It's time to explore

For kids, summer vacation should be filled with all sorts of exploring. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines "explore" in several relevant ways: "to investigate, study or analyze: look into; to become familiar with by testing or experimenting; to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery."

Kids need a lot of exploring to discover and understand — the world around them, who they are and who others are and how all of it fits in their picture of life. Much of this happens when we allow children to play, especially with other children and especially outdoors, in a loosely unsupervised way. If adults are always on top of kids, directing, correcting and interfering, the child will be far less likely to learn how to handle life situations alone.

Books play an important part of exploring, both books you read aloud to a child and those children read independently. Exposing children to great books can provide laughs, ideas, inspiration and what it's like to face challenges and overcome them.

Keep books in the forefront this summer vacation along with lots of healthy, fun playtime, and watch how much a child can grow over a couple of months.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery" by Deborah & James Howe, illustrated by Alan Daniel, Atheneum, 98 pages

Read aloud: age 6 — 7 and older

Read yourself: age 9 and older

Harold's full-time occupation is a dog, and he lives with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, their two sons, and Harold's good friend, Chester the cat. A recent addition to the family is Bunnicula — a rabbit, from the Carpathian Mountain region of Transylvania.

Owing to vegetables that have been sucked dry of their juices (and hence color), the well-read, intellectual cat Chester firmly and fearfully concludes that Bunnicula is a vampire. Chester feels compelled to save the Monroe clan from the evil Bunnicula, yet no one seems to grasp the gravity of the situation. Chester's hilarious attempts to warn the family and save them from their ill fate are completely misunderstood.

An enormously popular book for years, this very funny selection is certain to elicit smiles and outbursts of laughter, start to finish.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Yuba County Library, 303 Second St., Marysville

Library Director: Loren MccRory

Outreach and Programming Coordinator: Kathleen Stewart

Choices this week: "Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct" by Mo Willems; "The Time Warp Trio: Marco Polo!" by Jon Scieszka; "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

"No Easy Way: The story of Ted Williams and the last .400 season" by Fred Bowen, illustrated by Charles S. Pyle, Dutton, 2010, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 7 — 8 and older

Read yourself: age 9 and older

As a boy in San Diego in the 1930s, Ted Williams loved baseball. Most of all, Ted loved to hit. He dreamed of someday becoming the greatest baseball hitter who ever lived. Through constant work, practice and playing, he eventually achieved that goal and beyond when, in 1941, Williams ended the baseball season with a batting average of .406.

How did he accomplish this astonishing feat? He knew it wouldn't be easy, but this outstanding baseball player wasn't a quitter, and his perseverance paid off in more ways than one.

This exciting selection will thrill baseball fans and act as a springboard of motivation for young readers.

"Ladybug Girl at the Beach" by David Soman and Jacky Davis, illustrated by David Soman, Dial, 2010, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 3 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

Lulu and her family are off to spend the day at the beach. When they arrive, Lulu declares to her older brother that she loves the beach. He reminds her that she has never been to the beach before, but Lulu just knows that she will love the sand and swimming, until, that is, she sees how big and noisy the ocean really is.

A charming look at childhood fears and overcoming them, this selection will resonate with young readers in many ways.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net .