Welcome to the online presence of the Butler Children's Literature Center, housed in Dominican's SOIS (Crown Library room 214). Here, we celebrate the best in books for youth and those who delight in sharing them. For Summer 2026, BCLC will offer collection access to the Dominican community and general public during posted open hours: Monday 9am-noon, Tuesday through Friday 9am-4pm, and by appointment with the Curator. Contact Jen Clemons at jclemons@dom.edu to make arrangements or you can still reach us at butler@dom.edu.
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!
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.
Leopold the goat has the gift of being able to match readers with their perfect book at his bookstore. But when a goat comes in and begins to eat the books, Leopold must find the book this hungry goat would rather read before the whole collection is gone!
Check it out, along with the other picture book titles we are featuring below!
Books Aren’t for Eating Written by Carlie Sorosiak and Illustrated by Manu Montoya Published by Walker Books Available today!
The Circles in the Sky Written and Illustrated by Karl James Mountford Published by Candlewick Studio Available September 27th!
Granny and Bean Written by Karen Hesse and Illustrated by Charlotte Voake Published by Candlewick Press Available September 27th!
I’m a Unicorn Written and Illustrated by Helen Yoon Published by Candlewick Press Available today!
The Lodge that Beaver Built Written by Randi Sonenshine and Illustrated by Anne Hunter Published by Candlewick Press Available September 27th!
What are Words Really? Written by Alexi Lubomirski and Illustrated by Carlos Aponte Published by Candlewick Press Available September 27th!
Bessie the Motorcycle Queen Charles R. Smith, Jr. Illustrated by Charlot Kristensen Scholastic Inc. / Orchard Books September 20, 2022 Ages 6 to 8
Through rhyming verse, Bessie the Motorcycle Queen tells the story of little-known adventurer, Bessie Stringfield. A Black motorcyclist, she was known for her spontaneous, cross-country motorcycle rides, flair for the dramatic, and ability to cruise easily past her white, male competitors. Fighting against conditions in the Jim Crow-era South, Bessie was often forced to sleep under the stars when motels rejected her, was chased by Klan members, and cheated out of her race winnings. The impulsive, determined, and highly skilled Bessie gives author Charles Smith, Jr. plenty of tales for an action-packed ride. His verse maintains a quick pace and fun tone, despite some heavy content, even if some lines are a bit clunky. The sherbet-flavored color palette, laid over the modern digital paintings, immediately places the story in the 1920s. Elements like her wheat penny, which she flipped to decide her next location, add to the period details and her legend. The rough, lineless illustrations feel cartoon-like and energetic, with Bessie and her motorcycle significantly more detailed than everything else, keeping the reader’s eyes always on her. The backmatter includes an author’s note explaining his discovery of Bessie’s story, and the inspiration he found in her bravery, as well as a bibliography with books and online articles for additional reading on Bessie.
With races, car chases, and daring motorcycle stunts, this tall tale of an overlooked historical figure shines a spotlight on her bravery and spirit in a story of empowerment.
New shoes, new school supplies, and maybe new anxieties—back to school season is here! Whether you’re sending off the kids from your home, home library, or welcoming them into your classrooms, these 2022 picture books are full of reassurance (and sometimes silliness) to help with a smooth transition into the norms and routines of the school year.
KINDergarten cover art
KINDergarten: where kindness matters every day Written by Vera Ahiyya Illustrated by Joey Chou Penguin/Random House Studio June 2022 Age 4-8Leo is nervous about kindergarten, especially his new teacher’s request that the class contribute ideas to kindness pledge. Leo prefers quiet. What if he can’t figure out what to say? As Leo meets his classmates, and hears their ideas about kindness, he realizes his actions can speak just as loudly as their words. Vibrant colors and geometric illustrations lend a joyful tone to this reminder about all the ways we can show kindness to others.
Purple School cover art
The World Needs More Purple Schools Written by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman Penguin/Random House Children’s Books June 2022 Age 3-7
Penny Purple and her friends are back and bringing their plans for a more curious, respectful, and cooperative world to their classroom—and yours. Bright and joyful illustrations combine with silliness galore to explore Penny’s school community and everything the students and teachers do as good citizens and friends.
Everything in Its Place cover art
Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging Witten by Pauline David-Sax Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow Penguin/Doubleday July 2022 Age 3-7
An introverted young book-lover finds solace (and an escape from recess) by volunteering in the school library. Forced to face a week of recess on her own, an all-female motorcycle group inspires her to take a risk on opening up in order to find a like-minded friend. A mix of blue pencil drawings, watercolor, and collage are brilliantly combined to bring the girl’s interests, experiences, and imagination together in one cohesive and lovely ode to books and belonging.
Hurry, Little Tortoise cover art
Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! Written by Carrie Finison Illustrated by Erin Kraan Penguin/Random House Studio July 2022 Age 3-7
Little Tortoise is determined to be on time for her first day of school. Passed by classmate after classmate, her dedication turns to despair when she’s knocked on her shell. A rescue by her teacher, Mr. Sloth, gives just the pick me up she needs to build confidence and get to class right on time. A sweet tale of perseverance to illustrate that moving at your own pace doesn’t diminish your place in the crowd.
This is a School cover art
This is a School Written by John Schu Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison Candlewick March 2022 Age 3-7
Through simple text and lively art, this diverse and vibrant school community comes to life and introduces young students to the rhythms and learning within. Identifying locations, experiences, and emotions tied to the school day and beyond, Schu gently welcomes readers to the world of school. Differences in culture, ability, skill, and social-emotional experience are celebrated in vignettes exploring all the school building and school community might offer and what community members have to offer in return.
In the urban fantasy novel The Whispering Dark, Delaney Meyers-Petrov is a Deaf college student with a peculiar connection to the afterlife. When she’s offered a spot at an elite university program that trains students to slip between parallel worlds, she’s excited for an opportunity to prove herself and show others that she isn’t as fragile as they think.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd Published by Candlewick Press Available August 16th!
I Was Born for This Written by Alice Oseman Published by Scholastic Press Available October 18th!
Something About Grandma Written and Illustrated by Tania de Regil Published by Candlewick Press Available August 9th!
ASynagogue Just Like Home Written by Alice Blumenthal McGinty and Illustrated by Laurel Molk Published by Candlewick Press Available August 9th!
The Whispering Dark Written by Kelly Andrew Published by Scholastic Press Available October 18th!
In The Tower of Life by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Susan Gal, after Yaffa Eliach has to escape the Nazis during WW2, her hometown is destroyed. President Jimmy Carter reaches out to Yaffa and asks her to help build a holocaust memorial. She decides to make the memorial out of found photographs instead of bricks; it becomes what will be called the Tower of Life.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Catalina Incognito: Off-Key Written by Jennifer Torres and Illustrated by Gladys Jose Published by Aladdin Available Today!
Freestyle Written by Illustrated by Gale Galligan Published by Graphix Available October 18th!
I am Ruby Bridges Written by Ruby Bridges and Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith Published by Orchard books Available September 6th!
Monsters Play… Counting! Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago Published by Orchard books Available Now!
This is Our Place Written by Vitor Martins Published by Push Available November 1st!
TheTower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs Written by Chana Stiefel and Illustrated by Susan Gal Published by Scholastic Press Available October 4th!
Written by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, The World Needs More Purple Schools is the sequel to The World Needs More Purple People, teaching kids how to celebrate their individuality while also being part of a group! Follow Penny and her friends as they take the lessons they learned in the original and move them to the classroom!
Check it out along with the other titles we are featuring below!
The Clackity Written by Lora Senf Published by Athenium Available Now!
Crimson Twill: Witch in the City Written by Kallie George and Illustrated by Birgitta Sif Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
TheLittle Bear Written and Illustrated by Nicola Killen Published by Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers Available Now!
Mum, Me, and the Mulberry Tree Written by Tanya Rosie and Illustrated by Chuck Groenink Published by Candlewick Press Available July 19th!
One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and the Search for a Lost World Written by Micheal Frank and Illustrated by Maira Kalman Published by Avid Reader Press Available September 6th!
The World Needs More Purple Schools Written by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart and Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman Published by Random House Children’s Books Available Now!
My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way. by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin is the shared memoir of two great creators and best friends who happen to have the same name. Follow their story of meeting in New York and becoming the artists they are today.
Check it out along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Bad Things Happen Here Written by Rebecca Barrow Published by Margaret K. McElderry Brooks Available Today!
Jigsaw: Mystery in the Mail Written and Illustrated by Bob Graham Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
Leila: ThePerfect Witch Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
McTavish on the Move Written by Meg Rosoff Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way. Written by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin Published by Atheneum Books For Young Readers Available Today!
The Other Side of the River Written by Alda P. Dobbs Published by Sourcebooks Young Readers Available September 6th!
In Whose Bones Are Those? by Chihiro Takeuchi readers are invited to guess what animal is made up by the scattered stylized bones spread across bright pages. Showing how skeletons of animals from hippos, to snakes, to lions, fit together and all their little parts.
Check it out along with the other picture book titles we are featuring below!
Bee Written and Illustrated by Charlotte Voake Published by Candlewick Press Available June 7th!
Happy Owl-oween! Written by Laura Gehl and Illustrated by Lydia Nichols Published by Abrams Appleseed Available July 12th!
I Believe in Me Written and Illustrated by Emma Dodd Published by Templar Books Available June 7th!
Miguel’s Community Garden Written by JaNay Brown-Wood and Illustrated by Samara Hardy Published by Peachtree Available Now!
Poppy’s House Written by Karla Courtney and Illustrated by Madeline Kloepper Published by Walker Books Available June 7th!
Whose Bones Are Those? Written and Illustrated by Chihiro Takeuchi Published by Candlewick Studio Available June 7th!
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