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



New and Notable October Titles for Children (page 4)

Cover art for THE INQUISITOR'S APPRENTICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
Kirkus Star THE INQUISITOR'S APPRENTICE
by Chris Moriarty, illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer
"A marvelous, mystical romp that doesn't ignore reality. A hint of a possible sequel whets readers' appetite for more: Yes, please! (author's note) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Thirteen-year-old Sacha lives in New York City's Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Or does he? 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 >
Cover art for MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH / <i>MARISOL MCDONALD NO COMBINA</i>
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN'T MATCH / <I>MARISOL MCDONALD NO COMBINA</I>
by Monica Brown, illustrated by Sara Palacios
"Marisol's varied, distinctive lifestyle and multiracial family affirms our increasingly blended society and clearly celebrates independent thinking. Brava! (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
A little girl celebrates her multiracial background and pride in her individuality through a creative and non-conformist attitude. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO?
by Adolph Green, Betty Comden, illustrated by Travis Foster
"Fresh and vintage at the same time; an accompanying CD would have made it perfect. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Can't all the animals just get along? Read full book review >
Cover art for PIE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star PIE
by Sarah Weeks
"Warm, delicious and filling. (recipes, pie credits) (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
What do you get when you take some scrumptious pie recipes, stir in a mix-up of a mystery involving an overweight cat and a legacy, then add a sly satirical nod to the Newbery Medal? This irresistible confection. Read full book review >
Cover art for BILLIONS OF YEARS, AMAZING CHANGES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star BILLIONS OF YEARS, AMAZING CHANGES: THE STORY OF EVOLUTION
by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
"A necessary title for most school and public libraries serving young readers, this will be welcomed for its calm tone and straightforward, comprehensive introduction to the subject. (index) (Nonfiction. 9-15)"
A clear, well-organized presentation of the evidence from earth's rocks and fossils, the variation of living things, the process of natural selection and the study of DNA and radiocarbon dating that supports the scientific theory of evolution. Read full book review >