect for ballerinas, dogs, and humans alike.

Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue
Written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt
Random House Children’s Books / Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Ages 4-8
October 28th, 2025

When Santa Claus comes down with a cold the week before Christmas, Elmore the trusty moose volunteers to take over. But he’s got a big to-do list, and he’d better check it twice. Exercise the reindeer! Don’t give the elves too much sugar! Easy-peasy, right? But things go south (no, not the pole) fast, and it’s up to Elmore to save the big day. With jokes that both kids and adults can appreciate, this holiday story is sure to be a Christmas crowd-pleaser.

NON-FICTION:

Joy to the Whole World!: A Round the World Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book
Written by Lucy Brownridge and illustrated by Sang Miao
The Quarto Group / Wide Eyed Editions
Ages 3-6
September 2nd, 2025

Whether it’s an Ethiopian feast, snowballs & sledding in Finland, or a dip in the pool for Australians, Christmas looks different all around the world. Intricate, lively illustrations are paired with liftable flaps hiding all sorts of Yuletide treasures, making this the perfect way to travel internationally this holiday season, all from the comfort of your own home.

Our Frozen Planet
Written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and illustrated by Kim Smith
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Beach Lane Books
Ages 4-8
September 2nd, 2025

Bundle up for a trek through the tundra, and beyond, as tales are told of grandfatherly Greenland sharks, cuddly Japanese macaques, blubbery seals, and all of the other flora & fauna brave enough to (polar) bear the cold. With colorful pictures and a knowledgeable narrative that’s far from information-heavy, this book is apropos for aspiring Antarctic explorers. Or anyone looking to escape the snow… with more snow.

MIDDLE GRADE:

Twelve Classics of Christmas
Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Brothers Grimm, et al.
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin
Ages 8+
September 9th, 2025

Forget partridges in pear trees! With short stories from the Brothers Grimm, L. Frank Baum, Charles Dickens, and many more beloved authors, this collection of twelve Christmas classics might just be the best way to count down the days ‘til December 25th.

Snow
Written by Meera Trehan
Candlewick Press / Walker Books US
Ages 8-12
January 21st, 2025

The Snow Princess spends her days in the snow, digging for something, anything, to save her kingdom. When twelve-year-old Ela’s boring family vacation prompts her to take a walk through the snow, the two girls and their worlds can’t help but collide. With wishes and twists and magic galore, this snowy story is the perfect wintertime tale for valiant princesses and family vacationers alike.

YOUNG ADULT:

Joy to the Girls: A She Gets The Girl Novella
Written by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Ages 14+
September 30th, 2025

It’s the holiday season, and Alex and Molly are madly in love, so what better way to spend their last winter break together than with a romantic getaway to a small storybook town? And how about getting their friends to fall in love, too? With Christmas and a bit of matchmaking on their minds, the two girls scheme to make this the most memorable holiday yet. This short and sweet novella nicely pairs with a warm mug of cocoa.

Fake Skating
Written by Lynn Painter
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Ages 16+
September 30th, 2025

It’s been five years since they last talked, and childhood best friends Dani and Alec are now, pun intended, polar opposites. The once goofy Dani now keeps her nose quietly buried in books, and the once gangly Alec is now… a perfectly chiseled high school hockey star?! The ice rink and Minnesota snow might be frigidly cold, but when Alec and Dani begin “fake dating” to save face after a locker room mishap, things heat up. Fast. A perfectly formulaic rom-com story to satisfy all of your saccharine holiday Hallmark movie needs.

Sounds like the perfect time to bundle up with a book (or two).

Butler Bookshelf

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Happy (almost) Thanksgiving, friends! In honor of this holiday’s incredibly iconic fowl, our Butler Bookshelf this week features a feast of bird stories, both non-fiction and picture, to satisfy all of your Turkey Day needs. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with a spread? … Of books, that is! Our feature pick of the week is The Crane and the Keeper, written by Meeg Pincus and illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara, inspired by the true tale of zookeeper Chris Crowe (talk about nominative determinism!) and Walnut, one persnickety white-naped crane. As a rescued and hand-reared crane, Walnut is incredibly feisty and has no interest in her fellow birds, although keepers are eager for her to mate since white-naped cranes are nearing endangered. But with patience from brand-new birdkeeper Chris Crowe, the two begin an unlikely friendship… and courtship, in Walnut’s eyes! Thanks to Chris, she’s able to successfully lay eggs after years of not trying, and goes on to have eleven babies, along with a loving, caring, and unique bond to Chris. Talk about co-parenting!

Check out some other silly (and sweet!) tales of birds galore below.

Tiny Owl’s Scary Day
Petr Horáček
Candlewick Press
Available now!

The Lonely Goose
Lela Nargi
Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Random House Children’s Books / Random House Studio
Available now!

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon
Sandra Nickel
Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro
Candlewick Press
Available now!

The Crane and the Keeper: How an Endangered Crane Chose a Human as Her Mate
Meeg Pincus
Illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara
Candlewick Entertainment / Smithsonian Kids
Available now!

Born Inside a Nest So Small: Conversation with a Hummingbird
Iza Trapani
Charlesbridge
Available now!

And from all of us at the Butler Center, have a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 Wishing you and your family all the best!

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!

Food and Family: Scrumptious books for the season to come

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If you too are ready to move from spooky tales to warm and cozy stories, do I have some suggestions for you. Brand new (2025) books of family, friends, and food just in time for the season of abundance. Enjoy these reads with your best book buddy, an extra cozy blanket, and your favorite stretchy pants.

PICTURE BOOKS:

Family Feast!
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison
Random House Children’s Books
Age 4-8
September 23, 2025

When this multi-generational family gathers for a party, no one will leave without a full belly and a full heart. “Tastes like home when family meets; bond so warm, so strong, so sweet.” This hug of a refrain anchors a poetic picture of a joyful day of food, family, connection and home. Vibrant colors and bold strokes of oil paint perfectly capture the action and emotion of a large and loving (and loud if they’re like mine!) extended family.

Owl’s Fall Feast Fiasco
Written by Kristen Rememar and illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Charlesbridge
Age 3-7
September 5, 2025

Menu planning for a party is stressful! Especially as Owl attempts to impress his favorite didgeridoo musician and learns that he doesn’t really even understand the tastes of his closest friends. By asking questions and accepting their different palates, Owl learns that gathering with friends is the most important part of a feast. The combination of speech bubbles, graphic-like panels, and full-page spreads allow unique animal personalities to eclipse stereotypes in this ode to a forest Friendsgiving.

MIDDLE GRADE:

Witchycakes: Sweet Magic
Written by Kara LaRue and Illustrated by Ariane Moreira
Random House Children’s Books
Age 6-9
August 19, 2025

“In a magical bakery by the sea, live a witch and a witch-to-be…” Blue and their mama bake up tasty treats with a little magic and a lot of love. While making the deliveries, Blue gets to practice different bits of magic as they try to help their friends and neighbors. This delightful early chapter book blends themes of independence and community spirit with the gentle lesson of learning from our mistakes. Whimsical, candy-colored illustrations complement the story and showcase a diverse and vibrant community full of heart.

The Secret of Honeycake
Written by Kimberly Newton Fusco
Knopf
Age 8-12
January 21, 2025

In the midst of the Great Depression, a young girl named Hurricane is forced by family tragedy to move in with an intimidating great aunt and her kind-hearted servant. Through her insecurity and grief, she learns about the ways of caregiving, the importance of using her voice, and the magic that can come from sharing food cooked with love.

NONFICTION:

Sweet and Salty! King Arthur Company’s Cookbook for Young Bakers
Written by King Arthur Baking with Jessica Battilana and Yekaterina Boytsova
Photography by Rick Holbrook and illustrated by Jordan Sondler
Simon & Schuster
Age 8-12
September 30, 2025

For anyone new to baking—no matter the age—King Arthur’s new title is just the guide for those looking to share love through food this holiday season. Full of tips for getting started, skills tutorials like how to “just fold it in!” (a photo guide titled “What is folding and how do you do it?”), equipment lists, and plenty of recipes for sweet and savory treats. Mouthwatering photography, fun and funny graphics, and easy to follow instructions are blended into the most delicious book for all aspiring bakers.

When Alexander Graced the Table
Written by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner and illustrated by Frank Morrison
Simon and Schuster
Age 4-8
January 7, 2025

Inspired by family and food, this is the origin story of a young boy who would grow to be a James Beard Award-winning chef. Always enamored of Sunday dinners with his family, Alexander Smalls used his new kitchen skills to make a sweet surprise for his father and family to enjoy. Morrison’s oils capture both the thoughtful and ambitious boy and the emotions that inspired him. This would make a lovely non-fiction companion to Family Feast.

YOUNG ADULT:

Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories
Edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
HarperCollins Publishers/Heartdrum
August 26, 2025
12+

Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In is everywhere and nowhere all at once. Each piece of this anthology takes place against the backdrop of the drive-in, as teenagers from Alaska to Hawai’i enjoy traditional foods, comfort snacks, and a little bit of magic to provide just what they need when they need it. As they deal with hallmark challenges of young adulthood—grief, love, jealousy, friendship, and family—they make connections within, beyond, and between Indigenous cultures.

Love Craves Cardamom
Written by Aashna Avachat
Random House Children’s Books/Joy Revolution
Age 13+
May 20, 2025

Archi is an American Desi HS student studying abroad in Jaipur and hoping for a “boy-free semester.” Shiv is a mysterious boy who wants to show her the city in all its delicious vibrancy, even when he’s not ready to show his true self. This lighthearted YA rom-com is a story of growth, culture, self-awareness, agency, and the way that food can nurture us—body, heart, and soul.

Here’s to a delicious season of thankfulness for you and yours. May your hearts, bellies, and bookshelves be full!

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!

This Book’s The Real Peel: A Review of This is Orange

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This is Orange: A Field Trip Through Color
Rachel Poliquin
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Candlewick Press
Ages 5-9
Available October 21st, 2025

Whether it’s that first juicy bite of a mandarin, the fur of your feisty tabby cat, or even the Guianan cock-of-the-rock’s flamboyant, lady-wooing crest, the color orange is everywhere… but who exactly was the first to call it “orange?” This exploration of color begins over six hundred years ago, when Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous book The Canterbury Tales describes a fox whose “colour was betwixe yelow and reed.” Although the word itself stems from the Tamil word for fragrant: naru, one of the English language’s first written accounts of the color orange comes from a description of the Queen of Scotland’s dress with “slevys of orenge colour.”This is Orange traces the color’s presence around our world, from the holidays we celebrate to the fruits we eat, even to the garb of astronauts and monks alike.  

Author Rachel Poliquin draws inspiration from her Renaissance woman background—part museum curator, part humanities scholar, part literature PhD. She pairs simpler sentences for younger readers with fascinating fun facts for those who are a bit older, like how “the feet of mallard ducks turn bright orange when they are trying to find a mate, yet puffins’ feet are always orange” (22). The brisk pace and jumps from topic to topic—from color theory all the way to vexillology—keep This is Orange feeling bright and engaging rather than overwhelming, although the text may have benefited from the inclusion of a glossary for more curious readers.

A “field trip” might be one way to describe it, but in combination with Julie Morstad’s vibrant watercolor & pastel illustrations, where shades of apricot and calendula feel like they’ve been taken fresh from the paint palette, an “adventure” through color feels more like it. 

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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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!