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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

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Best Children's Books of 2012: Books About the Arts

Cover art for SPIRIT SEEKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
Kirkus Star SPIRIT SEEKER: JOHN COLTRANE'S MUSICAL JOURNEY
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
"Lyrically narrated, resplendently illustrated, and deeply respectful of both subject and audience. (afterword, author's and artist's notes, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)"
In attuned counterpoint, Golio and Gutierrez present a portrait of John Coltrane's lifelong quest to discover and share his spiritual truth through music. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
Kirkus Star SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
by Wynton Marsalis, illustrated by Paul Rogers
"Loud and clear, the creators show how tuning into everyday sounds can inspire music. Clap, clap, CLAP! (Picture Book. 3-7)"
Marsalis and Rogers, who collaborated on the scintillating Jazz ABZ (2005), reunite for this sonic celebration for the younger crowd. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHO BUILT THE STABLE?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
Kirkus Star WHO BUILT THE STABLE?: A NATIVITY POEM
by Ashley Bryan, illustrated by Ashley Bryan
"Brilliant. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Bryan's Christmas offering combines a poignant poem about a shepherd boy who builds his own stable with exuberant paintings in a masterful melding of rhythmic text and dazzling art. Read full book review >
Cover art for DREAMING UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DREAMING UP: A CELEBRATION OF BUILDING
by Christy Hale, illustrated by Christy Hale
"This extraordinary new picture book masterfully tackles the complex task of contextualizing seemingly complex architectural concepts within a child's own world of play. (Informational picture book/poetry. 2-8)"
Hale turns her educated eye to modern and contemporary architecture and produces a book that is at once groundbreaking, child-friendly and marvelously inclusive. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE QUIET PLACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star THE QUIET PLACE
by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small
"A warm, gentle portrait of an immigrant's isolation and the ways that creativity and a loving family can offer both a safe haven and a bridge. (Picture book. 4-8)"
As in Stewart and Small's previous The Gardener (1997) and The Journey (2001), letters to a loved one become the vehicle for a girl to explore what she sees, feels and comes to understand upon leaving home for the first time. Read full book review >
Cover art for MONSIEUR MARCEAU
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
Kirkus Star MONSIEUR MARCEAU: ACTOR WITHOUT WORDS
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Gérard DuBois
"An exceptional life; a stunning achievement. (afterword, source notes, further reading) (Picture book biography. 4-10) "
Audiences thrilled to his mesmerizing performances, in which he spoke through his expressive body without uttering a single word. Read full book review >