Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Celebrating Friends & Family for Young Readers & Listeners


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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 ART & MAX
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2010
by David Wiesner, illustrated by David Wiesner

"In this illustrator's world, mind-blowing art comes from accident, if you're brave enough (like Max) to smile and take an awkward leap. (Picture book. 4-10)"
Two lizards, one an unbridled enthusiast and the other a restrained snoot, stumble along a circuitous creative path together, making art through mishap and engaging all kinds of media along the way. Read full book review >
Cover art for THERE'S GOING TO BE A BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by John Burningham, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

"Heavy paper, generous trim, amusing endpapers and, above all, beautifully evoked relationships combine for a winning package. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Burningham and Oxenbury team for a poignant treatment of a preschooler's ambivalence about a forthcoming new sibling. Read full book review >
Cover art for PECAN PIE BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Jaqueline Woodson, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

"Fresh and wise. (Picture book. 3-7)"
A feisty big-sister-to-be narrates her ambivalence about her mama's impending childbirth. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAD AT MOMMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Komako Sakai, illustrated by Komako Sakai

"Charming, classy and current. (Picture book. 3-7)"
This little bunny is in one big huff, and he must tell his mommy exactly how he feels. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE ARE IN A BOOK!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems

"You bet. (Early reader. 4-8)"
Stalwart friends Piggie and Gerald the elephant push the metafictive envelope in a big way when they realize that "someone is looking at us." Read full book review >
Cover art for BINK & GOLLIE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"More, please! (Early reader. 6-8)"
If James Marshall's George and Martha were not hippos and were both girls, they would be much like best friends Bink and Gollie in this charming early-reader series debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for ARROZ CON LECHE / RICE PUDDING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Fernando Vilela

"A nice introduction to the joys of cooking, as well as a strong bilingual addition to any collection. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A lyrical recipe presented in the form of a free-verse poem, this bilingual (Spanish/English) selection combines the fun of cooking with the tenderness of a mother-son relationship. Read full book review >
Cover art for ROSLYN RUTABAGA AND THE BIGGEST HOLE ON EARTH!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by Marie-Louise Gay, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

"Roslyn Rutabaga is one darned determined—and adorable—bunny. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Roslyn Rutabaga wakes up one morning with a grand plan: She wants to dig the Biggest Hole on Earth. Read full book review >
Cover art for LING & TING
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Grace Lin, illustrated by Grace Lin

"This spot-on depiction of twins celebrates individuality. (Early reader. 6-9)"
Newbery Honor author Lin makes a stunning entrée into the world of early readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon J Muth

"The image of a happy dog treading water with a frog on his head says it all. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
In Willems's latest, a departure from his urban sensibility as well as his first book as solely the author, a dog from the city explores new territory when he moves to the country and befriends a frog. Read full book review >
Cover art for A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 25, 2010
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

"This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships: Much like Amos's watch, they must be wound regularly to remain true. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Amos McGee, an elderly zookeeper, enjoys a clockwork life (one teaspoonful of sugar for oatmeal, two for tea and the number five bus to work) until the sniffles force him to stay in bed and miss his daily visits with animal friends. Read full book review >
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 >
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 >