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



Indie Picture Books

Showing
Cover art for THE NOSE PICKERS
INDIE
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
THE NOSE PICKERS
by Stephanie J. Shulman, illustrated by Mike Motz
"Despite the degree of gross humor, Shulman has picked a delightful winner."
It takes something special to get a kid to stop picking his nose--that's just what happens to one unlucky child in Shulman's (Monster Bash, 2009) story for primary-grade readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for BABY UNPLUGGED: BOOK
INDIE
Released: June 18, 2012
BABY UNPLUGGED: BOOK
by John S. Hutton, illustrated by Andrea Kang
"Gentle, joyful encouragement for young readers and pre-readers to discover the rewards of a good book."
Hutton's charming little board book, the newest in a series, encourages young children to explore the pleasures of real books with real pages. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALL THE THINGS YOU'LL DO!
INDIE
Released: June 5, 2012
ALL THE THINGS YOU'LL DO!
by Kevin Glavin, illustrated by Sarah Grepo
"Simple and conventional on the page, with a separate multimedia component; best for a younger audience."
In this combination picture–activity book and memory album, parents affectionately envision the firsts in their new child's life. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA
INDIE
Released: March 14, 2012
HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA
by Christine Lavin, illustrated by Betsy Franco Feeney
"Play—don't read—this important environmental message. (Picture book. 4-8)"
An oil spill jeopardizes sea life in this environmental songbook. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT'S IN MOLLY'S ... GARDEN?
INDIE
Released: Jan. 27, 2012
WHAT'S IN MOLLY'S ... GARDEN?
by Vanessa Jane Townsend
"A well-intentioned but slender invitation to explore the natural world through sight and sound."
A cheerfully illustrated and alliterative stroll through a child's garden. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOUNCY THE SMART BALL
INDIE
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
BOUNCY THE SMART BALL
by Demetrius Bradshaw, Pier Angeli Bradshaw, illustrated by Victor Guiza
"A colorfully fun book that promotes team work, curiosity and the power of imagination."
A chipper, all-knowing bouncing ball brings friendship and comfort to a group of suburban kids in the Bradshaw's debut children's book. Read full book review >
Cover art for POPPY'S COMBINE
INDIE
Released: Jan. 15, 2012
POPPY'S COMBINE
by Beth E. Meyerson, illustrated by Chrissy Krakowieki Searcy
"Books that address grief are always in need, and Meyerson's gentle words and child-centered perspective will provide comfort to young readers."
Sensitive text is paired with uneven artwork in this picture book designed to help children cope with the loss of a grandparent. Read full book review >
Cover art for ARE YOUR EARS ON YOUR KNEES?
INDIE
Released: Jan. 5, 2012
ARE YOUR EARS ON YOUR KNEES?
by Betty Kohlman, illustrated by Julie Kulak
"A fun way to blend facts about bugs with a classic children's fiction theme."
Kohlman's picture book celebrates the differences that make each creature—or person—unique while providing interesting insect facts. Read full book review >
Cover art for HANA RESCUES MISTY
INDIE
Released: Jan. 4, 2012
HANA RESCUES MISTY
by Azra Z. Mehdi, illustrated by Sama Nadeem Izhar
"A light-hearted tale with an important message for young readers: courage comes in many forms, and often means putting our own fears aside to help another."
A stranded kitten leads to a lesson in courage and empathy for a young girl in Mehdi's simple children's tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for LUCKY
INDIE
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
LUCKY: THE TALE OF A TREE
by Richard C. Hawkins, illustrated by Deb Hoeffner
"A tender tale worth adding to your holiday library. (Picture book. 5-9)"
A young tree experiences the magic, and fleeting nature, of the Christmas season. Read full book review >