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Children's Book-a-Day Almanac - Anita Silvey's Recommended Reads

Cover art for ART & MAX
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2010
Kirkus Star ART & MAX
by David Wiesner, illustrated by David Wiesner
"In this illustrator's world, mind-blowing art comes from accident, if you're brave enough (like Max) to smile and take an awkward leap. (Picture book. 4-10)"
Two lizards, one an unbridled enthusiast and the other a restrained snoot, stumble along a circuitous creative path together, making art through mishap and engaging all kinds of media along the way. Read full book review >
Cover art for BATS AT THE BALLGAME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star BATS AT THE BALLGAME
by Brian Lies, illustrated by Brian Lies
"But as a read-aloud by a baseball fan, it's sure to inspire a love of the game—and maybe of bats as well. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Previously Lies has given his bats nights at the library and the beach with great success. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SUBURB BEYOND THE STARS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2010
Kirkus Star THE SUBURB BEYOND THE STARS
by M.T. Anderson
"Leaving the trio plunging through an interdimensional gateway in search of help for humanity, Anderson dishes up another strange, exhausting and masterful tale—with at least a promise of further sequels. (Fantasy. 11-13)"
The lads who played and won the deadly Game of Sunken Places (2004) discover that the powerful alien Thusser are back to conquer Earth—and this time they're Cheating. Read full book review >
Cover art for ONE CRAZY SUMMER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star ONE CRAZY SUMMER
by Rita Williams-Garcia
"The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
A flight from New York to Oakland, Calif., to spend the summer of 1968 with the mother who abandoned Delphine and her two sisters was the easy part. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2009
Kirkus Star WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON
by Grace Lin
"Richly hued illustrations reinforce the Chinese folk theme. (author's note) (Fantasy. 8-12)"
To change her family's fortunes, a poor Chinese girl embarks on a fantastical quest to discover she already has everything she needs to be happy. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOONSHOT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 7, 2009
Kirkus Star MOONSHOT: THE FLIGHT OF APOLLO 11
by Brian Floca, illustrated by Brian Floca
"Breathtaking, thrilling and perfect. (Informational picture book. 7-12)"
A dizzying, masterful command of visual pacing combines with an acute sense of verbal rhythms to provide a glorious account of the Apollo 11 mission, one that stands as the must-buy in this crowded lunar season. Read full book review >