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2010 Best Children's Books: Nonfiction (page 2)

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Cover art for COUNTRY ROAD ABC
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
Kirkus Star COUNTRY ROAD ABC: AN ILLUSTRATED JOURNEY THROUGH AMERICA’S FARMLAND
by Arthur Geisert, illustrated by Arthur Geisert
"A simply glorious barn and farm opus. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-9)"
Only someone who's walked the walk and driven the tractor—and is immensely creative besides—could take readers on such an accurate, realistic and fascinating alphabetic farmland journey. Read full book review >
Cover art for WALDEN THEN AND NOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
Kirkus Star WALDEN THEN AND NOW: AN ALPHABETICAL TOUR OF HENRY THOREAU’S POND
by Michael McCurdy, illustrated by Michael McCurdy
"An unusual yet entirely appropriate introduction to the famed hermit—and the other residents of Walden Pond. (source notes with quotes from Walden) (Alphabet book. 10 & up)"
This elegant alphabet book brilliantly conveys the essence of 19th-century American author, naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau's solitary sojourn at Walden Pond. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLET FOR MARTHA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2010
Kirkus Star BALLET FOR MARTHA: MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING
by Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca
"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 KUBLA KHAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star KUBLA KHAN: THE EMPEROR OF EVERYTHING
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Robert Byrd
"This account is like Kubla Khan himself—amazing. (author's and illustrator's notes, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-12)"
The Emperor of Everything, indeed! Read full book review >
Cover art for WHO STOLE MONA LISA?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star WHO STOLE MONA LISA?
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 LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2010
Kirkus Star LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
by Russell Freedman
"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 >