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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 Brandon Dorman

JOSHUA DREAD by Lee Bacon
Released: Sept. 24, 2013
by Lee Bacon, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"A superpowered thumbs up. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
When the substitute librarian tries to kill you on the last day of school, it doesn't bode well for summer break. Read full book review >
PLAYING WITH FIRE by Bruce Hale
Released: June 25, 2013
by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"This lightweight kid-spy romp should find some eager readers. (Adventure. 11-13)"
Thirteen-year-old fosterling Max Segredo knows he's just one stop away from juvie. Luckily, that stop turns out to be the Merry Sunshine Orphanage, where the third floor is off-limits due to a secret science project, and the house rules include "No unsupervised gunplay." Read full book review >
GRASSHOPPER MAGIC by Lynne Jonell
Released: May 28, 2013
by Lynne Jonell, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"With Celia, Derek and Abner all having played starring roles in the series, fans will be eager for Tate's turn. (Magical adventure. 6-9)"
Hollowstone Hill's magic (Lawn Mower Magic, 2012, etc.) returns in grasshoppers that, when fried and eaten, give Abner Willow an unexpected bounce. Read full book review >
GIANT DANCE PARTY by Betsy Bird
Released: April 23, 2013
Kirkus Star
by Betsy Bird, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"Sheer joy. (Picture book. 3-8)"
Lexy lives to dance, but she dreads those terrifying recitals. Read full book review >
SNOWMAN MAGIC by Katherine Tegen
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Katherine Tegen, illustrated by Brandon Dorman

This tale of a constructed friend charms with its magic and imagination. Read full book review >
JOSHUA DREAD by Lee Bacon
Released: Sept. 25, 2012
by Lee Bacon, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"A twisty, swiftly moving adventure sure to please superhero fans. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
"It's embarrassing to run into your parents when you're with people from school, especially when your parents are about to destroy the planet." Read full book review >
THE LAND OF STORIES by Chris Colfer
Released: July 17, 2012
by Chris Colfer, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"Cardboard characters and awkwardly episodic situations result in a poorly manufactured tale. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Celebpub collides with fairy-tale redux in this unsuccessful debut. Read full book review >
LAWN MOWER MAGIC by Lynne Jonell
Released: Feb. 28, 2012
by Lynne Jonell, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"Second in a promising series that began with Hamster Magic (2010) this is a good stepping stone to more challenging reading. (Fantasy. 6-9)"
The four Willow children attempt to tame an old-fashioned reel lawn mower with an enormous appetite for grass. Read full book review >
SNOW ANGELS by Angel Randall
FICTION
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
by Angel Randall, illustrated by Brandon Dorman, by Chris Schoebinger
"An afterschool special in picture-book form. (cookie recipe) (Picture book. 4-7)"
In this too-good-to-be-true debut, best friends Krystal and Angel get the help of snow angels to make a difference in the lives of people around them. Read full book review >
PIRATES OF THE SEA! by Brandon Dorman
ADVENTURE
Released: May 1, 2011
by Brandon Dorman, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"As pirate fare goes, this is far from the only ship on the sea, but it does sail along smartly. (Picture book. 6-8)"
A pirate yarn sails familiar territory in satisfyingly rollicking fashion. Read full book review >
THE STORY OF THE JACK O'LANTERN by Katherine Tegen
FAIRY TALES, FOLKTALES AND MYTHS
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
adapted by Katherine Tegen, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"It doesn't hold a candle, though, to Wicked Jack, by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand (1995). (author's note) (Picture book/folktale. 4-8)"
"There once was a man named Jack who was stingy and mean." Read full book review >
THE SLIPPERY MAP by N.E. Bode
ADVENTURE
Released: Sept. 1, 2007
by N.E. Bode, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"Inventive and an awful lot of fun, "it's all as real as you want it to be," and it will surely be a catalyst for creative thinking. (Fiction. 8-12)"
The author of The Anybodies series invites readers to use their imaginations and join ten-year-old Oyster R. Motel on a curious quest. Read full book review >
THE WIZARD by Jack Prelutsky
FANTASY
Released: July 1, 2007
by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Brandon Dorman
"Dorman's debut makes an atmospheric opener for any magic-themed storytime. (Picture book. 6-8)"
Lit with a greenish glow, elaborately detailed digital paintings give a properly eerie setting to this shortened version of a poem originally published in Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep (1976). Read full book review >