Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Poetry Starring Creepy Crawlies: Bugs in Picture Books


Cover art for NASTY BUGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 15, 2012
edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Will Terry

"As the bedbug says, "absolutely / deeee licious"; a delightful introduction for audiences not quite ready for Douglas Florian's Insectlopedia (1998) or Joyce Sidman's Song of the Water Boatman, illustrated by Beckie Prange (2005). (Picture book/poetry. 6-9)"
In poems written especially for this humorously illustrated collection, 16 versatile poets describe 16 different, mostly familiar and certainly unwelcome insects. Read full book review >
Cover art for BUGS GALORE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 13, 2012
by Peter Stein, illustrated by Bob Staake

"Squirmy and educational. (Picture book. 3-6)"
A veritable swarm of adjectives, opposites and, ew, bugs. Read full book review >
Cover art for STEP GENTLY OUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 13, 2012
by Helen Frost, photographed by Rick Lieder

"A dazzlingly poetic photo album of the insect world for tots on up. (Picture book. 2 & up)"
Breathtaking photos and an exquisite poem capture a bug's-eye view of nature. Read full book review >
Cover art for UNBEELIEVABLES
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 6, 2012
by Douglas Florian, illustrated by Douglas Florian

"Florian shines again here. ("BEEbliography," websites for further inquiry) (Picture book/poetry. 5-8)"
Florian (Poetrees, 2010, etc.) bestows yet another pleasing mix of punny poems and colorful collages that blend whimsy and fact. Read full book review >
Cover art for A BUTTERFLY IS PATIENT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 18, 2011
by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

"Similar butterfly albums abound, but none show these most decorative members of the insect clan to better advantage. (Informational picture book. 8-10)"
Another interwoven flight of poetry, natural history and lovely art from the creators of An Egg Is Quiet (2006) and A Seed Is Sleepy (2007). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DADDY LONGLEGS BLUES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2009
by Mike Ornstein, illustrated by Lisa Kopelke

"The jazzy poem will be fun for sharing. (Picture book. 5-8)"
"Bounce with The Daddy as he plays his fiddle. He's eight long legs with a dot in the middle." Read full book review >