Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books


Cover art for FIFTY CENTS AND A DREAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 4, 2012
by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Bryan Collier

"An outstanding achievement and a life worthy of note. (additional facts, author's note, illustrator's note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)"
A former slave fulfills his quest for an education and much more in this superbly designed tribute to an oft-maligned African-American educator and author. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLEY'S FIRST NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
by Amy Hest, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

"Be forewarned: Youngsters will find Charley as irresistible as Henry does and will no doubt beg for puppies of their own. (Picture book. 4-8)"
The tenderness a child feels for his new puppy seeps from the pages of a book sure to be instantly beloved. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAN FROM THE LAND OF FANDANGO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Polly Dunbar

"Wonderfully exuberant and completely delightful. (Picture book. 3-8)"
There's fun for all when the man from Fandango comes to call. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPIRIT SEEKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
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 I HAVE A DREAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
illustrated by Kadir Nelson, by Martin Luther King

"A title for remembrance and for re-dedication to the dream, published in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Informational picture book. 5 & up)"
An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20th-century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
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 >