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

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Cover art for EXTRA YARN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
EXTRA YARN
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
"A quiet story of sharing with no strings attached. (Picture book. 4-7)"
A little girl in a town of white snow and soot-blackened chimneys opens a small box and discovers a never-ending gift of colorful yarn. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JOHN SMITH, JR., AKA HOUDINI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
Kirkus Star THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JOHN SMITH, JR., AKA HOUDINI
by Peter Johnson
"In the end, Houdini realizes that writing has changed him and altered his perspective on people and life. Readers will feel the same way. And just try to get kids not to make their own lists or attempt their own novels. (Fiction. 9-12)"
A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read--and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical. Read full book review >
Cover art for GEORGIA IN HAWAII
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 27, 2012
GEORGIA IN HAWAII: WHEN GEORGIA O'KEEFFE PAINTED WHAT SHE PLEASED
by Amy Novesky, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
"Accessible, unfussy and visually charming. (author's and illustrator's notes; sources) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
An appealing and slightly humorous portrayal of O'Keeffe's artistic vision and determination, along with a peek at the Hawaii of over half a century ago. Read full book review >
Cover art for IT JES' HAPPENED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star IT JES' HAPPENED: WHEN BILL TRAYLOR STARTED TO DRAW
by Don Tate, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
"An important picture-book biography that lovingly introduces this "outsider" artist to a new generation. (source notes, afterword) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Tate and Christie capture the spirit behind the work of Bill Traylor, "one of the most important self-taught American folk artists of the twentieth century." Read full book review >
Cover art for CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
by Chuck Close
"Art lovers of all ages will revel in this vivid, wonderfully affecting book, which is almost as ingenious and memorable as Close himself. (timeline, glossary, list of resources and illustration credits) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
A magnificent interactive "face book" portrait of the artist. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE AMAZING HARRY KELLAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE AMAZING HARRY KELLAR: GREAT AMERICAN MAGICIAN
by Gail Jarrow
"Dozens of spectacular Kellar posters along with a dramatic book design nicely support this well-constructed look at a consummate showman. (timeline, bibliography, annotated sources) (Biography. 10-14)"
A first-rate visual presentation accompanies a fascinating biography of the first dean of the Society of American Magicians, a man Houdini regarded as a mentor. Read full book review >