Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: The Complete List (page 4)


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Cover art for REMEMBERING CRYSTAL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
by Sebastian Loth, illustrated by Sebastian Loth

"This simple, honest presentation deserves room on the shelf. (Picture book. 3-8)"
Friendship can live forever. Read full book review >
Cover art for SUMMER BIRDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 27, 2010
by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Julie Paschkis

"They, too, will imagine themselves growing up to follow their dreams. (historical note) (Picture book/biography. 4-9)"
It's not often that someone is born both a great scientist and a great artist, especially if that someone is a girl in the middle of the 17th century. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT IF?
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 27, 2010

"Simply gorgeous. (Picture book. 3-6)"
What if two seals are playing with a beach ball and it rolls up on shore? Read full book review >
Cover art for LMNO PEAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2010
by Keith Baker, illustrated by Keith Baker

"Peas out. (Picture book. 3-7)"
A passel of industrious peas narrates inventive, alphabetically arranged avocations: "We are peas—alphabet peas! / We work and play in the ABCs." Read full book review >
Cover art for SHARK VS. TRAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

"It's hard to choose; both are winners. (Picture book. 3-6)"
With two boys at a toy chest, one clutching a shark and the other a train, thus begins the most unlikeliest of competitions. Read full book review >
Cover art for UBIQUITOUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beckie Prange

"Lovely. (glossary) (Picture book/poetry. 8 & up)"
Sidman delights with another gorgeous collection of poems celebrating the natural world, this time focusing on species remarkable for their ability to adapt and thrive in an often-harsh world. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Tom Angleberger, illustrated by Tom Angleberger

"A skewed amalgam of Wayside Stories and Wimpy Kid that is sure to please fans of both. (Origami Yoda instructions) (Fiction. 8-12)"
Sixth grader Tommy has a dilemma: He doesn't know whether to trust the advice of Origami Yoda, who dispenses wisdom from his perch on the finger of mega-nerd Dwight. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAY HELLO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Rachel Isadora, illustrated by Rachel Isadora

"Simply enchanting. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Today Carmelita visits her Abuela Rosa, but to get there she must walk. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAMSTER AND CHEESE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

"Middle graders will close this and ask right away for Detective Pants's next caper. (animal facts) (Graphic mystery. 8-12)"
There is skullduggery afoot at Mr. Venezi's Pets & Stuff: Someone keeps stealing his sandwich, which he puts outside the koala cage every day. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DREAMER
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Peter Sís

"A brief selection of Neruda's poems (in translation), a bibliography and an author's note enrich an inviting and already splendid, beautifully presented work. (Historical fiction. 9-13)"
Ryan's fictional evocation of the boy who would become Pablo Neruda is rich, resonant and enchanting. Read full book review >
Cover art for MIMI’S DADA CATIFESTO
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Shelley Jackson, illustrated by Shelley Jackson

"Completely spectacular. (Picture book. 7 & up)"
This engaging picture book delivers a pleasurable story, dazzling artwork and a fascinating introduction to Dadaism. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010

"A gem. (author's note, bibliography) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne. Read full book review >
Cover art for ONCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010

"A resonant shot to the heart—Gleitzman delivers a sharp sense of what it must have been like to be a child during the Holocaust, forced to grow up far too quickly. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
When his Jewish parents place young Felix in an orphanage in war-torn Poland, they tell him that they must leave to fix their book business. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE YEAR OF GOODBYES
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 16, 2010

"An immensely powerful experience that needs to be read with an adult. (Poetry/nonfiction. 10 & up)"
Writing for modern readers about the Holocaust is fraught, and when children are the intended audience, the difficulties can be insurmountable. Read full book review >
Cover art for OUT OF MY MIND
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 9, 2010

"This book is rich in detail of both the essential normalcy and the difficulties of a young person with cerebral palsy. (Fiction. 10 & up)"
Melody, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, cannot walk or talk. Read full book review >
Cover art for I AM A BACKHOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 9, 2010

"The author has turned an ordinary (and overdone) topic into something extraordinary. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Like many young boys, this book's protagonist marries an active imagination to a love of trucks. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY GARDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin Henkes

"Just plain perfect. (Picture book. 3-7)"
A little girl enjoys helping her mother in her garden, but she knows if she had a garden, it would be something else entirely: no weeds, ever-blooming multicolored flowers with hues she can change with just a thought, chocolate rabbits instead of pests and so on. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEAR PRIMO
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Duncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

In a story based on the author's childhood experiences, two cousins, Charlie and Carlitos, exchange letters. Read full book review >
Cover art for MIRROR MIRROR
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josée Masse

"A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery and perspective. (note on the form) (Poetry. 8-12)"
A collection of masterful fairy-tale–inspired reversos—a poetic form invented by the author, in which each poem is presented forward and backward. Read full book review >
Cover art for BIG RED LOLLIPOP
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

"Charming and spirited. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Dynamic visual design distinguishes this tale of sibling conflict in an immigrant family. Read full book review >