Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Graphic Novels and Illustrated Chapter Books


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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 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 CURSE OF THE WERE-WIENER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ursula Vernon, illustrated by Ursula Vernon

"Stay tuned. (Graphic hybrid fantasy. 8-11)"
School lunch bites—literally—in the third impossibly droll escapade featuring dragonling Danny Dragonbreath and his peace-loving iguana buddy, Wendell. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE UNSINKABLE WALKER BEAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Aaron Renier, illustrated by Aaron Renier

Anyone who has said that pirates are an overused motif in youth literature has not yet met Walker Bean. Read full book review >
Cover art for BINKY TO THE RESCUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ashley Spires, illustrated by Ashley Spires

"The muted palette and variety of panel shapes, sound effects, expressive characters and deadpan humor work in perfect rib-tickling harmony. (Graphic fiction. 7-10)"
Intrepid Space Cat Binky returns with another thrilling and dangerous adventure! Read full book review >
Cover art for GHOSTOPOLIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Doug TenNapel, illustrated by Doug TenNapel

"Creepy details, quick quips and a wry, deadpan (pun absolutely intended) humor are sure to delight. (Graphic fiction. 9-12)"
As an agent for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, it is Frank Gallows's job to catch ghosts on Earth and send them back to the afterlife. Read full book review >
Cover art for DOODLEBUG
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010

"Charming and thoughtful. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Those who might be tempted to dismiss this heavily illustrated saga of middle-school angst and family upheaval as a Wimpy Kid knock-off will miss an engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPACEHEADZ
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 22, 2010

"You will be SPHDZ! (Multi-platform science fiction. 7-12)"
P.S. 858 fifth grader Michael K. had hoped for a normal first day in his new school, but what he gets is crazy-weird. Read full book review >
Cover art for JUSTIN CASE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

"Absolutely marvelous. (Fiction. 7-10)"
Third grader Justin Case gets this nickname thanks to his amazing ability to worry about everything. 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 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 DRAGONBREATH
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2009
by Ursula Vernon, illustrated by Ursula Vernon

"Danny D's first outing will leave readers in stitches—and on tenterhooks waiting for the next one, which, according to a preview, will feature ninja frogs. (Fantasy. 8-11)"
Young everydragon Danny Dragonbreath hasn't quite caught the knack of breathing fire yet, but he sure knows how to have adventures—or at least to inflict them on Wendell, his peace-loving iguana buddy. Read full book review >