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New & Notable Books for Children: June 2012 (page 2)

Cover art for THE UNFORTUNATE SON
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 14, 2012
Kirkus Star THE UNFORTUNATE SON
by Constance Leeds
"Engaging from the very first page, this is one work of historical fiction that will have even readers who prefer fantasy clamoring for a sequel. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
The nature of luck, fortune and fate is dissected and reexamined over the course of this outstanding novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Star THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE
by William Joyce, illustrated by William Joyce
"As triumphant in book form as in animated and interactive ones. (Picture book. 5-10) "
Ironically, this book in praise of books first appeared as a much-praised iPad app and Academy Award–winning animated short film. Read full book review >
Cover art for I HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE A CHILD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Star I HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE A CHILD
by Alain Serres, illustrated by Aurélia Fronty, translated by Helen Mixter
"Provocative and guaranteed to spark awareness of children's rights. (note on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; list of states party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) (Picture book. 4-7)"
From the bold opening assertion, "I am a child with eyes, hands, a voice, a heart, and rights," to the urgent closing plea, "We need our rights to be respected now--today," this primer invites young readers to think about their universal rights as children as embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LEOPARD BOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Star THE LEOPARD BOY
by Julia Johnson, illustrated by Marisa Lewis
"Unique and refreshing; a book about the Arab world that isn't about war or oil. (Fiction. 8-12)"
When goatherd Khalid loses a kid high in Oman's mountains, he discovers the hidden home of an old man who introduces him to animals who lived there long ago and helps him find surviving leopards, spoiling the boy's uncle's plans to sell the land. Read full book review >
Cover art for A HOME FOR BIRD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 5, 2012
Kirkus Star A HOME FOR BIRD
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Philip C. Stead

Vernon is both a toad and a forager for found objects. Ambling along with his latest haul, he chances upon a creature he seeks to know and then to help. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH NO! NOT AGAIN!
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 5, 2012
Kirkus Star OH NO! NOT AGAIN!: (OR HOW I BUILT A TIME MACHINE TO SAVE HISTORY) (OR AT LEAST MY HISTORY GRADE)
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan Santat
"Wonderfully ridiculous in premise and execution and abounding in creative touches, this will surely spark student spinoffs. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Having recovered from the world-destroying science project she created in the first Oh No! (2010), Barnett's overachiever has a new dilemma: Her history test is returned with one point off for an incorrect answer. Read full book review >