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New & Notable Books for Children: April 2012

Cover art for SUMMER OF THE GYPSY MOTHS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 24, 2012
Kirkus Star SUMMER OF THE GYPSY MOTHS
by Sara Pennypacker
"A suspenseful, surprising novel of friendship and family from the creator of the popular Clementine series. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Desperate times call for desperate measures indeed when, one summer afternoon on Cape Cod, 11-year-old Stella finds her sole caretaker, her great-aunt Louise, dead in her chair. Read full book review >
Cover art for LAUNDRY DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 17, 2012
Kirkus Star LAUNDRY DAY
by Maurie J. Manning, illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
"Everything teems with movement and life--completely beguiling. (foreign word list) (Picture book. 4-9)"
One windy day a young shoeshine boy makes a world of new friends. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLERINA SWAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 15, 2012
Kirkus Star BALLERINA SWAN
by Allegra Kent, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
"An enchanting tale for all, especially for lovers of ballet. Read the story, play the music and applaud. (Picture book. 3-8)"
A beautiful swan realizes her dream of dancing when cast in Swan Lake. Read full book review >
Cover art for REMARKABLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 12, 2012
Kirkus Star REMARKABLE
by Lizzie K. Foley
"Foley tightly weaves the outlandish threads into a rich, unforgettable story that's quite simply--amazing. (Fiction. 8-12)"
The title of this debut says it all. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHEN DINOS DAWNED, MAMMALS GOT MUNCHED, AND PTEROSAURS TOOK FLIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 10, 2012
Kirkus Star WHEN DINOS DAWNED, MAMMALS GOT MUNCHED, AND PTEROSAURS TOOK FLIGHT: A CARTOON PREHISTORY OF LIFE IN THE TRIASSIC
by Hannah Bonner, illustrated by Hannah Bonner
"Both casual and confirmed fans will devour this delicious blend of fact and foolery with relish. (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
More standup-style paleontology to follow When Fish Got Feet, Sharks Got Teeth, and Bugs Began to Swarm (2007). Read full book review >
Cover art for BOY + BOT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 10, 2012
Kirkus Star BOY + BOT
by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
"Perhaps these closing scenes anticipate more stories to come about these friends, since, as Boy and Bot would say, it's "affirmative" that this book will be a hit. (Picture book. 3-6) "
Dyckman's debut offers pitch-perfect pacing and gentle humor in a sweet story about a friendship that prevails over confusion. Read full book review >