cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus talks to Chris Pavone about The Accident, his latest thriller in which ordinary lives are thrust into spectacular jeopardy.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit


Books by Barry Root

DREAM BIG by Deloris Jordan
Released: May 1, 2012
by Deloris Jordan, illustrated by Barry Root
"Not likely to be a life-changing inspiration to any, save diehard Michael Jordan fans. (Picture book/biography. 4-7)"
Michael Jordan's mother returns for another story about her famous son's childhood. Read full book review >
PASSING THE MUSIC DOWN by Sarah Sullivan
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2011
by Sarah Sullivan, illustrated by Barry Root
"Sullivan's notes, on Melvin Wine and Jake Krack and the tunes, round out a lovely, resonant offering. (resources) (Picture book. 5-8)"
Sullivan reverently celebrates a musical apprenticeship that spans generations in this poetic narrative based on a real-life relationship and punctuated by the titular phrase. Read full book review >
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE PONY EXPRESS? by Verla Kay
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2010
by Verla Kay, illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root, Barry Root
"Layne Johnson (2010). (Picture book. 4-7)"
In her characteristic stripped-down verse, Kay fashions the attributes and enterprise of the Pony Express, which is celebrating its sesquicentennial. Read full book review >
BAG IN THE WIND by Ted Kooser
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star
by Ted Kooser, illustrated by Barry Root
"Wonderful. (author's note about recycling plastic bags) (Picture book. 5-8)"
In his first children's title, former Poet Laureate Kooser follows a plastic grocery bag, "just the color of the skin of a yellow onion," on a skittering journey from landfill to thrift shop. Read full book review >
CHRISTMAS FARM by Mary Lyn Ray
FICTION
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
Kirkus Star
by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Barry Root
"Root's illustrations often use a warm gold palette for interior scenes in Wilma's sunny kitchen and outdoors on her farm in summer; winter vistas show deep blue skies with speckles of falling snow, deep green trees and glowing lights from distant farmhouses. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Wilma is a successful gardener who lives happily by herself on a farm in New England. Read full book review >
THE BIRTHDAY TREE by Paul Fleischman
FICTION
Released: March 1, 2008
by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Barry Root
"This is addressed more to parents than children, but the tree's role adds a touch of magic that may appeal to younger listeners. (Picture book. 7-9, adult)"
A new illustrator gives both color and more variety in the visuals to Fleischman's 1979 tale of a child who leaves but then comes back. Read full book review >
BANJO GRANNY by Sarah Martin Busse
FAMILY AND GROWING UP
Released: Nov. 13, 2006
by Sarah Martin Busse, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Barry Root
"While less imaginative kids will be left wondering why Granny didn't hop a plane or drive her car, most will find her modes of transportation delightful and inspirational. (Picture book. 4-8)"
When Owen's distant Granny hears that he's a baby who goes "wiggly, jiggly, all-around giggly, and tip over tumble for bluegrass music," she just has to pack up her banjo and go dance with him. Read full book review >
TEAMMATES by Tiki Barber
BIOGRAPHY
Released: Oct. 1, 2006
by Tiki Barber, Ronde Barber, illustrated by Barry Root
"A lesson of building self-confidence through steadfast pursuit of a goal that's easy to believe and enjoyable to attain. (Picture book. 6-10)"
Sincerity and veracity are the hallmarks of the Barbers' books. Read full book review >
GAME DAY by Tiki Barber
BIOGRAPHY
Released: Oct. 1, 2005
by Tiki Barber, Ronde Barber, illustrated by Barry Root
"Lots of great football talk and Root's rich colors of amber, green and deep blue bring the field to life. (Picture book. 6-10)"
Kids who have played any sport in a vital but unsung capacity will identify with this second outing from the Barbers, twin professional football players. Read full book review >
BY MY BROTHER’S SIDE by Tiki Barber
BIOGRAPHY
Released: Sept. 1, 2004
by Tiki Barber, Ronde Barber, Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Barry Root
"A great gift for brothers, too. (Picture book. 5-8)"
The Barber twins not only play professional football for the NFL, they're also both great enough to be stars. Read full book review >
GIANT STEPS by Elizabeth Loredo
FAIRY TALES, FOLKTALES AND MYTHS
Released: Feb. 1, 2004
by Elizabeth Loredo, illustrated by Barry Root
"A cheerful, Bunyanesque episode that, like Loredo's Boogie Bones (1997), begs to be read aloud. (Picture book. 7-9)"
A quintet of infectiously grinning behemoths, a well-delivered punch line, and an unexplained joke left for young readers or listeners to figure out on their own buoy this globe-spanning game of "Giant Steps." Read full book review >
THE CAT WHO LIKED POTATO SOUP by Terry Farish
ANIMALS
Released: May 1, 2003
by Terry Farish, illustrated by Barry Root
"Older readers especially will be pleased and amused by Farish's evocative language as well as the rich array of subtle verbal and visual nuances here. (Picture book. 6-9)"
Root's spare, warm-hued rural scenes perfectly capture the tone of this tender tale about two curmudgeons—a grizzled "ol' Texas boy, country-raised, don't you know," and a cat—sharing one roof. Read full book review >
GUMBRELLA by Barry Root
ANIMALS
Released: Oct. 1, 2002
by Barry Root, illustrated by Barry Root
"Deadpan expressions and low-key reactions enhance the ambiguity of this veteran illustrator's faintly offbeat solo debut. (Picture book. 6-8)"
The tone is light, the pictures are bright—but there's a hint of Stephen King in this tale of a big sister who loves playing doctor to small injured creatures so much that she won't let them go when they're healed. Read full book review >
CENTRAL PARK SERENADE by Laura Godwin
FICTION
Released: April 1, 2002
by Laura Godwin, illustrated by Barry Root
"Very inviting. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Catchy couplets and luscious full-bleed illustrations combine in this joyous celebration of a Central Park summer. Read full book review >
MESSENGER, MESSENGER by Robert Burleigh
FICTION
Released: June 1, 2000
by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Barry Root
"Children will accept and appreciate the rhythm of a life they glimpse every day. (Picture book. 4-7)"
In propulsive rhymed couplets, Burleigh (Hercules, 1999, etc.) tells a day in the life of a bicycle messenger in a city inspired by Chicago. Read full book review >
BRAVE POTATOES by Toby Speed
FICTION
Released: May 1, 2000
by Toby Speed, illustrated by Barry Root
"Any way you slice it, this tuberous triumph will have readers rolling in the aisles. (Picture book. 7-9)"
Speed and Root (Two Cool Cows, 1995) pit a platoon of feisty prize spuds against grimacing chef Hackemup in this gleeful culinary contretemps. Read full book review >
NOBODY'S DOG by Charlotte Graeber
ANIMALS
Released: June 1, 1998
by Charlotte Graeber, illustrated by Barry Root
"Miss Pepper herself is white-haired but wears sneakers, a sensible sun hat, and a fabulous blue-flowered vest. (Picture book. 3-8)"
A small, hand-sized book about a small, lap-sized dog. Read full book review >
THE GIANT CARROT by Jan Peck
FAIRY TALES, FOLKTALES AND MYTHS
Released: March 1, 1998
by Jan Peck, illustrated by Barry Root
"A recipe for carrot pudding tops off this frolicsome adaptation of an old tale. (Picture book. 3-8)"
 ``It grew and it grew and it grew'' is a familiar chant among readers who know the classic Russian folktale of the giant turnip. Read full book review >
WHOOSH! WENT THE WISH by Toby Speed
ANIMALS
Released: May 19, 1997
by Toby Speed, illustrated by Barry Root
"A small book with a generous heart. (Picture book. 4-8)"
 From the team behind Two Cool Cows (1995) comes the sweet story of Henry, who wants nothing more than a cat for company. Read full book review >
GRANDPA TAKES ME TO THE MOON by Timothy R. Gaffney
FAMILY AND GROWING UP
Released: Aug. 1, 1996
by Timothy R. Gaffney, illustrated by Barry Root
"Most readers will appreciate the romance of the lunar landing; adults will have a renewed feeling of affection for those exciting days. (Picture book. 4+)"
 The narrator, a boy (or a short-haired girl), listens to his astronaut-grandfather's bedtime story about his trip to the moon and imagines himself along for the ride. Read full book review >
SOMEPLACE ELSE by Carol P. Saul
ADVENTURE
Released: Sept. 1, 1995
by Carol P. Saul, illustrated by Barry Root
"Endearing, but also remote. (Picture book. 7-9)"
 ``All her life'' Mrs. Tillby has lived in the same country house, wondering what it would be like to live elsewhere. Read full book review >
TWO COOL COWS by Toby Speed
ANIMALS
Released: May 11, 1995
by Toby Speed, illustrated by Barry Root
"Accompanied by Root's lissome paintings, Speed reinvents words and manufactures frenzied couplets to introduce readers to a place where a predictably good time will be had by all. (Picture book. 4- 8)"
 Two hip, sunglass-wearing Holsteins borrow some ``new black button-back boots'' and head for a party on the moon. Read full book review >
WAN HU IS IN THE STARS by Jennifer Armstrong
FICTION
Released: May 1, 1995
by Jennifer Armstrong, illustrated by Barry Root
"The quiet, unforced poetry of this tale teaches a valuable lesson in the power of yearning. (Picture book/folklore. 5+)"
 As in Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat (1993), Armstrong uses her knowledge of Chinese lore to create a transcendent fable. Read full book review >
ALVAH AND ARVILLA by Mary Lyn Ray
ANIMALS
Released: Sept. 1, 1994
by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Barry Root
"Brightly illustrated in watercolors, Ray's (A Rumbly Tumbly Glittery Gritty Place, not reviewed) tale is imaginative and humorous. (Fiction/Picture book. 5-8)"
 For 31 years Arvilla has wanted to see the Pacific Ocean, but her husband Alvah, a practical, 19th-century New England farmer and man of few words, says, ``You can't have a farm and travel.'' So, for 31 years Arvilla and Alvah stay home, until one day Arvilla has an idea: to build a house on wheels, put all their animals in it, and bring the entire farm with them. Read full book review >
OLD DEVIL WIND by Bill Martin
FANTASY
Released: Sept. 1, 1993
by Bill Martin, illustrated by Barry Root
"Root's dark, swirling paintings of the thoroughly haunted house, lit with a ghostly glow, are right in the proper spirit. (Picture book. 3-8)"
 A nicely spooky cumulative Halloween tale that begins: ``One dark and stormy night Ghost floated out of the wall and he began to WAIL. Read full book review >
CHINOOK! by Michael O. Tunnell
FAIRY TALES, FOLKTALES AND MYTHS
Released: March 24, 1993
by Michael O. Tunnell, illustrated by Barry Root
"Root's sweeping brush strokes, affectionate caricatures, and sly humor are right in the spirit of the entertaining story. (Picture book. 4-9)"
 A children's literature professor, reared in Alberta, makes a fine picture-book debut with some nicely understated tall tales about the warm, dry wind that sweeps down from the Rockies' eastern slopes. Read full book review >
THE SAINT AND THE CIRCUS by Roberto Piumini
FICTION
Released: Oct. 21, 1991
by Roberto Piumini, translated by Olivia Holmes, illustrated by Barry Root
"Root captures this comically vertiginous balancing act with some flair; his designs are imaginative, though their execution is a bit sturdy for the frothy, entertaining story. (Picture book. 4-8)"
 When a sparrow lands on one end of his pole, a tightrope walker pleads, ``Heaven help me!'' Bumbling Saint Tony happens to be on duty in Heaven's emergency room; he sends a second sparrow for the other end of the pole, but the first sparrow flies over to make friends with the second. Read full book review >