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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for THE ENDURING ARK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
Kirkus Star THE ENDURING ARK
retold by Gita Wolf, illustrated by Joydeb Chitrakar
"A gorgeous re-envisioning of an old, old story. (Picture book/art book. 3 & up)"
A fresh take on an enduring tale retells the story of Noah and Na'mah and the great flood. Read full book review >
Cover art for ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS
by Jenny Lee, illustrated by Kelly Light
"Ultimately, the thin plot is far-fetched, even for a story about a talking dog, and readers aware of the true role of service animals will be annoyed by the inaccurate portrayal. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Lee's debut novel, a quirky if formulaic take on bullying and friendship, falls short in its description of the partnership between Benji, the narrator, and Elvis, his talking service dog. Read full book review >
Cover art for IT'S RAINING PUPS AND DOGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
IT'S RAINING PUPS AND DOGS
by Jeanne Prevost, illustrated by Amelia Hansen
"It's a sensitive introduction to a difficult topic, but parents should be ready for difficult questions. (author's note, additional sources) (Informational picture book. 6-9)"
An understanding dad shows his daughter why it's best for their dog not to have puppies in this well-meaning, earnest story about pet overpopulation. Read full book review >
Cover art for WASH-A-BYE BEAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
WASH-A-BYE BEAR
by Thomas Docherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty
"Muck and mess make good, clean fun. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A paean to filthy, sticky, beloved stuffed animals everywhere. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BALL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
THE BALL
by Charise Mericle Harper, illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper
"Amiable goofiness to the nth degree--a winner. (Graphic early reader. 5-7)"
Bean Dog and Nugget are ready for action! Read full book review >
Cover art for ODESSA AGAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
ODESSA AGAIN
by Dana Reinhardt, illustrated by Susan Regan
"With humor as well as depth, this is an endearing story of a spunky girl who realizes that life gets more, not less, confusing as she grows up. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Odessa Green-Light discovers a loophole in time. Now she can fix all kinds of things, especially the de-hyphenation of her family. Read full book review >