Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books (page 7)


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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 ELECTRIC BEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2012
by Robert Byrd, illustrated by Robert Byrd

"A work of breadth and energy, just like its subject; engaging and brimming with appeal for a wide audience. (Biography. 8-14)"
A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU ARE STARDUST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2012
by Elin Kelsey, illustrated by Soyeon Kim

"A remarkable achievement. (Picture book. 5-12)"
We are made of earth and water and air and stardust, and we are more related to animals and plants than we ever imagined. Read full book review >
Cover art for ISLAND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Jason Chin, illustrated by Jason Chin

"Another superb contribution to scientific literature by Chin. (Informational picture book. 8-12) "
A beautifully made picture book presents the story of the Galápagos Islands for young readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE QUIET PLACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
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 >