Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: Books for Animal Lovers


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Cover art for RED SLED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
by Lita Judge, illustrated by Lita Judge

"Pure genius. (Picture book. 2-7)"
Judge's latest may be virtually wordless, but it packs a powerful visual punch that will stick with readers long after the final page is turned. Read full book review >
Cover art for SECRETS AT SEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy

"Sheer delight. (final art not seen) (Animal fantasy. 8-12)"
Problem novels, ghost stories, historical fiction--is there anything Newbery Medalist Peck cannot do? Apparently not. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
adapted by Jerry Pinkney, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

"Just another superb outing from a fixed star twinkling in the children's-literature firmament. (Picture book. 3-6)"
In Pinkney's sumptuous elaboration of the familiar lullaby a chipmunk's nighttime odyssey takes on the same epic scope as his Caldecott winning The Lion and the Mouse (2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE INQUISITOR'S APPRENTICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
by Chris Moriarty, illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer

"A marvelous, mystical romp that doesn't ignore reality. A hint of a possible sequel whets readers' appetite for more: Yes, please! (author's note) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Thirteen-year-old Sacha lives in New York City's Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Or does he? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)"
"He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms." And for all his harsh early life and unnatural dietary preferences, ragged London alley cat Skilley gets to look at a queen, too. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"Fresh and vintage at the same time; an accompanying CD would have made it perfect. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Can't all the animals just get along? Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSE & LION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
retold by Rand Burkert, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert

"A favorite ancient fable beautifully presented in the tradition of the finest picture books, this does not replace Jerry Pinkney's transcendent, Caldecott-winning The Lion & the Mouse but proudly takes its place beside it. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
A wee African grass mouse "receives top billing" (according to a concluding note) in this visually stunning retelling of Aesop's fable set amid the Aha Hills of Africa. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLUE CHICKEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
by Deborah Freedman, illustrated by Deborah Freedman

"Delicate and durable, visually sophisticated yet friendly: simply exquisite. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Breathtakingly beautiful meta-illustrations will draw many eyes to this tale of a curious chicken who spills some paint. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOVE, MOUSERELLA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
by David Ezra Stein, illustrated by David Ezra Stein

"Sometimes snail mail is just better. Here's proof. (Picture book. 5-7)"
Bestrewing lined sheets with crayon drawings, Polaroids, smudges, a ketchup packet (not a real one) and other signs of affection, a mouseling writes a newsy love note to her Grandmouse. Read full book review >
Cover art for NAAMAH AND THE ARK AT NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011

"This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way. (Picture book. 3-7)"
The animals march along two by two in most Noah's Ark stories, but Noah's partner is often missing altogether. In this unusual interpretation of one of the most popular Bible stories, it's Noah's wife who is the star as she sings the arkful of animals to sleep. Read full book review >
Cover art for PIG KAHUNA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Jennifer Sattler, illustrated by Jennifer Sattler

"Together words and pictures create an utterly engaging picture-book experience—eye-catching, thought-provoking and just plain fun. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Surfer pigs rise above aphorisms. Read full book review >
Cover art for WILD WINGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 19, 2011
by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Yuta Onoda

"With universal themes of life and death, friendship and respect for the natural world, this is still quite particular, a powerfully memorable story of a boy's grief and determination to keep a promise. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Striving to protect the osprey nesting on his family's farm in Scotland, 11-year-old Callum McGregor watches the bird throughout summer, uses a computer to follow her migration to Africa and sets in motion a remarkable chain of events. Read full book review >
Cover art for IF I NEVER FOREVER ENDEAVOR
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2011
by Holly Meade, illustrated by Holly Meade

"An irresistible invitation to test those wings and fly. (Picture book. 4-8)"
To fly or not to fly is the question for a little bird weighing the pros and cons of launching into the unknown. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MANATEE SCIENTISTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2011

"Overall, it lives up to the standards set by others in this stellar series. (maps, resources, glossary, author's note, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
This latest addition to an always-intriguing series describes the work of Fernando Rosas, John Reynolds and Lucy Keith studying manatees in different parts of the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for ME...JANE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011

"Backmatter includes a pithy biography, additional photographs and a letter and drawing from Jane herself—children will thrill at the connection. (Picture book/biography. 2-10)"
Little Jane Goodall and Jubilee (her toy chimpanzee) ramble outside their English country home observing everyday animal miracles and dreaming of a life in Africa, "living with, / and helping, / all animals." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WATCHER
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
by Jeanette Winter, illustrated by Jeanette Winter

"Quotes from Jane augment this inspiring book, encouraging young people to join her as dutiful watchers of the world. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 2-10)"
Economical art and language produce a fully fleshed-out biography of Jane Goodall, tracing her early years as a watcher of English fauna to her adult work as scholar of animal behavior in Africa. Read full book review >
Cover art for FRIENDS ALL AFLUTTER!
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
by Andy Runton, illustrated by Andy Runton

"New format, new look, same "Aw, shucks" story, art and characters. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Graphic novelist Runton trades off page count for picture-book-bright hues and tones in his first all-color Owly story. Read full book review >
Cover art for TEN BIRDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Cybèle Young, illustrated by Cybèle Young

"Appealing, unique and not to be missed. (Picture book. 5-10)"
Ten small birds have a serious problem. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SUNDOWN RULE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011

"Unfolding with the implacable clarity of the natural world Louise reveres, the novel proves that a quiet story can be as gripping as the busiest action-packed narrative—and with more staying power. (Fiction. 8-12)"
This spare, lovely novel concerns that moment in childhood, at once universal and utterly lonely, when one is forced to recognize that all life is mortal. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHERE'S WALRUS?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Stephen Savage, illustrated by Stephen Savage

"Refreshing, captivating, elegant and witty. (Picture book. 3-7)"
It's another slow day at the zoo—not. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAN WE SAVE THE TIGER?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White

"This is a treasure for teachers and animal lovers alike. (Informational picture book. 5-9)"
From big, beautiful tigers to the lowly partula snail, the stunning illustrations in this album of endangered species accompany a familiar message: Human actions change the world in ways that affect many other species. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
by Il Sung Na, illustrated by Il Sung Na

"Quiet winter wonders. (Picture book. 1-5)"
Falling snow and bare branches herald winter to everyone, including a rabbit who watches geese flying south, bears hibernating, turtles paddling to warm waters, sheep huddling, squirrels stacking acorns, deer foraging, frogs submerging and mice tunneling. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOUNG FREDLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
by Cynthia Voigt, illustrated by Louise Yates

"Expressive black-and-white spot art heightens the drama. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)"
Unexpectedly cast into alien territory, an inquisitive mouse discovers the world's an amazing place in this classic home-away-home tale. Read full book review >