NORTH DAKOTA GREAT READS 2027 YOUTH NOMINEE
A Little Owl. A Very Big Nomination.
Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro is one of three picture books nominated in the youth category for North Dakota’s 2027 Great Reads from Great Places selection.
Now, the public gets to help choose which book will represent North Dakota as part of this national literary celebration from the Library of Congress Center for the Book.
Voting is open September 1–December 31, 2026, through the North Dakota State Library.
ONE OF THREE
Youth picture books nominated
PUBLIC VOTING
Open through December 31, 2026
ONE BOOK CHOSEN
To represent North Dakota
What Is Great Reads from Great Places?
Great Reads from Great Places is an annual literary celebration presented through the Library of Congress Center for the Book.
Each state and U.S. territory selects one book for adult readers and one for young readers. These selections celebrate books and authors with meaningful ties to the places they represent.
North Dakota traditionally highlights North Dakota authors. For the 2027 program, the North Dakota State Library selected three adult titles and three youth titles as nominees—and, for the first time, invited the public to help choose the winning books.
Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro is honored to be one of the three youth nominees.
This Story Began in Bismarck
The Culinary Pro was inspired by memories of my dad, Ken Weber, who owned and operated the White House Cafeteria in Bismarck from 1968 to 2004.
Those memories became the starting place for Oliver; a determined little owl discovering his own way through the kitchen. What began as a family story was reimagined for young readers as a celebration of creativity, perseverance, food, and the people whose everyday work becomes part of our lives.
That is what makes this nomination feel so meaningful.
Oliver’s story has North Dakota roots. To see it recognized by the North Dakota State Library, and considered for the opportunity to represent our state, is an honor I never could have imagined when this little owl’s journey began.
Oliver’s trying to fly all the way to Washington, D.C.
Why Oliver?
ROOTED IN NORTH DAKOTA
Inspired by real family memories and a beloved Bismarck cafeteria, Oliver’s story carries a piece of North Dakota history into a new generation.
CREATED FOR YOUNG READERS
Oliver’s kitchen adventure invites children into a playful story filled with curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, and heart.
A STORY WORTH SHARING
At its heart, The Culinary Pro celebrates the people, places, and everyday experiences that become part of a family’s story.
NOMINATED YOUTH TITLE
Meet The Culinary Pro
Oliver is ready to prove himself in the kitchen—but becoming a culinary pro may take a little more patience, problem-solving, and creativity than he expected.
Inspired by real memories and reimagined for little readers, Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro is a playful story about trying something new, learning as you go, and discovering what you can accomplish when you don’t give up.
Ready to Vote for Oliver?
Voting takes place through the North Dakota State Library’s official Great Reads from Great Places page.
- Visit the official voting page.
- Find the youth-book category.
- Select Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro.
- Follow the instructions to submit your vote.
Thank you for reading Oliver’s story, sharing his nomination, and supporting books created right here in North Dakota.
Is Oliver already the 2027 North Dakota selection?
Not yet. The Culinary Pro is one of three nominees in the youth category. Public voting will help determine which youth title is selected to represent North Dakota.
When does voting take place?
Voting is open from September 1 through December 31, 2026. Visit the official North Dakota State Library page for current instructions and voting information.
What happens if Oliver is selected?
The winning youth title will become North Dakota’s 2027 Great Reads from Great Places selection and represent the state as part of the national literary program.
Does purchasing the book count as a vote?
No. Purchases do not count as votes. All votes must be submitted using one of the official methods provided by the North Dakota State Library.
Can I share the voting page?
Absolutely. Sharing the official voting page with readers, families, educators, librarians, and others who enjoy supporting North Dakota books is one of the best ways to help.