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New and Notable Children's Books for August

Cover art for BAKE SALE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 30, 2011
BAKE SALE
by Sara Varon, illustrated by Sara Varon
"An offbeat story about the sacrifices made for friends, about the very everydayness of such acts and the pitfalls and pleasures in their wake. (Picture book. 6 & up)"
Varon returns with another strange and charming graphic work that touches on the theme of her terrific Robot Dreams (2007), namely: how fine friendship can be, and how surely it leads you down a twisty road of joys and melancholy. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW DALIA PUT A BIG YELLOW COMFORTER INSIDE A TINY BLUE BOX
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 23, 2011
Kirkus Star HOW DALIA PUT A BIG YELLOW COMFORTER INSIDE A TINY BLUE BOX: AND OTHER WONDERS OF TZEDAKAH
by Linda Heller, illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen
"As vivid a demonstration of community as readers are likely to find. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-7)"
Charity and caring for others--the Jewish concept of "tzedakah"--comes full circle in the story of a big sister who demonstrates generosity to a younger sibling through community outreach. Read full book review >
Cover art for PEARL VERSES THE WORLD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 23, 2011
Kirkus Star PEARL VERSES THE WORLD
by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Heather Potter
"A tender, therapeutic treatment of loss, perfect for children dealing with the baffling complexities of adult dementia. (Poetry. 8-12)"
In this poignantly illustrated novella in free verse, a young girl reckons with the loss of her grandmother. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAND BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 23, 2011
Kirkus Star HAND BOOK
by Jeff Newman, illustrated by Jeff Newman
"A lovely tribute to growing up that will endearingly mature with its readers. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
Through simple drawings of hands in action, Newman deftly illustrates both the progress of a person's life and the cyclical--and hopeful--nature of the human condition. Read full book review >
Cover art for DREAM SOMETHING BIG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 18, 2011
Kirkus Star DREAM SOMETHING BIG: THE STORY OF THE WATTS TOWERS
by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Susan L. Roth
"It was one man's dream to recreate beautiful buildings remembered from his childhood in Italy as a gift to the community. That dream became a National Landmark for all to treasure, and this book brings it to children everywhere. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Using his hands, simple tools and found pieces of glass, tile and steel, a reclusive Italian immigrant assembled and built the extraordinary Watts Towers in southern California. Read full book review >
Cover art for BIG NATE ON A ROLL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 16, 2011
Kirkus Star BIG NATE ON A ROLL
by Lincoln Peirce, illustrated by Lincoln Peirce
"Plenty of Nate's homemade comix and panels from his life pepper the story; fans will cheer at the announcement of the fourth volume at the end. (Graphic/fiction hybrid. 7-11)"
Sixth grader Nate Wright needs a new skateboard…but more than that he needs to beat perfect Artur at SOMETHING. Read full book review >