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Best Children's Books of 2012: Friends & Family in Picture Books (page 2)

Cover art for THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
Kirkus Star THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
by Aesop, retold by Helen Ward, illustrated by Helen Ward
"A visual stunner. (Picture book. 4-7)"
In this splendid retelling of Aesop's familiar fable, a country mouse leaves his bucolic existence to sample the glitz and glam of the city, only to discover there's absolutely no place like home. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH, NO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
Kirkus Star OH, NO!
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann
"Oh, yes! This is a terrific new picture book. (Picture book. 2-6)"
With text that begs to be read aloud and sumptuous illustrations made by a master printmaker, this picture book reads like an instant classic. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
"The Steads' work adopts a folkloric approach to cooperative relationships; the affectionately rendered animals that stand in for humans convey a nurturing respect for child readers. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Within a gentle tale of hibernation and renewal, the Steads' second collaboration (after Caldecott-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee) explores a second, internal theme: the nature of the storytelling narrative itself. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frané Lessac
"A joy to read. Play calypso music and celebrate! (author's note, glossary and pronunciation guide, author's sources) (Picture book/biography. 3-8)"
Winston, a boy in Trinidad, wishes that he could play in a band and win free rotis, the delicious island specialty prepared by the Roti King and presented to the best performers at Carnival. Read full book review >
Cover art for PENNY AND HER DOLL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star PENNY AND HER DOLL
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin Henkes
"A doll of a beginning reader. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Following Penny and Her Song (2012), Henkes delivers an even stronger slice of anthropomorphic mouse life for beginning readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for APPLESAUCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star APPLESAUCE
by Klaas Verplancke, illustrated by Klaas Verplancke, translated by Helen Mixter
"Reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are in its visual transformations and emotional intensity, but with a more present and openly loving parent. (Picture book. 4-6)"
"My daddy has warm hands. His fingers taste like applesauce. I wish he had a thousand hands." Read full book review >