In "Unexplained: An Encyclopedia of Curious Phenomena, Strange Superstitions and Ancient Mysteries," readers will confront the strangest mysteries to befall our planet and the human race.

We can't explain everything, but maybe that's good. Some of the mysteries of life are the most enjoyable, for they ignite our creative juices and give rise to possibilities.

Unfortunately, current culture has been channeled by a scientific world that doesn't provide a way of seeing that life has purpose and meaning on a deeper, more spiritual level. While creativity is certainly part of science, there is a deeper aspect to our creative selves. It is our creativity that allows us to discover new things, to find answers, make decisions and lead a meaningful life.

Part of our creative self comes from a willingness to explore ideas, issues, and questions. Books can play an active part in this pursuit by stimulating the imagination. Take a look at the books reviewed below and the mysteries they hold.

Perhaps some things have to be believed to be seen. The choice is yours, and what you choose is likely to set the path for the child in your life. Think about it.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog"</B> by Pamela S. Turner; illustrated by Yan Nascimbene; Houghton Mifflin; 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.Hachiko was still a puppy when he came to live with Dr. Ueno, who worked at Tokyo Imperial University. Every morning Hachiko walked with him to the train station, and every afternoon Hachiko was waiting for Ueno when he got off the train. One day Ueno died at work and Hachiko, waiting for him to return, would not leave the station until the last train had gone. Every day thereafter, Hachiko went to the station in the morning and waited for Ueno until the last train of the day. Hachiko's loyalty was boundless, for the dog maintained his daily ritual for 10 years until he, too, died.Told through the eyes of a fictional boy, this true story of Hachiko's endless love for Ueno is at once sad and wonderful, and to this day, there is a special Hachiko festival held every year at the statue erected in his honor at the train station in Japan.Powerful and perfect in every way, this selection will long be remembered.

<B>Library:</B> Zelienople Public Library, 227 South High St., Zelienople<B>Library Director:</B> Jan Lawrence<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Kay Howard<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Jeremy Kooloo"</B> by Tim Mahurin; <B>"The Box Car Children"</B> series by Gertrude Warner; <B>"Butterfly Jar" </B>by Jeff Moss

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"The Adventures of Marco Polo"</B> by Russell Freedman; illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline; Arthur A. Levine, 2006; 64 pages; $17.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 10 and older; read yourself: age 10 to 11 and older.According to Marco Polo's book, written in the 13th century, he claimed that he and his father journeyed thousands of miles from Venice all the way to the unknown land of Kublai Khan, conqueror of China. Spending many years in that area, Marco finally returned home, and his resulting book, "The Description of the World," dazzled all of Europe. His book described things that seemed so amazing that many refused to believe him. To this day, the truth of Marco Polo's book is still being debated.Author Russell Freedman presents the facts, weaving them into an extraordinary story that guarantees to entertain while raising the seven-century old question — did Marco Polo really travel to China and see all that he claimed, or did he make it all up?<B>"Unexplained: An Encyclopedia of Curious Phenomena, Strange Superstitions and Ancient Mysteries"</B> by Judy Allen; color photographs throughout; Kingfisher, 2006; 144 pages; $19.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 11 to 12 and older; read yourself: age 11 to 12 and older.There is so much in our world that can't be explained, and that's precisely what this incredible book offers. Providing a few suggested explanations, the vast majority of what you'll read about remains unexplained. What is the meaning of Stonehenge or the Nazca Lines? Who makes crop circles? What happened to the passengers and crew of the Mary Celeste? Did Atlantis really exist?Hundreds of mysteries, hundreds of photographs, and endless possibilities grace this book that is certain to appeal to the curious and cause debunkers to think twice!Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail at kendal@sunlink.net.