Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




30 Top July Children's Books (page 2)


Cover art for ROCKET WRITES A STORY
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 24, 2012
by Tad Hills, illustrated by Tad Hills

"A perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers. (Picture book. 4-8)"
For new reader Rocket, every new book is a treasure and an adventure, "like a place he'd never been to, like a friend he'd never met." Read full book review >
Cover art for OUT ON THE PRAIRIE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 21, 2012
by Donna M. Bateman, illustrated by Susan Swan

"Another outstanding appreciation of the natural world for young readers and listeners both. (Informational picture book. 4-8)"
Traditionally patterned verses celebrate the flora, fauna and wide sky of the mixed-grass prairie of Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Read full book review >
Cover art for TIMELESS THOMAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012
by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Gene Barretta

"A glowing tribute to the inventor who continues to influence modern life. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 7-11)"
A fine introduction to Thomas Edison's exceptional inventions, innovations and career--and how his work continues to affect our lives today. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOONBIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012

"Meticulously researched and told with inspiring prose and stirring images, this is a gripping, triumphant story of science and survival. (photographs, source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
As he did in The Race to Save the Lord God Bird (2004), Hoose explores the tragedy of extinction through a single bird species, but there is hope for survival in this story, and that hope is pinned on understanding the remarkable longevity of a single bird. Read full book review >
Cover art for INVINCIBLE MICROBE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012

"Who knew the biography of a germ could be so fascinating? (acknowledgments, picture credits, index [not seen]) (Nonfiction. 9-14)"
Murphy and Blank chronicle the story of the tuberculosis microorganism, the greatest serial killer of all time. Read full book review >
Cover art for JACK AND THE BAKED BEANSTALK
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012
by Colin Stimpson, illustrated by Colin Stimpson

"Stimpson's money-can't-buy-happiness moral goes down easily with the help of his wonderfully atmospheric artwork. (Picture book. 3-9)"
Stimpson's authorial debut is a remaking of the timeless fairy tale that includes both a wonderfully fleshed-out city circa the 1930s and an ending that is happy for everyone. Read full book review >