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Best Children's Books of 2012: Picture Books (page 8)

Cover art for HEROES OF THE SURF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star HEROES OF THE SURF
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 WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
by Robert Neubecker, illustrated by Robert Neubecker
"One romping celebration of boyhood to read again and again. (Picture book. 3-8)"
"What are little boys made of?" In Neubecker's hands, the answer is a whole lot of fun! Read full book review >
Cover art for IT JES' HAPPENED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star IT JES' HAPPENED: WHEN BILL TRAYLOR STARTED TO DRAW
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 GREEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 27, 2012
Kirkus Star GREEN
by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
"In all, lovely, inventive, engrossing and interactive. (Picture book. 2-6)"
In lush paintings outfitted with cleverly positioned die cuts, Seeger's latest explores the color green. Read full book review >
Cover art for STEP GENTLY OUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 13, 2012
Kirkus Star STEP GENTLY OUT
by Helen Frost, photographed by Rick Lieder
"A dazzlingly poetic photo album of the insect world for tots on up. (Picture book. 2 & up)"
Breathtaking photos and an exquisite poem capture a bug's-eye view of nature. Read full book review >
Cover art for Z IS FOR MOOSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2012
Kirkus Star Z IS FOR MOOSE
by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
"Just label it F for funny. (Picture book. 4-6)"
A wry twist on an alphabet story makes for laugh-out-loud fun. Read full book review >