Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Nonfiction (page 2)


Cover art for ISLAND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Jason Chin, illustrated by Jason Chin

"Another superb contribution to scientific literature by Chin. (Informational picture book. 8-12) "
A beautifully made picture book presents the story of the Galápagos Islands for young readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"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 A BLACK HOLE IS NOT A HOLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012

"Hole-y astronomy! (timeline, glossary, author's note, bibliography, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
Oh, my stars! As the cover proclaims, a black hole may not be an actual hole, but readers will be glad they fell into this book. Read full book review >
Cover art for DREAMING UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
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 BEETLE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
by Steve Jenkins, illustrated by Steve Jenkins

"Otherwise, distinguished both as natural history and work of art. (Nonfiction. 7-12) "
Jenkins' splendid array of beetles will surely produce at least one budding coleopterist. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZOMBIE MAKERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"Science writing at its grossest and best, though as the title (not to mention the blood-spattered pages) warns, not for the squeamish. (author's note, glossary, notes, bibliography, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 10-13)"
Solid (sometimes writhing) proof that the scariest zombie flicks have nothing on Nature. Read full book review >