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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for IF I WERE A MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2011
IF I WERE A MOUSE
by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Marsela Hajdinjak-Krec
"The religious content in the last spread seems tacked on to fit this story into a particular slot rather than any meaningful effort to connect children with God. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)"
A little boy narrates this rhyming story as he imagines what it would be like to be different animals. Read full book review >
Cover art for ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore, illustrated by Christopher Wormell
"Additional exemplary features are the artist's sketches used as endpapers and an author's note explaining the controversy surrounding the authorship of the poem. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Most illustrated versions of the classic Christmas poem depict a jolly St. Read full book review >
Cover art for THIS IS THE FEAST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
THIS IS THE FEAST
by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
"Lloyd's primitive-inspired paintings effectively complement both verse and tale. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A modified "House that Jack Built" rhythm follows the Pilgrims as they make their way "to freedom through wind and through wave / across the Atlantic, so far and so wide," huddle near "the hearth, soothing the soul, / as death and disease take a terrible toll," plant "the fields, stubbled, unclaimed, / cleared by Patxuets before the plague came" and celebrate their first Thanksgiving. 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 >
Cover art for LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2007
LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
by James Weldon Johnson, illustrated by Bryan Collier
"A bright blue predominates in intensely hued skies and school uniforms, while Collier's highly recognizable style incorporates watercolor and collage to meaningful effect. (illustrator's note, words with music) (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-8)"
In his highly iconic reinterpretation of the beloved "Negro National Anthem," Collier was inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Read full book review >
Cover art for NATURE’S PAINTBOX
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2007
NATURE’S PAINTBOX: A SEASONAL GALLERY OF ART AND VERSE
by Patricia Thomas, illustrated by Craig Orback
"There is a strikingly rare synergy between the poetry and the illustrations in this truly remarkable addition to the pantheon of books on the four seasons for school-aged children. (Poetry. 7-11)"
Considering nature as artistic medium, Thomas opens with a poem about nature sketching winter; Orback illustrates it so, adding bits of color on succeeding pages. Read full book review >