Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Nonfiction


Cover art for STABLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
by Ted Lewin, illustrated by Ted Lewin

"Beautiful. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
As he did in his acclaimed At Gleason's Gym (2007), Lewin conveys the spirit of a Brooklyn institution through sumptuously detailed, luminous watercolors. 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 THE CHIRU OF HIGH TIBET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"Inspiration for scientists and ecologists everywhere. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-10)"
In free verse as beautiful as the landscape she describes, Martin tells the ecological plight of the chiru, the tiny antelope-like creatures of the northern plains of Tibet. 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 LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2010

"An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb volume by a master of his craft. (Biography. 10 & up)"
Against the wishes of father, family and nation, 19-year-old Gilbert de Lafayette bought a ship, escaped France and became the youngest general in the Continental Army, a teenager leaving a young wife and a huge personal fortune to pursue military glory. 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 >