Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Children's Books, December 2011 (page 2)


Cover art for THE PRINCE'S NEW PET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2011
by Brian Anderson, illustrated by Brian Anderson

"Creepy, kooky and deftly delivered, this dark story offers a bright ending for readers who might think they've just outgrown fairy tales. (Picture book. 5-10)"
When the Queen died and her bereft king banished color from the kingdom, Prince Viridian's world turned the gloomiest gray. A mysterious present (a cute, colorful creature called a wooglefoof) crashes his birthday party and changes all that, spiriting its garish stripes across the castle and sending the king's Color Snatcher in fiendish, feverish pursuit. Read full book review >
Cover art for GORAN'S GREAT ESCAPE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Marit Törnqvist, translated by Polly Lawson

"From a beloved author, a tiny gem for reading aloud or reading alone. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Years ago in Sweden, on an Easter morning, Goran the bull escaped from his barn and might still be at large if 7-year-old Karl hadn't come by and offered to scratch his head. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
illustrated by Jon J Muth, by Bob Dylan

"Big questions, posed with majestic simplicity--and packaged with a CD of the original track. (artist's afterword). (Picture book. 8-10, adult)"
Dylan's lyrics succeed here better than many other songs that find their way to picture books. Read full book review >
Cover art for YAWN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by Sally Symes, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

"With such an enthusiastic call to participate, Wynken, Blynken and Nod stand no chance here. (Board book. 1-4)"
From one tired tot through an impressive array of animals, a mighty yawn passes along. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOWY VALENTINE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by David Petersen, illustrated by David Petersen

"Superbly designed and executed with love; children of any age will appreciate the story's message and celebrate Jasper's quiet success. (Picture book. 4 & up)"
Petersen, creator of the Mouse Guard comic-book series and winner of an Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (2008), impresses with his picture-book debut about a bunny's earnest quest for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for his wife. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
illustrated by Jackie Morris

"A beguiling and surprising addition to the nursery-rhyme shelf. (Picture book/nursery rhymes. 3-7)"
Forty familiar and not-so-familiar nursery rhymes are illustrated with gorgeous and evocative images. Read full book review >