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

Cover art for COLD SNAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
Kirkus Star COLD SNAP
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
Kirkus Star I HAVE A DREAM
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
Kirkus Star SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
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 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 WHAT'S THE TIME, MR. WOLF?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
Kirkus Star WHAT'S THE TIME, MR. WOLF?
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 DREAMING UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DREAMING UP: A CELEBRATION OF BUILDING
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 >