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

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Cover art for A HOME FOR BIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 5, 2012
Kirkus Star A HOME FOR BIRD
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 MOM, IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
Kirkus Star MOM, IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!
by Hyewon Yum, illustrated by Hyewon Yum
"Yum has perfectly captured the emotional ups and downs of both parent and child in a visually expressive work that will shore up adults as they send their children off on that momentous day. (Picture book. 4-7, adult)"
Yum, known for using text and artwork to explore emotions (There Are No Scary Wolves, 2010, etc.), looks at the first day of school from two points of view--that of a little boy who is more than ready and a nervous mother not quite prepared to let him go. 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 >
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 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 NEVER TRUST A TIGER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star NEVER TRUST A TIGER
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 >