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 CHANUKAH LIGHTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Robert Sabuda

"A grand display item, undeniably fragile but capable of surviving--and rewarding--multiple careful readings. (Pop-up picture book/religion. 6-8, adult)"
Dazzlingly intricate paper sculptures commemorate both the holiday and some of the settings in which it has been celebrated over the centuries since "Jewish freedom first was fought." Read full book review >
Cover art for DEAR SANTA CLAUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2005
by Alan Durant, illustrated by Vanessa Cabban

A little girl named Holly corresponds with Santa during the month of December in this holiday offering that includes her hand-printed letters as part of the text and removable notes (and other tiny treasures) from Santa tucked into small, attached envelopes. Read full book review >
Cover art for DREAM SNOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2000
by Eric Carle, illustrated by Eric Carle

"Cotton candy. (Picture book. 4-7)"
The venerable and prolific Carle (Hello, Red Fox, 1998, etc.) offers a quiet Christmas story with a little music at the end. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSE MATCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 1997
adapted by Ed Young, illustrated by Ed Young

"It's a polished, effective presentation, for lap-sharing or story hours, and evidence that Young continuously redefines his role as a picture-book creator. (Picture book/folklore. 5-9)"
 The mouse-parents of a cherished mouse-daughter seek the greatest and most powerful suitor for her; the sun begs off, for it humbly admits it can be eclipsed by a cloud. Read full book review >
Cover art for CORDUROY'S BIRTHDAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 1997
by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lisa McCue

"Call it a lift- the-flap, call it a birthday book, but don't call it Don Freeman's Corduroy (1968). (Picture book. 2-6)"
 It's Corduroy's big day, and although he is pushing 30, he doesn't look a day over 5; in the years since his first appearance he has learned how to keep both straps of his overalls buttoned. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE 13TH CLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 1992
by Ann Jonas, illustrated by Ann Jonas

"Another handsome and appealing book from this unusually innovative artist. (Picture book. 4-8)"
 ``What a terrible day,'' reads the diary, but ``at least they sang to me at school.'' What follows is a treasure-hunt ending, of course, in a birthday party; in this case, it's the clues along the way that intrigue: instructions spelled out in the grass, with clothes on a line, with a coiled jump rope or carefully laid sticks; to be read upside down or inside out, or by unscrambling an anagram or decoding a rebus—all imaginatively displayed in Jonas's clean, beautifully composed illustrations. Read full book review >