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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 Piet Grobler

THE MAGIC BOJABI TREE by Dianne Hofmeyr
Released: Oct. 15, 2013
by Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Piet Grobler
"A lively alternative to the standard renditions, Celia Barker Lottridge's The Name of the Tree, illustrated by Ian Wallace (1989), and Joanna Troughton's Tortoise's Dream (1980). (Picture book/folk tale. 6-8)"
In an animated retelling well-suited to reading aloud, this object lesson in the virtues of concentration features starving animals, a tree that must be named to give up its luscious fruit and a particularly bad-tempered lion. Read full book review >
AESOP'S FABLES by Beverley Naidoo
ANIMALS
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star
by Beverley Naidoo, illustrated by Piet Grobler
"A delightful new rendition of some old favorites. (Fables. 5-11)"
Wearing a deliberate African patina, this refreshing collection of 16 Aesop fables takes place in the South African veld, giving these timeless moral tales a visual and verbal facelift. Read full book review >
ALL THE WILD WONDERS by Wendy Cooling
POETRY
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
edited by Wendy Cooling, illustrated by Piet Grobler
"Marvelous and evergreen. (thumbnail bios) (Picture book/poetry. 6-10)"
Thirty-six verses, old and new, about the natural world are found in this British import. Read full book review >
FUSSY FREYA by Katharine Quarmby
FAMILY AND GROWING UP
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
by Katharine Quarmby, illustrated by Piet Grobler
"Savory fare for fussy eaters. (Picture book. 3-7)"
When Freya decides to become a finicky eater, it takes clever Grandma Clare to find a cure. Read full book review >
COLORS! ¡COLORES! by Jorge Luján
POETRY
Released: March 1, 2008
by Jorge Luján, illustrated by Piet Grobler, translated by John Oliver Simon, Rebecca Parfitt
"A lovely book to share, reflect upon and linger over. (Picture book. 3-8)"
Flowing watercolors and charming rhymes in English and Spanish combine to convey the colors of the natural world with simple yet sophisticated grace. Read full book review >
SKY BLUE ACCIDENT/ACCIDENTE CELESTE by Jorge Luján
FICTION
Released: April 1, 2007
by Jorge Luján, illustrated by Piet Grobler, translated by Elisa Amado
"While not essential, this is a vibrantly presented and provocative exploration of the imagination. (Picture book. 4-8)"
In Luján's free verse poem, a boy on his way to school collides with the sky and breaks it. Read full book review >
LITTLE BIRD’S ABC by Piet Grobler
ABC BOOKS
Released: Sept. 30, 2005
by Piet Grobler

The small square shape and multicolored checked spine and endpapers are reminiscent of Chris Raschka's Mysterious Thelonious. Read full book review >
LITTLE MOUSE by Lida Dijkstra
ANIMALS
Released: Oct. 15, 2004
by Lida Dijkstra, illustrated by Piet Grobler
"Livelier versions exist. (Picture book/folktale. 5-8)"
This variant of The Mouse Bride, originally published in Rotterdam, features an unlikely prenuptial pair. Read full book review >
HEY, FROG! by Piet Grobler
ANIMALS
Released: Oct. 15, 2002
by Piet Grobler, illustrated by Piet Grobler

Presented as original but with folkloric antecedents, this tale of a greedy frog who swallows up every drop of water features a cast of stylized South African creatures, and an informal tone: " ‘Hey Frog,' they shouted. ‘Unzip those lips before you pop!' " But Frog will not, despite the best efforts of Lion, who tries to scratch him, Crocodile, who tries to scare him, Crow, who hopes that his insults will provoke a retort, and other thirsty beasts, all with their own plans. Read full book review >
DOCTOR ME DI CIN by Roberto Piumini
FICTION
Released: Sept. 1, 2001
by Roberto Piumini, illustrated by Piet Grobler
"A delightful amusement with lovely and evocative artwork. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Despite his eponymous name, a wise doctor tricks a sick prince into curing himself without herbs or medications. Read full book review >