Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Great Books About the Arts


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Cover art for ZORA AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Absolutely outstanding. (Historical fiction. 10-16)"
The childhood of African-American literary giant Zora Neale Hurston is brought to life with this fictionalized account. 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 BUILT TO LAST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by David Macaulay, illustrated by David Macaulay

"Take a moment to mourn the originals, then celebrate this entirely worthy revision. (Nonfiction. 8 & up)"
Significantly updating the Caldecott Honor–winning Castle (1977) and Cathedral (1973) with new text and full-color illustrations, this hefty volume combines them with a very lightly revised Mosque (2003) for a three-in-one architectural spree. Read full book review >
Cover art for JIMI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

"Outstanding in every way. (biographical note, author's note, websites, illustrator's note, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Golio examines Jimi Hendrix's childhood creativity as a nurtured progression that stoked an explosively influential expression in the '60s. 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 WHO STOLE MONA LISA?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ruthie Knapp, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

"A gem. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-8)"
This inventive book's $20,000 Pyramid category would be "What Mona Lisa Might Say." Read full book review >
Cover art for CLEVER JACK TAKES THE CAKE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 24, 2010
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

"The simple-but-expressive, cartoonish illustrations on textured paper and the delightfully clever design further distinguish this cheerful charmer. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A winsome gouache-and-pencil landscape sets the stage—a hilltop castle, a messenger on horseback, an escaped letter fluttering under the door of a humble cottage. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLET FOR MARTHA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2010

"Archival photographs embellish the biographical notes at the end—a lovely touch. (bibliography, notes) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"
Appalachian Spring, the modern dance that celebrates the wedding of a Pioneer Woman and her Husbandman, is a brillantly conceived and enduring paean to American frontier life. 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 THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010
by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

"A heartwarming tribute to both the writing life in general and the well-loved humorist—oops, sorry Susy… "Pholosopher!" (author's note, how to write a biography, time line, sources) (Picture book/biography. 8-11)"
From 1885 to '86, Mark Twain's 13-year-old daughter Susy Clemens wrote a 130-page biography of her father out of indignation: Her dear Papa was no mere humorist! Read full book review >