Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old


Cover art for A NEW YEAR'S REUNION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 27, 2011
by Yu Li-Qiong, illustrated by Zhu Chen-Liang

"Sensitive, restrained--but festive too…with a closing note that China has over 100 million migrant workers, many separated from their families except during the holiday. (Picture book. 6-8)"
Chinese New Year brings a young family joyously but all-too-briefly back together in this poignant import. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY TWO GRANDADS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011

"Cheery, brightly colored, cartoon-style illustrations reiterate the text, which, while a touch didactic, laudably expands on the typically monocultural depictions of families in picture books. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Benjamin and Chamberlain's picture book is squarely focused on family diversity as it tells the story of a biracial boy and his musical family in a companion to their earlier collaboration, My Two Grannies (2008). Read full book review >
Cover art for WHEN I WAS BORN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011

"Translated from the Portuguese and first published in England, this account of a child's discovery of the world and its wonders unfolds self-consciously but winningly. (Picture book. 3-8)"
This cheerfully existential tome charms, from the stylized cherry tree on the endpapers to the very last page. Read full book review >
Cover art for JUST BECAUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 15, 2011
by Rebecca Elliott, illustrated by Rebecca Elliott

"Full of unconditional love, this is a must-have title in today's world of false perfection. (Picture book. 5-10)"
An endearing and enduring picture book about sibling love. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY WILD SISTER AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Iris Wewer, illustrated by Iris Wewer

"With so much to look at, this sly and oh-so-truthful snapshot of sibling relations will see plenty of repeated examination. (Picture book. 4-8)"
An absolutely engaging, European-flavored look at the relationship between a little boy and his older sister. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT ME, MAMA?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 18, 2011
by Kristina Evans, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

"Like Mama Do You Love Me and Guess How Much I Love You but with an entirely fresh look; little ones will want to hear this sweet tale again and again. (Picture book. 2-6)"
A small boy asks his mother for reassurances that he is special. Read full book review >