Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Great Books About the Arts (page 2)


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 >