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Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books (page 3)

Cover art for CHLOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
Kirkus Star CHLOE
by Peter McCarty, illustrated by Peter McCarty
"Beautifully benign illustrations conjure powerful familial feelings. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Who wouldn't want to put on a monster show in a big, cardboard box or pop bubble wrap at rapid-fire speed? Read full book review >
Cover art for QUESTION BOY MEETS LITTLE MISS KNOW-IT-ALL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012
Kirkus Star QUESTION BOY MEETS LITTLE MISS KNOW-IT-ALL
by Peter Catalanotto, illustrated by Peter Catalanotto
"Grown-ups beware. Youngsters might have their own questions and answers after this romp. (Picture book. 4-8)"
An irresistible force meets an immovable object with hilarious results. Read full book review >
Cover art for WATER SINGS BLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WATER SINGS BLUE: OCEAN POEMS
by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Meilo So
"Share this admirable appreciation with a wide audience. (Picture book/poetry. 4-10) "
Twenty-three poems and evocative watercolor paintings pay tribute to the wonders of the ocean world. Read full book review >
Cover art for APPLESAUCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star APPLESAUCE
by Klaas Verplancke, illustrated by Klaas Verplancke, translated by Helen Mixter
"Reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are in its visual transformations and emotional intensity, but with a more present and openly loving parent. (Picture book. 4-6)"
"My daddy has warm hands. His fingers taste like applesauce. I wish he had a thousand hands." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE QUIET PLACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star THE QUIET PLACE
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 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 >