Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: The Complete List


Cover art for THE RABBIT PROBLEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2010
by Emily Gravett, illustrated by Emily Gravett

"Endless fun to pore over for kids and math-minded or geeky adults. (Picture book. 4-9, Adult)"
In Gravett's gifted hands, an old math problem springs to life—and more life and more life! Read full book review >
Cover art for AND THEN THERE WERE GNOMES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

"A gem—please, tell us we'll be seeing more of Sasspants! (Graphic fiction. 6-11)"
The denizens of Mr Venezi's Pets & Stuff return for another hilarious mystery. Read full book review >
Cover art for MIRROR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
by Jeannie Baker, illustrated by Jeannie Baker

"Perfectly spectacular. (Picture book. All ages)"
This entirely original book is a strong contender to bring to a desert island, especially as it's two books in one. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010

"Undoubtedly one of the cleverest graphic novels of the year; let's hope this isn't the last of Mirka. (Graphic fantasy. 10-14)"
Like all 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girls, ebullient Mirka must face a six-armed troll to avoid becoming his dinner and obtain a dragon-slaying sword—wait, what? Read full book review >
Cover art for A GOOD HORSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
by Jane Smiley, illustrated by Elaine Clayton

"Rich, real and utterly engrossing. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
This sequel to The Georges and the Jewels (2009) is Smiley at her finest—detailed, nuanced, absorbing. Read full book review >
Cover art for REX ZERO, THE GREAT PRETENDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010

"Genuinely wholesome, packed with affectionate humor, tension and joy. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
After a childhood spent moving constantly across two countries, Rex wonders why his parents can't settle down. Read full book review >