Book List

Best Picture Books of 2013 About Family & Friends

CHILDREN'S

BUILDING OUR HOUSE

by Jonathan Bean ; illustrated by Jonathan Bean

Raise the roof for this picture book. It’s something special. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

HAVE YOU SEEN MY NEW BLUE SOCKS?

by Eve Bunting ; illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

A great addition to the literature on ducks…or socks! (Picture book. 2-6) Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

DEEP IN THE SAHARA

by Kelly Cunnane ; illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

Poetic language, attractive illustrations and a positive message about Islam, without any didacticism: a wonderful... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

GRANDMA AND THE GREAT GOURD

retold by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni ; illustrated by Susy Pilgrim Waters

This fresh new version will soon have young listeners and readers telling the story themselves. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT

by Mem Fox ; illustrated by Judy Horacek

Sure to be requested and welcome for lapsits and reciting together any time of day. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

DON'T SAY A WORD, MAMÁ / NO DIGAS NADA, MAMÁ

by Joe Hayes ; illustrated by Esau Andrade Valencia

This book overflows with affection—and you can never have too much of that. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

HERE I AM

by Patti Kim ; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

Sánchez has captured a kaleidoscope of emotion and powerful sensations in a way children will grasp completely. It’s The... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

NO FITS, NILSON!

by Zachariah OHora ; illustrated by Zachariah OHora

Foot-stomping fit pitchers will take multiple timeouts for this amusing modern fable. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

ROBOT, GO BOT!

by Dana Meachen Rau ; illustrated by Wook Jin Jung

A straightforward tale of conflict and reconciliation for newly emergent readers? Not exactly, which raises it above the... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

UNICORN THINKS HE'S PRETTY GREAT

by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Bob Shea

Brilliant in execution and hysterical in dialogue; Shea’s pretty great, too Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

TIGER IN MY SOUP

by Kashmira Sheth ; illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

In the current run of titles about older siblings feeding younger ones, this one stands out for its inventive imagery and... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

LOULA IS LEAVING FOR AFRICA

by Anne Villeneuve ; illustrated by Anne Villeneuve

A paean to imagination and an artful acknowledgment of children’s needs and frustrations, leavened with poignancy and humor. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 287 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children's, and YA books; also in this issue: the 100 best Indie books of the year; interviews with some of our favorite Indie authors; and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview