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Best Children's Books of 2012 (page 7)

Cover art for BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL
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 THE SEVEN TALES OF TRINKET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
Kirkus Star THE SEVEN TALES OF TRINKET
by Shelley Moore Thomas
"Though it's filled with incident, emotion, magic and adventure, what stands out most is Trinket's clear voice and loving heart, both of which will endear her to readers. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Like her main character, Trinket, Thomas clearly loves storytelling, and she has a real talent for it, too. Read full book review >
Cover art for DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA: FROM THE AGE OF EXPLORATION TO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
by Linda Tarrant-Reid
"From attractive page design to an afterword that encourages readers to search for their own history, there has been much attention to detail in this handsome volume. (notes, bibliography, art credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
This handsome, engaging study of African-American history brings to light many intriguing and tragically underreported stories. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO
by Sonia Manzano
"A stunning debut. (author's note, recommended reading) (Historical novel. 12 & up)"
Set in 1969, Manzano's first novel offers a realistically mercurial protagonist struggling with her identity in Spanish Harlem. Read full book review >
Cover art for PENNY AND HER DOLL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star PENNY AND HER DOLL
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin Henkes
"A doll of a beginning reader. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Following Penny and Her Song (2012), Henkes delivers an even stronger slice of anthropomorphic mouse life for beginning readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frané Lessac
"A joy to read. Play calypso music and celebrate! (author's note, glossary and pronunciation guide, author's sources) (Picture book/biography. 3-8)"
Winston, a boy in Trinidad, wishes that he could play in a band and win free rotis, the delicious island specialty prepared by the Roti King and presented to the best performers at Carnival. Read full book review >