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New & Notable Books for Children: January 2012

Cover art for ANOTHER BROTHER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
Kirkus Star ANOTHER BROTHER
by Matthew Cordell, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
"This is not just another new-baby book: Cordell's humorous text and mischievously silly, expressive cartoon art will have readers bleating to read it again and again. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Davy, a little sheep, has trouble adjusting to the arrival of not one but 12 baby brothers in this humorous twist on the tried and true new sibling theme. Read full book review >
Cover art for OTTO THE BOOK BEAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
Kirkus Star OTTO THE BOOK BEAR
by Katie Cleminson, illustrated by Katie Cleminson
"A delight. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Otto usually lives as an illustration of a book, but when no one is looking, he comes to life. Read full book review >
Cover art for HADES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
Kirkus Star HADES: LORD OF THE DEAD
by George O'Connor, illustrated by George O'Connor
"An outstanding addition to a first-rate series. (notes, study questions, resource lists) (Graphic mythology. 8-14)"
A tempestuous mother-daughter relationship makes up the centerpiece of O'Connor's latest carefully researched and simultaneously fresh and funny Olympian portrait. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JOHN SMITH, JR., AKA HOUDINI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
Kirkus Star THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JOHN SMITH, JR., AKA HOUDINI
by Peter Johnson
"In the end, Houdini realizes that writing has changed him and altered his perspective on people and life. Readers will feel the same way. And just try to get kids not to make their own lists or attempt their own novels. (Fiction. 9-12)"
A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read--and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical. Read full book review >
Cover art for HANS MY HEDGEHOG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
Kirkus Star HANS MY HEDGEHOG: A TALE FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM
retold by Kate Coombs, illustrated by John Nickle
"Prickly, a bit funny and a bit dark: classic Grimm, modernized. (author's note) (Picture book/fairy tale. 4-10)"
Hans, half hedgehog and half human, lives as a hermit, deep in a forest with a rooster steed and an entourage of pigs, happily playing his fiddle, until two kings make promises that send him looking for his just reward: a princess. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE MARCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
Kirkus Star WE MARCH
by Shane W. Evans, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
"Share with readers of all ages as a beautiful message about peaceful protest and purposeful action. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
An African-American family awakens before dawn to prepare for the historic March on Washington in August, 1963. Read full book review >