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3.98 of 5 stars
One of the most acclaimed children's book illustrators of our time now takes his legendary skill with watercolor to new heights in this lavish visu... read full description

reviews

Jan 05, 2012
Kristen added it
We just received this newly published book by Jerry Pinkney at the San Diego Public Library, and it is simply magical! Each page, including the front and back endpapers, feature different renderings of a star -- from its appearance near a smiling moon at dawn to the shape of a five-pointed star in the middle of the night sky.

Pinkney offers many interpretations of how the twinkle of the star can be found in a forest setting. Some renderings, for example, show the twinkle of a flower' More...
Oct 11, 2011
Barbara rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, Jerry Pinkney turns to something familiar--in this case, it's a well-known lullaby--and makes it seem fresh again with his artistic interpretation. In this picture book, a chipmunk sees a star, and follows it out from his burrow into an adventure- and nature-filled day. He clambers up a tree, climbs into a nest, then falls through the air, lands on a lily pad, is tossed overboard into the water before being rescued by a swan. In the end, he returns to his starting point, exhausted bu More...
Dec 03, 2011
Jessica rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Review via Cracking the Cover
Once again, Jerry Pinkney brings a new version of an old classic to young readers with his picture book "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Based on the poem written by sisters Ann and Jane Taylor in 1806, Pinkney tells the tale of a chipmunk that leaves his nest to greet the twilight and ends up on an adventure of his own. Pinkney strays only slightly from the text, changing a few words for rhythm and the setting.

As with his other book More...
Nov 12, 2011
The Library Lady rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I am going to get howled down by those who feel that (as the cover trumpets) "Caldecott Medal Winner" Pinkney can do no wrong. But charming as this is--and as always his artwork is lovely--the story line and illustrations here totally distract from the lovely simplicity of a song that has been sung to babies and children for centuries.

This is the song I sang to my daughter as a baby on my shoulder. It is a song that was a comfort song to her for many years--and might still b More...
Nov 02, 2011
This is my first Jerry Pinkney book, and what a fabulous first book of his it was to read. This is such a beautifully illustrated book. I was not only mesmerized with it, but my kids were as well. I love that this story was not only inspired by, but uses the words for Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I think fans of Jerry's will be pleasantly surprised with his latest release. I loved his beautiful artistic touch to this classic, as it created a timeless feel for both the song and the story. This r More...
Jan 25, 2012
Margaret rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I found Jerry Pinkney when I read The Lion & the Mouse. The artistic journey was new to me and thoroughly exciting and I easily put him on my wish list for future releases. When I discovered that he had taken a common and favorite of mine nursery rhyme lullaby and put it to the page I was intrigued and could not wait to see what it presented. I was not disappointed and highly recommend this as anyone's bedtime book. Through this book I learned more verses of this classic lullaby and was ench More...
Feb 02, 2012
Lauren rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The illustrations were the first thing to catch my eye. I thought this book was appropriate and deserving of a Caldecott award because it's title is one that most children are familiar with. This would bring readers attention in almost immediately. The story goes into this adventure one little mouse takes away from his family. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is whimsical and heartwarming!
Jan 22, 2012
Amy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A joy to read. I can't wait to use this in summer programming. I'll be interested to see how kids respond to the chipmunks, but I thought the re-imaging of the familiar rhyme was at least something new and different and of course Jerry Pinkney's illustrations are top notch. I especially like trying to find the "star" throughout the scenes.
Nov 23, 2011
A little chipmunk goes on a journey, guided by the light of a star. Using the words of the traditional children’s song, Pinkney tells a dreamy narrative through his vivid paintings.

“Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.”
Nov 26, 2011
Brenda rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely cannot be objective about anything Jerry Pinkney does. His treatment of a familiar nursery rhyme is luscious, lovely and delightful. My only quibble has to do with the sudden appearance of the sailor suit, and well, the sail boat, but less so.
Nov 13, 2011
Jenny rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I don't know what it is about this book, but I just don't love it. Maybe it's because I don't like the song, but there was something about this book that rubbed me the wrong way. I'm giving it three stars because the illustrations are beautiful.
Jan 23, 2012
Bridget R. rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Such beautiful illustrations. I found myself pouring over the wordless spreads. Imay definitely be using this for a story time during this year's Summer Reading Program. The theme is Dream Big--Read and this fits.
Feb 09, 2012
Ingrid rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Coming from Pinkney, this book is, of course, beautiful. It is a great one for talking about one-on-one, but not one that I would recommend as a read-aloud. A little too slow, too cerebral, too artistic.
Dec 31, 2011
Margie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jerry Pickney consistently delivers beautiful books; this is no exception. I purchased multiple copies for gifts.

http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2011...
Nov 23, 2011
Jesika rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Copyright 2010

This a spin on a traditional children's story. It is twinkle, twinkle, little star, but the story is changed just a little. The illustrations are vivid and beautiful.
Nov 23, 2011
Karen rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Nice expansion on a theme (star-shaped flowers and down) to accompany an exploration of the nursery rhyme. Pinkney's watercolors are always outstanding and beautifully drafted.
Jan 21, 2012
Kate rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jerry Pinkney has done it again. Taken a classic childhood story and given it some of the most beautiful illustrations. I loved reading this book with my children.
Dec 26, 2011
Bdalton rated it: 5 of 5 stars
One of the over 85 picture books read in 2011. This book is one of the most beautifully illustrated. Good for storytimes or enjoying at bedtime!
Oct 15, 2011
Suz rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I love Jerry Pinkney's illustrations. His intrepid chipmunk protagnoist is full of curiosity and determination. A very colorful bedtime book.
Oct 19, 2011
Karen A. rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Dream like and mesmerizing. Love the blues he uses this time. Very sweet interpretation of the traditional nursery rhyme.
Oct 16, 2011
The illustrations in this one are beautiful. Fans of Pinkney's will love this one as well as those new to Pinkney's work.
Feb 12, 2012
Carol rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Pinkney illustrates the well-know song. His work is gorgeous...as always!
Oct 17, 2011
Hapzydeco rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A free-form journey via bedtime lullaby taken by a cute chipmunk.
Sep 15, 2011
Rachel rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning illustrations and imagination added to the traditional song.
Oct 26, 2011
Cymiki rated it: 5 of 5 stars
loved the illustrations and the story! on my xmas list!
Jan 10, 2012
Samantha rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Still pretty, but I was a bit underwhelmed.
Oct 20, 2011
Shannon rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Love it when squirrels wear sailor outfits!
Oct 20, 2011
Allison rated it: 5 of 5 stars
very surprised at how much I liked this story!
Oct 19, 2011
Elisabeth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Beautiful! I loved the swan/moon page.
Aug 03, 2011
Susan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.