Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Picture Books: October 2012


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Cover art for INFINITY AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

"A stellar artistic vision of the infinite power of intergenerational love. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
Uma's struggle with the meaning of infinity offers readers a playful, gorgeous introduction to the mathematical concept. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH! WHAT A SURPRISE!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Suzanne Bloom, illustrated by Suzanne Bloom

"This one has "read it again" potential, and Fox has the makings of a star. (Picture book. 2-6)"
In the fourth entry in the charming Goose and Bear series, the polar bear and gawky white goose are again joined by their irrepressible little friend, a fox with the personality of a bright 2-year-old. Read full book review >
Cover art for DREAMING UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Christy Hale, illustrated by Christy Hale

"This extraordinary new picture book masterfully tackles the complex task of contextualizing seemingly complex architectural concepts within a child's own world of play. (Informational picture book/poetry. 2-8)"
Hale turns her educated eye to modern and contemporary architecture and produces a book that is at once groundbreaking, child-friendly and marvelously inclusive. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACK DOG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Levi Pinfold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

"A great pick for storytime, bedtime, anytime. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Pinfold's story has a timeless quality despite its entirely original flair, with sumptuous paintings and thumbnail embellishments adding narrative and descriptive content. Read full book review >
Cover art for OTTER AND ODDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by James Howe, illustrated by Chris Raschka

"Ever-changing watercolor washes and primordial shapes depict a wondrous, liquid world in which the star-crossed lovers learn to trust their hearts. (Picture book. 5-9)"
The love between a fish and an otter is given the thoughtful treatment such an unexpected attraction deserves. Read full book review >
Cover art for GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Jeff Mack, illustrated by Jeff Mack

"An instructive and entertaining primer on the art of friendship and the complexity of joy. (Picture book. 3-7) "
Working from a text composed solely of the titular phrases (plus one final qualifier) in an ongoing call and response, Mack depicts a day among friends whose dispositions couldn't be more extreme. Read full book review >
Cover art for LITTLE CHICK AND MOMMY CAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Marta Zafrilla, illustrated by Nora Hilb

"Works equally well at promoting acceptance of differences and as a general read-aloud. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Talk about your nontraditional families…Little Chick was just an egg when Mommy cat, who can't have kittens of her own, adopted him from a hen with too many chicks to feed. Read full book review >
Cover art for HALLOWEEN FOREST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by John Shelley

"Elegantly designed, this collaboration shows a great respect for children's sensibilities regarding the fine lines between fear, fun and bravery. This title should be at the top of the book pile come autumn. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Veteran Bauer sends an intrepid trick-or-treater into a deliciously creepy forest full of fantastical frights and rattling menaces. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAWING FROM THE CITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Tejubehan, illustrated by Tejubehan, translated by V. Geetha, Gita Wolf

"A unique offering that presents readers with arresting artwork and a compelling life story. (Art book. 8-14)"
Art and design take center stage in this carefully crafted, elegant, artisanal book. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEAR DAISY DUNNINGTON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Mathilde Stein, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

"It's an odd and very European tale, and a very brave one. (Picture book. 7-12)"
Downtrodden Daisy imagines a much less restricted life for herself in amusing and ultimately hopeful ways. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SANTA TRAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Poly Bernatene

"Now, some will find these devilishly delinquent developments positively beyond the bounds of good taste. But many others will say, "Naughty. But nice." (Picture book. 5-9)"
A beady-eyed brat sits in a red, thronelike chair, glaring out of the cover in this hilarious, bizarre holiday story. What's that machinery behind him, and what is that kid up to? Read full book review >
Cover art for SANTA FROM CINCINNATI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

"The droll, understated wit of the text and the delightfully comical, skillfully planned illustrations make this a story that will delight both children and adult readers. (Picture book. 4-8)"
It's Santa Claus the prequel in this witty exploration of Santa's younger years. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT'S THE TIME, MR. WOLF?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Debi Gliori, illustrated by Debi Gliori

"There is much to enjoy here, and the illustrations and allusions beg for repeat readings. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Readers check in on Mr. Wolf every hour of his birthday, but it seems like the poor guy just can't catch a break on his special day. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHO BUILT THE STABLE?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Ashley Bryan, illustrated by Ashley Bryan

"Brilliant. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Bryan's Christmas offering combines a poignant poem about a shepherd boy who builds his own stable with exuberant paintings in a masterful melding of rhythmic text and dazzling art. Read full book review >
Cover art for OLIVER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Birgitta Sif, illustrated by Birgitta Sif

"A lovely gift--aglow with warmth and welcome--for those who feel, or have ever felt, different. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A delightful tale about a boy who is different and his discovery of a kindred spirit, gracefully written to celebrate dreamers and readers--and those who need not change to find friends. Read full book review >
Cover art for THIS IS NOT MY HAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Jon Klassen, illustrated by Jon Klassen

"Hats off! (Picture book. 4-8)"
Klassen combines spare text and art to deliver no small measure of laughs in another darkly comic haberdashery whodunit. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOOT & SHOE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Marla Frazee, illustrated by Marla Frazee

"Read unhurried, in a lap, again and again. (Picture book. 4-7) "
This gem about canine siblings goes from peaceful routine to funny mayhem to erroneous bereavement--and relief. Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD SNAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

"This may not be the most exciting or enthralling winter tale, but it is perfect for sharing during readers' own cold snaps--calming, reassuring, charming. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A community caught under the pall of a weeklong cold snap comes together in this cozy, old-fashioned story that is high on both charm and appeal. Read full book review >
Cover art for I HAVE A DREAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
illustrated by Kadir Nelson, by Martin Luther King

"A title for remembrance and for re-dedication to the dream, published in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Informational picture book. 5 & up)"
An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20th-century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUEAK, RUMBLE, WHOMP! WHOMP! WHOMP!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Wynton Marsalis, illustrated by Paul Rogers

"Loud and clear, the creators show how tuning into everyday sounds can inspire music. Clap, clap, CLAP! (Picture Book. 3-7)"
Marsalis and Rogers, who collaborated on the scintillating Jazz ABZ (2005), reunite for this sonic celebration for the younger crowd. Read full book review >
Cover art for MISS MOUSIE'S BLIND DATE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Tim Beiser, illustrated by Rachel Berman

"Wonderful. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Spring fever strikes even the rodents. And who knows where the heart leads? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BEAR IN THE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
by Kate Banks, illustrated by Georg Hallensleben

"A tribute to the power of books to connect and the love that parents everywhere show when they share books with children at the end of the day, this picture book is simply spectacular. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Banks and Hallensleben are together again (What's Coming for Christmas? 2009, etc.) with a heartwarming tale that compares one bear's hibernation to one little boy's bedtime-reading rituals. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHRISTMAS WOMBAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
by Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley

"The wombat hopes those strange carrot-attracting creatures will be back soon, and young readers will hope the lovable wombat returns for more cleverly constructed carrot quests. (Picture book. 2-7)"
In this holiday-themed entry in their successful series, French and Whatley introduce their lovable wombat character to Santa and his reindeer. Read full book review >
Cover art for ARCHIE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012

"A tail-wagging delight for budding Coco Chanels everywhere. (Picture book. 3-8)"
The clothes make the dog in this nearly wordless, tongue-in-cheek homage to fashion and the power of creativity. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012

"The Emberleys offer such a joyful, imaginative interpretation of the classic that even the youngest will understand the unstated message to "eat, drink and be merry." (Picture book. 4-8)"
In this playful riff on Aesop's fable, an ant's load is made light when her spirit is lifted by the grasshopper's music. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAN FROM THE LAND OF FANDANGO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Polly Dunbar

"Wonderfully exuberant and completely delightful. (Picture book. 3-8)"
There's fun for all when the man from Fandango comes to call. Read full book review >
Cover art for SLEEP LIKE A TIGER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
by Mary Logue, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

"This deeply satisfying story offers what all children crave when letting go--security and a trusted companion. (Picture book. 3-6)"
The stages and script preceding this child's passage into dreamland are so appealing they will surely inspire imitation. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPIRIT SEEKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez

"Lyrically narrated, resplendently illustrated, and deeply respectful of both subject and audience. (afterword, author's and artist's notes, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)"
In attuned counterpoint, Golio and Gutierrez present a portrait of John Coltrane's lifelong quest to discover and share his spiritual truth through music. Read full book review >