Tag Archives: picture books

Butler Bookshelf

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It’s officially the holiday season, which means it’s time to start thinking about what gifts to give. For this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we have compiled a list of books that would make any nature-lover happy! From board books to nonfiction, this list has something for every young reader, including The World in Our Backyard, written and illustrated by Jami Gigot. In this picture book, Gigot encourages young readers to look for the nature in their backyards, whether they live in a rural, suburban, or urban community. Gigot uses a soft, light color palette to bring backyard nature to life, showing realistic scenarios, like playing as animals and bugs “play their gentle country songs” (pp. 9-10) and splashing in water flowing from a fire hydrant. She also adds whimsy to the book by including imaginary adventures, such as bugs hiking through thick forests and children diving through a pool into an coral reef. Throughout it all, Gigot emphasizes the importance of paying attention and delighting in the nature at our fingertips, reminding readers that “the whole world is made up of our backyards, full of wonder just waiting to be explored” (pp. 23-27). With its colorful charm and imaginitive scenes, this book will make a wonderful gift for teachers, parents, or librarians who want to share their love and appreciation for nature with the readers in their lives.

Check out more nature-themed books below!

Creaturepedia: Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth
Written and illustrated by Adrienne Barman
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!

I Bug You
Written by Dori Elys
Illustrated by Riley Samels
Published by Little Simon
Available now!

Peppa Pig and the Nature Walk
Part of Peppa Pig
Published by Candlewick Entertainment
Available now!

Magic Tree House: Windy Night with Wild Horses
Written by Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by AG Ford
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now!

The World in Our Backyard
Written and illustrated by Jami Gigot
Published by Paula Wiseman Books
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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This week’s Butler Bookshelf is all about dogs! These books feature dogs of all shapes and sizes, and feature doggy adventures in exciting locales real and imaginary, from New York City to Dog Town to Labrador, Australia, where out featured book Harriet Hound takes place. Written by Kate Foster and illustrated by Sophie Beer, this novel tells the story of Harriet Hound, an exceptional autistic eight-year-old who has the magical ability to summon dogs from her family’s rescue shelter. Whether she’s sniffing out missing vegetables, chasing away a surprise storm, or guarding the winter carnival from disaster, Harriet and her dogs are always ready to jump into action! In each of the three adventures featured in the book, Harriet shares her autistic experience and her love of dogs with the reader as she saves the day and unites rescue dogs with new forever homes. Plus, each story contains an illustrated guide to the dog breeds mentioned, and the book concludes with Harriet’s very own guide to rescuing a dog of your own.

Check out more books for dog-lovers below!

Harriet Hound
Written by Kate Foster
Illustrated by Sophie Beer
Published by Candlewick Press
Available December 3, 2024

101 Dogs: An Illustrated Compendium of Canines
Written by Nicola Jane Swinney
Illustrated by Romy Blumel
Published by Big Picture Books
Available now!

All the Best Dogs
Written by Emily Jenkins
Illustrated by Manuel Prietano
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now!

No, Nancy, No!: A Dog Chase in New York City
Written and Illustrated by Alice Tait
Published by Walker Books US
Available December 3, 2024

This is the Way in Dog Town
Written and Illustrated by Ya-Ling Huang
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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November is National Native American Heritage Month, and a great way to celebrate is by reading some books that center Native American characters and history! This week’s Butler Bookshelf will highlight books by and about Native Americans, including Boozhoo!/Hello! written and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley and translated by Mary Ann Corbiere. Boozhoo!/Hello! is a bilingual English and Anishinaabemowin picture book about forest animals found in Anishinaabe territories. Deers are eating, bees are buzzing, and otters are playing in this fun, whimsical story. The simple, rhythmic text engages with young readers, allowing them to learn both English and Anishinaabemowin simultaneously. The bold art in the Woodland style and bright colors will delight readers, drawing their attention to each animal and what they’re doing. Complete with author’s and translator’s notes about the inspiration and work behind the story and Anishinaabemowin language, Boozhoo!/Hello! is a wonderful addition to collections and storytime programs this month and throughout the year.

Check out more books about Native American history and characters below!

Boozhoo!/Hello!
Written and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere
Published by House of Anansi Press
Available now!

Gold Rush: The Untold Story of the First Nations Woman Who Started the Klondike Gold Rush
Written by Flora Delargy
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!

On a Wing and a Tear
Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Published by Heartdrum Imprint
Available now!

The Ribbon Skirt
Written and illustrated by Cameron Mukwa
Published by Graphix
Available now!

This Land: The History of the Land We’re On (Race to the Truth)
Written by Ashley Fairbanks
Illustrated by Bridget George
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Butler Bookshelf

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In addition to all the holidays being celebrated this month, October marks National Book Month. Whether you’re looking for books for new readers or seasoned bookworms, the Butler Center has lots of new releases to share! For this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we have a list of books, fiction and nonfiction, for readers young and old to enjoy. The Butler Bookshelf feature this week is Dazzling Zelda: The Story of Fashion Designer Zelda Wynn Valdes written and illustrated by Aura Lewis in collaboration with Farai Simoyi. In this nonfiction picture book, Lewis tells the story of the life and accomplishments of Black fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. Zelda loved hearing the sound of her grandmother’s sewing machine when she was growing up. The first time she designed and made a dress on her own, she knew she wanted to be a fashion designer when she grew up! Unfortunately, Zelda faced some obstacles because of her race. At the time, Black women were excluded from designing fashion and were only considered seamstresses. However, Zelda perservered and opened her own boutique in New York City. Her dresses were popular with the women in the city, and soon she was catching the attention of celebrities like Ella Fitzgerald and Marlene Dietrich. Zelda also made costumes for actors and ballet dancers, and she dyed ballerina tights so all the dancers could wear tights that matched their skin tone. Read about Zelda’s inspiring accomplishments and important contributions to the fashion industry in Dazzling Zelda!

Check out more books from the Butler Center’s collection below!

Blackberry Fox
Written by Kathrin Tordasi
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now

Dazzling Zelda: The Story of Fashion Designer Zelda Wynn Valdes
Written and illustrated by Aura Lewis in collaboration with Farai Simoyi
Published by Beach Lane Books
Available now

The Dividing Sky
Written by Jill Tew
Published by Joy Revolution
Available now

Maisy’s Rocket
Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press
Available October 29, 2024

Somewhere In Between
Written and illustrated by Laan Cham
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

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Halloween is just around the corner, and here at the Butler Center, we’ve been getting ready to celebrate with lots of fun, Halloween-themed books! We have lots of new books about Halloween and other spooky stories to share, including Five Little Ghosts, written by Lily Murray and illustrated by holly Surplice. In this story, five little ghosts go out one day and wander off. As they journey, readers can lift flaps in the pages to find little ghostlings in pumpkin patches, playgrounds, and the forest. As the ghostlings leave one by one, Mama Ghost becomes sad. She searches far and wide for her ghostlings and out they jump from a pile of leaves, ready to surprise Mama Ghost with a spooky tea party! Murray’s rhymes draw the reader in for a fun counting game, and Surplice’s illustrations add charm and whimsy to the ghostlings’ adventures. The interactive elements of the books creates an engaging and delightful storytime experience!

Check out more spooky books below!

A Bite Above the Rest
Written by Christine Virnig
Published by Aladdin
Available now

Five Little Ghosts
Written by Lily Murray
Illustrated by Holly Surplice
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now

Hungry Bones
Written by Louise Hung
Published by Scholastic Press
Available now

It’s Not Easy Being a Ghost
Written by Marilyn Sadler
Illustrated by Steph Laberis
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now

Spooky Little Halloween: A Finger Wiggle Book
Written by Sally Symes
Illustrated by Nick Sharratt
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

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Diverse stories are an important part of literature for all ages, especially for kids. October is Global Diversity Month, so this week’s Butler Bookshelf highlights some fiction and nonfiction books from authors around the world. One of these books is Look! Look! written by Uma Krishnaswami and illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy. Krishnaswami tells the story of a young Indian girl discovers a slab of stone in the weeds, and she calls her friends to come and take a look. They work together to clean the weeds, garbage, and other stones up. Soon, more and more people from their village and other villages nearby help them uncover an old step well. Once the well is cleaned up, rain fills the well, and the previously dry and dusty land comes back to life as plants begin growing again and the animals return. Accompanied by colorful, geometric illustrations done in acrylic, poster color, and water color by Uma Krishnaswamy, Look! Look! is a delightlful story that educates readers on ancient Indian step wells and shows how they can potentially be a solution for handling floods and providing water in India.

Check out more books from diverse authors below!

Hooray for She, He, Ze and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today?
Written by Lindz Amer
Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now

Look! Look!
Written by Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy
Published by House of Anansi Press
Available now

My Olive Tree
Written and illustrated by Hazar Elbayya
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Available now

Old Wounds
Written by Logan-Ashley Kisner
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now

Tala Learns to Siva
Written by Kealani Netane
Illustrated by Dung Ho
Published by Orchard Books
Available now

A Bilingual Adventure: A Review of Too-Small Tyson 

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Tyson, El pequenito (Too- small Tyson): Storytelling Math, A Spanish Bilingual Edition
JaNay Brown-Wood
Illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams
Charlesbridge 
Publish date: April 11, 2023 
Ages: 6+ 

Tyson is the youngest, and smallest, of his siblings. When his family’s pet gerbil Swish goes missing, Tyson steps up, proving that age and size don’t diminish heart and brains. And that even the youngest and the smallest can be the most determined. Using math and intellectual grit, he imagines a way to catch Swish safely. He earns his older brothers’ respect when he successfully rescues Swish, and teaches them to appreciate their sibling. 

This bright and colorful picture book is a celebration of wit and boldness, reminding readers that they are more than capable of getting things done and solving problems, even when others doubt or overlook them. The vibrant, full-color digital illustrations highlight the descriptive expressions of the characters, drawing the reader into Tyson’s world. Conversation bubbles help to clarify the speaker, whether Tyson or one of his many brothers. 

Written in both English and Spanish, this bilingual adventure makes it easy for a native Spanish speaker or non-Spanish speaker to follow along with Tyson and learn simple math as well as a new language.  

The Joy of Remembering: A Review of The Memory Jar 

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The Memory Jar 
Debra Daugherty
Illustrated by Victoria Marble 
Young Dragons Press 
April 11, 2023 
Ages 4 to 8 
 

As Amelia grapples with her grandmother’s dementia, she starts a project to help save the memories that are slowly slipping away. Amelia writes her grandmother’s stories—memories of her husband, stories of her children, and adventures shared with Amelia. The project helps her grandmother to laugh, smile, and ultimately remember the granddaughter that loves her. Overjoyed with this, Amelia writes a fresh memory for the jar, so that when her Grammy forgets who she is, or about her past, she can look at this memory, and all the other memories in the jar, and remember.  

The tone of the story is hopeful and empathetic, though it deals with a serious and often heartbreaking topic. Events from the author’s life inspired The Memory Jar, and she writes from a place of knowing what it’s like to have a close family member diagnosed with dementia. This story inspires by using the power of a child’s imagination to help a family member who has no control over losing their memories. Amelia is an innovative protagonist who draws you in, prompting you to root for her as she deals with her grandmother’s diagnosis as she devises a plan to design a jar system where she writes and stores her favorite memories with her grandma and about her grandma’s life. Through Amelia’s story, young readers can learn about processing when someone they love is dealing with dementia. 

Lab Partners: A Review of Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of SisterhoodLab Partners: A Review of

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Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood
Linda Elovitz Marshall
Illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso
Knopf
February 14, 2023
Age 5-9

Marie and Bronia grew up in a home surrounded by love, learning, and tragedy. Losing their mother and sister when they were quite young inspired the sisters to discover ways to help others. They supported each other through school and beyond in their journey to become a doctor and scholar in search of medical miracles. Each grew to make significant impacts on their chosen field, and on each other’s lives, through their curiosity, determination, and courage. This picture book biography of Marie Curie and Bronia Dluska explores the lives of the brave and brilliant sisters as they broke gender boundaries and cultural norms in late 1800s Poland to educate themselves and others in their quest to save the world. Marshall tells the story of their progress from young students to scientific trailblazers in a factual, often bleak, manner, broken by moments of whimsy. She describes the struggles between work and family obligations, accompanied by a moody-toned illustration of the conflict, leading into a spring-like spread of Marie and her husband Pierre on their bicycling honeymoon (p. 10-13). She balances moments from their personal biographies with their professional accomplishments, crafting an example of strong, but well-rounded women in science as role models for young readers, developing scientists, and sisters of all ages. Sisters Anna and Elena Balbusso’s geometric, sepia-toned, mixed media illustrations capture the STEM focus and historic setting to perfection. Utilizing imagery of atomic bonds, equations, and lab equipment against poignant images of the family, they reinforce the conflicting priorities that must have been a constant struggle for the women during that time period (and often still are). A time line and reading list (for children and adults) adds weight to this inspirational addition to STEM and Women’s History Month collections and programming.

A story of sisterhood and intellectual curiosity that lead to some of the great medical and scientific discoveries of the 19th and 20th centuries.

All in a Days Work: A Review of Stillwater and Koo Save the World

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Stillwater and Koo Save the World (A Stillwater and Friends Book)
Jon J. Muth
Scholastic Press
Ages 4 to 8
February 7, 2023

Koo, a young giant panda, wakes up inspired to change the world and enlists his thoughtful Uncle Stillwater to help fix it all—today. As they go about their day, Koo proceeds to have giant expectations of what he would like to do, but Stillwater teaches him that making small changes in the environment, and helping the community, can be their own meaningful way to change the world.

Told using a variety of animals, humans, and anthropomorphic pandas, the diverse characters reflect the diversity of the world and all the characters that might need kindness. Pandas as symbols of peace and friendship in Asian countries, are the main character in this story as they try to bring small improvements to the world around them. The pace of the story changes from rapid excitement as Koo suddenly wakes up one day and instantly ropes his uncle into the expectations of wanting to save the whole world, then slows only when Stillwater speaks to Koo about making small differences in the world around him. As the pace changes, the tone of the story changes to one of acceptance and encouragement of his personal efforts Encouraged by his uncle, Koo begins to bring joy to those around him through small but meaningful actions, such as cleaning his room and making a cake for the neighbors. These realistic everyday chores and acts of thoughtfulness offer young readers clear examples of how their actions impact the world around them. Drawn with pencil and granulated watercolors, the airy but vivid illustrations exemplify the beauty in the world around Stillwater and Koo and why they want to help save it. Stillwater and Koo Save the World is an uplifting story about wanting to make giant differences in the world by doing something small, inspiring readers to make meaningful changes in the world regardless of age.