Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Children: April 2012


Cover art for GEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
Kirkus Star GEM
by Holly Hobbie, illustrated by Holly Hobbie

"A stunning gem indeed. (notes about toads) (Picture book. 2-5)"
Hobbie explores the wonders of spring through the eyes of a toad that survives the perils and pleasures of its trek to a country garden, where he encounters the author's granddaughter, Hope. Read full book review >
Cover art for SUMMER OF THE GYPSY MOTHS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 24, 2012

"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 REMARKABLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 12, 2012

"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 THE GREAT CAKE MYSTERY
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012

"One case where an adaptation from an adult book is as much fun to read as the original. (Mystery. 7-12)"
How did Precious Ramotswe, the detective in the bestselling The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, get her start? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE!?
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems

"Just as enjoyable as a read-aloud to a group or as a one-on-one lapsit, it's a pleasure to see Willems at the top of his game, and The Pigeon suitably humbled. (Picture book. 3-8)"
Everyone's favorite grouch of a fowl returns, though the spotlight is firmly fixed elsewhere. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Robert Neubecker, illustrated by Robert Neubecker

"One romping celebration of boyhood to read again and again. (Picture book. 3-8)"
"What are little boys made of?" In Neubecker's hands, the answer is a whole lot of fun! Read full book review >
Cover art for LAUNDRY DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 17, 2012

"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 THE BEETLE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
by Steve Jenkins, illustrated by Steve Jenkins

"Otherwise, distinguished both as natural history and work of art. (Nonfiction. 7-12) "
Jenkins' splendid array of beetles will surely produce at least one budding coleopterist. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEROES OF THE SURF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

"Riveting reading, well-timed for the centennial of the Titanic's sinking. (afterword) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Based on a true story of shipwreck and rescue, Carbone's tale is leavened with narration by Anthony, a venturesome lad whose penchant for playing pirates helps him through the harrowing event. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOY + BOT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 10, 2012
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 >
Cover art for THE ADVENTURES OF SIR BALIN THE ILL-FATED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
by Gerald Morris, illustrated by Aaron Renier

"Shame on you, Gerald Morris, for treating the Matter of Britain with insufficient solemnity. (Snicker.) (Fantasy. 9-11)"
Prophecies. A young knight learns that they're just not to be trusted in this fourth of the light-hearted Arthurian Knights' Tales. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAPTAIN AWESOME TO THE RESCUE!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
by Stan Kirby, illustrated by George O'Connor

"As Captain Awesome would say, this kid is "MI-TEE!" (Fiction. 5-8)"
The town of Sunnyview got a little bit safer when 8-year-old Eugene McGillicudy moved in. Read full book review >
Cover art for MARTIN ON THE MOON
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Martine Audet, illustrated by Luc Melanson, translated by Sarah Quinn

"No classroom clichés here. Rather, creativity and inspired teaching in full bloom. (Picture book. 4-7) "
Daydreams on the first day of school lead to a happy ending thanks to a refreshingly responsive teacher. Read full book review >
Cover art for FISH HAD A WISH
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Michael Garland, illustrated by Michael Garland

"From the beaver's coat to the tiger lily's petals to the snakeskin, this fish tale is a keeper. (Picture book/early reader. 4-8)"
Take a conventional story, add a new art technique--and voilà, a striking picture book is born. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"Art lovers of all ages will revel in this vivid, wonderfully affecting book, which is almost as ingenious and memorable as Close himself. (timeline, glossary, list of resources and illustration credits) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
A magnificent interactive "face book" portrait of the artist. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLERINA SWAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 15, 2012
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 LITTLE BIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Germano Zullo, illustrated by Albertine, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick

"Adult explication may be needed for the textual rubric; the visually told story is enthralling all on its own. (Picture book. 6-8, adult)"
Uplifting in more ways than one, this prizewinning import suggests that little things can change lives--and perhaps even the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"The pace in this debut is leisurely, but readers, like the town folk and his newfound family, will be rooting for Frankie Joe. The final scenes soar with hope. (Fiction. 8-12)"
While his mom is in jail, Frankie Joe tries to adjust to living with his newly surfaced father, FJ, his stepmother and "the four legitimate Huckaby sons." Read full book review >
Cover art for IT JES' HAPPENED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Don Tate, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

"An important picture-book biography that lovingly introduces this "outsider" artist to a new generation. (source notes, afterword) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Tate and Christie capture the spirit behind the work of Bill Traylor, "one of the most important self-taught American folk artists of the twentieth century." Read full book review >
Cover art for HORTEN'S MIRACULOUS MECHANISMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012

"A vastly engaging, must-read mystery infused with the perfect touch of captivating conjuration--er, magic. (Mystery. 9-14)"
Wacky, funny and ever so mysterious, this clever tale hits the ground running and never lets up. Read full book review >
Cover art for WATER SINGS BLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Meilo So

"Share this admirable appreciation with a wide audience. (Picture book/poetry. 4-10) "
Twenty-three poems and evocative watercolor paintings pay tribute to the wonders of the ocean world. Read full book review >
Cover art for FROGS!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Meryl Henderson

"Budding herpetologists will snap this one up faster than a frog can catch a fly. (author's note, answer key, list of resources for more information) (Nonfiction. 6-10) "
Science writer Pringle truly delivers with his latest, a fascinating look at the similarities and differences among the many and varied species of frogs. Read full book review >
Cover art for AUNTIE YANG'S GREAT SOYBEAN PICNIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Ginnie Lo, illustrated by Beth Lo

"The pleasure of finding unexpected links between a new country and the old suffuses this autobiographical outing. (glossary) (Picture book/memoir. 6-8)"
More warm family memories from the Chinese-American creators of Mahjong All Day Long (2005), with cheery illustrations painted on ceramic plates. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GOLDEN PRINCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Felix Arthur, illustrated by Jenny Capon

"Straightforward and sweet--almost darling, but in a very good way. If only it were available in hardcover. (Picture book. 3-6)"
This prince's day as related in simple words and images will prompt requests for still more reads. Read full book review >
Cover art for OUT OF THE WAY! OUT OF THE WAY!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy

"A lovely, unique contribution. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A boy in India sees a baby tree growing by the side of a dusty path, and, because he protects it, it flourishes throughout his lifetime despite the changes to the landscape around him. Read full book review >
Cover art for MARTY MCGUIRE DIGS WORMS!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca

"A quick, amusing read with an easily digestible environmental message; it is a perfect match for its young intended audience. (Fiction. 6-9)"
Third-grader Marty and her classmates are given a challenge by a visiting environmentalist: to develop Earth-friendly projects that she will then judge. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHEN DINOS DAWNED, MAMMALS GOT MUNCHED, AND PTEROSAURS TOOK FLIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 10, 2012
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 >