Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen Book Reviews Coming Soon (page 4)


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Cover art for BOO ABC
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by J.H. Lee, photographed by Gretchen LeMaistre

"Fluffy and cutesy, just like Boo. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Boo, the "world's cutest dog," stars in an ABC book with staged photographs of his toys, clothing, friends and activities. Read full book review >
Cover art for A MISCHIEF OF MERMAIDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013

"A serviceable fantasy best suited for those kids who have already enjoyed Poppy's previous adventures. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
A skeptic trapped in a family of believers comes face to face with nasty nautical ladies in the third book of a series. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWINKY THE DINKY DOG
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by Kate Klimo, illustrated by Michael Fleming

"Kids will cheer as the little guy breaks free from mom's apron strings--go, Twinky! (Early reader. 5-8)"
A petite, pampered pooch learns how to run with the big dogs in this funny early reader that will resonate with any kids who might long for a less protected, more exciting environment. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GIRL WITH THE IRON TOUCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013

"A well-calculated blend of paranormal romance and genuinely innovative story. (Steampunk. 13 & up)"
A fast-paced steampunk adventure features a band of paranormal teammates who search Victorian streets to find their abducted friend. Read full book review >
Cover art for SING!
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by Joe Raposo, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

"Boy and birds alike sing with infectious joy in this loving tribute, and the 3-song CD that comes with it is a nifty bonus. (Picture book. 3-5)"
The simplest and arguably best Sesame Street song serves as text to an almost equally elemental storyline in which music serves as the wind beneath a little bird's wings. Read full book review >
Cover art for GET OVER IT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013

"Wholesome, down-to-earth fun. (Fiction. 12-18)"
This sixth installment brings levelheaded songwriter and pop star Sunday Tolliver's career and romantic life to a comfortable--if not definitive--conclusion. Read full book review >
Cover art for GADGET GIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 29, 2013

"Awkwardly and believably, this sensitive novel reveals an artistic teen adapting to family, disability and friendships in all their flawed beauty. (Fiction. 13-17)"
Originally a novella published in the magazine Cicada and the winner of the SCBWI Magazine Merit Award in Fiction, Kamata's latest is a sharp, unusual coming-of-age novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PATCHWORK GARDEN / PEDACITOS DE HUERTO
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 31, 2013
by Diane de Anda, illustrated by Oksana Kemarskaya, translated by Gabriela Baeza Ventura

"A worthwhile, eco-friendly bilingual edition. (Picture book. 5-10)"
A grandmother's vision and instruction inspires a little girl to change the desolate look of her inner-city neighborhood by encouraging the community to plant a series of vegetable gardens. Read full book review >
Cover art for CANTA, RANA, CANTA / SING, FROGGIE, SING
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 31, 2013
illustrated by Carolyn Dee Flores, translated by Natalia Rosales-Yeomans

"Lacking humor and absurdity, this story doesn't hold a candle to classics in the same vein, like The Napping House, but could be a useful addition to a bilingual library. (musical score) (Picture book. 2-5)"
Debut illustrator Flores offers a contemporary take on a traditional folk song in both Spanish and English. Read full book review >
Cover art for KAMIK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 31, 2013
by Donald Uluadluak, illustrated by Qin Leng

"An intriguing, positive glimpse into Inuit traditional culture. (Picture book. 4-9)"
An Inuit boy begins to understand his puppy with the help of his grandfather, an experienced sled-dog owner. Read full book review >
Cover art for MÄKO
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 31, 2013
by Julien Béziat, illustrated by Julien Béziat, translated by Evan Jones

"Art as the ultimate sustainer of life--food for thought, albeit puzzling. (Picture book. 4-7)"
A walrus' artistic prowess brings more than just visual rewards to his hungry neighbors. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHILLAX
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Jerry Scott, illustrated by Jim Borgman

"Well-executed, clean fun with a heart. (Graphic-and-prose fiction. 12 & up)"
A hybrid graphic-and-prose novel starring Jeremy Duncan from the author and illustrator's comic strip Zits covers well-trodden ground with charm and humor. Read full book review >