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New books give kids adventures,
knowledge
Learn about Lemony Snicket or journey through Jedi training
By FERNANDO ORTIZ JR.
Caller-Times
 Looking
for ways to entertain kids this summer with books, either on a plane, in the car,
or on a rainy day, can be tricky. Preferably, they'll be thrilled with a good
story, their minds sparked with some interesting facts, or they'll be inspired
to read one more book. In this final installment of our Best Summer Books series,
we'll look at children's books for all ages that easily fit the bill.
'Lemony Snicket'
We begin with what may be the most dangerous book of the summer: "Lemony Snicket:
The Unauthorized Autobiography" (HarperCollins, $11.99, ages 10 and up). It's
so dangerous, the book jacket warns us, that "if the wrong people see you with
this objectionable autobiography, the results could be disastrous." We're even
provided with a safe jacket to hide this book in: "The Luckiest Kids in the World:
The Pony Party," by none other than Loney M. Setnick (look familiar?).
Is Lemony Snicket truly dead, as The Daily Punctilio half-heartedly reports in
its vague obituary? Why is he so interested in the three Baudelaires orphans that
he's written A Series of Unfortunate Events, comprised thus far of nine books
about their adventures? What does he look like, and why is he in hiding?
The book is a collection of articles, old photographs, blurred images, crumpled
notes, and letters supposedly filled with clues and large pieces to the puzzle
A Series of Unfortunate Events has laid before us and dared us to comprehend.
What's so captivating about the book, and the series altogether, is its ability
to provoke the imagination and intelligence of both children and adults. It's
both a departure from the series and yet possibly the very centerpiece that could
answer more questions than it poses.
'Emma and the Ruby Ring'
Yvonne MacGrary's "Emma and the Ruby Ring" (Milkweed, $6.95, ages 9-12) is a more
traditional adventure story, but it's just as entertaining.
Emma's ruby ring has transported her from her cousin's home into dreary 19th century
Ireland in the midst of the Potato Famine. She befriends two other young girls
when they're sent to work in a castle kitchen.
At first, Emma thinks only of getting back home, but she eventually sympathizes
with her friends' attempts to stay in the land they love. The more unfortunate
kids are being sent to a far-off land called America. She promises herself not
to let that happen to them.
Emma's growth from a selfish little brat into a sympathetic, brave, intelligent
young lady makes for a great story and an even greater role model. MacGrary's
story may appear geared toward little girls, but the lesson is an important one
for all children. An added treat are Terry Myler's illustrations throughout the
chapters - black and white, but vivid nonetheless.
'Star Wars Episode II'
If lessons, morals and mysteries are not up your alley, try out the new army of
books complementing the new film "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones."
(For all ages)
One of the best of the whole lot is "Star Wars Episode II Visual Dictionary,"
a detailed look at the new worlds the movie explores and the new friends and enemies
that inhabit them. "Stars of Star Wars" has everything you need to know about
the stars of the hit film.
There's also a postcard book, a sticker book and a scrapbook. There are short
and colorful biographies on Anakin Skywalker and Jango Fett. There's also the
"Jedi Training and Trials Quizbook" with lightsaber pens (collect them all!).
Trace the gnarled Skywalker family tree in "The Skywalker Family Album." And the
novelization of the film explores many more angles of the epic story.
To top it all off, Anakin Skywalker himself has written a tell-all book, describing
his experience as a Padawan learner in "I am a Jedi Apprentice."
'Off to Fight'
Alan N. Kay's latest installment in the Young Heroes of History series, "Off to
Fight" (White Mane, $5.95, ages 9-12) is a darker story. When the Civil War breaks
out, George Adams, only 13, decides to join up. He's energized by the determination
shared in the ranks of the growing Confederate army, certain one Rebel can lick
10 Yankee hirelings. He starts out as a drummer boy. Like many young soldiers,
George has not had anything in his life to prepare him for the massive carnage
he witnesses over and over again. Dozens of men in blue charging his lines disappear
in the walls of smoke as the Rebels pour their fire onto them. After one battle,
the young boy finally admits that his childhood is over. Amid the bodies stretching
across the battlefields, he decides that he's become a man.
George is a soldier by the end of the novel, drifting through the smoking ruins
of Fredericksburg, halfway through the war. He finds a young girl - a Southern
refugee - nurses her back to health, and feels the first pangs of love: confusing
at any age, and all the more so when combined with the deepening hatred for Yankees
that is slowly molding his character. Kay's book is an interesting, serious historical
story that teaches not only about the War Between the States but also about the
war all young people face - the war within, between what they know is right and
what they know is wrong.
'Brain Quest America'
Another history-related work is not a book, but it's educational and fun nonetheless.
Brain Quest America (Workman, $10.95, ages 9-12) is the latest in the popular
series of card games, perfect for any road trip or cloudy day.
The Brain Quest series teaches vocabulary, reading skills and history to kids
ages 2 to 13. This edition poses 850 questions to kids nine and older on six aspects
of U.S. history: Famous Americans, From Sea to Sea, Law of the Land, Words & Music,
Turning Points, and Here & There.
What's also unique about this series is that it can be played alone, with a partner,
in teams, even with optional scoring. Parents certainly won't mind history facts
flying back and forth in the car's back seat. It could always be worse.
'Mouse Goes Out'
And finally, for first-time readers, Phyllis Root offers "Mouse Goes Out" (Candlewick,
$12.99, ages 4-8), a series of small, wonderfully colored books that follow Mouse
as he jumps through puddles, fishes, camps and plays in the snow.
The books also offer some constructive advice for parents on how to positively
teach their children these essential skills. James Croft's illustrations are simple,
bold and beautiful. Add these to your summer reading list
SHARK IN THE PARK!
by Nick Sharratt (David Fickling, $14.95, infants to preschool)
Timothy Pope tries out his new telescope at the park, and all he seems to see
is a shark. But look closer and you'll see that not all is what it appears to
be.
THE CALICO BUFFALO,
by E. J. Stapleton (BOSC Publishing, $15.95, ages 10-12) The birth of a strangely
colored buffalo to the prominent leader of the herd explodes into a scandal that
threatens to topple his reign. The community stomps north to visit their creators,
who teach them their greatest lesson - how to deal with adversity.
THERE'S A CHEF IN MY SOUP!
RECIPES FOR THE KID IN EVERYONE,
by Emeril Lagasse (HarperCollins, $22.99, ages 9-12) Bam! The famous TV chef compiles
some healthy summer treats for kids, everything from quickie snacks to tasty desserts.
ARTEMIS FOWL,
by Eoin Colfer (Hyperion, $16.95, ages 9 and older) Child criminal Artemis is
back, this time teaming up with his arch enemies, the fairy police, to rescue
his father from the Russian mob.
TROUT AND ME,
by Susan Shreve (Aug. 13, Knopf, $15.95, ages 9-12) Ben's a fifth-grader trying
to stay out of trouble, but his new best friend, Trout, always seems to get him
back into hot water. |
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