Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: Picture Books That Celebrate Friends and Family


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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 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 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 ORANI
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2011
by Claire A. Nivola, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

"Neither a story with a plot nor a full-blown memoir, this brief look at a town suspended in time resonates with happiness and could spark some children to reflect on their own idyllic summers in a new way. (map, author's note) (Picture book/memoir. 7-10)"
Intriguing pictures full of small details bring alive the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures of a small Sardinian town in the 1950s. 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 BLACKOUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011
by John Rocco, illustrated by John Rocco

"Not all young readers will have experienced a blackout, but this engaging snapshot could easily have them wishing for one. (Picture book. 5-8)"
"It started out as a normal summer night"--until the lights go out, citywide. 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 ALL THE WAY TO AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
by Dan Yaccarino, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

"A gloriously warm celebration. (Picture book. 5-9)"
With clarity and deep affection, Yaccarino turns his family history into a story of enduring charm. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SECRET BOX
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Barbara Lehman, illustrated by Barbara Lehman

"Wonderful! (Picture book. 4-8)"
Once again, Caldecott Honoree Lehman (The Red Book, 2004) presents surprising visuals that playfully and mysteriously connect children across space and time. 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 UNDERGROUND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 18, 2011
by Shane W. Evans, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

"Lengthier accounts of travel on the Underground Railroad abound, but few if any portray the experience with such compelling immediacy. (afterword) (Picture book. 5-9)"
Powerfully expressive imagery will sweep young viewers into this suspenseful journey along the Underground Railroad. Read full book review >