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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Performing Artists in Picture-Book Biographies

Cover art for MONSIEUR MARCEAU
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
Kirkus Star MONSIEUR MARCEAU: ACTOR WITHOUT WORDS
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Gérard DuBois
"An exceptional life; a stunning achievement. (afterword, source notes, further reading) (Picture book biography. 4-10) "
Audiences thrilled to his mesmerizing performances, in which he spoke through his expressive body without uttering a single word. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frané Lessac
"A joy to read. Play calypso music and celebrate! (author's note, glossary and pronunciation guide, author's sources) (Picture book/biography. 3-8)"
Winston, a boy in Trinidad, wishes that he could play in a band and win free rotis, the delicious island specialty prepared by the Roti King and presented to the best performers at Carnival. Read full book review >
Cover art for JAZZ AGE JOSEPHINE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2012
Kirkus Star JAZZ AGE JOSEPHINE: DANCER, SINGER—WHO'S THAT, WHO? WHY, THAT'S MISS JOSEPHINE BAKER TO YOU!
by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
"In any consideration of noteworthy lives, Baker stands tall and sparkles as a determined, brave and singular woman of color. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 5-10)"
The African-American singer and dancer was idolized in France because of her extraordinary talent as a stage performer and scorned in the United States because of her color. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALICIA ALONSO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
ALICIA ALONSO: PRIMA BALLERINA
by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by Raúl Colón
"She has been a ballerina, a teacher, a Cuban and a role model for those with handicaps. Truly a noteworthy life, poignantly rendered here. (notes, bibliography) (Picture books/biography. 8-14)"
A biography in poems and pictures of the prima ballerina assoluta of Cuba, who thrilled audiences for decades with her extraordinary technique and beautiful interpretations of Giselle and other classics. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF BALTO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 9, 2011
THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF BALTO
by Meghan McCarthy, illustrated by Meghan McCarthy
"An intelligent read-aloud for those not quite ready to tackle the existing independent readers. (maps, author's note) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)"
Every dog has his day, but Balto's life is comparable to an early 20th-century movie star's. Read full book review >
Cover art for JIMI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star JIMI: SOUNDS LIKE A RAINBOW: A STORY OF THE YOUNG JIMI HENDRIX
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
"Outstanding in every way. (biographical note, author's note, websites, illustrator's note, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Golio examines Jimi Hendrix's childhood creativity as a nurtured progression that stoked an explosively influential expression in the '60s. Read full book review >