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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



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

Cover art for RED SLED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star RED SLED
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
Kirkus Star MOUSE & LION
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
Kirkus Star LOVE, MOUSERELLA
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
Kirkus Star A FEW BLOCKS
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
ORANI: MY FATHER'S VILLAGE
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
Kirkus Star COOKIEBOT!: A HARRY AND HORSIE ADVENTURE
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 >