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Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Series: I Like to Read

Cover art for SAM AND THE BIG KIDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2013
SAM AND THE BIG KIDS
by Emily Arnold McCully, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
"While this may open the door for discussion, the lack of a real conclusion may leave readers unsatisfied. (Easy reader. 4-7)"
Can there be a positive side to a pesky little brother who won't leave his big sister and her friend to their play? Read full book review >
Cover art for CAR GOES FAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2013
CAR GOES FAR
by Michael Garland, illustrated by Michael Garland
"An inviting, accessible title for new readers. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Garland's little red car invites children along for a ride to reading success. Read full book review >
Cover art for I HAVE A GARDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2013
I HAVE A GARDEN
by Bob Barner, illustrated by Bob Barner
"Sweet and sturdy. (Early reader. 2-7)"
Barner's entry in the I Like to Read series features an appealing white dog narrating a simple text. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEE ME DIG
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2013
Kirkus Star SEE ME DIG
by Paul Meisel, illustrated by Paul Meisel
"New readers will dig this. (Early reader. 5-8)"
In this gem of an early reader, a cast of cavorting canines find more than they expected when they start digging--namely a scary bear, buried treasure, pirate ghosts and heavy construction equipment. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU CAN DO IT!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2013
YOU CAN DO IT!
by Betsy Lewin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
"A winner of an early reader. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Channeling the can-do attitude of a certain little engine, Lewin's alligator comes out on top with some help from his friend and despite the bullying of another gator. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOOK!
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2013
Kirkus Star LOOK!
by Ted Lewin, illustrated by Ted Lewin
"A satisfying challenge and a fun animal adventure made thrilling by Lewin's characteristically spectacular use of light. (Early reader. 2-6)"
With wide-eyed amazement, a boy observes animals on the African savanna. Read full book review >
Cover art for SICK DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
SICK DAY
by David McPhail, illustrated by David McPhail
"Just doesn't compare to Shelley Moore Thomas and Jennifer Plecas' similarly themed Get Well, Good Knight (2002) or even to the trio's prior adventure. (Early reader. 4-7)"
A sick boy's devoted friends try to help him feel better. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FLY FLEW IN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
THE FLY FLEW IN
by David Catrow, illustrated by David Catrow
"Have fun with this fly. (Early reader. 2-6)"
A frolicsome fly disrupts a fancy concert. Read full book review >
Cover art for PIG HAS A PLAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
PIG HAS A PLAN
by Ethan Long, illustrated by Ethan Long
"Proving even pooped piggies are ready to party, this will make children want to join in. (Early reader. 4-7)"
A noisy barnyard is no place for a nap! Read full book review >
Cover art for MICE ON ICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
MICE ON ICE
by Rebecca Emberley, Ed Emberley, illustrated by Rebecca Emberley, Ed Emberley
"An accessible, inviting title for brand new readers. (Picture book/early reader. 4-6)"
The latest collaboration from the father-and-daughter team is nice indeed. Read full book review >
Cover art for I WILL TRY
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
I WILL TRY
by Marilyn Janovitz, illustrated by Marilyn Janovitz
"This cheery selection will bring feelings of accomplishment and security to new readers and budding gymnasts alike. (Picture book/early reader. 2-5)"
This girl is ready for a challenge! Read full book review >
Cover art for FISH HAD A WISH
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star FISH HAD A WISH
by Michael Garland, illustrated by Michael Garland
"From the beaver's coat to the tiger lily's petals to the snakeskin, this fish tale is a keeper. (Picture book/early reader. 4-8)"
Take a conventional story, add a new art technique--and voilà, a striking picture book is born. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LION AND THE MICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
THE LION AND THE MICE
by Rebecca Emberley, Ed Emberley, illustrated by Rebecca Emberley, Ed Emberley
"Likely a bit more turquoise and abstract than Aesop had in mind, but fantastic visual fun. (Early reader/folktale. 2-5)"
Aesop's lion and mouse (or mice, as this case has it) have never looked more stylish. Read full book review >
Cover art for DINOSAURS DON'T, DINOSAURS DO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
DINOSAURS DON'T, DINOSAURS DO
by Steve Björkman, illustrated by Steve Björkman
"Likely little more than an exercise in wishful thinking, but well meant and philosophically solid. (Early reader. 4-6)"
Straightforward behavior modeling for newly fledged independent readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOY, BIRD, AND DOG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
BOY, BIRD, AND DOG
by David McPhail, illustrated by David McPhail
"This one could work as a read-aloud, child to adult, with lots of pictorial details to notice and talk about. A sweet, gentle charmer. (Early reader. 4-7)"
Boy has a small adventure in a tree house with Bird and Dog. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEE ME RUN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
SEE ME RUN
by Paul Meisel, illustrated by Paul Meisel
"Formatted in a larger trim than the usual early reader, this imaginary rumpus is just right for beginners to successfully read and reread. (Early reader. 5-7)"
A dog set free to run and roam in a dog park uncovers an archeological surprise. Read full book review >