Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2012 Christmas and Hanukkah Roundup (page 3)


Cover art for SANTA FROM CINCINNATI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

"The droll, understated wit of the text and the delightfully comical, skillfully planned illustrations make this a story that will delight both children and adult readers. (Picture book. 4-8)"
It's Santa Claus the prequel in this witty exploration of Santa's younger years. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHRISTMAS PARADE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Sandra Boynton, illustrated by Sandra Boynton

"Boynton's buoyant text and comical characters march to their own inimitable drummer. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Boynton's droll animal characters march through this small volume with their usual deadpan humor, set off by her minimalist rhyming text. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, DEEP UNDER THE SEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Kathie Kelleher, illustrated by Dan Andreasen

"A clever and creative parody of the old holiday chestnut. (Picture book. 4-7)"
An amusing parody of "The Night Before Christmas," set in an underwater world with marine life filling the familiar roles of family members and Santa. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAD SANTA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Tad Carpenter, illustrated by Tad Carpenter

"Feeling sad after Christmas is a worthwhile concept for discussion with children, and Santa's transformation to busy and energized provides a subtle lesson for the post-Christmas season. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Poor Santa Claus suffers from post-Christmas letdown in this amusing and unusual look at the motivation behind Santa's drive to make everyone happy with their gifts. Read full book review >
Cover art for OUR VERY OWN CHRISTMAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Annette Langen, illustrated by Marije Tolman

"With elements of magical realism, this story offers a creative, challenging exploration of a Christmas journey. (Picture book. 4-6)"
An adventurous little girl and her younger brother act out the Nativity story with friendly animals in a snow-covered, mysterious land in this intriguing story originally published in Switzerland. Read full book review >
Cover art for SANTA'S HAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Linda Bleck, illustrated by Linda Bleck

"Not particularly hilarious or inventive, but a simple and satisfying enough story for the season. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Santa can't find his hat on Christmas Eve, so he tries on lots of other types of headwear until Mrs. Claus and the elves solve his problem. Read full book review >