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Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books

Cover art for MOM, IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
Kirkus Star MOM, IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!
by Hyewon Yum, illustrated by Hyewon Yum
"Yum has perfectly captured the emotional ups and downs of both parent and child in a visually expressive work that will shore up adults as they send their children off on that momentous day. (Picture book. 4-7, adult)"
Yum, known for using text and artwork to explore emotions (There Are No Scary Wolves, 2010, etc.), looks at the first day of school from two points of view--that of a little boy who is more than ready and a nervous mother not quite prepared to let him go. Read full book review >
Cover art for JIMMY THE GREATEST!
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012
Kirkus Star JIMMY THE GREATEST!
by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng, translated by Elisa Amado
"Eye-opening inspiration in this unassuming import from Colombia. (Picture book. 6-8)"
In a thought-provoking twist on the usual immigrant story, a village lad elects to stay put. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHO BUILT THE STABLE?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
Kirkus Star WHO BUILT THE STABLE?: A NATIVITY POEM
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 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 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 WE MARCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
Kirkus Star WE MARCH
by Shane W. Evans, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
"Share with readers of all ages as a beautiful message about peaceful protest and purposeful action. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
An African-American family awakens before dawn to prepare for the historic March on Washington in August, 1963. Read full book review >