CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"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).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"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?
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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.
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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)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
"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.
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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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
"Together words and pictures create an utterly engaging picture-book experience—eye-catching, thought-provoking and just plain fun. (Picture book. 4-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 19, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2011
"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.
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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.
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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."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
"Appealing, unique and not to be missed. (Picture book. 5-10)"
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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
"Refreshing, captivating, elegant and witty. (Picture book. 3-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
"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.
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