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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for THE PRINCESS OF BORSCHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 22, 2011
Kirkus Star THE PRINCESS OF BORSCHT
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Bonnie Christensen
"Appetizing and heartwarming. (Picture book. 3-9)"
Too many cooks can make wonderful borscht. Read full book review >
Cover art for A DAY IN THE OFFICE OF DOCTOR BUGSPIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
A DAY IN THE OFFICE OF DOCTOR BUGSPIT
by Elise Gravel, illustrated by Elise Gravel
"Real visits to the doctor are rarely so hilarious. (Graphic picture book. 5-8)"
Expect delighted choruses of "Eeewww, gross!" at every turn from newer readers taking this tour of an outer-space clinic. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSE & LION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star MOUSE & LION
retold by Rand Burkert, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert
"A favorite ancient fable beautifully presented in the tradition of the finest picture books, this does not replace Jerry Pinkney's transcendent, Caldecott-winning The Lion & the Mouse but proudly takes its place beside it. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
A wee African grass mouse "receives top billing" (according to a concluding note) in this visually stunning retelling of Aesop's fable set amid the Aha Hills of Africa. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY MESSY BODY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
MY MESSY BODY
by Liza Fromer, Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
"While it provides accurate information on topics that should appeal to curious school-age readers, this work's reliance on the limited shock value of colloquial terminology seems inappropriate for the intended audience. (Nonfiction. 5-8)"
An unusual anatomy book combines familiar children's terms for bodily functions—pee, poop, snot, etc.—with accurate, relatively simple explanations of their roles. Read full book review >
Cover art for EDDIE SHAPES UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 8, 2011
EDDIE SHAPES UP
by Ed Koch, Pat Koch Thaler, illustrated by Jonathan Hoefer
"Larded with earnest purpose but unconvincing and far from likely to be the first call for attention to America's weight problem that children or parents will encounter. (Picture book. 6-8)"
With a message-driven tale of a plump lad who turns over a new leaf, an ex-mayor of New York and his sister clobber readers with the Board of Education. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOY WITH PINK HAIR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
THE BOY WITH PINK HAIR
by Perez Hilton, illustrated by Jen Hill
"Cheery-looking and well-intentioned, but missing a crucial kid sensibility. (Picture book. 5-8)"
There aren't any direct references to boys liking boys or girls liking girls in this story about open-mindedness; it simply calls for tolerance for those who may be thought of as "different," such as this boy, who in addition to his startling looks also likes to cook. Read full book review >