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 MEENA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
by Sine van Mol, illustrated by Carianne Wijffels

"This Belgian import offers a provocative look at the trajectory between snap judgments and hateful behavior--when both are fueled by fear. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Christa, Klaas and Thomas have concluded that their portly, grey-haired neighbor is a witch. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHARE WITH BROTHER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2011
by Steven L. Layne, illustrated by Ard Hoyt

"In a meant-to-be-humorous twist, littler bunny freely shares his measles, but since readers have nothing genuine invested in either bunny—one grumpy, one spoiled—the humor disappears like smoke. (Picture book. 4-6)"
Sharing is not necessarily natural or easy for young ones, and Layne's book only makes the act less so. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHY THE CRAWFISH LIVES IN THE MUD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2009
by Johnette Downing, illustrated by Johnette Downing

"Skip the pictures. (Crawfish Fun Facts) (Picture book. 4-8)"
In this original pourquoi tale, hungry Crawfish spies the fish that Crab has just caught for his dinner. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SCARECROW’S DANCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 25, 2009
by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

"A conversation-starter for parents interested in discussing the meaning of sacrifice or who wish to explore Christian faith with their children. (Picture book. 5-8)"
One autumn's eve, the forlorn scarecrow watching over the cornfield is magically freed. Read full book review >
Cover art for ST. PATRICK AND THE THREE BRAVE MICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2009
by Joyce A. Stengel, illustrated by Herb Leonhard

"The briefly told tale doesn't quite match Sheila MacGill-Callahan's The Last Snake in Ireland (1999), illustrated by Will Hillenbrand (an entirely different story), for action or lively language, but it does offer a courageous heroine and a good measure of suspense. (afterword) (Picture book. 6-8)"
In this original spin-off of a renowned legend, a snake filches the hand bell that St. Read full book review >
Cover art for CINDERELLA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
adapted by Max Eilenberg, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey

"However, the superfluity of shimmering pink hearts in the design skews this version toward the saccharine. (Picture book/fairy tale. 3-7)"
A swirling surfeit of pink, purple and gold is draped around this crisp retelling of the traditional tale, as Cinderella attends three balls with her handsome prince before her glass slipper falls. Read full book review >