cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Check out our interview with Rick Yancey, author of the wildly entertaining YA thriller The 5th Wave.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



2012 Christmas and Hanukkah Roundup

Cover art for CHRISTMASTIME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2012
Kirkus Star CHRISTMASTIME
by Alison Jay, illustrated by Alison Jay
"The Christmas season is full of magical surprises, and Jay's absorbing creation conveys that sense of magic, from the tiny sleeping mouse on the first page to the snowman peeking in the window on Christmas morning. (Picture book. 2-7)"
Jay's signature style of painting with muted, antique colors and a crackled-varnish effect is showcased exquisitely in this deceptively simple tour de force filled with tiny, hidden surprises to delight inquisitive readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for TURKEY CLAUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 6, 2012
TURKEY CLAUS
by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
"Not a complete turkey, but close. (Picture book. 4-8)"
In this sequel to Turkey Trouble (2009), a comical turkey again avoids being the main dish at a holiday dinner. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHRISTMAS TUGBOAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 6, 2012
THE CHRISTMAS TUGBOAT: HOW THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE CAME TO NEW YORK CITY
by George Matteson, Adele Ursone, illustrated by James E. Ransome
"Children in New York City who have seen the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will enjoy the atmospheric story; others may be puzzled by all the geographical references. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
A girl joins her tugboat-captain dad (along with her mom) on a family trip as they tow a barge with a gigantic Christmas tree and some immense ornaments into New York City for the holiday display at Rockefeller Center. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NUTCRACKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE NUTCRACKER: A MAGIC THEATER BOOK
by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Kristina Swarner
"This innovative Nutcracker has a magical appeal all its own. (Picture book. 4-8)"
The enduring magic of E.T.A. Hoffman's holiday story is captured in this innovative interpretation, which offers enchanting illustrations and a skillfully retold story. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BIRDS OF BETHLEHEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 30, 2012
THE BIRDS OF BETHLEHEM
by Tomie dePaola, illustrated by Tomie dePaola
"Many other Nativity stories, such as Hurry! Hurry! Have You Heard? by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Jane Dyer (2008), more effectively convey the excitement of animal characters journeying to the stable. (Picture book/religion. 3-7)"
A quiet, simple story told by pairs of birds who witness the Nativity scene in Bethlehem. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NIGHT SANTA GOT LOST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 22, 2012
THE NIGHT SANTA GOT LOST: HOW NORAD SAVED CHRISTMAS
by Michael Keane, illustrated by Michael Garland
"Children with parents serving in the armed forces will be especially fond of this version of the beloved poem. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Santa and his reindeer get lost in a blizzard, but the U.S. military comes to the rescue in this ingenious parody of "The Night Before Christmas." Read full book review >