"The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless" by Ahmet Zappa is about a family of monsterminators — professionals that hunt down and destroy monsters. When Minerva and Max McFearless' father is kidnapped by the evil Zarmaglorg, they follow in hot pursuit to save him.

There is something intensely pleasurable in getting lost in a good book. It's happened to you, I'm sure. A book so well- written you simply can't put it down, suspending time and place because you are inside the story, transported from your daily routine, your surroundings.

Like a magical balm, you wish the journey would never end, but when it does, the story lingers, washing over you like gentle waves on the shoreline.

This experience is the same for children as it is for adults, and lucky the child who has an adult to take them there by reading aloud every day.

Today's reviewed books are excellent examples of books that transport readers and listeners to that magical place. Remember, children who are not yet capable of reading lengthy books are still able to understand and benefit from the story if only someone will take the time to read it to them. Make that person you — and get lost together in a good story.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle"</B> by Avi,; Orchard Books; 215 pages; read aloud: age 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 to 10 and older.In 1832, 13-year-old Charlotte Doyle was warned by various strangers not to board the vessel, Seahawk.But as a proper young lady, she could not disobey her father's specific orders — sail on the Seahawk from England to Rhode Island, where she would be reunited with her father and family.Not long after boarding, Charlotte, the only passenger, is uneasy with the rough crewmen who seem to resent her presence. The ship's cook, Zachariah, suggests she might need a friend, and gives her a dagger to help protect herself.Charlotte soon realizes that she not only needs the dagger but that her initial perception of Captain Jaggery as a man of honor and integrity is not true — he is a murderous, evil man. The crew doesn't seem to be any different, and rebellion is brewing, with Charlotte caught in the middle.Readers will hang on every word of this carefully crafted novel. Full of precisely the right elements of mystery, intrigue and suspenseful adventure, this selection is first-rate.

<B>Library:</B> Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans City<B>Library Director:</B> Judith PfeiferChildren's Librarian: Patricia Pflug<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Magic Tree House"</B> series by Mary Pope Osborne; <B>"Cam Jansen" </B>series by David Adler; <B>"The Wanderer"</B> by Sharon Creech

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Endymion Spring"</B> by Matthew Skelton; Delacorte Press, 2006; 392 pages; $17.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 10 and older; read yourself: age 11 to 12 and older.In medieval Germany, a printer's apprentice uncovers a mysterious, blank book that possesses powerful magic. So valued for the knowledge the book contains, people have gone to great lengths to possess it, have even killed for it. The apprentice, Endymion Spring, is chosen by the book to protect it, and through great trials, secrets it away to a library at Oxford.In present day, when young Blake discovers the same ancient blank book in an Oxford library, it pricks his finger, and suddenly words begin to appear in the book — mysterious, puzzling messages and riddles only Blake can see.The book has chosen Blake, spiraling him into a labyrinth of deception, secretive scholars and dangerous people and places as he fights to protect the book at all costs.Nothing short of superb, this thrilling story excels in every way.<B>"The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless"</B> by Ahmet Zappa; illustrations and photographs by Ahmet Zappa and various others; Random House, 2006; 215 pages; $12.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 to 10 and older.When Minerva and Max McFearless' father is kidnapped by the evil Zarmaglorg, the two follow in hot pursuit to save him. Luckily, just like their father, they are monsterminators — professionals that hunt down and destroy monsters.It isn't easy, though, as danger lurks at every turn. Fortunately, Minerva and Max have the help of the Monstranomican — a living book that knows the secrets of all monsters and how to concoct various (and disgusting) recipes to ward off their evilness. Will they succeed? Come along for the crazy ride and see for yourself!Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.