cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Check out our interview with Rick Yancey, author of the wildly entertaining YA thriller The 5th Wave.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Best Children's Books of 2012 (page 2)

Cover art for HAND IN HAND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
Kirkus Star HAND IN HAND: TEN BLACK MEN WHO CHANGED AMERICA
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
"A feast for readers whose eyes are (or should be) on the prize, in a volume as well-turned-out as the dapper W.E.B. Dubois, who was "more handsome than a fresh-cut paycheck." (timeline, index, lists of recommended reading and viewing) (Collective biography. 10-15)"
Addressing the appetites of readers "hungry for role models," this presents compellingly oratorical pictures of the lives and characters of 10 African-American men who exemplify a "birthright of excellence." Read full book review >
Cover art for "WHO COULD THAT BE AT THIS HOUR?"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
Kirkus Star "WHO COULD THAT BE AT THIS HOUR?"
by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Seth
"Fans of the Series of Unfortunate Events will be in heaven picking out tidbit references to the tridecalogy, but readers who've yet to delve into that well of sadness will have no problem enjoying this weird and witty yarn. (Mystery. 8-12)"
Young Mr. Snicket seems to always ask the wrong questions. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
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 THIS IS NOT MY HAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
Kirkus Star THIS IS NOT MY HAT
by Jon Klassen, illustrated by Jon Klassen
"Hats off! (Picture book. 4-8)"
Klassen combines spare text and art to deliver no small measure of laughs in another darkly comic haberdashery whodunit. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOOT & SHOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
Kirkus Star BOOT & SHOE
by Marla Frazee, illustrated by Marla Frazee
"Read unhurried, in a lap, again and again. (Picture book. 4-7) "
This gem about canine siblings goes from peaceful routine to funny mayhem to erroneous bereavement--and relief. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
Kirkus Star SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
by Wynton Marsalis, illustrated by Paul Rogers
"Loud and clear, the creators show how tuning into everyday sounds can inspire music. Clap, clap, CLAP! (Picture Book. 3-7)"
Marsalis and Rogers, who collaborated on the scintillating Jazz ABZ (2005), reunite for this sonic celebration for the younger crowd. Read full book review >