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 LEAF
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2009

"Wonderful squiggly line, patches of green and brown, gold and blue and fabulous use of negative white space make this a joy to reread. (Picture book. 5-9)"
A curious, curiously subversive and very pretty wordless Australian import. Read full book review >
Cover art for A RIVER OF WORDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2008
by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

"It is entirely possible that this offering will not only acquaint readers with the man and his poetry but will also inspire creativity—Williams would no doubt be pleased. (timelines, bibliography, author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)"
With plain words, appropriate to the style of this master of clear and precisely worded poetry, and brilliant images, Bryant and Sweet introduce Williams and his poetry in a fresh, accessible way. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOGWASH
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 31, 2008
by Arthur Geisert, illustrated by Arthur Geisert

"Readers and prereaders both will chortle, whether they come upon this before or after their individual ablutions. (Picture book. 5-8)"
How to get dozens of piglets and their clothes clean after a day's romp in mud and paint? Read full book review >
Cover art for STILL MY GRANDMA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2007

"Although Camille's process of accepting Grandma's new circumstances is unexplained, this is a gentle, effective, albeit slightly simplified tale of this increasingly common disease. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Young Camille and her grandma clearly share a very special relationship. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAIR FOR MAMA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2007
by Kelly A. Tinkham, illustrated by Amy June Bates

"However, Bates's tender watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are warm in color and feeling, matching the depth of emotions perfectly. (Picture book. 4-7)"
A realistic look at a strong family facing cancer. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SKIN YOU LIVE IN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2005
by Michael Tyler, illustrated by David Lee Csicsko

"A sonically playful, if just a bit overlong, alternative to Sheila Hamanaka's All the Colors of the Earth (1994). (Picture book. 6-9)"
An earnest but energetic tribute to diversity, done up with postmodern arrays of smiling, stylized, lozenge-headed children paired to a rollicking celebration of: "Your coffee and cream skin, / your warm cocoa dream skin . . . / Your chocolate chip, double dip sundae supreme skin! / Your marshmallow treat skin, / your spun sugar sweet skin . . . / your cherry topped, candy dropped, frosting complete skin." Read full book review >