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2011 Best Books for Children: The Complete List (page 5)

Cover art for THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF JACK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 2, 2011
Kirkus Star THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF JACK
by Kelly Barnhill
"An enticing read that is certain to keep both the hero and audience guessing at every carefully plotted reveal. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
A truly splendid amalgamation of mystery, magic and creeping horror will spellbind the middle-grade set. Read full book review >
Cover art for NAAMAH AND THE ARK AT NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star NAAMAH AND THE ARK AT NIGHT
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Holly Meade
"This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way. (Picture book. 3-7)"
The animals march along two by two in most Noah's Ark stories, but Noah's partner is often missing altogether. In this unusual interpretation of one of the most popular Bible stories, it's Noah's wife who is the star as she sings the arkful of animals to sleep. Read full book review >
Cover art for EDDIE'S WAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star EDDIE'S WAR
by Carol Fisher Saller
" "
In her first outing for children, Saller (The Subversive Copy Editor, 2009) provides a poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II. 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 RAH, RAH, RADISHES!
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 14, 2011
Kirkus Star RAH, RAH, RADISHES! : A VEGETABLE CHANT
by April Pulley Sayre, photographed by April Pulley Sayre
"A winning recipe blending crispy verse and fresh photography: Go team! (Picture book. 3-7)"
Let's hear it for the veggies! Read full book review >