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New & Notable Books for Children: April 2012 (page 4)

Cover art for FISH HAD A WISH
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star FISH HAD A WISH
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 OUT OF THE WAY! OUT OF THE WAY!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star OUT OF THE WAY! OUT OF THE WAY!
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 CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
by Chuck Close
"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 MARTY MCGUIRE DIGS WORMS!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star MARTY MCGUIRE DIGS WORMS!
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 WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF
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 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 >