Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Back-to-School Roundup


Cover art for MR. PUTTER & TABBY RING THE BELL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 12, 2011
by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Arthur Howard

"These four neighbors are great company, and their portrayal of aging is sweetly refreshing. (Early reader. 6-9)"
Show-and-Tell will never be the same after Mr. Putter and Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke are through. Read full book review >
Cover art for READY!  SET!  100TH DAY!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011

"Likely to inspire kids to count and group their own household items, this is great math practice in a creative package. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Minna the rabbit is back, and this time she is trying to come up with a creative idea for her "Ready! Read full book review >
Cover art for BACK-TO-SCHOOL RULES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
by Laurie Friedman, illustrated by Teresa Murfin

"In a teacher's hand, this may serve as a springboard for discussing how to achieve success; in the hands of a hooligan, it's a checklist. (Picture book. 6-9)"
Young Percy Isaac Gifford offers 10 rules for students to follow so that an "A+" will be guaranteed. Read full book review >
Cover art for PETE THE CAT:  ROCKING IN MY SCHOOL SHOES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

"As Pete would say, "It's all good," …unless you don't know the tune—then you just won't get it. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Pete, the strangely popular musical cat, is back (Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, 2010), this time showing off all the things he can do in his school shoes. Read full book review >
Cover art for BAILEY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
by Harry Bliss, illustrated by Harry Bliss

"Deeper thinkers may see in this a message of acceptance of everyone for who they are; others may simply see fun, and there's nothing wrong with that. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Bailey enjoys his day at school, from the bus ride in the morning through math, art, music, recess, reading and the afternoon bus ride back home to his…doghouse. Read full book review >
Cover art for MARSHALL ARMSTRONG IS NEW TO OUR SCHOOL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
by David Mackintosh, illustrated by David Mackintosh

"A true celebration of differences, this may well encourage readers to see new students in a whole new light. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Not only is Marshall Armstrong a new student, he is probably the most different kid the school has ever seen. Read full book review >