Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Halloween Picture-Book Roundup


Cover art for HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
by Liesbet Slegers, illustrated by Liesbet Slegers

"Pass on this slim offering, which adds little to the crowded field of preschool Halloween fare. (Picture book. 3-5)"
This Dutch import, although well intentioned, fails to translate into a winning holiday book for preschoolers. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWELVE HAUNTED ROOMS OF HALLOWEEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 6, 2011
illustrated by Macky Pamintuan

"This peek-and-find story is sure to please. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Should readers tag along with an amiable bear into a haunted house? Absolutely! Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW TO DRAW A HAPPY WITCH AND 99 THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 6, 2011
by Joy Sikorski, illustrated by Joy Sikorski, by Nick Sunday, illustrated by Nick Sunday

"Those looking for helpful drawing lessons will be better served by instructional volumes from Ed Emberley or Ralph Masiello. (Informational picture book. 5-8) "
This book tries to be so many things, but they add up to very little. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSE AND MOLE, A PERFECT HALLOWEEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 5, 2011
by Wong Herbert Yee, illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee

"Superb! (Early reader. 5-8)"
Mouse and Mole prepare for Halloween in the sixth book of Yee's popular series. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAUNTED HOUSE, HAUNTED MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

"Consider this a Halloween treat for children ready for longer, more visually complex picture-book fare. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Those charmed by Mouse's previous adventures in One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale (2009) and Cinco de Mouse-O! (2010) should prepare for gasps and giggles as he struggles through a series of (somewhat) unfortunate events. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HOUSE THAT WITCHY BUILT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011

"Use to get the (Halloween) party started. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Can a picture book inspired by "The House that Jack Built" do anything new? Storyteller de las Casas gives it her all in converting one of her favorite stories to the printed page. Read full book review >