Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books (page 4)


Cover art for THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
by Aesop, retold by Helen Ward, illustrated by Helen Ward

"A visual stunner. (Picture book. 4-7)"
In this splendid retelling of Aesop's familiar fable, a country mouse leaves his bucolic existence to sample the glitz and glam of the city, only to discover there's absolutely no place like home. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH, NO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

"Oh, yes! This is a terrific new picture book. (Picture book. 2-6)"
With text that begs to be read aloud and sumptuous illustrations made by a master printmaker, this picture book reads like an instant classic. Read full book review >
Cover art for ONE TIMES SQUARE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 6, 2012
by Joe McKendry, illustrated by Joe McKendry

"Just like Times Square itself, the pages are filled to the brim. (sources) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
An unexpected history of a very famous intersection. 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 MONSIEUR MARCEAU
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Gérard DuBois

"An exceptional life; a stunning achievement. (afterword, source notes, further reading) (Picture book biography. 4-10) "
Audiences thrilled to his mesmerizing performances, in which he spoke through his expressive body without uttering a single word. Read full book review >
Cover art for NEVER TRUST A TIGER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
retold by Lari Don, illustrated by Melanie Williamson

"An excellent addition to both the folk tale genre and the early-reader shelf. (Folk tale/early reader. 4-7)"
Does one good turn deserve another? Read full book review >