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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



New & Notable Books for Children: April 2012

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Cover art for LITTLE BIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star LITTLE BIRD
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
Kirkus Star FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE
by Lutricia Clifton
"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
Kirkus Star IT JES' HAPPENED: WHEN BILL TRAYLOR STARTED TO DRAW
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 HEROES OF THE SURF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star HEROES OF THE SURF
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 WATER SINGS BLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WATER SINGS BLUE: OCEAN POEMS
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
Kirkus Star FROGS!: STRANGE AND WONDERFUL
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 >