Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Back-to-School Roundup (page 3)


Cover art for DINO PETS GO TO SCHOOL
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2011
by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Gideon Kendall

"Readers will delight in this latest dino pets installment and wonder where the dinosaurs might go for their next calamitous adventure. (Picture book. 3-8)

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The little boy from Dino Pets (2007) finally gets to show his menagerie off to his class, but will school ever be the same again? Read full book review >
Cover art for TEN RULES YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST NOT BREAK IF YOU WANT TO SURVIVE THE SCHOOL BUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2011
by John Grandits, illustrated by Michael Allen Austin

"Worthy of being shelved next to Jon Scieszka's funniest. (Picture book. 6-12)

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Grandits' latest is a hilarious tongue-in-cheek look at the perils of riding the school bus. Read full book review >
Cover art for HORNBOOKS AND INKWELLS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2011
by Verla Kay, illustrated by S.D. Schindler

"Whether studying colonial life or comparison/contrast, teachers will surely reach for this. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Terse rhyme introduces children to 18th-century schooling. Read full book review >
Cover art for SKIPPYJON JONES CLASS ACTION
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2011
by Judy Schachner, illustrated by Judy Schachner

"Children will find much to laugh at in Skippyjon's latest adventure, and although much of the wordplay will go over kids' heads, adults who are asked for repeated readings will appreciate it. (Picture book. 5-8)"
That irrepressible, big-eared Siamese cat with an identity complex is back, this time desperate to go to school just like the dogs. Read full book review >
Cover art for FOLLOW THE LINE TO SCHOOL
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2011
by Laura Ljungkvist, illustrated by Laura Ljungkvist

"While the small details preclude group sharing, this is just right for sharing with one or two soon-to-be-schoolers or for independent browsing of the stylish illustrations. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Readers will actively explore an elementary school environment in this latest in Ljungkvist's successful string of books. Read full book review >
Cover art for PEANUT BUTTER AND HOMEWORK SANDWICHES
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2011
by Lisa Broadie Cook, illustrated by Jack E. Davis

"A funny riff on the ever-popular dog-ate-my-homework theme; would that every child's homework excuses were as legitimate as Martin's. (Picture book. 5-8)"
When a beloved teacher is replaced by a substitute for the week, Martin lives out every homework excuse in the book. Read full book review >