Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012


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 GEORGIA IN HAWAII
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 27, 2012
by Amy Novesky, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

"Accessible, unfussy and visually charming. (author's and illustrator's notes; sources) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
An appealing and slightly humorous portrayal of O'Keeffe's artistic vision and determination, along with a peek at the Hawaii of over half a century ago. Read full book review >
Cover art for EXTRA YARN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

"A quiet story of sharing with no strings attached. (Picture book. 4-7)"
A little girl in a town of white snow and soot-blackened chimneys opens a small box and discovers a never-ending gift of colorful yarn. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
by Brian Farrey, illustrated by Brett Helquist

"Bangers! (Fantasy. 8-12)"
There couldn't be a more likable family of thieves. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012

"Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author's note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)"
How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage. Read full book review >
Cover art for EAST DRAGON, WEST DRAGON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2012
by Robyn Eversole, illustrated by Scott Campbell

"This primer on friendship wrapped in hijinks is paced for maximum pleasure. (Picture book. 3-7)"
In this variant of "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse," two dragons learn to appreciate each other's talents and milieus. Read full book review >