Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Performing Artists in Picture-Book Biographies (page 3)


Cover art for DIZZY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2006
by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Sean Qualls

"OOP BOP SH'BAM!" (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 5-10)"
The syncopated rhythms of bebop form the backbeat to this introduction to Dizzy Gillespie. Read full book review >
Cover art for BE WATER, MY FRIEND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2006
by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee

"A brief page of facts continues the story through stardom and early death. (Picture book/biography. 7-12)"
Mochizuki chronicles the famed and iconic actor's early life for young readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLET OF THE ELEPHANTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2006
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker

"A charming tale to share with young fans of the circus and ballet. (bibliography, web sites, extensive author note) (Picture book. 4-7)"
In Florida, 1942, a most unusual collaboration took place. Read full book review >
Cover art for JOSÉ! BORN TO DANCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2005
by Susanna Reich, illustrated by Raúl Colón

"An inspiring tribute to a major figure in the arts, featuring some of Colón's most moving, powerful work yet. (Picture book/biography. 7-9)"
This first introduction for children to renowned dancer and choreographer José Limón pairs equally soaring text and visuals. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOUDINI
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2005
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

"Budding magicians won't find more than hints here of how Houdini did it, but a tempting set of print and digital resources caps this perceptive and dramatic tribute. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 7-9)"
Still a name with which to conjure, Houdini left swaths of his past and his techniques shrouded in mystery—but here veteran biographer Krull peeks behind the curtain for glimpses of his life, his feats and his character. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GIRL ON THE HIGH-DIVING HORSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2003
by Linda Oatman High, illustrated by Ted Lewin

"The story and illustrations fuse together, placing readers at the scene and making them wish they were there, delightfully capturing the thrill of a unique time and place. (Picture book. 5-9)"
The attention-grabbing title, the intriguing cover, and the scene-setting subtitle will compel readers to take a look inside. Read full book review >