Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Seven Impossible Things: Favorite Picture Books 2011


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Cover art for ALONG A LONG ROAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 7, 2011
by Frank Viva, illustrated by Frank Viva

"Great fun to look at; kids will feel the speed of the bike and the there-ness of place. (Picture book. 4-8)"
What was one continuous 35-foot long work of art turns into a nifty visual exercise and an engaging image for young folk. Read full book review >
Cover art for JONATHAN AND THE BIG BLUE BOAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 7, 2011
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Philip C. Stead

"Stead encourages children to puzzle over minutia, readying them to think about more opaque topics: growing up, obsolescence and the intrigue of old, forgotten things. (Picture book. 2-6)"
After Jonathan's parents trade his teddy bear Frederick for a more useful and age-appropriate toaster, he sets sail on a rusty Big Blue Boat to find his lost toy. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACKOUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011
by John Rocco, illustrated by John Rocco

"Not all young readers will have experienced a blackout, but this engaging snapshot could easily have them wishing for one. (Picture book. 5-8)"
"It started out as a normal summer night"--until the lights go out, citywide. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOPPER AND WILSON
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 12, 2011

"Winsomely ambiguous and otherworldly, this sweet, quirky story offers fantastic footholds for dizzying discussion. (Picture book. 4-12)"
Two lumpy stuffed animals pack up a red balloon, wave goodbye to their potted pet cactus and set sail in a paper hat to find the end of the world—a place they hope has enough lemons for an endless supply of lemonade and a staircase to the moon! Read full book review >
Cover art for TWEAK TWEAK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

"Captures exactly and sweetly a developmental ideal for both child and parent. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Elephant mother and daughter enact an ages-old parent-child ritual. Read full book review >
Cover art for FOLLOW ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 18, 2011
by Tricia Tusa, illustrated by Tricia Tusa

"A glorious visual meditation on light, color and home for even the smallest child and artist. (Picture book. 4-9)"
This book starts with the cover, a picture of a small girl with a large braid getting onto a swing under a tree. Read full book review >
Cover art for ME...JANE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011

"Backmatter includes a pithy biography, additional photographs and a letter and drawing from Jane herself—children will thrill at the connection. (Picture book/biography. 2-10)"
Little Jane Goodall and Jubilee (her toy chimpanzee) ramble outside their English country home observing everyday animal miracles and dreaming of a life in Africa, "living with, / and helping, / all animals." Read full book review >
Cover art for IN THE MEADOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2011
by Yukiko Kato, illustrated by Komako Sakai, translated by Yuki Kaneko

"This immersive experience is the first in a proposed series of nature books; a welcome addition. (Picture book. 3-6)"
A memorable day at the river with the whole family. Read full book review >
Cover art for THESE HANDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

"For all the many titles that appear on segregation and protest for younger readers, this one stands tall not just for delving into a piece of labor history not previously covered, but for its ability to relate history with heart and resonance. (Picture book. 4-8)"
With tenderness and pride, a grandfather shares the many skills of his hands with his grandson, who is a happy student. Read full book review >
Cover art for I MUST HAVE BOBO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 22, 2011
by Eileen Rosenthal, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal

"Hilarious for adult readers; an exercise in self-recognition and empathy for the intended audience. (Picture book. 18 mos.-5)"
Willy, the protagonist of this small domestic drama, is perfectly, appropriately self-absorbed, as he is barely out of toddlerhood and, as his monologue reveals, he relies on his sock monkey, Bobo, to help him negotiate the challenges of being so young. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CAZUELA THAT THE FARM MAIDEN STIRRED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Rafael López

"A wonderful read-aloud, filled with merriment and conviviality. (Picture book. 4-7)"
With the help of her animal friends, a farm maiden begins to cook. Read full book review >