Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: Nonfiction (page 2)


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 DIEGO RIVERA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Duncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

"Both solid introduction and exhortation, this book will thrill budding artists. (glossary, author's note, bibliography, lists of museums and paintings) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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A simple picture-book biography of Diego Rivera concentrates on his artistic career and encourages children to imagine themselves painting their own world. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MANATEE SCIENTISTS
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. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WATCHER
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
by Jeanette Winter, illustrated by Jeanette Winter

"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. Read full book review >
Cover art for ME...JANE
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." Read full book review >
Cover art for PABLO NERUDA
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 29, 2011
by Monica Brown, illustrated by Julie Paschkis

"A visual and thematic stunner. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book. 4-11)"
More than a heartwarming portrait of Chile's most revered poet, this splendid tribute to Pablo Neruda animates his global appeal with a visceral immediacy capable of seducing readers of any age. Read full book review >