Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Top 27 Picture Books & Early Readers for September


Showing

Cover art for BRAVE SQUISH RABBIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012

"A little humor that goes a long way toward conquering big fears. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Squish, a tiny rabbit, lives with towering fears: of storms, chickens and the dark. Read full book review >
Cover art for TOO TALL HOUSES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012
by Gianna Marino, illustrated by Gianna Marino

"Another winner for rising star Marino. (Picture book. 3-6) "
Hilltop neighbors Rabbit and Owl nearly destroy their friendship when envy and one-upmanship take hold in this appealing story that reads much like a folk tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for LET'S SING A LULLABY WITH THE BRAVE COWBOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2012
by Jan Thomas, illustrated by Jan Thomas

"A terrific story to read and sing, with a most satisfying finale. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Silliness abounds as a not-very-bright, not-very-brave cowboy croons his cows to sleep. Read full book review >
Cover art for NIGHTSONG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2012
by Ari Berk, illustrated by Loren Long

"Young ones will relate to Chiro and cheer as he gains confidence with his newfound skill and will be deeply satisfied flying along on his sensory-rich journey. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Exquisite design coupled with evocative illustrations enrich this charming tale of a little bat taking his first solo flight and how he learns to "see" with his "good sense," otherwise known as echolocation. Read full book review >
Cover art for ISLAND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Jason Chin, illustrated by Jason Chin

"Another superb contribution to scientific literature by Chin. (Informational picture book. 8-12) "
A beautifully made picture book presents the story of the Galápagos Islands for young readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for CASTLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012

"And will a young scholar read it again and look for more? You bet--it's great fuel for the imagination. (Nonfiction early reader. 4-8)"
Hooray for the launch of a new nonfiction series for newly fledged readers! Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU ARE A STAR!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Michael Parker, illustrated by Judith Rossell

"A twinkling delight for bedtime and storytime. (star facts) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Star light, star bright…a child takes a lyrical journey to the heavens and discovers she's a star--in the best possible way. Read full book review >
Cover art for HELLO! HELLO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Matthew Cordell, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

"This wry object lesson blends clever design and a sincere, never-preachy delivery. Terrific! (Picture book. 3-7)"
Into a family's device-dominated existence, Cordell inserts this tribute to the realms of nature and the imagination. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE QUIET PLACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small

"A warm, gentle portrait of an immigrant's isolation and the ways that creativity and a loving family can offer both a safe haven and a bridge. (Picture book. 4-8)"
As in Stewart and Small's previous The Gardener (1997) and The Journey (2001), letters to a loved one become the vehicle for a girl to explore what she sees, feels and comes to understand upon leaving home for the first time. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU ARE STARDUST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2012
by Elin Kelsey, illustrated by Soyeon Kim

"A remarkable achievement. (Picture book. 5-12)"
We are made of earth and water and air and stardust, and we are more related to animals and plants than we ever imagined. Read full book review >
Cover art for ELECTRIC BEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2012
by Robert Byrd, illustrated by Robert Byrd

"A work of breadth and energy, just like its subject; engaging and brimming with appeal for a wide audience. (Biography. 8-14)"
A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THOSE DARN SQUIRRELS FLY SOUTH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

"Hysterical--again. (Picture book. 5-9)"
Birds of a feather (along with a cantankerous gentleman and his pesky squirrels) flock together at this tropical destination. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH, NO!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

"Oh, yes! This is a terrific new picture book. (Picture book. 2-6)"
With text that begs to be read aloud and sumptuous illustrations made by a master printmaker, this picture book reads like an instant classic. Read full book review >
Cover art for A FEW BITES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
by Cybèle Young, illustrated by Cybèle Young

"A good story and thoroughly engaging art that flows organically from it; two attractive siblings in a recognizable setting; a winner. (Picture book. 4-8)"
There's wondrous art in the service of little brothers in this follow-up to A Few Blocks (2011). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
by Aesop, retold by Helen Ward, illustrated by Helen Ward

"A visual stunner. (Picture book. 4-7)"
In this splendid retelling of Aesop's familiar fable, a country mouse leaves his bucolic existence to sample the glitz and glam of the city, only to discover there's absolutely no place like home. Read full book review >
Cover art for ONE TIMES SQUARE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 6, 2012
by Joe McKendry, illustrated by Joe McKendry

"Just like Times Square itself, the pages are filled to the brim. (sources) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
An unexpected history of a very famous intersection. Read full book review >
Cover art for MONSIEUR MARCEAU
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
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 THE MONSTERS' MONSTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012

"Make time to share with young monsters everywhere. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Tiny Grouch, Grump and Gloom 'n' Doom (who has two heads) continually bicker about who is the most impressive monster. When the solution they come up with turns out to be different from what they expected, a surprising but welcome lesson is eventually learned. Read full book review >
Cover art for NEVER TRUST A TIGER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
retold by Lari Don, illustrated by Melanie Williamson

"An excellent addition to both the folk tale genre and the early-reader shelf. (Folk tale/early reader. 4-7)"
Does one good turn deserve another? Read full book review >
Cover art for LESTER'S DREADFUL SWEATERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by K.G. Campbell, illustrated by K.G. Campbell

"Children forced to wear horrid clothing made by well-meaning relatives will laugh in sympathy with Lester. If Edward Gorey and Polly Horvath had a literary love child, this would be it. (Picture book. 5-9)"
Cousin Clara, who may or may not be related to the rest of the family, knits horrid sweaters at a breakneck speed. Read full book review >
Cover art for PENNY AND HER DOLL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Kevin Henkes

"A doll of a beginning reader. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Following Penny and Her Song (2012), Henkes delivers an even stronger slice of anthropomorphic mouse life for beginning readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for VALENTINE AND HIS VIOLIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Philip Hopman, illustrated by Philip Hopman

"Delightful whether or not you've ever attempted to play a stringed instrument. (Picture book. 5-9)"
Valentine's violin teacher says he's doing very well, but the effect of his playing on others is dramatic in a different sense. Read full book review >
Cover art for DELIA'S DULL DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Andy Myer, illustrated by Andy Myer

"Young readers will chuckle at Delia's cluelessness--and maybe think twice about their own assumptions. (Picture book. 4-9)"
An amusing visual riff on the frequent refrain "nothing ever happens to me." Read full book review >
Cover art for SARAH GIVES THANKS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Mike Allegra, illustrated by David Gardner

"Readers will look forward to more from this talented author, who has penned a perfectly paced, rousing biography. (author's note, selected sources) (Picture books/biography. 5-10)"
The inspiring story of an early-19th-century woman who supported her family, made a name for herself and gave us all an opportunity to give thanks each November. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
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 CAT TALE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Michael Hall, illustrated by Michael Hall

"Smart and accessible, charming and witty, this is one for educators and adventurers alike. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Hall cleverly plays with homophones in this diverting word adventure. Read full book review >
Cover art for WAZZYJUMP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Michael Moniz, illustrated by Michael Moniz

"Sublime. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Everyone seeks the magic of the little brown rabbit, but what exactly is it? Read full book review >