Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Children: April 2012 (page 3)


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 >