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Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



2011 Best Books for Children: Picture Books

Cover art for WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO?
by Adolph Green, Betty Comden, illustrated by Travis Foster
"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 UNDERGROUND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 18, 2011
Kirkus Star UNDERGROUND
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 >
Cover art for SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
Kirkus Star SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT
by Il Sung Na, illustrated by Il Sung Na
"Quiet winter wonders. (Picture book. 1-5)"
Falling snow and bare branches herald winter to everyone, including a rabbit who watches geese flying south, bears hibernating, turtles paddling to warm waters, sheep huddling, squirrels stacking acorns, deer foraging, frogs submerging and mice tunneling. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHERE'S WALRUS?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star WHERE'S WALRUS?
by Stephen Savage, illustrated by Stephen Savage
"Refreshing, captivating, elegant and witty. (Picture book. 3-7)"
It's another slow day at the zoo—not. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPINSTER GOOSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
Kirkus Star SPINSTER GOOSE: TWISTED RHYMES FOR NAUGHTY CHILDREN
by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
"Gorey kids. (Picture book/poetry. 8 & up)"
Delectably satiric nursery rhymes play with naughtiness and punishment. Read full book review >
Cover art for FRIENDS ALL AFLUTTER!
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
Kirkus Star FRIENDS ALL AFLUTTER!
by Andy Runton, illustrated by Andy Runton
"New format, new look, same "Aw, shucks" story, art and characters. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Graphic novelist Runton trades off page count for picture-book-bright hues and tones in his first all-color Owly story. Read full book review >