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Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books (page 5)

Cover art for CAT TALE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star CAT TALE
by Michael Hall, illustrated by Michael Hall
"Smart and accessible, charming and witty, this is one for educators and adventurers alike. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Hall cleverly plays with homophones in this diverting word adventure. Read full book review >
Cover art for PENNY AND HER DOLL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star PENNY AND HER DOLL
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin Henkes
"A doll of a beginning reader. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Following Penny and Her Song (2012), Henkes delivers an even stronger slice of anthropomorphic mouse life for beginning readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frané Lessac
"A joy to read. Play calypso music and celebrate! (author's note, glossary and pronunciation guide, author's sources) (Picture book/biography. 3-8)"
Winston, a boy in Trinidad, wishes that he could play in a band and win free rotis, the delicious island specialty prepared by the Roti King and presented to the best performers at Carnival. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSTERPIECE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012
Kirkus Star MOUSTERPIECE
by Jane Breskin Zalben, illustrated by Jane Breskin Zalben
"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 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 DAY BY DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012
Kirkus Star DAY BY DAY
by Susan Gal, illustrated by Susan Gal
"A luminous celebration of family, food and home. (Picture book. 4-9)"
Day by day, brick by brick, a community is built in this winning tribute to fellowship and family. Read full book review >