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New & Notable Picture Books: October 2012

Cover art for MAN FROM THE LAND OF FANDANGO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
Kirkus Star MAN FROM THE LAND OF FANDANGO
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
Kirkus Star SLEEP LIKE A TIGER
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
Kirkus Star SPIRIT SEEKER: JOHN COLTRANE'S MUSICAL JOURNEY
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 >
Cover art for CHRISTMAS WOMBAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
Kirkus Star CHRISTMAS WOMBAT
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
Kirkus Star ARCHIE
by Domenica More Gordon, illustrated by Domenica More Gordon
"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
Kirkus Star THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
by Rebecca Emberley, Ed Emberley, illustrated by Rebecca Emberley, Ed Emberley
"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 >