Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




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


Cover art for HEROES OF THE SURF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

"Riveting reading, well-timed for the centennial of the Titanic's sinking. (afterword) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Based on a true story of shipwreck and rescue, Carbone's tale is leavened with narration by Anthony, a venturesome lad whose penchant for playing pirates helps him through the harrowing event. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSTERPIECE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012

"The joyful clarity of both vision and execution thrills. (notes on 22 artists referenced) (Picture book. 3-7)"
Who needs a cookie? Give a mouse a paintbrush! Read full book review >
Cover art for I SAW A PEACOCK WITH A FIERY TAIL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012

"Indian folk art triumphantly meets 17th-century English trick verse in this sophisticated graphic venture fit for middle graders on up. (Picture book/poetry. 10 & up)"
Creative worlds collude and collide in this contemporary rendering of a well-known 17th-century English poem. Read full book review >
Cover art for A HOME FOR BIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 5, 2012
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Philip C. Stead

Vernon is both a toad and a forager for found objects. Ambling along with his latest haul, he chances upon a creature he seeks to know and then to help. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

"The Steads' work adopts a folkloric approach to cooperative relationships; the affectionately rendered animals that stand in for humans convey a nurturing respect for child readers. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Within a gentle tale of hibernation and renewal, the Steads' second collaboration (after Caldecott-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee) explores a second, internal theme: the nature of the storytelling narrative itself. Read full book review >
Cover art for HIDE & SEEK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 8, 2012
by Il Sung Na, illustrated by Il Sung Na

"Ready or not! Here comes a book worth finding. (Picture book. 2-5) "
Expert hide-and-seekers will hear the hushed scuttles and feel the quickened pulses as a group of animals plays a rain forest game of hide-and-seek. Read full book review >