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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

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Cover art for CAMP MYTH
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2013

"Much of this story has yet to be told or even released; maybe it will flesh out some. (iPad storybook app. 6-10)"
At summer camp, a gathering of faes and elves, sprites and pixies, cyclops and kitsunes and leprechauns see what they can do about the birth of an unhappy dragon--that is if the hydra and sirens and dryads, cockatrice and basilisk and kraken don't make a mess of things. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAN JACINTO
ADULT
Released: April 9, 2013

"Travelers to the battlefield will find this a useful companion, and economy-minded students of Texas history will welcome having Pohl's text at half the price of the print edition."
An accessible, well-illustrated study of one of the great turning points in American history--namely, the battle that established the independence of Texas. Read full book review >
Cover art for FARELLAS, THE LEGEND OF A GIANT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 6, 2013

"Language issues aside, more a story outline than a finished work, but there's something sweetly appealing about Farellas for all that. (jigsaw puzzle) (iPad storybook app. 6-8)"
Though easy on the eyes and fun to tap, this simple tale of a good giant who fights a bad one could really use both a better translation and a more developed storyline. Read full book review >
Cover art for POEMS BY HEART
ADULT
Released: April 4, 2013

"A sophisticated, wildly addictive tool for avowed poetry lovers."
For whatever blessed reason, committing poems to memory appears to be back in vogue. Here, Penguin USA and Inkle Studios transport that impulse for learning verse "by heart" from the one-dimensional world of the page to the digital realm's multimedia expanse with a nifty app. Read full book review >
Cover art for 18 CADENCE
ADULT
Released: April 3, 2013
developed by Aaron Reed

"Despite a bare-bones narrative, an intriguing and even absorbing exploration of the power of objects across time."
A century in the life of a small American house, told in brief sentences and remixable words. Read full book review >
Cover art for THEO THE WHITE BEAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 23, 2013
by Iroha Hazuki, illustrated by Nikolay Nikolov, developed by Stella 28

"A dreamy story of lost, found and abiding affection in the Arctic. (iPad storybook app. 4-7)"
Two polar bear cubs meet and scan the evening sky for a special star. Read full book review >
Cover art for YELLOW, RED, BLUE AND IF I GET ANGRY GREY
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 22, 2013
by Alessandro Sanna, illustrated by Alessandro Sanna, developed by WARE'S ME

"A rewarding alternative for children who find the digital edition of Hervé Tullet's Press Here (2012) too relentlessly inscrutable. (iPad play app. 4-8)"
This inventive pairing of colors with musical riffs offers almost unlimited opportunities for visual and aural experimentation--plus jigsaw puzzles for more structured entertainment. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TRIP
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 19, 2013
by Mercer Mayer, illustrated by Mercer Mayer, developed by Silver Dolphin Books

"By the end, readers may be as exhausted as Little Critter's beleaguered dad, who does all the driving, natch, but they will feel like they've done something. (iPad storybook app. 5-7)"
Little Critter, Little Sister and their parents take a meandering trip to Lake Wakatookee in this busy app. Read full book review >
Cover art for LITTLE DEAD RIDING HOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 17, 2013
developed by itbook

"Feature-rich and slickly designed and illustrated, this app is at once hilarious and disquieting. (iPad storybook app. 9-13)"
A Tim Burton–esque variation on the classic story, definitely not for the weak of heart. Read full book review >
Cover art for DOUBTING DASHA
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 12, 2013
by Tatyana Mironova, illustrated by Inga Shalvashvili, developed by Tatyana Mironova

"The level of engagement and the story's braided scenarios are taxing enough to keep younger users fully attentive. (iPad storybook app. 5-8)"
Doubting Dasha goes where everyone else fears to tread because she doubts there are monsters in the forest stealing her town's grain. Read full book review >
Cover art for JUST ME AND MY LITTLE BROTHER
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 11, 2013
by Mercer Mayer, illustrated by Mercer Mayer, developed by Oceanhouse Media

"By this time, both Little Critter and the "omBook" are tried-and-true brands, so there's a feeling of sameness about both story and treatment that will reassure many children even as it, perhaps, fails to thrill their parents. (iPad storybook app. 2-5)"
Oceanhouse applies its characteristically clean treatment to a Mayer standard. Read full book review >
Cover art for BIG BEE GOES TO SEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 7, 2013
developed by Angus Lee

"Smooth sailing, with rewards aplenty for tap-happy younger travelers. (iPad storybook app. 2-3)"
Touch screens will definitely need a wiping off in the wake of this serene and wordless but seldom dull sea voyage. Read full book review >