Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Fantastic Friendships in Chapter Books


Cover art for TOYS COME HOME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

"This enjoyable trio deserves its rightful place away from the confines of any toy chest. (Fantasy. 6-9)"
Who could imagine the introduction of a self-conscious stingray could lead to such great things? Read full book review >
Cover art for MEET MAMMOTH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Ian Fraser, illustrated by Mary Ann Fraser

"Certainly, it won't take a mammoth lover to enjoy the hijinks of these sweet, ancient boneheads. (Fiction. 4-9)"
Like a prehistoric precursor to Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy, Ogg and Bob show the ups and downs of friendship in an age of wooly mammoths and saber-tooth tigers. Read full book review >
Cover art for MINTON GOES!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
by Anna Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble

"Jolly good fun. (Fantasy. 5-8)"
A chapter book series in the fine tradition of Frog and Toad. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNAKE AND LIZARD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Gavin Bishop

"The New Zealand author-and-illustrator team solidly develops this pair's formidable friendship under the scorching desert sun. (Fiction. 7-10)"
A sensitive snake and her lovable lizard companion enjoy a warm and touching relationship, shattering the stereotypes that commonly plague their cold-blooded species. Read full book review >
Cover art for IVY AND BEAN TAKE CARE OF THE BABYSITTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 17, 2008
by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

"Readers will look forward to the next installment of this series that celebrates the joys and thrills of friendship, unrestricted play and unfettered imagination. (Fiction. 6-10)"
The kids of Pancake Court are constructing a volcano from a giant mound of dirt, but right in the middle of the eruption Bean is called home. Read full book review >
Cover art for NIKKI & DEJA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 21, 2008
by Karen English, illustrated by Laura Freeman

"English nicely fills an underdeveloped area—this is a first-chapter book featuring African-American girls, and race is presented as an attribute of the characters rather than as an issue. (Fiction. 7-10)"
Nikki and Deja are best friends, next-door neighbors and schoolmates. Read full book review >