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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

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New & Notable Children's Books: November 2012

Cover art for CHRISTMASTIME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2012
Kirkus Star CHRISTMASTIME
by Alison Jay, illustrated by Alison Jay
"The Christmas season is full of magical surprises, and Jay's absorbing creation conveys that sense of magic, from the tiny sleeping mouse on the first page to the snowman peeking in the window on Christmas morning. (Picture book. 2-7)"
Jay's signature style of painting with muted, antique colors and a crackled-varnish effect is showcased exquisitely in this deceptively simple tour de force filled with tiny, hidden surprises to delight inquisitive readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for WATERLOO & TRAFALGAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WATERLOO & TRAFALGAR
by Olivier Tallec, illustrated by Olivier Tallec
"It is a truism that children represent the future--engaging stories about conflict resolution are necessary, and this one stands out. (Picture book. 5-10)"
The pointlessness of war, powerfully told despite having no words. Read full book review >
Cover art for FACES FROM THE PAST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 20, 2012
Kirkus Star FACES FROM THE PAST: FORGOTTEN PEOPLE OF NORTH AMERICA
by James M. Deem
"Impressive and fascinating. (Nonfiction. 11-15) "
An absorbing introduction to anthropological facial reconstruction. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLEY'S FIRST NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star CHARLEY'S FIRST NIGHT
by Amy Hest, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
"Be forewarned: Youngsters will find Charley as irresistible as Henry does and will no doubt beg for puppies of their own. (Picture book. 4-8)"
The tenderness a child feels for his new puppy seeps from the pages of a book sure to be instantly beloved. Read full book review >
Cover art for BRIGHT LIGHTS AND STARRY NIGHTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Star BRIGHT LIGHTS AND STARRY NIGHTS
by Andy Runton, illustrated by Andy Runton
"Young readers and pre-readers alike will respond strongly to the tale's elemental drama and clearly defined emotional arc. (Graphic picture book. 2-5)"
The small owl with big eyes and equally outsized heart makes new friends on a nocturnal outing. Read full book review >
Cover art for BARTHOLOMEW BIDDLE AND THE VERY BIG WIND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Star BARTHOLOMEW BIDDLE AND THE VERY BIG WIND
by Gary Ross, illustrated by Matthew Myers
"With a seductively Seuss-ean cadence, Ross' verse adventure delightfully dares young and old to seize the day. (Verse fantasy. 6-11)"
Hollywood headliner Ross, who shepherded to the big screen blockbusters such as Big, Seabiscuit, Pleasantville and, most recently, The Hunger Games, here takes flight with his first poetic venture involving a bedsheet, a boy and a whole lot of imagination. Read full book review >