Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: Books to Make You Laugh


Cover art for STUCK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 10, 2011
by Oliver Jeffers, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

"Floyd's stubbornness and the smorgasbord-filled tree remain funny through repeated readings, offering kids the special glee of knowing more than the protagonist. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Everything but the kitchen sink gets tossed up a tree to help Floyd retrieve his kite--oops, there goes the kitchen sink too! Read full book review >
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 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 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 >