Great books send subtle messages

One of the strengths of a really good children's book is to provide the reader/listener with something they will come away with that enhances or changes them.

In a loose way, this "strength" is similar to the journey of the hero/heroine — the character (in this case, the reader/listener) goes on a journey (the journey here is reading the book) and returns with the treasure of enhanced wisdom (as reading a good will do).

But if the writer is too overt — too "and here is the message, boys and girls" — it is a turn off. A great writer will convey wisdom in a subtle way, which best allows the reader to receive the message.

Today's reviewed books are great examples of writing that provides readers with the similar experience of the journey of the hero/heroine — messages of value that the reader easily absorbs, all wrapped up in a great story.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Rabbit's Gift" by George Shannon, illustrated by Laura Dronzek, Harcourt, 32 pages

Read aloud: age 3 — 7

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

Rabbit knew it was going to snow soon, so he hurried to find some food. At last he found two turnips and quickly rolled them home. As he nibbled on one turnip, he thought about Donkey and wondered if she had enough to eat.

Rabbit took his extra turnip to Donkey, and when Donkey wasn't there, he left it by her door. Ultimately, Rabbit's generosity is repeated over and over from one forest animal to another.

A fresh retelling of a very old folk tale, this powerful little book is loaded with messages of kindness, friendship and compassion.

Librarian's Choice

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

Interim Director: Kevin Mallen

Choices this week: "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?" by Dr. Seuss; "Gossamer" by Lois Lowry; "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

"Dear Blue Sky" by Mary Sullivan, Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012, 248 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 9 and older

Read yourself: age 10 — 11 and older

Middle school student Cassie is experiencing a lot of tough changes in her life. Her beloved older brother, Sef, joins the Marines and is shipped out to fight in Iraq. His safety terrifies Cassie, and she struggles to cope with it.

But other troubles in Cassie's life continue to heighten — her parents fight frequently about the war; Cassie's sister is acting way out of character; and her best friend has dropped her like a hot stone. And her younger brother, Jack, who has special needs, suddenly stops speaking and Cassie, ever protective of him, can't seem to help.

Cassie's world is falling apart, yet her unlikely new friendship with Kimberly at school sows the first seeds of healing. Then Cassie begins to read Blue Sky's blog — the blog of an Iraqi girl whose world is far more chaotic and dangerous than Cassie's.

The two correspond and develop a friendship, and throughout, Cassie's perspective begins to change. Ultimately, Cassie begins to take stock of her life, lets her courage override her fears and re-establishes her life once again.

Author Mary Sullivan brilliantly tackles difficult issues in a thought-provoking, accessible way. Beautifully written and touching on themes of family, social issues, friendship and love, "Dear Blue Sky" is a rich, satisfying novel.

"Magic Tree House No. 48 A Merlin Mission: A Perfect Time for Pandas" by Mary Pope Osborne, Random House, 2012, 120 pages, $12.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 5 — 6 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8 and older

Siblings Jack and Annie are a time-traveling team via their Magic Tree House. In "Merlin Mission," they are charged with traveling to China to search for the fourth item that will save Merlin's favorite pet penguin, Penny.

Finding themselves in a famous panda reserve in the mountains, the two learn a lot about pandas while they attempt to unravel the riddle that will lead them to the object that will save Penny.

Suddenly, an enormous earthquake strikes, placing everyone, including the pandas, in peril. Will Annie and Jack be able to save themselves, help rescue the pandas and accomplish their mission?

Another great story in this very popular series, this fast-paced adventure mystery includes fascinating information about pandas and the need to protect this endangered species.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures about children's literature. She can be reached at her website: greatestbooksforkids.com.