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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

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New and Notable October Titles for Children

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Cover art for MOUSE & LION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star MOUSE & LION
retold by Rand Burkert, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert
"A favorite ancient fable beautifully presented in the tradition of the finest picture books, this does not replace Jerry Pinkney's transcendent, Caldecott-winning The Lion & the Mouse but proudly takes its place beside it. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
A wee African grass mouse "receives top billing" (according to a concluding note) in this visually stunning retelling of Aesop's fable set amid the Aha Hills of Africa. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GOLEM'S LATKES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE GOLEM'S LATKES
adapted by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Aaron Jasinski
"Kimmel's storytelling is effective in its use of suspense, humor, trope and repetition, making a fine read-aloud holiday treat. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
The renowned Rabbi Judah Loew of Prague and his mythical golem appear in this Hanukkah fairy tale inspired by The Sorcerer's Apprentice and reminiscent of Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT: A DICKENS OF A TALE
by Carmen Agra Deedy, Randall Wright, illustrated by Barry Moser
"Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)"
"He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms." And for all his harsh early life and unnatural dietary preferences, ragged London alley cat Skilley gets to look at a queen, too. Read full book review >
Cover art for CORAL REEFS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star CORAL REEFS
by Jason Chin, illustrated by Jason Chin
"As in his earlier Redwoods, the child reader shares her reading, passing on the book to others. Real-life readers will be eager to do the same. (Informational picture book. 5-9)"
A book on coral reefs transforms the New York Public Library into a reef for its reader as she eagerly learns about those who make and dwell in those unique ecosystems, "cities of the sea." Read full book review >
Cover art for I.M. PEI: ARCHITECT OF TIME, PLACE, AND PURPOSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star I.M. PEI: ARCHITECT OF TIME, PLACE, AND PURPOSE
by Jill Rubalcaba
"An exquisite package, much like one of Pei's buildings. (timeline, bibliography, source notes, index, suggestions for further reading, listings of building projects, awards) (Nonfiction. 12 & up) "
This lively blend of narrative and detailed design is a perfect way to introduce the architectural vision of I.M. Pei to young readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for PAUL THURLBY'S ALPHABET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star PAUL THURLBY'S ALPHABET
by Paul Thurlby, illustrated by Paul Thurlby
"Skillfully constructed and cleverly composed, it's an awesome alphabet book that adults will also appreciate. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-7)"
Is there any new way left to present the alphabet? The answer is Yes, as this graphic artist demonstrates when he applies his retro style to the ABCs. Read full book review >