Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: Books to Make You Laugh (page 2)


Cover art for DEAD END IN NORVELT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011

"Characteristically provocative gothic comedy, with sublime undertones. (Autobiographical fiction. 11-13)"
An exhilarating summer marked by death, gore and fire sparks deep thoughts in a small-town lad not uncoincidentally named "Jack Gantos." 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 A FEW BLOCKS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
by Cybèle Young, illustrated by Cybèle Young

"Amazing. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Young's latest attempts to be many things--a foray into a child's imagination, a touching tale of siblings and a stage for the author's elaborate paper sculptures--and it succeeds masterfully in doing all three. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAGON CASTLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 9, 2011

"The story recalls Lloyd Alexander at his wry, humane best; readers will be happy for every moment they spend at castle Hladka Hvorka. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Noted Native American storyteller and author Bruchac turns to the Slovakian side of his family heritage to produce an entirely fresh and funny fantasy. Read full book review >
Cover art for COOKIEBOT!
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2011
by Katie Van Camp, illustrated by Lincoln Agnew

"Inventive, animated and irresistible. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Harry and Horsie return to battle a giant, cookie-eating robot in this winning tale that will satisfy sweet tooth and thrill-seeker alike. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUISH, SUPER AMOEBA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011

"If ever a new series deserved to go viral, this one does. (Graphic novel. 7-9)"
The hilarious misadventures of a hapless young everylad who happens to be an amoeba. Read full book review >