"Do Re Mi: If You Can Read Music, Thank Guido d'Arezzo," is the story of an Italian man who formed the written method for reading music, overcoming the many naysayers who said it couldn't be done.

There are times when we all want to give up. Maybe we're tired or feel defeated or the obstacles ahead seem too much to bear. But more times than not, we persist; we go on resolutely in spite of difficulties.

Hearing stories of people who really define what it is to be persistent can inspire us. Such is the case with today's reviewed books — people who persisted for a lifetime and would not let obstacles stand in their way of achieving their goals.

Great books with important messages — what a valuable way to spend time together!

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"The Librarian Who Measured the Earth"</B> by Kathryn Lasky; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes; Little, Brown; 48 pages; read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.Children are curious creatures, and their drive to seek answers to questions is often unending. So it was with one such boy more than two thousand years ago. Born in ancient Greece, Eratosthenes was brilliant, bold and curious as the day was long.Propelled from one discovery to the next, Eratosthenes spent his earliest years exploring his immediate surroundings and going to school. When he was old enough, he left home to continue his studies in Athens. There, Eratosthenes studied mathematics, philosophy and science. He also began to write books. His accomplishments began to be recognized on a wide scale, and at age 30, was invited to the city of Alexandria, the place considered the center of all learning.Not long after he arrived in Alexandria, Eratosthenes found himself appointed head librarian. Now this scholar could really start to find answers to all the questions that burned inside his mind. Most important to Eratosthenes were questions about the earth, and in particular, how to measure the earth.A fascinating look at an incredible man whose curiosity and determination led him to make important contributions and startling discoveries, this colorfully illustrated book is a marvelous tribute to all young minds whose thirst for knowledge is never quenched.

<B>Library:</B> Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler<B>Library Director:</B> Nancy Gresko<B>Youth Services Librarian:</B> Lori Campbell<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Froggy's Sleepover"</B> by Jonathan London; <B>"Raindrop Plop"</B> by Wendy Cheyette Lewsion; <B>"Moosekitos" </B>by Margie Palatini

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Do Re Mi: If You Can Read Music, Thank Guido d'Arezzo" </B>written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth; Houghton Mifflin, 2007; 40 pages; $17 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older."A thousand years ago, if you heard a song and wanted to hear it again, you would have to remember it by heart." At that time, no one could write a single note of music, and a thousand years ago, that troubled a boy who lived in a small town in Tuscany, Italy. That boy was Guido of Arezzo, and when Guido had grown to be a man, Guido still pondered how notes of music could be written down so that the music could never be forgotten and could last forever.Joining the Benedictine monks in Pomposa, Guido pursued his quest to devise a written musical system that could be understood by everyone. After many frustrating years, persistence and endless hard work, he finally achieved what he had set out to do.Through brisk, engaging text and captivating torn-paper illustrations, Susan Roth brings the little-known hero, Guido d'Arezzo, into the limelight.<B>"Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas"</B> by Cheryl Bardoe; illustrated by Jos. A. Smith; Abrams, 2006; 32 pages; $18.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.From the time Gregor Mendel was a little boy in his small European village in the early 1800s, he hungered for knowledge. One question in particular gnawed at him so strongly that he would devote his life to finding the answer: "How do mothers and fathers — whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans — pass down traits to their children?"From tireless experiments with pea plants lasting most of his adult life, Gregor's theory of heredity would not be recognized during his lifetime. However, Gregor Mendel would come to be known as the first geneticist and his discoveries are still called Mendel's laws.An inspirational story of one man's persistence and dedication, this selection delivers an accessible introduction to genetics.