Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: The Complete List (page 9)


Cover art for WALDEN THEN AND NOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Michael McCurdy, illustrated by Michael McCurdy

"An unusual yet entirely appropriate introduction to the famed hermit—and the other residents of Walden Pond. (source notes with quotes from Walden) (Alphabet book. 10 & up)"
This elegant alphabet book brilliantly conveys the essence of 19th-century American author, naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau's solitary sojourn at Walden Pond. Read full book review >
Cover art for KAKAPO RESCUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
by Sy Montgomery, photographed by Nic Bishop

"Wonderful. (Scientists in the Field Series) (map, fundraising plug, acknowledgments, index) (Nonfiction. 9-13)"
Under the careful supervision of forest rangers and volunteers on an island off the New Zealand coast, the nearly extinct, flightless Kakapo parrot is the object of an intensive rescue effort described by this experienced writer-photographer team. Read full book review >
Cover art for VIOLET IN BLOOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"A triumph. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Fifth grade BFFs Katie-Rose, Yasaman, Violet and Camilla ride again in this stride-hitting second entry in the Flower Power series (Luv Ya Bunches, 2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOOK ALONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering

"Ever eschewing manipulation, it nevertheless could wring tears from stone. (Picture book. 5-10)"
"Abba Jacob was a monk who lived in a hermitage on the island in a faraway sea," reads the opening line of Nelson and Ering's remarkable collaboration, but readers soon discover that the monk does not lead an entirely solitary existence. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOYS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 23, 2010
by Jeff Newman, illustrated by Jeff Newman

"Through confident brushwork, done in a stylized '50s modern aesthetic, the artist's images reveal sports' deep truths about acceptance, a willingness to try and the intergenerational connections they bring. (Picture book. 4-8)"
It's a new town for a baseball-loving protagonist. Read full book review >
Cover art for BUNNY DAYS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010

"Scenes of baffled wee white bunnies spinning on delicate cycle, popping out of vacuum bags and holding their powder-puff tails add to the overall whimsy, hapless humor and total charm. (dust jacket opens into poster) (Picture book. 3-5)"
Three tiny tales feature two goats whose domestic activities wreak havoc on six bunnies until a resourceful bear saves the day. Read full book review >