Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: All Picture Books


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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 >
Cover art for BUNNY DAYS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010

"Scenes of baffled wee white bunnies spinning on delicate cycle, popping out of vacuum bags and holding their powder-puff tails add to the overall whimsy, hapless humor and total charm. (dust jacket opens into poster) (Picture book. 3-5)"
Three tiny tales feature two goats whose domestic activities wreak havoc on six bunnies until a resourceful bear saves the day. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOYS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 23, 2010
by Jeff Newman, illustrated by Jeff Newman

"Through confident brushwork, done in a stylized '50s modern aesthetic, the artist's images reveal sports' deep truths about acceptance, a willingness to try and the intergenerational connections they bring. (Picture book. 4-8)"
It's a new town for a baseball-loving protagonist. Read full book review >
Cover art for HIP HOP DOG
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Chris Raschka, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

A neglected pup raps a bravado-laced memoir that chronicles his life on the street and gradual embrace of hip-hop culture. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY GARDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin Henkes

"Just plain perfect. (Picture book. 3-7)"
A little girl enjoys helping her mother in her garden, but she knows if she had a garden, it would be something else entirely: no weeds, ever-blooming multicolored flowers with hues she can change with just a thought, chocolate rabbits instead of pests and so on. Read full book review >
Cover art for MIRROR MIRROR
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josée Masse

"A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery and perspective. (note on the form) (Poetry. 8-12)"
A collection of masterful fairy-tale–inspired reversos—a poetic form invented by the author, in which each poem is presented forward and backward. Read full book review >