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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for AFRICAN ANIMAL ALPHABET
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
AFRICAN ANIMAL ALPHABET
by Derek Joubert, Beverly Joubert, photographed by Beverly Joubert
"A solid introduction to Africa's fauna--happy (letter) hunting. (Informational picture book. 4-6)"
The Jouberts, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, introduce young readers to the African animals they have studied for years and give them a lesson in letters at the same time. Read full book review >
Cover art for A NUMBER OF DINOSAURS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
A NUMBER OF DINOSAURS
by Paul Stickland, Henrietta Stickland, illustrated by Paul Stickland, Henrietta Stickland
"This has immediate and obvious appeal to dinosaur-loving preschoolers, who won't notice there's any education going on. (Pop-up. 3-6)"
A bevy of fancifully colored and benignly visaged little dinosaurs counts up from one to 10. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BEATITUDES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010
THE BEATITUDES: FROM SLAVERY TO CIVIL RIGHTS
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Tim Ladwig
"Included are brief biographies of each luminary. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)"
The Beatitudes serve as a backdrop to African-American history from enslavement to the present day. Read full book review >
Cover art for AN AUSTRALIAN 1,2,3 OF ANIMALS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2009
AN AUSTRALIAN 1,2,3 OF ANIMALS
by Bronwyn Bancroft, illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft
"The author has also created An Australian ABC of Animals (2005). (Picture book. 2-7)"
Using a mixture of techniques from her Aboriginal background and her own artistic creativity, Bancroft entices children to count from one to 15 as they view an array of Australian animals cavorting on brightly colored pages. Read full book review >
Cover art for AFRICAN CRITTERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
AFRICAN CRITTERS
by Robert B. Haas, photographed by Robert B. Haas
"In an afterword, the author explains his presentation as "artistic license" to represent his emotional experience, but it, like the cover montage, may misrepresent the animals' world. (glossary, index, references) (Nonfiction. 7-12)"
Striking photocollages, most in lush color, illustrate, sometimes problematically, this wildlife photographer's account of adventures in animal preserves in southern Africa. Read full book review >
Cover art for A RIVER OF WORDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2008
Kirkus Star A RIVER OF WORDS: THE STORY OF WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS
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 >