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Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Kadir Nelson (page 2)

Cover art for THUNDER ROSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2003
Kirkus Star THUNDER ROSE
by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"Throughout, she shows a reflective bent that gives her more dimension than most tall-tale heroes: a doff of the Stetson to her and her creators. (author's note) (Picture book. 7-9)"
Nolen and Nelson offer a smaller, but no less gifted counterpart to Big Jabe (2000) in this new tall tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2004
Kirkus Star ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET
by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"Exquisite. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Deeply colored paintings enrich this homage to African-American men who made history and influenced culture, including Duke Ellington, Paul Robeson, Dizzy Gillespie, and W.E.B. DuBois. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEWITT ANDERSON’S GREAT BIG LIFE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2005
HEWITT ANDERSON’S GREAT BIG LIFE
by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"Here's proof that, when it comes to heart, physical size isn't the whole story. (Picture book. 6-8)"
Low on suspense but high on sheer feel-goodness, this Tom Thumb–like original tale will elicit sighs of content from readers and listeners needing a change of pace. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REAL SLAM DUNK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2005
THE REAL SLAM DUNK
by Charisse K. Richards, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"Not quite a slam-dunk, but the straightforward, accessible story will invite them to stay for the end of the game. (Fiction. 7-10)"
Marcus and Mia Robinson, genial elementary-school–aged twins, are excited about meeting fictional NBA star Jason Carter. Read full book review >
Cover art for HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2005
Kirkus Star HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS
adapted by Kadir Nelson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"Moving, reverent, spiritual indeed. (musical arrangement to close) (Picture book. 5-7)"
Nelson uses the old spiritual—offered here, astonishingly, in its first singleton, illustrated edition, though it's available in many collections—as a springboard to celebrate family togetherness. Read full book review >
Cover art for PLEASE, PUPPY, PLEASE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2005
PLEASE, PUPPY, PLEASE
by Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"A memorable climactic spread (with no text) shows the puppy bringing his ball back to the children, showing that the kids really can control their puppy after all. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Two adorable African-American preschoolers, a boisterous puppy and a marmalade cat are the characters in this exuberant story suitable for children from toddlers to those just learning to read a few words on their own. Read full book review >