Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books


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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 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 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 BOOT & SHOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Marla Frazee, illustrated by Marla Frazee

"Read unhurried, in a lap, again and again. (Picture book. 4-7) "
This gem about canine siblings goes from peaceful routine to funny mayhem to erroneous bereavement--and relief. Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD SNAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

"This may not be the most exciting or enthralling winter tale, but it is perfect for sharing during readers' own cold snaps--calming, reassuring, charming. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A community caught under the pall of a weeklong cold snap comes together in this cozy, old-fashioned story that is high on both charm and appeal. 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 >
Cover art for THIS IS NOT MY HAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Jon Klassen, illustrated by Jon Klassen

"Hats off! (Picture book. 4-8)"
Klassen combines spare text and art to deliver no small measure of laughs in another darkly comic haberdashery whodunit. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT'S THE TIME, MR. WOLF?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Debi Gliori, illustrated by Debi Gliori

"There is much to enjoy here, and the illustrations and allusions beg for repeat readings. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Readers check in on Mr. Wolf every hour of his birthday, but it seems like the poor guy just can't catch a break on his special day. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHO BUILT THE STABLE?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
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
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 SANTA TRAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Poly Bernatene

"Now, some will find these devilishly delinquent developments positively beyond the bounds of good taste. But many others will say, "Naughty. But nice." (Picture book. 5-9)"
A beady-eyed brat sits in a red, thronelike chair, glaring out of the cover in this hilarious, bizarre holiday story. What's that machinery behind him, and what is that kid up to? Read full book review >
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 THE QUIET PLACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
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 CASTLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012

"And will a young scholar read it again and look for more? You bet--it's great fuel for the imagination. (Nonfiction early reader. 4-8)"
Hooray for the launch of a new nonfiction series for newly fledged readers! Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU ARE STARDUST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2012
by Elin Kelsey, illustrated by Soyeon Kim

"A remarkable achievement. (Picture book. 5-12)"
We are made of earth and water and air and stardust, and we are more related to animals and plants than we ever imagined. Read full book review >
Cover art for ELECTRIC BEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2012
by Robert Byrd, illustrated by Robert Byrd

"A work of breadth and energy, just like its subject; engaging and brimming with appeal for a wide audience. (Biography. 8-14)"
A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH, NO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
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 THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
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 >