Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




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


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Cover art for IT JES' HAPPENED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Don Tate, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

"An important picture-book biography that lovingly introduces this "outsider" artist to a new generation. (source notes, afterword) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Tate and Christie capture the spirit behind the work of Bill Traylor, "one of the most important self-taught American folk artists of the twentieth century." Read full book review >
Cover art for WATER SINGS BLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
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 FISH HAD A WISH
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Michael Garland, illustrated by Michael Garland

"From the beaver's coat to the tiger lily's petals to the snakeskin, this fish tale is a keeper. (Picture book/early reader. 4-8)"
Take a conventional story, add a new art technique--and voilà, a striking picture book is born. Read full book review >
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 THE BEETLE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
by Steve Jenkins, illustrated by Steve Jenkins

"Otherwise, distinguished both as natural history and work of art. (Nonfiction. 7-12) "
Jenkins' splendid array of beetles will surely produce at least one budding coleopterist. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHLOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
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 >