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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 MONSTER RETURNS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
THE MONSTER RETURNS
by Peter McCarty, illustrated by Peter McCarty
"It might lack the mild menace of its predecessor, but it satisfies in its supply of companionship all around. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Jeremy hatches a plan to cope with his monster's unexpected return. Read full book review >
Cover art for EVERYBODY GETS THE BLUES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 9, 2012
EVERYBODY GETS THE BLUES
by Leslie Staub, illustrated by R.G. Roth
"Hip and stylized—yet, given its important humanitarian message, curiously enervated. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Staub, a native of New Orleans, cloaks a worthy message in obscure metaphor. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REALLY AWFUL MUSICIANS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 20, 2011
THE REALLY AWFUL MUSICIANS
by John Manders, illustrated by John Manders
"Undeniably a lesson, it is delivered with a sense of fun; a helpful author's note describes each instrument. (Picture book. 3-6) "
When all the bands in the kingdom sound horrible, the king takes drastic action. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE: A TREASURY OF NURSERY RHYMES
illustrated by Jackie Morris
"A beguiling and surprising addition to the nursery-rhyme shelf. (Picture book/nursery rhymes. 3-7)"
Forty familiar and not-so-familiar nursery rhymes are illustrated with gorgeous and evocative images. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
illustrated by Jon J Muth, by Bob Dylan
"Big questions, posed with majestic simplicity--and packaged with a CD of the original track. (artist's afterword). (Picture book. 8-10, adult)"
Dylan's lyrics succeed here better than many other songs that find their way to picture books. Read full book review >
Cover art for DUKE ELLINGTON'S <i>NUTCRACKER SUITE</i>
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
DUKE ELLINGTON'S <I>NUTCRACKER SUITE</I>
by Anna Harwell Celenza, illustrated by Don Tate
"Still, real cool. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-9) "
Drawing from letters, memoirs, photos, film and recordings, Celenza presents a spry account of the 1960 composition and recording of a decidedly swinging Nutcracker Suite. Read full book review >